Types of NGO Structures in India

There are three popular forms to register an NGO:

• Trust under the Indian Trust Act
  
  

• Society under the Societies Registration Act
  
  

• Section 8 Company under the Companies Act
  
  

Each structure serves different purposes. I guide you in choosing the right format based on your vision and objective.

Step 1: Define Objectives and Vision

Before starting the process, define your NGO’s purpose. Keep your mission clear. Decide on areas like education, health, environment, women empowerment, etc.

Your objectives must align with non-profit goals. I help you document your vision clearly, as it is vital for further registration steps.

Step 2: Choose a Unique Name

The name of your NGO should not be similar to any other registered entity. It must not violate provisions of the Emblems and Names Act. At NGO Experts, I conduct proper name searches to avoid future disputes.

Step 3: Draft a Legal Document

Depending on the structure, draft the required legal documents:

• Trust Deed for a Trust
  
  

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules and Regulations for a Society
  
  

• MoA and Articles of Association (AoA) for a Section 8 Company
  
  

These documents include your NGO’s name, registered address, objectives, governance structure, and duties of members.

Step 4: Get Darpan Registration

Darpan Registration is essential if you want to receive government grants. The NGO Darpan Portal, run by NITI Aayog, is the official platform for this.

I assist in submitting documents like:

• PAN Card
  
  

• Aadhaar of key members
  
  

• Registration Certificate
  
  

• Annual reports (if available)
  
  

Once completed, your NGO will receive a unique Darpan ID. This ID is required for further government compliance and funding applications.

Step 5: Apply for PAN and Bank Account

After basic registration and Darpan Registration, your NGO needs a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Income Tax Department. Then, open a bank account in the name of your NGO.

This step helps you receive donations, grants, and operate your NGO financially. I assist with PAN application and linking it with the bank.

Step 6: Register the NGO

Now comes the core part — NGO registration based on your chosen legal structure.

For Trust Registration:

• Submit Trust Deed to Sub-Registrar
  
  

• Provide ID proof of trustees
  
  

• Pay the required stamp duty
  
  

• Receive Registration Certificate
  
  

For Society Registration:

• Minimum 7 members required
  
  

• Submit MoA and Rules to Registrar of Societies
  
  

• Pay applicable fees
  
  

• Receive Certificate of Registration
  
  

For Section 8 Company Registration:

• Apply for name approval via SPICe+ form
  
  

• File MoA and AoA with MCA
  
  

• Obtain DSC and DIN for directors
  
  

• Get license from ROC
  
  

• Receive Certificate of Incorporation
  
  

At NGO Experts, I assist with paperwork, government portal access, and proper documentation for successful registration.

Step 7: Apply for 12A and 80G

These two registrations give tax exemption benefits to your NGO and its donors.

• 12A: Allows NGO income to be tax-free
  
  

• 80G: Donors get tax benefit for contributions
  
  

Apply online with the Income Tax Department portal. Upload your Darpan ID, PAN, registration certificate, and financials. I help you prepare documents correctly and handle queries from tax officials.

Step 8: Set Up Office and Governance

Once your NGO is registered, set up a physical address, appoint a board, and conduct regular meetings. Follow good governance practices. Maintain transparency in donations and spending.

Create impact reports, manage activities with volunteers, and build credibility in your sector.

Step 9: Maintain Compliance

Compliance is not just a formality. It includes:

• Annual return filing
  
  

• Updating Darpan portal
  
  

• Renewal of 12A and 80G if needed
  
  

• Filing audited financials
  
  

I keep your NGO compliant with all regulations, so you can focus on social work.

Why Register Your NGO with NGO Experts

I provide end-to-end support in the procedure to register ngo. Whether it’s Darpan Registration, NGO Registration, or applying for tax exemptions — I ensure legal correctness at every step.

My services include:

• Name approval
  
  

• Legal drafting
  
  

• Digital signatures
  
  

• Online form submissions
  
  

• Ongoing compliance support
  
  

NGO Experts is a legal platform with professional experience in non-profit consultancy.

Conclusion

The procedure to register an NGO involves multiple steps and legal obligations. From choosing the right structure to completing Darpan Registration and tax filings — every step matters. I offer reliable support through NGO Experts to simplify the NGO registration process for anyone committed to social change.

Start with a clear goal. Stay compliant. Make a difference.