NGO Registration in India – Step by Step Guide 2025

NGO Registration in India 2025: Starting an NGO in India is a noble initiative that empowers individuals and groups to create meaningful social change, whether in education, healthcare, women empowerment, rural development, or environmental protection. At Sai NGO & Business Consultancy, we provide expert assistance in NGO formation and legal registration across India. This updated 2025 guide explains everything you need to know — from the meaning and types of NGOs to the registration process, cost, required documents, and compliance rules.

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What is NGO Registration in India?

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit entity that works for public welfare and social causes. People form NGOs to improve lives through education, healthcare, empowerment, environmental efforts, or community services.

Why NGO Registration is Important

Legal registration gives your NGO official recognition under Indian law, allowing it to:

• Open a bank account
• Apply for government schemes and grants
• Receive domestic and foreign donations (after approvals)
• Gain credibility with the public and donors

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Top Benefits of NGO Registration in India

Benefit	Description
Legal Identity	The NGO becomes a separate legal entity under Indian law.
Tax Benefits (12A & 80G)	12A gives tax exemption to NGOs; 80G allows donors to claim tax deductions.
Funding Eligibility	Enables NGOs to apply for government, CSR, and foreign (FCRA) funds.
Public Credibility	Builds trust with corporates, donors, and government bodies.
Asset Ownership	The NGO can buy property, own assets, and enter into legal agreements.

👉 In short: Registering your NGO is the first and most crucial step to expand your social work legally and sustainably.

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Types of NGOs in India

In India, NGOs can be registered under three main structures, depending on their purpose and scale of operation.

Type	Governing Law	Minimum Members	Ideal For	Main Activities
Trust	Indian Trusts Act, 1882	2 Trustees	Small charitable NGOs	Education, healthcare, social welfare
Society	Societies Registration Act, 1860	7 Members	State or national-level NGOs	Cultural, art, sports, research work
Section 8 Company	Companies Act, 2013	2 Directors, 2 Members	Large & CSR-linked NGOs	Professional, large-scale development projects

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Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration

Type of NGO	Minimum Members Required	Nationality Condition
Trust	2 Trustees	Indian citizens only
Society	7 Members	Indian citizens only
Section 8 Company	2 Directors & 2 Members	Indian citizens (Foreigners can join with FCRA approval)

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Documents Required for NGO Registration

• PAN Card & 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 (DSC) for Section 8 Companies

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

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Difference Between Trust, Society & Section 8 Company

Criteria	Trust	Society	Section 8 Company
Governing Law	Indian Trusts Act, 1882	Societies Act, 1860	Companies Act, 2013
Minimum Members	2 Trustees	7 Members	2 Directors, 2 Members
Compliance Level	Low	Moderate	High (strict ROC filing)
Best For	Small-scale charities	State/national NGOs	CSR-linked, large NGOs

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Cost & Time Required for NGO Registration in India (2026)

Type of NGO	Approx. Cost	Time Required
Trust	₹5,000 – ₹10,000	2–3 Weeks
Society	₹8,000 – ₹20,000	30–45 Days
Section 8 Company	₹15,000 – ₹40,000	45–60 Days

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Government Rules & Compliance for Registered NGOs

After registration, NGOs must comply with the following:

• File annual returns with the Income Tax Department
• Maintain proper books of accounts
• Submit annual reports to Registrar of Trust/Society/Company
• Obtain FCRA license before accepting foreign funds
• File CSR fund utilization reports (for Section 8 Companies)

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Tax Exemptions: 12A & 80G Registration

Registration Type	Purpose	Benefit
12A Registration	Income Tax Exemption	NGO’s income is tax-free
80G Registration	Donor Tax Deduction	Donors can claim tax benefit for donations

Both registrations enhance NGO credibility and attract more funding opportunities.

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Sources of NGO Funding in India

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds – Corporates must spend 2% of profits on CSR.
2. Foreign Contributions (FCRA) – NGOs can receive foreign donations after FCRA approval.
3. Government Grants – Ministries and state departments offer project-based funds.
4. Public Donations & Crowdfunding – Online fundraising via social media and donation platforms.

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Why Choose Sai NGO & Business Consultancy?

Sai NGO & Business Consultancy is your trusted partner for NGO, Trust, and Business registration in India.

✅ End-to-end registration support
✅ Hassle-free documentation process
✅ Transparent & affordable pricing
✅ Expert guidance on 12A, 80G & FCRA registration
✅ Long-term compliance & growth consultation

Our Branches: Ranchi | Pune | Patna | Prayagraj
📞 Call Us: +91 8603456708

What Our Clients Say

SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY

The following testimonials are from organizations and foundations whom we have assisted with NGO registration and 12A/80G procedures

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“When we decided to start SanskritiEthos Foundation, we had no idea where to begin with the legal formalities and registration process. SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY guided us step by step with complete professionalism and patience. Thanks to their team, our Trust registration and 12A–80G approval went smoothly. Highly recommend them!”

Manoj Kumar

SanskritiEthos Foundation

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“I want to thank SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY for their exceptional service. They helped International Parshuram Foundation in completing all the formalities of Trust registration and 80G approval without any stress. The team was always available for guidance and answered all our queries clearly.”

Vinay Tiwari

International Parshuram Foundation

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“Professional, reliable, and very friendly team! SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY made our NGO registration process simple and hassle-free. Their expertise in legal documentation is truly commendable. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to start a genuine NGO in India.”

Santosh Mondol

Jharkhand Samajik Kalyan Samiti

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“From the first consultation to the final registration, SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY has been a great support for Panchraji Helping Hand Foundation. Their guidance on compliance, registration, and documentation saved us a lot of time and confusion. A big thank you to the entire team!”

Rakesh Kumar

Panchraji Helping Hand Foundation

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“SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY truly turned our vision into reality. When we started Prayash Bharat Foundation, we were confused about the legal process, documentation, and registrations. Their team handled everything with great professionalism. Within a short time, our NGO got fully registered along with 12A and 80G approvals. I’m genuinely thankful for their dedication and honesty.”

Kuldeep Kumar Mehta

Prayash Bharat Foundation

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Also Read:

• NGO Registration in Prayagraj 2026
• NGO Registration in Uttar Pradesh 2026

FAQs

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Conclusion

Registering an NGO in India in 2025 has become easier with digital platforms and simplified legal procedures. Whether forming a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, ensure proper documentation and expert support.

With Sai NGO & Business Consultancy, you can achieve hassle-free registration, government approval, and long-term compliance — allowing you to focus on what truly matters: making a difference in society