NGO Darpan Registration - Get Your NITI Aayog Unique ID
NGO Darpan is a free NITI Aayog portal that issues every Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company a Unique ID - the reference number government ministries, state departments, and a growing number of CSR programmes now check before releasing grants or corporate funding. A complete, error-free Darpan profile also strengthens 12A, 80G, and FCRA applications, since funders and reviewers increasingly cross-check your Darpan listing. We set up your account, draft your organisation profile and activity write-up, upload documents in the correct format, and follow up with the reviewing department until your Unique ID is issued - so your listing goes live without the data-entry mistakes that cause delays.
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Governing body
- NITI AayogRuns the NGO-PS (NGO Partnership System) portal
- Portal
- ngodarpan.gov.inOfficial registration portal
- Government fee
- ₹0Registration itself is free
- What you get
- Unique IDA reference/registration number for your organisation
- Eligible entities
- Trust, Society, Section 8 Co.Registered NGOs / voluntary organisations
- Typical time
- Few days to a few weeksDepends on document quality and department review
- Often linked to
- CSR & grant eligibilityIncreasingly cross-checked with 80G/12A/FCRA
- After registration
- Keep profile updatedOutdated details can affect funder checks
What is NGO Darpan registration?
NGO Darpan is an initiative of NITI Aayog, run through the NGO-PS (NGO Partnership System) portal at ngodarpan.gov.in, that gives every registered Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company a Unique ID. It was created to build a searchable national database of voluntary organisations working across India, so government departments can identify, verify, and engage with genuine NGOs more easily.
In practice, the Unique ID is the reference most central and state government ministries now ask for before considering an NGO for a grant, scheme partnership, or scheme-linked funding. A growing number of corporate CSR programmes and CSR-listing portals also check for an active NGO Darpan profile before onboarding an implementation partner.
NGO Darpan registration is not a tax registration and is separate from 12A/12AB (income tax exemption), 80G (donor tax deduction), and FCRA (foreign contribution) registration - it does not replace any of them. However, several state departments and, increasingly, the 80G/12A and FCRA application processes ask organisations to quote their Darpan Unique ID, so most NGOs get it done early and keep it current alongside their other registrations.
NGO Darpan vs 12A / 80G vs FCRA - what each one actually does
These are commonly confused because NGOs often need all of them - but they serve different purposes and are issued by different authorities.
NGO Darpan ID
Identification and transparency database for NGOs, run by NITI Aayog
12A / 80G / FCRA
Tax exemption for the NGO (12A), donor tax deduction (80G), or permission to receive foreign funds (FCRA)
| Aspect | NGO Darpan ID | 12A / 80G / FCRA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identification and transparency database for NGOs, run by NITI Aayog | Tax exemption for the NGO (12A), donor tax deduction (80G), or permission to receive foreign funds (FCRA) |
| Issuing authority | NITI Aayog, via the NGO-PS portal | Income Tax Department (12A/80G) or Ministry of Home Affairs (FCRA) |
| Cost | ✓ Free | ✕ Nil for 12A/80G; a nominal government fee for FCRA |
| Mandatory for | Most government grants, many CSR programmes, several state welfare schemes | Income tax exemption, donor deductions, or legally receiving foreign contributions |
| Do you need all of them? | Recommended for every registered NGO, regardless of funding source | Apply based on your NGO's actual funding sources and tax position |
| Increasingly cross-checked with | 12A, 80G, and FCRA application reviews | A valid NGO Darpan ID and profile |
Who needs NGO Darpan registration?
NGO Darpan registration is open to any registered voluntary organisation, and is worth doing early even if you are not applying for a grant right now.
- Any registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company seeking government grants or scheme-linked funding
- NGOs applying for or renewing CSR-linked partnerships with companies and CSR foundations
- Organisations that want a verifiable public profile confirming their existence, structure, and activities
- NGOs planning to apply for or renew 12A, 80G, or FCRA registration, where a Darpan ID is increasingly requested
- NGOs applying to state-level welfare, development, or empanelment schemes that check the NGO-PS database
- Newly registered NGOs that want to establish a compliance and transparency record from day one
By entity type
| Entity | Governed by | Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Public Charitable Trust | Indian Trusts Act, 1888 / State Trust Acts | ✓ Yes |
| Society | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | ✓ Yes |
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013, Section 8 | ✓ Yes |
| Unregistered voluntary group | Not applicable | ✕ No |
| Private / family trust | Indian Trusts Act, 1888 | ✕ No |
Documents needed for NGO Darpan registration
Common to every entity
- Registration certificate (Trust Deed / Society Certificate / Section 8 Incorporation Certificate)Mandatory
- PAN of the organisationMandatory
- Registered office address proofMandatory
- List of governing body members / trustees / directors with contact detailsMandatory
- Details of key functionaries (Chairperson, Secretary, CEO, etc.)Mandatory
- Brief write-up of the NGO's activities and objectivesMandatory
- Bank account details of the organisationMandatory
- Working email ID and mobile number for portal verificationMandatory
- Annual report or activity photographs (if available)
Entity-specific
| Entity | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| Trust | Trust Deed, PAN, list of trustees with contact and ID details |
| Society | Society Registration Certificate, Memorandum & bye-laws, PAN, governing body list |
| Section 8 Company | Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA, PAN, director details and DINs |
Get the NGO Darpan document checklist as a PDF
A one-page checklist for NGO Darpan registration across Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company.
