Table of Contents
NGO Darpan is an online interface launched by NITI Aayog in association with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) that serves as a transparency and accountability platform for Voluntary Organisations and NGOs in India. It creates a centralised database of all NGOs working in India and facilitates their engagement with the Government of India for grants, CSR funding, and collaborative projects.
- Mandatory for receiving grants from Central Government Ministries and Departments
- Required for FCRA renewal applications
- Required to apply for 12A and 80G registration (Form 10A asks for Darpan ID)
- Increasingly required by corporates for CSR fund disbursement
- Enhances credibility and transparency with donors
Who Can Register on NGO Darpan?
- Registered Societies (under Societies Registration Act, 1860)
- Public Charitable Trusts (registered under Trust Act)
- Section 8 Companies (registered under Companies Act, 2013)
The organisation must be registered for at least 3 years and must have filed its annual returns and financial statements for the previous 3 years to be eligible for government grants through Darpan.
Information You Need to Register
| Category | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Name, registration number, registration date, type, state of registration |
| Governing Body | Names, designations, PAN, Aadhaar, and contact details of all trustees or directors |
| Work Profile | Key focus areas (education, health, environment, livelihood etc.), geographic areas of work |
| Financial | PAN, 12A number, 80G number, FCRA number (if applicable), last 3 years annual receipts |
| Bank | Bank account number, IFSC, bank name and branch |
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Go to the official NGO Darpan portal. Click Sign Up or Register your NGO on the homepage.
Create a login using the NGO registered mobile number and email. OTP verification required on both. Use the official contact of the authorised signatory.
Fill in all 5 sections: Basic Information, Governing Body Members, Work Profile, Financial Details, and Bank Account. Each section must be completed and saved before proceeding.
Upload Registration Certificate, MoA or Trust Deed, PAN card, list of governing body members, and last 3 years annual reports and audited accounts.
After submission, NITI Aayog reviews the application and assigns a Unique Identification Number (UID) - your Darpan ID. Typically takes 7-15 working days.
Many NGOs confuse NGO Darpan with FCRA registration. NGO Darpan is for transparency and accessing domestic government grants. FCRA registration (with the Ministry of Home Affairs) is required for receiving foreign contributions or donations from abroad. An NGO can and should have both.
NGO Darpan registration is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for institutional donor trust and CSR partnerships. Legal Chanakya assists NGOs with complete Darpan registration, profile setup, and annual updates, along with FCRA and 12A or 80G applications.
Need Help with Licenses & Registrations?
Get expert assistance from our CA/CS & legal professionals — fast, affordable, and 100% compliant.