NGO Darpan Registration Online

What is NGO Darpan Portal?

The NGO Darpan Portal is a digital interface developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This platform serves as a vital bridge between Voluntary Organizations (VOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and key government ministries, departments, and agencies. Through this initiative, the government aims to foster collaboration with the voluntary sector by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public welfare projects.

Introduced as part of the Indian government's broader push towards e-governance, the Darpan Registration portal is a powerful tool that facilitates better communication and interaction between the state and civil society. It allows NGOs and VOs to register themselves online and gain access to a centralized platform where they can learn about ongoing and upcoming government schemes, programs, and funding opportunities.

NGOs not only gain official recognition by completing Darpan Registration but also become eligible for receiving grants and support from various government bodies. The portal keeps them informed about project requirements, timelines, and updates, thereby streamlining the process of participation in public initiatives. Over time, the NGO Darpan portal has become essential for NGOs seeking to scale their social impact while working in alignment with national development goals.

Who Can Register on the NGO Darpan Portal for Darpan Registration?

The NGO Darpan portal is a centralized and transparent platform initiated by the NITI Aayog to enhance collaboration between the Indian government and civil society organisations. This portal provides a valuable opportunity for eligible organisations to register and gain access to funding opportunities, scheme updates, and official recognition. However, registration is open only to specific types of entities engaged in voluntary and charitable work. Below is a detailed explanation of the types of organisations that are eligible for Darpan Registration:

1. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

NGOs are the primary entities eligible for registration on the NGO Darpan portal. These are non-profit organisations established to work on social, environmental, cultural, educational, or health-related causes. NGOs are typically formed by individuals or groups with the common intention of driving social change or public welfare. Through Darpan Registration, NGOs can receive information about relevant government schemes, submit applications for grants, and increase their visibility with both government bodies and the general public.

2. Voluntary Organisations (VOs)

Voluntary Organisations, or VOs, are similar to NGOs but are often more informal in their setup. They consist of people voluntarily working together for a social cause without necessarily being registered as a formal non-profit entity. Despite their informal nature, many VOs actively contribute to society and are allowed to register on the NGO Darpan portal. Darpan Registration enables VOs to collaborate with government agencies and gain access to official projects and funding opportunities that can further their objectives.

3. Charitable Societies

Charitable societies are typically registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and are formed to promote charitable activities like education, culture, religion, and health. These societies operate as non-profit entities and are managed by a governing body or executive committee. They are fully eligible to apply for Darpan Registration, which helps them align with government programs and participate in welfare initiatives on a larger scale.

4. Charitable Associations

A charitable association refers to a group of individuals or organisations working collectively for a philanthropic cause. These associations may or may not be registered as societies or trusts but must be engaged in activities that serve the public interest. As long as their goals align with the objectives laid out by the government for collaboration, they are eligible for Darpan Registration. Registration allows them to formalize their operations and enhance their ability to attract support and recognition from various stakeholders.

5. Charitable Trusts

Charitable trusts are created under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 for the purpose of serving the public good. These trusts often focus on areas such as education, healthcare, and relief for the poor. A charitable trust must have a well-defined structure, including a deed outlining its purpose, trustees, and mode of operation. Darpan Registration provides these trusts with an avenue to receive government grants and be part of public sector development projects.

6. Section 8 Companies

Section 8 companies are non-profit entities registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with the objective of promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, or environmental protection. These companies are structured like any private company but operate without profit motives. Their registration on the NGO Darpan portal is essential to ensure transparency and to become eligible for central and state government-funded projects. Darpan Registration also enhances their credibility in the social sector ecosystem.

7. Individuals

It is important to note that individuals are not allowed to register on the NGO Darpan portal. The platform is specifically designed for organisations that work collectively and have a recognized legal structure. Since the goal of the portal is to facilitate partnerships between organised civil society and the government, individuals working alone without formal organisational status are not eligible for Darpan Registration.

Eligibility for NGO Darpan Registration

NGO Darpan Registration is applicable to all non-governmental and voluntary organisations that are legally registered in India. This includes Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies. The registration becomes mandatory for organisations that intend to apply for government grants or foreign contributions under FCRA. Without a valid Darpan Registration, access to government funds or ministries’ welfare programs is restricted.