How NGO Darpan registration works
Registration is done entirely online on the NGO-PS portal - the key to a fast approval is a complete, consistent profile.
Create an account on ngodarpan.gov.in
Register using the organisation's email ID and mobile number. This account is where your entire profile, document uploads, and Unique ID will live.
Fill the organisation profile
Enter your entity type, registration details, address, sector of work, and key functionary information. We draft this using your registration documents so every field matches exactly.
Write and upload your activity description
A clear, specific description of what your NGO does - not a generic template - makes verification smoother. We draft this write-up as part of the service.
Upload supporting documents
Registration certificate, PAN, and other supporting documents are uploaded in the format the portal expects. Mismatched or unclear scans are a common cause of delay.
Submit for verification
The relevant government department or ministry linked to your sector reviews the profile before it goes live.
Receive your Unique ID
Once verified, you get a permanent NGO Darpan Unique ID / Registration Number, which you can cite in grant applications, CSR partnerships, and other registrations.
You can register on ngodarpan.gov.in yourself for free - there is no government fee. Where we add value is making sure your organisation profile, activity write-up, and uploaded documents are consistent with your registration certificate and PAN, since mismatches are the most common reason profiles are sent back or delayed.
How long does NGO Darpan registration take?
Timelines depend on the reviewing department, not just on NITI Aayog - a complete profile is the biggest factor you control.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Profile drafting and document collection | 1-2 days |
| Portal submission | Same day |
| Government department verification | A few days to a few weeks |
| Unique ID issuance | Upon verification approval |
Verification timelines are set by the reviewing department or ministry, not by NITI Aayog, and can vary. We follow up on pending profiles but cannot control the department's internal review schedule.
How much does NGO Darpan registration cost?
NGO Darpan registration itself has no government fee. Our professional fee covers profile drafting, document preparation, and verification follow-up.
Darpan Basic
Core NGO Darpan registration
- Account setup on ngodarpan.gov.in
- Organisation profile and activity write-up
- Document preparation and upload
- Verification follow-up until Unique ID is issued
Darpan + Compliance Check
Registration plus a cross-check with your other registrations
- Everything in Darpan Basic
- Consistency check against PAN, 12A/80G, and FCRA records (if any)
- Profile optimisation for grant and CSR review
- Priority follow-up with the reviewing department
NGO Complete Package
Darpan ID plus guidance on 12A/80G alignment
- Everything in Darpan + Compliance Check
- 12A/80G application guidance (filing quoted separately)
- 1 year of profile update and renewal reminders
- Dedicated point of contact
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| NGO Darpan Unique ID (government fee) | ₹0 | Included in plan |
| NGO Darpan registration (professional fee) | N/A | ₹2,999 |
| Profile consistency check with 12A/80G/FCRA | N/A | ₹4,000 (add-on) / included in higher plans |
| Annual profile update and renewal support | N/A | ₹1,999 per year (add-on) |
Not included in any tier:
- ✕ 12A/12AB and 80G registration itself (available as a separate service)
- ✕ FCRA registration (available as a separate service)
- ✕ Any scheme-specific application fees charged by individual government departments
- ✕ Charges for reworking submissions due to incorrect information supplied by the organisation
Which NGO Darpan package do you need?
Answer three quick questions and we will recommend the right package.
Is your organisation already registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company?
Do you already have 12A/80G or FCRA registration?
How soon do you need your Darpan Unique ID?
What benefits does NGO Darpan registration give you?
Grant and CSR eligibility
- Many central and state government grant schemes now require a valid NGO Darpan Unique ID before considering an application
- Corporate CSR teams and CSR-listing platforms increasingly check for an active Darpan profile before onboarding an implementation partner
Credibility and transparency
- A public, searchable profile on a NITI Aayog-run database signals legitimacy to donors, partners, and government reviewers
- Reduces duplicate documentation - departments can look up your organisation's basic details instead of asking for them repeatedly
Compliance linkage
- An active Darpan profile is increasingly referenced during 12A/80G renewal and FCRA registration review, even though it is a separate registration
- Keeps a single, consistent record of your organisation's structure and functionaries that other registrations can be cross-checked against
Common NGO Darpan registration mistakes
Mismatched details between the Darpan profile and registration certificate/PAN
Even small differences in name, address, or spelling between documents and the profile can trigger a query or rejection. We cross-check every field against your official documents before submission.
