NGO Darpan is a government-sanctioned online portal by NITI Aayog, which is intended for NGOs and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) in India to get registered, obtain acknowledgement from the government, and avail of the grants or CSR funds. If you are managing an NGO and aiming to be a beneficiary of the government-funded schemes, then this registration is going to be your initial step. We present you with detailed guidance regarding the registration procedure, necessary documents, and how it can foster your NGO’s growth.
Suppose you are operating an NGO or are about to constitute a project; you may want to walk through the whole registration process with us, along with all the documents you will require and the benefits you will enjoy post-enrollment on NGO Darpan. Formal NGO registration process would have to be completed before proceeding with the application for a Darpan ID.
What is NGO Darpan?
The year 2015 witnessed the establishment of the NGO Darpan under NITI Aayog to maintain transparency and accountability in NGO work. The NGO Darpan Portal offers an official platform where Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) can register and obtain a unique identity number, called the Darpan ID. This ID is usually required when applying for government donations and grants.
Key Features of NGO Darpan:
- Centralised database for all NGOs in India.
- Ensures transparency in the operations of NGOs.
- It provides funding opportunities through government schemes.
- Mandatory for government grants and partnerships.
Who Can Register on NGO Darpan Portal?
Not all organisations are eligible to register on NGO Darpan. To qualify, an NGO Darpan ID must fall into one of the following categories:
- Trusts- Registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882.
- Societies- Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)- Registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Other Legally Registered Organisations- Organisations that meet the necessary guidelines.
NGO Darpan Registration Documents
Prior to the initiation of the registration process, ensure that you have the documents mentioned below ready:
Documents Needed
- NGO Registration Certificate – Proof of legal establishment under Trust Act, Societies Act, or Companies Act.
- PAN Card of the NGO – Mandatory for financial identification.
- Registration Certificate of NGO – This is the proof of the legal registration of the NGO.
- Address Proof – The office address needs to be verified (utility bill, rent agreement, etc.).
- Details of the Chief Functionary – Provide the name, designation, and contact details.
- PAN or Aadhaar Card of Key Members – The founder, chief functionary, or managing committee members must provide these for verification.
- Details of Activities and Funding – A brief overview of the organization’s past and ongoing projects, along with funding sources.
- Annual Reports and Financial Statements – They serve as the proof of the NGO’s work and financial transactions.
NGO Darpan Registration Fees
The registration of NGO Darpan is entirely free and without any government charges. Only in case of registration through professionals, the professional fee is applicable.
Step-by-Step NGO Darpan Registration Process
The NGO-DARPAN (NGO-Data Analytics and Research Platform) Registration process is fully automated on the internet. To register your NGO, please do the following:
- The first step in the process is to complete and submit the registration form, including essential details like NGO's name, registration number, sector, and contact information.
- The second step is to upload the necessary supporting documents, such as the Certificate of Registration, PAN card, annual reports, and information about the bank account.
- Now, the next step is to click the “Submit” button to complete the registration process.
- The NGO will be sent an acknowledgement email which will contain a unique ID and instructions on how to activate the account.
- The next step is to click on the link provided to activate the account and create a password.
- Using the unique ID and password, log in to the NGO-DARPAN portal.
- Fill out the information regarding the organization, such as its area of operation, beneficiaries, and activities.
- Finally, publish the profile so that it can be viewed by other NGOs and government agencies.
Important Note: The verification procedure may take a few days or even weeks depending on the correctness of the documents submitted.
NGO Darpan Registration Benefits
The benefits of the NGO Darpan Portal during the registration process for your NGO can greatly influence the development of your organization and its ability to obtain funds. Listed below are some of the main advantages of the NGO Darpan portal:
Involvement of the Government in Grants and Funding
Registration of NGOs on the NGO Darpan portal facilitates their application for government grants, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding and foreign contributions. Before approving the funding applications, most ministries make it mandatory for NGOs to have a Darpan ID. This practice enables NGOs to get the financial support required for their project growth and increasing their influence.
Building of Credibility and Trust
The registration of an NGO on the Darpan portal guarantees its acceptance and recognition by NITI Aayog, thus enhancing its reputation. Registered NGOs are trusted more by donors, corporate or foreign organizations. It gives authenticity and legitimacy, which, in turn, increases the trust of donors.
Partnership Opportunities
The Darpan ID allows NGOs to forge alliances not only with government but also with corporate sector organizations. It also gives access to discussions around policy, advocacy, and research. Moreover, it allows NGOs to broaden their networks and to partner with other organizations operating in the same field.
Recognition and Exposure
Getting onto the NGO Darpan list may be a big step for an NGO towards being seen by the potential donors and partners. It offers a government-verified platform for the organization's projects, achievements, and goals, which is a key factor in building trust and credibility, especially in international collaborations.
New Compliance Update (2025): Darpan ID Mandatory for NGO Banking & Funding
In late 2025, a Darpan ID that is valid will be mandatory for all NGOs in India to open new or retain existing bank accounts, to get through the KYC verification process, or to receive CSR and government funding. This is a change designed to enhance transparency and to put in place a system of accountability as far as the financial management by the non-profits are concerned. It is an update that includes all the NGOs that are registered under the Trust Act, Societies Act, or Companies Act. NGOs without a Darpan ID might have their donation and grant receiving process delayed or even restricted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
A lot of NGOs are encountering hardships and even getting their applications rejected in the process of Darpan Registration over just minor mistakes. Below are some of the main mistakes along with some suggestions to avoid them:
Providing Information That Is Incorrect or Incomplete
- Verify that the name, address, and legal status of the NGO are in agreement with the official records.
- Check the spelling of the name and the number very carefully before submitting.
- Any discrepancy might cause a delay or rejection of the application.
Uploading Documents That Are Not Clear or Are Wrong
- The documents must be scanned in a clear manner and in the prescribed format (PDF, JPEG, PNG).
- Confirm that the PAN Card, Certificate of Registration, and proof of address are all legible.
- The application could be rejected due to documents that are unclear or not current.
Conclusion- Simplify Your Darpan Registration Process with JustStart
NGO Darpan Registration is an essential step for NGOs to get funding, establish their legitimacy, and receive government recognition. The procedure, however, can be complicated and it necessitates meticulous documentation and adherence to rules. JustStart takes care of the whole registration process for you, providing correctness and fast approval so that your NGO can put its effort in the area of greater impact.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it compulsory to obtain NGO Darpan registration for every non-governmental organization?
No, NGO Darpan registration is not compulsory but it is important to apply for government grants and funding. It also adds to the trustworthiness of your non-profit organization.
How long must one wait for Darpan registration?
The whole process may take 7 to 30 days, approximately depending upon the correctness of the documents provided and the verification process.
Can overseas NGOs get registered on NGO Darpan?
No, NGO Darpan is exclusively for NGOs with registration in India. The foreign NGOs should follow FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) rules to be able to operate in India.
What should I do in case my NGO Darpan application has been turned down?
Find out the reason for application rejection, rectify the mistakes, and submit a new application with the required modifications.
Is there any charge for registration on NGO Darpan?
There is no charge for registration on the NGO Darpan portal. Only professional fees are charged when you go through the registration process with outside agencies.
