NGO Registration in India: A
Complete Guide
India is home to over million NGOs, reflecting a growing civil society movement actively
working to tackle social, educational, cultural, and environmental challenges. Whether you
aim to promote education, healthcare, social welfare, or environmental conservation —
registering your NGO gives your initiative legal identity, credibility, and access to vital
funding opportunities.
This guide explains everything you need to know about NGO registration in India — types,
benefits, eligibility, documents, and step-by-step process.
❊ What is NGO Registration?
NGO registration is the legal process of formally establishing a nonprofit organization in
India. It grants your entity official recognition, enables structured governance, and allows
you to lawfully receive funds, own property, and operate as a charitable institution.
Nonprofit entities in India can register under various laws such as:
-
The Societies Registration Act,
1860
-
The Indian Trusts Act, 1882
-
The Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8
Company)
These acts set the legal framework for nonprofit activities, ensuring transparency,
compliance, and public trust.
❊ Types of NGO Registration in India
Depending on your objectives, resources, and operational plans, you can register your NGO under
one of the following structures:
1. Trust Registration
-
For charitable, religious, or educational organizations that manage assets or funds.
Example: A trust offering scholarships or operating old-age homes.
2. Society Registration
-
For groups formed by 7 or more members to promote art, literature, science, or
charitable initiatives.
Example: A society providing healthcare services in underserved areas.
3. Section 8 Company Registration
-
For nonprofits incorporated as companies under the Companies Act, 2013, with
restrictions on profit distribution.
Example: A Section 8 company promoting sustainable environmental practices.
4. Religious Endowments
-
For managing religious properties and institutions.
Example: An organization handling temple management and associated charitable programs.
5. Waqf
-
For charitable or religious purposes under Islamic law.
Example: A Waqf managing mosques and welfare initiatives for the underprivileged.
❊
Benefits of Registering an NGO in India
Registering an NGO offers numerous operational, financial, and legal benefits:
Legal Recognition: Grants
formal
status and capacity to own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued.
Access to Funding: Enables
domestic and foreign funding, CSR grants, and government schemes.
Tax Benefits: Exemptions
under
Section 12A and 80G for the NGO and its donors.
Operational Credibility:
Builds
public and stakeholder trust.
Banking Facilities: Open
organizational bank accounts with better financial terms.
Strategic Partnerships:
Collaborate with government, corporates, and other nonprofits.
Perpetual Existence:
Continues
operations despite changes in membership or leadership.
❊ Eligibility Criteria for NGO
Registration in India
Before registering an NGO, ensure you meet these eligibility requirements:
-
Founding Members:
-
1. Trust: Minimum 2 trustees
-
2. Society: Minimum 7 members
-
3. Section 8 Company: Minimum 2 directors and shareholders
-
Minimum Age: All founding
members must be 18+ and legally capable.
-
Charitable Objectives:
Focus
on public welfare activities like education, healthcare, environment, or
culture.
-
Non-Profit Intent: Profits
cannot be distributed among members.
-
Governing Document: A
properly drafted Trust Deed, Memorandum of Association (MOA), or Articles of
Association (AOA).
-
Indian Residency: For
FCRA
registration, at least 51% of the governing body must be Indian citizens.
-
Clean Legal Record:
Founders
must not have convictions for moral turpitude or terrorism.
-
Compliance Commitment:
Agreement to maintain accounts, file returns, and adhere to statutory
regulations.
❊ Documents Required for NGO Registration
Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need based on your NGO structure:
Identification Documents:
-
PAN cards and Aadhaar
cards of all founding members
-
Address proof (utility
bill, rent agreement)
Organizational Documents:
-
Trust: Trust deed (on
stamp paper)
-
Society: Memorandum of
Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations
-
Section 8 Company: MOA
and AOA
Property Documents:
-
Proof of office address
(rent agreement, NOC from landlord)
-
Utility bills for office
premises
Financial Documents:
-
Bank account details
-
Initial fund proof
-
Affidavit for funding
sources
Meeting Records:
-
Preliminary meeting
minutes
-
Resolution for NGO
formation
-
Governing body election
records
❊ How to Register an NGO in India:
Step-by-Step Process
1. Choose the Right Legal Structure
-
Decide between a Trust, Society,
or Section 8 Company based on your operational goals and
governance preferences.
2. Draft Required Documents
-
Prepare Trust Deed, MOA, AOA, or
applicable governing documents.
3. Arrange Founding Members
-
Gather the minimum required
number of members, trustees, or directors.
4. Conduct Preliminary Meeting
-
Decide on the NGO’s name,
objectives, structure, and office bearers.
5. Open a Bank Account
-
Open a current account in the
NGO’s name.
6. Submit Registration Application
-
Apply with relevant authorities:
- Trust: Charity Commissioner
-
Society: Registrar of
Societies
-
Section 8 Company: Registrar
of Companies (RoC) via Form INC-12
7. Respond to Verification
-
Complete document verification
and respond to authority queries if any.
8. Obtain Registration Certificate
-
Receive the official NGO
Registration Certificate.
9. Apply for Tax Exemptions
-
Post-registration, apply for 12A
registration and 80G certification under the Income Tax Act.
❊ Legal & Compliance Requirements for NGOs
Registered NGOs must adhere to several ongoing compliance requirements:
-
Income tax filing
-
Annual returns to Registrar of
Societies, Companies, or Trusts
-
FCRA compliance (if applicable)
-
Maintain proper accounting
records
-
Renew licenses and registrations
where necessary
-
Submit activity reports as
required
by statutory authorities
Conclusion
NGO registration in India not only grants legal status but also builds credibility, enables funding, and
opens avenues for strategic partnerships and tax benefits. By choosing the right structure — Trust,
Society, or Section 8 Company — and following a systematic registration process, you can establish a
nonprofit that genuinely drives positive social change.
For professional assistance in registering your NGO quickly and hassle-free, connect with our expert
team today.
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