Vague or generic activity description
Reviewers look for a specific description of what your NGO actually does - programmes, beneficiaries, and geography. A copied or generic write-up slows down verification.
Treating the Darpan ID as a substitute for 12A, 80G, or FCRA
NGO Darpan is an identity and transparency registration, not a tax or foreign-funding registration. You still need 12A/80G for tax benefits and FCRA to receive foreign contributions.
Not updating the profile after office-bearer or address changes
An outdated profile can fail a funder's verification check. Update your Darpan profile whenever trustees, directors, or your registered address change.
Uploading an old or illegible scan of the registration certificate
Use a clear, current scan of your registration certificate and PAN - blurry or outdated documents are a common reason for delay.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
Why register for NGO Darpan through us
Frequently asked questions
NGO Darpan is a NITI Aayog initiative, run through the NGO-PS portal at ngodarpan.gov.in, that gives every registered Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company a Unique ID. It creates a searchable national database of voluntary organisations that government departments use to identify and verify NGOs, particularly for grants and scheme partnerships.
Yes, registration on the NGO Darpan portal itself is free - there is no government fee. Professional service fees, like ours, cover drafting an accurate organisation profile and handling document uploads and verification follow-up correctly.
It is not legally mandatory for every NGO to exist, but in practice it has become a near-mandatory step: most central and state government grant schemes, and a growing number of CSR programmes, require an active NGO Darpan Unique ID before considering funding or partnership.
Any registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company can register on NGO Darpan. Unregistered voluntary groups and private/family trusts that do not qualify as public charitable organisations are not eligible - you need a valid registration certificate first.
NGO Darpan is an identification and transparency database run by NITI Aayog - it does not give any tax benefit. 12A registration exempts the NGO's surplus income from tax, and 80G allows donors to claim a tax deduction. These are separate registrations handled by the Income Tax Department.
NGO Darpan is a domestic identity registration and has nothing to do with receiving foreign funds. FCRA registration, granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is what actually permits an NGO to legally receive foreign contributions. However, a valid Darpan ID is increasingly requested as part of the FCRA application and renewal process.
Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the relevant government department reviews and verifies the profile. A complete, consistent profile with clear documents is the biggest factor in avoiding delays - NITI Aayog does not control individual departments' review speed.
The registration certificate (Trust Deed, Society Certificate, or Section 8 Incorporation Certificate), PAN of the organisation, registered office address proof, details of governing body members and key functionaries, a written activity description, and bank account details.
Yes. Unlike FCRA, which generally requires a multi-year track record, NGO Darpan registration has no minimum age requirement - a newly registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company can apply as soon as it has its registration certificate and PAN.
No. NGO Darpan registration makes your organisation discoverable and often eligible to apply for grants and CSR partnerships - it does not guarantee funding. Each scheme or corporate partner still evaluates applications on their own criteria.
No, each legally registered entity should have a single NGO Darpan Unique ID. If your NGO operates in multiple states or districts, this is generally reflected within the same profile rather than through separate IDs.
The Unique ID itself does not expire the way a licence does, but you should keep your profile updated whenever trustees, directors, office-bearers, or your registered address change. An outdated profile can fail a funder's verification check even though the ID remains valid.
You can request a correction through the portal or the reviewing department, but incorrect submissions can cause delays while the department re-verifies the updated information. It is faster to get the details right the first time, which is where our document cross-check helps.
Yes, indirectly. A growing number of corporate CSR teams and CSR-listing platforms check for an active NGO Darpan profile as part of their due diligence before onboarding an NGO as an implementation partner, alongside 12A, 80G, and (where relevant) FCRA status.
No. Udyam/MSME registration is for businesses and is unrelated to NGO Darpan, which is specifically a database for Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies (voluntary organisations). The two serve completely different purposes and authorities.
NGO Darpan is managed by NITI Aayog through the NGO Partnership System (NGO-PS), a portal built to connect voluntary organisations with various government ministries and departments for grants, schemes, and partnership programmes.
Written by Priya Menon, NGO Compliance Advisor · Reviewed by CA Rohit Bansal, FCA, advises NGOs and trusts on registration and grant compliance
Last updated 9 September 2026
Sources
- NGO Darpan - Official Portal (NITI Aayog)
- NITI Aayog
- Income Tax Department - 12A/80G information
- FCRA Online - Ministry of Home Affairs
Registration procedures and eligibility details on this page are verified against the NGO Darpan portal and NITI Aayog guidance current as of the last updated date. Government portal requirements can change; confirm specifics with our team before applying.
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