To be eligible, an organisation must be:

• A Registered Trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.

• A Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or state-specific laws.

• A Section 8 Company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (earlier Section 25 under the Companies Act, 1956).

• A legally formed Voluntary Organisation with documentary evidence of its non-profit objectives.

One of the major requirements during registration is the submission of documentary proof of legal registration and operational details. The organisation must have an active PAN and a registered office address. Individuals cannot apply for NGO Darpan Registration – it is strictly meant for recognised legal entities.

Once registered, the NGO receives a Darpan ID that remains valid as long as the NGO exists and complies with all regulations. This ID simplifies multiple application processes with ministries, government departments, and even with banks or CSR initiatives. The Niti Aayog Registration on the Darpan portal ensures standardisation in how NGOs are viewed and accessed by stakeholders, thereby improving institutional transparency.

Hence, any NGO or VO planning to expand its impact through government collaboration must register under the Darpan Portal. It is not just a compliance formality; it is a strategic necessity for any organisation working in the non-profit sector in India.

Benefits of NGO Darpan Registration

Registering on the NGO Darpan portal comes with a wide range of benefits that not only streamline the compliance process for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) but also help boost their visibility, credibility, and access to government and CSR resources. Here’s a detailed look at the key benefits of obtaining Darpan Registration:

Government Recognition and Access to Schemes

NGO Darpan Registration is the official recognition it provides to your organisation by the Government of India. Once registered, your organisation receives a Darpan ID, which becomes essential for applying for government grants, availing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, and participating in various public welfare schemes. Moreover, this registration is often a mandatory prerequisite for FCRA registration (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act), which allows organisations to legally accept foreign donations. Additionally, having a Darpan ID is helpful in completing regulatory compliances such as registration under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, which grant income tax exemptions to the NGO and its donors.

Improved Credibility and Trustworthiness

With various NGOs operating across India, establishing credibility becomes a major challenge. Darpan Registration enhances the organisation’s trustworthiness in the eyes of government departments, funding agencies, donors, and the general public. It serves as proof that the organisation operates with transparency, has complied with necessary regulatory requirements, and maintains updated and accurate records. This transparency makes it easier for the government and donors to trust and collaborate with registered NGOs.

Seamless Interaction with Government Ministries and Departments

The NGO Darpan portal acts as a centralized interface between NGOs and various government bodies. Ministries and departments use the Darpan database to identify eligible NGOs for project implementation, grant distribution, and consultation. As a registered entity, your organisation gains access to timely updates, scheme announcements, and new project guidelines directly from concerned departments. This direct line of communication significantly reduces paperwork and processing time during application and approval processes.

Enhanced National-Level Visibility

Once an NGO registers on the Darpan portal, its details are added to a publicly accessible national database of verified NGOs. This improves the organisation’s visibility among policymakers, think tanks, academic institutions, and CSR units of corporate firms. Visibility on a national platform like NGO Darpan also boosts opportunities for partnership, recognition, and collaborative social impact initiatives.

Eligibility for Multiple Government Grants

NGO Darpan Registration simplifies the process of applying for multiple central and state-level grants. Whether your NGO works in areas like health, education, rural development, skill training, environment, or women empowerment, your registration makes you eligible to apply for numerous schemes offered by different ministries. This multi-grant validation saves time and ensures that once your NGO is verified, it doesn't have to undergo repetitive scrutiny for each new application.

Tax and Legal Advantages

With a valid Darpan ID, the NGO can proceed to apply for tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Section 12A allows NGOs to claim exemption from paying income tax, while 80G enables donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions. This not only reduces the financial burden on NGOs but also encourages donations, as donors prefer to contribute to organisations that offer tax benefits.

Documents Required for NGO Darpan Registration Online

To complete NGO Darpan Registration successfully, the applicant organisation must upload specific documents as proof of legal existence, identity, and governance structure. These documents validate the NGO’s authenticity and eligibility to be part of the government-recognised platform. All documents must be scanned in legible format before initiating the online registration process on the NGO Darpan portal. Below is the detailed list of required documents:

1. Registration Certificate of the Organisation

The foundational document that establishes the legal identity of the NGO must be uploaded. This document will vary based on the legal structure of the organisation:

• Trusts: Submit a copy of the Trust Deed, which includes details of the trustees, the objectives of the trust, and its registration details.

