NGO Registration Process in India – Step by Step Guide

NGO Registration Process in India: Starting an NGO in India is not just about helping people — it’s about building a strong, legal, and trustworthy foundation for your social mission. Whether you’re planning to start a Trust, Society, or a Section 8 Company, understanding the complete NGO registration process is the first and most important step.

SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY is one of India’s most experienced and trusted legal firms for NGO registration and documentation. With 10+ years of experience, 5000+ successful registrations, and 700+ Google reviews, we make your NGO registration process quick, transparent, and 100% legal.

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Why NGO Registration Is Important

Registering your NGO gives it a legal identity and recognition. It helps you operate smoothly and builds credibility among donors, government departments, and the public.

Key Benefits of NGO Registration

• Apply for government grants and CSR funding
• Avail tax exemption under Sections 12A and 80G
• Build public trust and donor confidence
• Open official bank accounts in your NGO’s name
• Operate with legal protection and nationwide recognition

Choosing Your NGO’s Legal Structure

The first and most critical decision is choosing the right legal form for your NGO. India offers three primary legal frameworks, and the choice depends on your organization’s size, purpose, and operational goals.

1. Public Charitable Trust

• Governing Law: Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or relevant state laws).
• Key Feature: Often preferred for charitable work, especially those focused on poverty relief, education, or medical aid.³ Generally, it’s easier to manage with fewer mandatory compliance requirements than a Section 8 Company.
• Minimum Members: At least two Trustees.
• Registration Authority: The local Sub-Registrar or Charity Commissioner (varies by state).

2. Society

• Governing Law: Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Key Feature: Ideal for organizations promoting culture, science, art, literature, or general public welfare. It provides a democratic framework.
• Minimum Members: At least seven members (founding members).⁸
• Registration Authority: The Registrar of Societies in the respective state.⁹

3. Section 8 Company

• Governing Law: Companies Act, 2013.¹⁰
• Key Feature: This structure offers the highest level of credibility and a formal, national presence, making it popular for national or large-scale projects and for receiving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Profits must be reinvested in the company’s non-profit objectives.¹¹
• Minimum Members: At least two Directors.¹²
• Registration Authority: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Registrar of Companies (ROC).¹³

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NGO Registration Process in India – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Define the Blueprint (Mission & Name)

• Clarity on Mission: Crystallize your Vision, Mission, and Objectives. This forms the foundation of your foundational documents (Trust Deed, MoA, or A&A).
• Select a Name: Choose a unique and meaningful name that reflects your cause. For a Society or Section 8 Company, ensure the name is not already registered with the Registrar of Societies or the MCA.

Step 2: Assemble Your Team & Documents

Gather the core documents and the required members/directors:

Document Category	General Requirements
Foundational Document	Trust: Trust Deed (on stamp paper) Society: Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Rules & Regulations Section 8 Co.: MoA & Articles of Association (AoA)
Office Address Proof	Electricity Bill, Water Bill, or House Tax Receipt (not older than two months). A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord if the premises are rented.
Identity Proofs	PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport of all initial Trustees/Members/Directors.
Other	Passport-size photographs of all initial members.

Step 3: Formal Submission to the Relevant Authority

• For a Trust: Submit the Trust Deed, application form, and supporting documents to the local Sub-Registrar’s office.¹⁴
• For a Society: Submit the MoA, Rules & Regulations, and member details to the Registrar of Societies in your state.
• For a Section 8 Company: This is an entirely online process through the MCA portal using the SPICe+ form.¹⁵ This includes steps like applying for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN).¹⁶

Step 4: Obtain the Registration Certificate

Once the application and documents are thoroughly reviewed, and all queries are resolved, the respective authority (Sub-Registrar, Registrar of Societies, or ROC) will issue the Certificate of Registration.

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🚀 Post-Registration: Essential Compliance

Your legal existence starts with registration, but the journey to full operation requires a few more vital steps:

1. PAN & TAN Application: Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) in the name of your registered NGO.¹⁷
2. Open a Bank Account: Open a current bank account in the NGO’s name.¹⁸ This is crucial for transparent financial transactions.
3. Mandatory Registration on NGO Darpan: This is a vital portal maintained by the NITI Aayog.¹⁹ Registration here is essential for getting government recognition and applying for government grants or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. You can find more details on the NGO Darpan portal here.
4. Tax Exemptions (12A & 80G): Apply to the Income Tax Department for Section 12A registration (exempting your NGO’s income from tax) and Section 80G certification (allowing donors to claim a tax deduction on their contributions).²⁰ These two are non-negotiable for credibility and fundraising.

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🤝 Need Expert Guidance?

SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY is India’s leading NGO registration consultancy, known for reliable, transparent, and time-bound services.

Our Highlights

✅ 10+ Years of Experience in NGO & Business Legal Services
✅ Govt. Trademark Registered Firm
✅ 5000+ Happy Clients Across India
✅ 4 Active Branches – Ranchi | Patna | Prayagraj | Pune
✅ 700+ Verified Google Reviews from Satisfied Clients

Our expert team helps you through every step — from document collection to registration certificate approval, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

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FAQs?

Conclusion

Starting an NGO in India becomes easy when you have the right legal partner by your side. With SAI NGO & BUSINESS CONSULTANCY, you get complete legal support, fast processing, and transparent pricing — all under one roof. Whether you’re starting a new NGO or managing an existing one, we’re here to make your journey simpler, faster, and 100% compliant.

👉 Register your NGO today and start your journey towards social impact and legal trust.

Also Read:

• NGO Registration in Patna – Documents, Cost & Online Procedure
• Trademark Registration 2025: Step by Step Guide for Newbie