Complete Process of NGO Registration in India

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in social development, charity, and community welfare. In India, NGOs can be registered under various legal structures, including:

1. Trust Registration (under Indian Trusts Act, 1882)

2. Society Registration (under Societies Registration Act, 1860)

3. Section 8 Company (under Companies Act, 2013)

Step-by-step guide to registering an NGO in India.

1. Trust Registration

Step 1: Decide the Name of the Trust

- Choose a unique name that is not already registered.

Step 2: Prepare the Trust Deed

- Contents of Trust Deed:

- Name and address of the trust

- Objectives of the trust

- Details of settlor (founder) and trustees

- Rules and regulations

- Procedure for appointment/removal of trustees

- Dissolution clause

Step 3: Execute the Trust Deed on Stamp Paper

- The trust deed must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper (value varies by state).

Step 4: Submit Documents to the Registrar

- Required Documents:

- Trust deed (original + photocopy)

- ID & address proof of settlor and trustees

- Passport-size photographs

- PAN card (if available)

- Proof of registered office address (rent agreement/electricity bill)

Step 5: Obtain Registration Certificate

- The registrar verifies the documents and issues a registration certificate.

2. Society Registration

Step 1: Choose a Unique Name

- Ensure the name is not similar to any existing society.

Step 2: Draft Memorandum of Association (MoA) and By-Laws

- MoA Includes:

- Name, objectives, and registered office address

- Names, addresses, and occupations of governing body members

- By-Laws Include:

- Membership rules

- Meeting procedures

- Roles of office bearers

- Dissolution process

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

- Documents Needed:

- MoA & By-Laws (signed by all members)

- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID) of all members

- Address proof of society’s registered office

- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if rented)

Step 4: Submit to Registrar of Societies

- Submit the application along with fees (varies by state).

Step 5: Receive Registration Certificate

- After verification, the registrar issues the certificate.

3. Section 8 Company Registration

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) & Director Identification Number (DIN)

- Apply for DSC (for directors) and DIN via the MCA portal.

Step 2: Apply for Name Approval (RUN Form)

- Submit proposed names to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Step 3: Draft Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA & AoA)

- Define objectives, rules, and governance structure.

Step 4: Apply for License under Section 8

- File SPICe+ Form (INC-32) along with:

- MoA & AoA

- Declaration by directors

- Estimated income & expenditure statement

Step 5: Submit Documents to ROC

- Submit forms with required fees.

Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation

- Once approved, MCA issues the registration certificate.

Post-Registration Compliance

- PAN & TAN Application – Required for tax purposes.

- 12A & 80G Registration – For tax exemption (applied via IT Dept).

- FCRA Registration – Required if receiving foreign funds.

- Annual Filings – Societies/Trusts must submit annual reports; Section 8 companies must file MCA returns.