• Societies: Submit a copy of the Society Registration Certificate, issued under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the respective state act.

• Section 8 Companies: Upload the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies, along with the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

These documents are essential to confirm the nature and legal standing of the NGO or voluntary organisation.

2. PAN Card of the Organisation

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department in the name of the organisation must be submitted. This is a mandatory requirement for all types of NGOs as it is used for tax and identity verification purposes.

3. Aadhaar and PAN Cards of at Least Three Executive Members

To ensure proper identification and compliance, the NGO Darpan portal requires the submission of identity documents for a minimum of three key executive members of the organisation. For each executive member:

• Aadhaar Card (as address and identity proof)

• PAN Card (for tax and identity verification)

These documents confirm the individuals responsible for running the organisation and act as proof of governance structure.

4. Details of Board Members

The applicant must also provide a detailed list of all Board or Governing Body Members. This list should include:

• Full names of members

• Designations (e.g., President, Secretary, Treasurer)

• Contact details (mobile number and email ID)

These details will be reviewed during the verification process and are essential for building transparency and accountability.

5. Annual Reports and Financial Statements (if available)

Although not mandatory for newly established NGOs, submitting annual reports and audited financial statements can strengthen your application. These documents demonstrate operational history, transparency, and financial health. Ideally, these should cover the last one to three financial years, showing key programs, expenditure, and achievements.

6. Details of Funding Sources from Government Bodies (if applicable)

If the NGO has received any government funding over the past five years, those details must be disclosed. This includes:

• Names of the ministries or departments

• Project titles or scheme names

• Amount of funds received

• Period of funding

These disclosures support the trustworthiness of the organisation and help in future allocation or grant approvals.

7. FCRA Registration Details (if applicable)

If your organisation has been registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to receive foreign donations, then you must provide:

• FCRA Registration Certificate

• FCRA Registration Number

• Date of registration and validity

This information is crucial for NGOs that intend to receive international donations or grants and ensures alignment with Indian regulations on foreign contributions.

Process for NGO Darpan Registration Online

Registering your organisation on the NGO Darpan Portal is a crucial step for any NGO, trust, society, or Section 8 company aiming to work in collaboration with the Indian government. The registration process is entirely online and user-friendly. It allows Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations (VOs) to gain official recognition, access government grants, and improve their transparency. Below is a detailed step-by-step process to complete the Darpan Registration process :

Step 1: Visit the NGO Darpan Portal

Begin by visiting the official NGO Darpan website at https://ngodarpan.gov.in. This is the official portal developed and maintained by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). All Darpan Registration and related updates happen through this platform.

Step 2: Sign Up on the Portal

Once you're on the homepage, click on the “Login/Register” tab located at the top-right corner of the portal. Then select the “Sign Up” option. This will redirect you to the user registration page, where you’ll be required to enter your organisation’s basic details and contact information, including a valid email address and mobile number.

Step 3: Create Login Credentials

After filling in the required information on the sign-up page, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the provided email address and mobile number. Enter the OTPs to verify your contact details. Once the verification is successful, you will be prompted to create a username and password. These credentials will be used to access your NGO Darpan dashboard in the future.

Step 4: Log In to the Portal

Once your login credentials are set, go back to the Login page and sign in using the newly created username and password. After logging in, you will be redirected to your organisation's dashboard, where you can begin the detailed registration process.

Step 5: Provide Organisational Details

In this step, you need to enter complete and accurate information about your organisation. This includes:

• Name of the organisation

• PAN number of the organisation

• Full address and contact details

• Legal status (Trust, Society, Section 8 Company)

• Date of registration and registration number

• FCRA Registration Number (if applicable)

• Key areas of work and objectives

These details are important for validating your NGO's legitimacy and identifying your scope of work for future collaborations.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Next, upload scanned copies of mandatory documents such as the organisation's PAN card, registration certificate (Trust Deed, Society Registration, or Section 8 Incorporation), identity documents of three executive members, financial statements, board member details, and FCRA certificate (if applicable). Ensure the documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format (usually PDF or JPEG).

