NGO Registration Process in India – Step-by-Step Guide

Registering an NGO in India involves choosing the right legal structure and following the applicable registration process. The most common structures are Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Choose the Type of NGO

Type Governing Law Best For

Trust Indian Trusts Act, 1882 Charitable/religious activities

Society Societies Registration Act, 1860 Community-based NGOs (education, health)

Section 8 Company Companies Act, 2013 Large-scale NGOs with funding needs

NGO Registration Process for Each Type

A. Registering an NGO as a Trust

Step 1: Prepare Trust Deed

Contents: Name, objectives, trustee details, registered office address, rules & regulations.

Stamp Duty: Varies by state (₹1,000–₹2,500).

Step 2: Execute the Trust Deed

Signatures: Minimum 2 trustees + witness.

Notarization: Mandatory in some states.

Step 3: Register with Local Registrar

Submit trust deed + ID proofs of trustees.

Fee: ₹500–₹2,000 (state-dependent).

Time: 7–15 days.

B. Registering an NGO as a Society

Step 1: Form a Governing Body

Minimum 7 members (President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.).

Step 2: Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Rules

Includes NGO’s name, objectives, member details.

Step 3: Submit to Registrar of Societies

Documents: MoA, rules, affidavits, address proof.

Fee: ₹3,000–₹5,000 (varies by state).

Time: 15–30 days.

C. Registering an NGO as a Section 8 Company

Step 1: Obtain DSC & DIN

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for directors.

Director Identification Number (DIN).

Step 2: Apply for Name Approval (RUN)

Submit 1–2 name choices via MCA portal.

Step 3: File SPICe+ Form (INC-32) & MoA/AoA

Submit incorporation documents + Section 8 license application.

Step 4: Submit to ROC (Registrar of Companies)

Fee: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (depends on capital).

Time: 15–30 days.

Documents Required for NGO Registration

Trust/Society

ID/address proof of members (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)

Registered office proof (Electricity bill/Rent agreement)

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from owner (if rented)

Section 8 Company

DSC & DIN of directors

MoA & AoA

Estimated income/expenditure statement

Post-Registration Compliance

✅ PAN & TAN Application (Mandatory for all NGOs)

✅ 12A & 80G Registration (For tax exemptions)

✅ FCRA Registration (If receiving foreign funds)

✅ Annual Filings (ITR, MCA returns for Section 8)

Processing Time & Fees

NGO Type Time Approx. Cost

Trust 1–2 weeks ₹2,000–₹5,000

Society 2–4 weeks ₹5,000–₹10,000

Section 8 Company 3–6 weeks ₹10,000–₹20,000

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Cancellation of registration

Loss of tax benefits

Fines under Companies Act (for Section 8)

Final Tips

✔ Choose the right structure based on your NGO’s scale & funding needs.

✔ Consult a CA/CS for complex registrations (Section 8/FCRA).

✔ Maintain proper records for audits & compliance.

Need help with NGO registration? Let me guide you further! 😊

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