Procedure for NGO Registration: Types and Requirements

Are you interested in helping people, supporting a cause or improving society? An NGO is a wonderful way to help if you are interested. First, you need to learn about the procedure for NGO registration, the necessary legalities, and which documents you require.

We have prepared this article so that it is easy to understand. We will explain how to start an NGO, how to create a charity organisation and the requirements for NGO registration.

What is an NGO?

An NGO operates without the control of the government. Almost always, fundraising is carried out in support of a certain cause, such as aiding those in need, looking after the environment, or boosting education.

It is not part of NGOs’ purpose to earn profits. The money they acquire is put toward carrying out their mission.

Why Register an NGO?

Although you can get involved in good work without being registered, there are many rewards for registering your NGO.

• You acquire official recognition in the country.
• The NGO can have its own bank account registered with the corporation’s name.
• You are able to look for grants offered by the government or by international organisations.
• Social workers also work on creating trust among the people who donate and volunteer.

This is why understanding the process of setting up an NGO is important.

How to Start an NGO in India

The basic steps you need to follow on how to start an NGO are discussed here.

1. Decide on your mission – What is it that you set out to do? What group do you want to assist? Be certain of what your company aims to achieve.

2. Select your team – Depending on the type of NGO, you need to find 2 or more people for the team.

3. Select a name – Pick a title that has not been taken by any other person or band.

4. Choose the appropriate legal structure – There are mainly 3 kinds of legal structures in India.

• Trust
• Society
• Section 8 Company

Every type of game has specific rules and steps. We’ll describe them further in the next part of this guide.

Types of NGO Registration in India

It is important to know about the legal rules when procedure for NGO registration. Here’s a description of what separates each style:

1. Trust Registration

A trust is mainly established to support important services such as education, healthcare or efforts to improve the living conditions of the poor.

• In some states, there must be 2 trustees (or sometimes 3 trustees).
• You will need the trust deed, which is the main legal document.
• People are required to visit the local sub-registrar to register a sale deed.

2. Society Registration

The reason for forming a society is to boost art, culture, science or social welfare.

• At least 7 members from various states should be sitting on the court.
• It is important to have on hand the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations.
• The Registrar of Societies is the registering authority for each state.

3. Forming a company under Section 8

Section 8 companies are chosen by people who want to set up a transparent and professional charity organisation.

• To form a company, it is mandatory to have at least 2 directors.
• What you will prepare: MOA, AOA
• The MCA, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs, serves as the main registration authority.

Requirements for NGO Registration

Ensure that you satisfy the necessary requirements for NGO registration. You should have the following:

General Requirements:

• Distinctive designation for the NGO
• The members’ PAN cards
• Rental contract or a bill from utilities
• Poor founders must present their ID proofs, like an Aadhaar card or passport.
• Passport-size pictures
• Details of registered office address
• The mission of the NGO

You’ll need certain documents for each type of registration: a trust, a society or a company.

Step-by-Step Procedure for NGO Registration

Here, I will explain the procedure for NGO registration according to each of the types listed.\

1. Trust Registration Procedure

When you are putting together a trust, make sure to follow these procedures.

1. Pick out a suitable name for the trust.
2. Include all the necessary details in the trust deed when you draft it.

• What does your trust officially go by?
• Address
• Objectives
• Trustees’ details

3. Have the deed printed on stamp paper that is not judicial.
4. Go to the sub-registrar's office together with the trustees for the final signing of the deed.
5. Hand over the necessary documents, which include ID proofs and photographs.
6. Following approval, you will be given a certificate of registration.

How to register a society

This is how you can register a society:

1. Give a name to your society.
2. Get ready to use these items:

• Memorandum of Association, or MOA
• The rules and regulations created by autocrats cover many areas.
• Covering letter
• Documentation of the president and secretary

3. Make sure there are at least seven people from various states in the group if it is on a national level.
4. You need to send your application to the Registrar of Societies.
5. When your application is checked, you will get the registration certificate.

Steps to Completing Section 8 Company Registration

This type of registration is official, and the way you do it is:

1. Make sure to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for each director.
2. It is necessary to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN).
3. Make sure to reserve the company name on the portal provided by MCA.
4. Draft the:

• MOA
• AOA

5. Use the SPICe+ form (a simplified way of electronically incorporating a company).
6. The Regional Director (MCA) must issue you with a licence.
7. Get the Certificate of Incorporation after finishing the process.

How to Create a Charity Organisation Successfully

Having legal status isn’t all it takes how to create a charity organisation. It is also necessary to:

• Put effort into making a website and posts on social media.
• Create a strategy for raising funds.
• Keep all your financial transactions well-organised.
• Ensure that your actions are open and honest.
• Offer your supporters and donors updates on a regular basis.

This trust-building helps you to develop in good ways.

Post-Registration Steps for NGOs

Make sure your organisation takes care of some additional things after being registered:

• Do not skip the processes for PAN and TAN applications.
• Set up a bank account for the NGO so that it can manage its funds.
• Apply for 12A and 80G certificates, which give you tax exemptions.
• Maintain various books of accounts.
• Manage and hand in the annual returns and audit reports.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a name that is not available
• Not having proper documents in place
• Not meeting the standards required after registration
• Not providing enough information to the people who support them

If you commit these errors, it may delay or cancel the process of registering you.

Setting up an NGO is a strong option for bringing positive social change. However, good intentions alone are not enough; you must also procedure for NGO registration the correct way to make it work legally and professionally.

If you are interested in how to start an NGO, how to create a charity organisation, or just looking at the requirements for NGO registration, this guide will direct you on your way.

Rapid Checklist

Step	Trust	Society	Section 8 &Company
Minimum Members	2–3	7+	2 `
Governing Document	Trust Deed	MOA, Rules	MOA, AOA
Authority	Sub-Registrar	Registrar of Societies	MCA
Suitable For	Local charitable work	Cultural & social work	Professional NGOs