NGO Darpan (NITI Aayog) Registration

NGO Darpan is a database of NGOs and voluntary organisations maintained by NITI Aayog. A verified profile receives a unique ID that government ministries, the FCRA process and many CSR teams now expect. No law makes it compulsory, but in practice an organisation that wants government grants, foreign contributions or corporate funding needs it. We prepare the documents, complete the profile and link the ID to the organisation's other registrations.

What the Darpan ID is used for

• Government grants: most ministries ask for the unique ID before considering an application.
• FCRA: required when applying for or renewing registration to receive foreign contributions.
• 12AB and 80G: organisations' details are increasingly cross-checked against the database.
• CSR: companies check governing body details on the portal before funding.
• Credibility: an up-to-date profile shows donors the organisation is active.

Who can register

Only registered non-profit organisations, not individuals or informal groups:

• public charitable trusts;
• societies registered under the Societies Registration Act or state law;
• Section 8 companies;
• other registered voluntary organisations working for social welfare, education or charity.

The organisation must already be registered, since the registration certificate is a core document.

Documents to prepare first

• Registration certificate
• PAN of the organisation
• PAN and Aadhaar of at least three governing body members
• Registered office address
• Bank details
• 12AB and 80G certificates, if held
• A short profile of activities, sectors and areas of work
• An organisation email and mobile number, since they are shown publicly

The process

1. Sign up on the NGO Darpan portal with the organisation's PAN, which is verified with income tax records.
2. Verify the mobile number and email by OTP.
3. Enter organisation details: registration number and date, registering authority, sectors and areas of operation.
4. Add PAN and Aadhaar of at least three governing body members, verified online.
5. Enter funding details: government grants received and FCRA status.
6. Upload documents and complete the profile.
7. Submit, and receive the unique ID after verification.

Incomplete profiles may be removed after a period, so it is best to start only when every governing body member's details are ready. Verification usually takes from a week to a month after a complete submission.

Where applications get stuck

• Starting before governing body documents are ready
• Using personal email addresses and phone numbers that later need changing
• PAN or Aadhaar details that don't match
• Treating it as one-time: profiles with outdated members, reports or addresses look inactive
• Assuming registration guarantees funding; it is a precondition, not a grant

How we help

We review the organisation's documents, check governing body details before upload, complete and submit the profile, follow it through verification, and keep it updated each year. For organisations with 12AB, 80G or FCRA registrations, we make sure the details match across all of them. See also trust, society and Section 8 company registration.

Common questions

Is NGO Darpan registration compulsory?

No law requires it, but it is needed for FCRA and most government grants, and many CSR partners expect it.

Is there a fee?

There is no government fee.

Can it be done entirely online?

Yes. No office visit is needed.