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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are crucial in India’s social, educational, environmental, and humanitarian development. They work independently from the government and focus on various social causes such as education, healthcare sector, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
Suppose you want to establish an NGO in India. In that case, online registration is now a streamlined process, thanks to the government’s digital initiatives. This guide will walk you through the eligibility, types of NGOs, registration process, legal requirements, and compliance formalities involved in Online NGO Registration in Delhi, India.
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit entity that works for the welfare of society without the aim of earning profits. Unlike businesses, an NGO’s revenue is utilized solely for social causes, not personal gain.
Key Characteristics of an NGO
Transparency & Accountability – NGOs must maintain financial records and comply with legal requirements.
In India, an NGO can be registered under three legal structures, each governed by different acts:
| Type of NGO | Governing Act | Purpose | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trust |
Indian Trust Act, 1882 |
Charitable activities like education, healthcare, relief work |
Small-scale charitable activities |
|
Society |
Societies Registration Act, 1860 |
Social welfare, cultural, and scientific purposes |
Educational, cultural, or environmental groups |
|
Section 8 Company |
Companies Act, 2013 |
Advancement of social welfare, arts, science, and charity |
Large-scale NGOs with corporate-like structure |
Each type of NGO has different compliance requirements and operational flexibility.
Before proceeding with registration, decide whether your NGO will be a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your objectives and scale of operations.
Each type of NGO requires different legal documents:
Once the application is verified and approved, the NGO receives its Certificate of Registration, making it a legally recognized entity.
After registering an NGO, it must comply with legal obligations, including:
Registered NGOs can apply for 80G & 12A certificates to get tax exemptions for themselves and their donors.
GST registration is necessary if the NGO provides taxable services and its turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (for services) or ₹40 lakhs (for goods).
| Feature | Registered NGO | Unregistered NGO |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Recognition |
Yes |
No |
|
Eligible for Government Funding |
Yes |
No |
|
Tax Exemption (80G & 12A) |
Yes |
No |
|
Foreign Funding (FCRA) |
Yes |
No |
|
Trust & Credibility |
High |
Low |
A registered NGO enjoys legal benefits, tax exemptions, and better access to funding, making it more effective in achieving social impact.
There is no minimum capital requirement to start an NGO, but initial funding is necessary for operations and administrative expenses.
To register online in Delhi, visit the government website, fill out the form, upload documents, and await verification. After approval, you’ll receive official registration confirmation.
NGO registration fees range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the type and structure of the organization. Additional charges may apply for documentation and legal procedures.
Typically, NGO registration requires at least two to three members to form a governing body. However, specific requirements depend on the type of NGO you wish to register.
Get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Choose a unique company name and get approval.
Draft the required documents, like the Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Submit all paperwork to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) for approval.
Once approved, your OPC is officially registered.
Online NGO registration usually takes between 15 to 45 days, depending on document submission speed and approval process, but it may take longer due to verification delays.
You need the NGO’s constitution, proof of identity, address proof, photographs of members, and governing body meeting minutes. Check for specific requirements based on the NGO type and state.