An NGO in India is registered as a trust, a society or a Section 8 company. After registration, it should obtain PAN, open a bank account, apply for 12A and 80G, register on NGO Darpan for government grants, register for CSR (Form CSR-1) to receive corporate CSR funds, and obtain FCRA approval before accepting foreign donations.
Step 1: choose the legal form
| Form | Best for |
|---|---|
| Trust | Founder-led charities with few decision makers |
| Society | Member-based associations |
| Section 8 company | Larger NGOs seeking CSR and institutional funding |
Step 2: register
Register the trust deed with the Sub-Registrar, the society with the Registrar of Societies, or the Section 8 company with the MCA.
Step 3: become donor-ready
- Apply for 12A and 80G in Form 10A.
- Register on NGO Darpan to get a unique ID.
- File Form CSR-1 to receive CSR funds.
- Apply for FCRA once eligible.
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Get expert help →Step 4: maintain compliance
- Audited accounts and ITR-7
- Form 10BD donation statements
- Entity-specific filings with the ROC or Registrar
Frequently asked questions
Which NGO type is easiest to register?
A trust is usually the simplest and fastest to register, needing a deed and registration with the Sub-Registrar in most states.
What is NGO Darpan?
NGO Darpan is a NITI Aayog portal where NGOs register to get a unique ID, often required to apply for government grants and schemes.
Can an NGO receive CSR funds immediately?
The NGO must register with the MCA in Form CSR-1, which requires 12A and 80G registration, before companies can route CSR funds through it.
Can an NGO earn income?
NGOs can undertake activities that generate income if incidental to their objects, subject to income tax limits on business income for charitable institutions.
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