NGO Registration in India: Starting an NGO in India is a meaningful step toward driving positive change in society—be it in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, or other social causes. At Sai NGO Consultancy, we specialize in guiding individuals and groups through the complete NGO registration process. To help you establish your organization legally and access government as well as private funding opportunities, we’ve created this updated 2025 step-by-step guide. Here, you’ll learn about the meaning, types, registration process, costs, required documents, and compliance norms in detail.

What is NGO Registration in India? Meaning & Benefits

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a group that works for public welfare without the aim of profit. People start NGOs for different causes like education for poor children, health care, women empowerment, rural development, or environmental protection.

In India, if you want your NGO to get official recognition, you need to register it legally. NGO Registration gives your organization a legal identity. This means your NGO can open a bank account, apply for government schemes, receive donations, and even get foreign funding after proper approvals.

Benefits of NGO Registration:

• Legal Identity:

  Once registered, your NGO becomes a legal body under Indian law, separate from its founders.

• Tax Advantages

  Registered NGOs are eligible to apply for 12A and 80G registrations, which provide exemptions from income tax for the organization and tax deductions for donors, respectively.

• Funding Support

  Registration is a prerequisite to apply for various funding sources, including government grants, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and foreign contributions (requiring FCRA registration).

• Public Trust

  Official registration enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the NGO, making it more appealing to potential donors and corporate partners.

• Ownership Rights

  A registered NGO gains the legal capacity to acquire and own assets like land and property, as well as to enter into legally binding contracts.

👉 In short, NGO Registration in India is the first and most important step if you want to grow your social work on a bigger level.

Types of NGO in India – Trust, Society, Section 8 Company

When you plan to register an NGO in India, you can choose from three main structures. Each type has different rules and benefits:

1. Trust Registration

• Works mainly for charitable activities like:
  • Helping poor people
  • Running schools
  • Providing medical support
• Registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882
• Requires minimum 2 trustees to start a Trust

2. Society Registration

• Suitable for activities like:
  • Culture
  • Art
  • Sports
  • Research
• Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
• Requires minimum 7 members to register a Society

3. Section 8 Company Registration

Eligibility & Documents Required for NGO Registration

Eligibility:

• Minimum 2 members required for a Trust
• Minimum 7 members for a Society
• Minimum 2 directors for a Section 8 Company
• Members must be Indian citizens (Foreigners allowed only with prior permission under FCRA)

Documents Required:

• PAN & Aadhaar Card of all members
• Passport-size photographs
• Address proof (Electricity bill/Property papers/NOC from landlord)
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Rules and Regulations
• Identity proof of office address
• Digital Signature Certificate (for Section 8 Company)

Step by Step Process of NGO Registration in India (2025 Update)

1. Decide NGO Type – Choose between Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
2. Choose a Name – Ensure it is unique and not similar to existing NGOs.
3. Draft MOA & Rules/Trust Deed – Define objectives and governance structure.
4. Prepare Documents – Collect ID proofs, address proofs, and photographs.
5. Apply for Registration – File application with Registrar (Trust, Society, or ROC for Section 8).
6. Verification by Authority – Registrar examines documents and objectives.
7. Certificate of Registration Issued – Legal status granted after approval.
8. Apply for PAN, 12A & 80G – For tax exemption and donor benefits.
9. Open Bank Account – In the name of the NGO for transactions.

Difference Between Trust Registration, Society Registration & Section 8 Company

Cost & Time Required for NGO Registration in India

• Trust Registration: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (2–3 weeks)
• Society Registration: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 (30–45 days)
• Section 8 Company Registration: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 (45–60 days)

Government Rules & Compliance for NGOs in India

Registered NGOs must follow compliance rules, including:

• Filing annual returns with the Income Tax Department
• Maintaining proper books of accounts
• Filing annual report with Registrar of Societies/Trust/Companies
• Complying with FCRA if receiving foreign donations
• CSR fund utilization reporting (for Section 8 Companies)

Tax Benefits, 12A & 80G Registration for NGOs

• 12A Registration – Provides income tax exemption for the NGO.
• 80G Registration – Allows donors to claim tax deductions for donations made.
• Both registrations are essential for credibility and to attract funding.

How to Get NGO Funding & Grants (CSR, FCRA & Government Schemes)

NGOs can raise funds through:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds – Companies are mandated to spend 2% of profits on CSR.
• Foreign Contributions (FCRA License) – NGOs can receive donations from abroad after FCRA approval.
• Government Grants & Schemes – Ministries and State Governments provide project-based funding.
• Public Donations & Crowdfunding Platforms – Online campaigns to raise awareness and donations.

Why Choose Sai NGO & Business Consultancy for NGO Registration?

Sai NGO & Business Consultancy is a trusted partner for NGO, Trust, and Business registration in India. Choosing them ensures:

• Hassle-free documentation and end-to-end support
• Affordable and transparent pricing
• Timely approval and delivery of certificates
• Expert guidance on 12A, 80G & FCRA registration
• Ongoing compliance support and growth consultancy

FAQs

Conclusion

Registering an NGO in India in 2025 has become more streamlined with digital processes and government reforms. Whether you want to form a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, proper documentation, compliance, and legal guidance are essential. With Sai NGO & Business Consultancy, you can ensure smooth registration, compliance, and long-term growth for your organization.