🌟 NGO Registration in India: Overview

NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) – A non-profit entity working for social, charitable, or public welfare purposes. It operates independently of government and is also known as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO).

🔍 Common Areas NGOs Work In:

• Education
• Health & sanitation
• Environmental protection
• Poverty alleviation
• Child & women welfare
• Rural development
• Animal welfare

---

✅ Advantages of NGO Registration

• Legal recognition & credibility
• Tax exemption eligibility (12A & 80G)
• Access to domestic & international funding (CSR, FCRA)
• Limited liability for members
• Perpetual succession
• Name protection
• Better governance & transparency
• Volunteer and network expansion

---

🧾 Types of NGO Registrations in India

You can register your NGO in one of the following 3 forms:

1. Trust (Under Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or State Acts)

Ideal for: Charitable/religious activities, small-medium scale.

Minimum Members: 2 or 3 (as per state)

Documents Required:

• Trust Deed (on stamp paper)
• Office Address Proof
• NOC from property owner (if rented)
• ID & Address Proof of Trustees
• Settlor & Witness ID proof
• Passport photos

Types:

• Private Trust (e.g., for family or specific individuals)
• Public Trust (for general public welfare)

---

2. Society (Under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or State Acts)

Ideal for: Social, cultural, educational, or literary purposes

Minimum Members: 7 (no upper limit)

Documents Required:

• Application Form
• MoA + Rules & Regulations
• Governing Body List
• Covering Letter
• Affidavit for name uniqueness
• Office Address Proof + NOC
• ID proofs & photographs of members

Scope: Usually state-specific unless registered at the national level

---

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

Ideal for: Large-scale, PAN-India operations, high compliance & credibility

Minimum Members: 2 directors/shareholders

Documents Required:

• DIN & DSC of directors
• ID & address proof of directors/shareholders
• Registered office address proof + NOC
• Passport-size photos
• MoA & AoA
• INC-14 (CA/CS/Cost Accountant declaration)
• INC-15 (applicants’ declaration)

Regulated by: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)

---

🆚 Comparison Chart

Particulars	Trust	Society	Section-8 Company
Governing Law	Trusts Act, 1882 / State Acts	Societies Act, 1860 / State Acts	Companies Act, 2013
Authority	Sub-Registrar / Charity Commissioner	Registrar of Societies	Registrar of Companies (ROC), MCA
Min. Members	2 or 3	7	2
Scope	Usually state-level	State-level or national	PAN India
Legal Status	Legal entity	Legal entity	Legal entity with corporate structure
Compliance	Low to moderate	Moderate	High
Tax Benefits (12A/80G)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Foreign Funding (FCRA)	After 3 years / prior approval	Same	Same
Credibility	Moderate	Moderate to High	Very High
Best For	Small charities, local trusts	State-wide educational & social bodies	National/international NGOs, CSR activities

---

📌 Which One Should You Choose?

If you want to…	Then register as a…
Start a local community charity with low compliance	Trust
Work in education, arts, or culture at a state level	Society
Operate PAN-India, attract corporate/CSR funding, or international partnerships	Section-8 Company

---