Step 7: Submit the Application

Once all the information and documents are uploaded, carefully review the entered data to avoid any errors or inconsistencies. Cross-check spelling, registration numbers, and uploaded files. After confirming that everything is accurate, click on the Submit button to complete your application.

After successful submission, your application will be reviewed by the NGO Darpan authorities. Once approved, your organisation will receive a unique Darpan ID, confirming your registration on the portal. This ID is essential for accessing various government schemes, CSR initiatives, and regulatory approvals.

What is NGO Darpan ID? 

The NGO Darpan ID is a unique identification number that is automatically generated and assigned to an NGO, Voluntary Organisation (VO), trust, society, or Section 8 company after successful registration on the NGO Darpan portal, which is managed by the NITI Aayog, Government of India. This ID acts as a formal recognition from the government that the organisation is registered and compliant with the basic documentation and transparency norms necessary to engage in development initiatives and government-supported activities.

Essentially, the NGO Darpan ID serves as a digital gateway that connects the NGO to various government ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). It is a part of the government’s broader aim to improve transparency, accountability, and collaboration between public institutions and civil society. The portal facilitates the sharing of information and resources, and helps NGOs get access to schemes, projects, and funding opportunities relevant to their field of work.

The ID issued is not just a number—it represents the presence of the organisation in a national database of NGOs, allowing authorities, donors, and the public to verify the NGO’s existence and basic credentials. Having a Darpan ID is also a mandatory requirement for applying for government grants, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and even for registrations such as FCRA, 12A, and 80G, which are crucial for tax exemption and receiving foreign contributions.

Moreover, the Darpan ID helps the government track which NGOs are involved in which sectors—such as health, education, environment, women empowerment, rural development, etc.—making it easier to allocate schemes and grants based on real-time data. This streamlining of the NGO-government interface also ensures that only verified organisations get access to public funds, reducing the risk of misuse.

To get the NGO Darpan ID, the organisation must register online on https://ngodarpan.gov.in, provide necessary documents such as the registration certificate, PAN, board member details, and upload supporting documents. Once verified, the portal generates the Darpan ID. The NGO Darpan ID is an essential identification number for any NGO looking to gain credibility, expand its operations, and partner with government bodies on development projects across India.

Can Newly Registered NGOs Apply on the NGO Darpan Portal?

Yes, newly registered NGOs can definitely apply on the NGO Darpan portal, provided they meet the basic eligibility requirements and have the necessary documents ready. The portal, developed and maintained by NITI Aayog in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is open to all NGOs, Voluntary Organisations (VOs), Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies that have been legally registered in India. There is no minimum operational age required to initiate registration on the portal, which means even organisations that were incorporated recently can proceed with Darpan Registration.

For newly formed NGOs, it’s important to understand that the NGO Darpan portal primarily functions as a national database and a verification platform. It allows organisations to declare their basic details such as the name, registration number, date of establishment, PAN details, objectives, area of operation, and key management personnel. These details are then reviewed, and if all entries are found valid and supported by appropriate documents, the organisation is issued a Darpan ID—a unique identifier that signifies successful registration.

However, while the portal accepts applications from newly formed NGOs, certain government schemes or funding opportunities that the organisation may want to apply for in the future might still require a proven track record, such as audited financial statements for the past 1–3 years or prior project experience. Hence, while Darpan Registration is accessible immediately after formation, eligibility for grants or CSR funds might depend on the nature of the scheme and its specific criteria.

Newly registered NGOs should ensure they have the following ready before initiating registration:

• A valid registration certificate (Trust Deed, Society Certificate, or Section 8 Incorporation),

• The organisation’s PAN card,

• Aadhaar and PAN of at least three executive members, and

• Details of board members including contact information.

While submitting financial statements or annual reports is optional for new NGOs, having a clearly defined objective and area of work will add value during the verification process. Newly registered NGOs are encouraged to apply on the NGO Darpan portal as early as possible. Doing so helps them gain official recognition, enhance credibility, and build the foundation necessary for future eligibility under government schemes, FCRA, and CSR funding initiatives. Early registration also ensures visibility in the national NGO database from the very beginning of their journey.