Guide to Registration of Non Governmental Organization in India

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Starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a noble step toward social development. Every individual or group with a vision for change must understand the legal steps to begin this journey. I am here to explain how to go through the registration of non governmental organization. As a

Importance of NGO Registration

If you want to work legally and transparently, registration is necessary. It provides legal identity, accountability, and eligibility for government support. With proper registration, you can receive donations, foreign grants, and CSR funding. It also improves public trust in your mission.

Types of NGO Registrations in India

There are three major ways to register an NGO in India:

  • Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882

  • Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

  • Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013

I always recommend choosing the type based on your objective and future plans. For example, if your work involves long-term funding and international scope, a Section 8 Company or Society may suit better than a Trust.

Steps for Registration of Non Governmental Organization

To begin with, I collect all necessary documents from the client. These include identity proofs, address proofs, and a drafted Memorandum of Association. After that, the registration process begins as per the chosen structure. Here’s a short breakdown:

1. Name Selection

Choosing a name is the first step. It must not match any existing NGO, and must not violate any legal norms.

2. Drafting Documents

Next, we prepare legal documents like Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules Regulations or Trust Deed. These define your NGO's objectives, governance structure, and activities.

3. Submission to Authority

Once all documents are ready, I file the application with the appropriate Registrar. This could be the Registrar of Societies, Sub-Registrar for Trusts, or Registrar of Companies for Section 8 Companies.

4. Certificate of Registration

After successful review and verification, the certificate is issued. This marks the official registration of non governmental organization.

Importance of Darpan Registration Certificate

After the NGO is registered, I always advise getting the Darpan Registration Certificate. This is issued through the NITI Aayog Darpan portal. It allows NGOs to apply for government grants and schemes.

Darpan registration creates a unique identification number for each NGO. It brings transparency in fund allocation and improves your NGO's credibility. At NGO Experts, we complete this process online for our clients to ensure speed and accuracy.

To get the darpan registration certificate, you need:

  • Registered NGO document

  • PAN card of NGO

  • PAN and Aadhaar of governing members

  • Details of activities and sectors

I ensure all the details are accurate to avoid rejections or delays.

Why FCRA Registration Is Important

If your NGO wants to receive foreign funding, then FCRA Registration is a must. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, governs this process. Without FCRA, receiving funds from outside India is illegal.

FCRA has two types:

  • Prior Permission – For new NGOs or one-time foreign funding.

  • Regular Registration – For NGOs with a track record of at least 3 years and ₹15 lakh in foreign donations.

As part of NGO Experts, I guide NGOs through documentation, eligibility checks, and filing for FCRA. It is vital to comply with all FCRA norms, as even small errors may result in rejection.

FCRA Requirements:

  • NGO must have a Darpan registration certificate

  • NGO must maintain a separate bank account for foreign funds

  • NGO must submit annual returns

  • NGO must not divert foreign funds for non-declared purposes

Key Benefits of Legal Registration

Through proper registration, your NGO gains:

  • Legal recognition

  • Access to government schemes

  • Tax exemption eligibility

  • Transparency in donations and spending

  • Improved trust from donors and volunteers

All these advantages are available only when your NGO is registered correctly and all supporting certificates like Darpan Registration Certificate and FCRA Registration are in place.

How NGO Experts Can Help

As part of NGO Experts, I offer complete legal support. We make the process of registration of non governmental organization simple and timely. We handle everything – from document drafting, registration, to Darpan and FCRA.

We understand that most NGO founders are social workers, not legal experts. So, we take care of all the technical parts while you focus on your mission.

Our services include:

  • Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company registration

  • Darpan Registration Certificate application

  • FCRA Registration support

  • PAN, TAN, 12A, 80G applications

  • NGO compliance and audit guidance

Conclusion

Registering your NGO is not just a legal formality. It gives your vision a legal foundation. From registration of non governmental organization to Darpan and FCRA Registration, every step matters. With the right guidance, the process becomes smooth.

At NGO Experts, I am committed to helping you legally establish your NGO and ensure long-term compliance. Let your journey of social service begin with the right legal steps.

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