Types of NGO Registration in India

There are three common legal structures under which an NGO can be registered in India:

1. Trust Registration (Under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882)

1. Ideal for NGOs focused on charitable activities

2. Requires at least two trustees

3. Easy to form and operate

4. Mostly preferred in North India

2. Society Registration (Under the Societies Registration Act, 1860)

1. Suitable for organizations aiming for education, welfare, art, or culture

2. Requires a minimum of 7 members

3. Managed by a governing body

4. Annual compliance is mandatory

3. Section 8 Company (Under the Companies Act, 2013)

1. Most credible and structured form

2. Requires at least 2 directors and shareholders

3. Ideal for large-scale NGOs and international funding

4. Needs approval from the Registrar of Companies (ROC)

Documents Required for NGO Registration

Though the required documents may vary depending on the registration type, the following are commonly needed:

1. PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of the founders

2. Address proof (Electricity bill, Rent Agreement, or Ownership papers)

3. Passport-sized photographs

4. Proposed name of the NGO

5. Objectives and mission of the NGO

6. Trust deed, Memorandum of Association (MOA), or Articles of Association (AOA)

7. NOC from the property owner (if rented premises)

Registration Process Overview

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of NGO

Select whether to register as a trust, society, or Section 8 company based on your vision, scale, and resources.

Step 2: Prepare Documents and Draft Bylaws

Draft your mission, objectives, and rules of operation. Prepare the required documents for submission.

Step 3: Apply with Relevant Authority

1. For Trusts, submit to the Sub-Registrar

2. For Societies, apply with the State Registrar of Societies

3. For Section 8, apply through the MCA portal online

Step 4: Verification and Registration Certificate

After document verification and scrutiny, the concerned authority issues the registration certificate, granting legal recognition to your NGO.

Benefits of NGO Registration

1. Legal identity and operational transparency

2. Eligibility for 80G and 12A tax exemptions

3. Access to CSR funds and foreign donations (FCRA)

4. Enhanced credibility with donors and government bodies

5. Better management and governance structure

For more info : https://www.psrcompliance.com/blog/step-by-step-process-for-ngo-registration-in-india