NGO
Registration
in India

Start Your Non-Profit Organization Legally | Fast Process | Expert Guidance

Apply for Startup Registration

What is NGO Registration?

NGO Registration is the legal process of registering a non-profit organization in India to work for social welfare, education, health, environment, women empowerment, and community development. A registered NGO becomes eligible for government support, grants, tax exemptions, and public trust.

Types of NGO Registration in India

Trust Registration (Public Charitable Trust)

  • Ideal for social, religious, educational, or charitable work

  • Governed by the Trust Act

  • Minimum 2 trustees required

Society Registration (Society Act, 1860)

  • Suitable for cultural, educational, community, and welfare activities

  • Minimum 7 members required

  • Operates under state laws

Section 8 Company Registration (Companies Act, 2013)

  • For professional, large-scale NGOs

  • Ideal for national/international level operations

  • High credibility and compliance standards

Benefits of NGO Registration

Legal Recognition

Gives your organization official identity & credibility

Eligibility for Government Grants

Apply for central and state-level funding

Tax Exemptions (12A & 80G)

Donors and the NGO get tax benefits

Access to CSR Funding

Eligible to receive CSR donations from companies

Increased Public Trust

Registered NGOs gain more support and transparency

Open Bank Accounts Easily

Operate financial transactions under the NGO’s name

Limited Liability Protection

(for Section 8 Companies)

Smooth Compliance & Governance

Clear structure for managing operations

NGO Registration Process

1. Select the NGO Structure

Choose whether to register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your goals and number of members.

2. Prepare All Required Documents

Collect ID proofs, address proofs, office address documents, and NGO objectives.

3. Draft the Legal Documents

Prepare the Trust Deed, MOA & Rules, or MOA & AOA according to the chosen NGO type.

4. Submit the Application to Authorities

File the registration application with the appropriate body—Registrar of Trusts, Registrar of Societies, or MCA.

5. Verification & Scrutiny

The authorities review your application and may request corrections or additional information.

6. Receive Registration Certificate

Once approved, you get the official NGO Registration Certificate, allowing you to operate legally.

Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration in India

Documents required for Startup Registration in India

1. Aadhaar Card / PAN Card of All Members

Used for identity verification of trustees, members, or directors involved in forming the NGO.

2. Address Proof of Members

Documents like electricity bill, voter ID, or driving license to confirm the residential address of all members.

3. Registered Office Address Proof

Rent Agreement or Property Ownership Document along with a recent utility bill to confirm where the NGO will operate.

4. Passport-size Photographs

Clear photographs of all trustees/members/directors for official records and document filings.

5. NGO Governing Documents (Deed / MOA / AOA)

Trust: Trust Deed
Society: Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Rules
Section 8: MOA & Articles of Association (AOA)

Digital Signature Certificate (For Section 8 NGO)

Required to sign and submit online forms legally through the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal.

Steps to Register Your NGO Registration

Step 1: Choose NGO Type

Decide whether you want to register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your goals and team size.

Step 2: Collect All Required Documents

Gather ID proofs, address proofs, photos, registered office proof, and draft objectives of the NGO.

Step 3: Draft the Governing Documents

Prepare Trust Deed, MOA & Rules, or MOA & AOA depending on the NGO type.

Step 4: Submit Application to the Concerned Authority

File your NGO documents with the Registrar of Trusts, Registrar of Societies, or MCA (for Section 8 Company).

Step 5: Verification & Approval by Authorities

The registration authority reviews your documents and may ask for clarification or corrections.

Step 6: Receive NGO Registration Certificate

Once approved, you will receive the official NGO Registration Certificate, allowing you to operate legally.

FAQs on NGO Registration in Questions

NGO Registration is the legal process of registering a non-profit organization in India so it can operate officially for charitable and social purposes.

  • Trust: Minimum 2 members

  • Society: Minimum 7 members

  • Section 8 Company: Minimum 2 directors

Yes, you must have a valid address proof (rented or owned) where the NGO will be officially registered.

You can register an NGO as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company depending on your team size, activities, and long-term goals.

NGO registration usually takes 7–20 working days, depending on the type of NGO and document verification.

Yes. After registration, NGOs can apply for 12A & 80G certificates to get tax exemptions and attract more donors.