Darpan Registration Services for NGOs & Trusts
NITI Aayog Portal, Government Grant Eligibility
Complete Darpan registration for NGOs, charitable trusts, societies, and section 8 companies — eligibility assessment, document preparation, portal filing, Unique ID issuance, and annual profile update across India.
Overview
What Is NGO Darpan and Why Does It Matter?
If your NGO, charitable trust, or society wants to receive government grants, CSR funding from companies, or financial support from central government ministries and departments, one registration has become the non-negotiable gateway: Darpan — the NGO Darpan portal operated by NITI Aayog.
NGO Darpan is a free, government-operated online platform that serves as the central database of voluntary organisations (VOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered in India. A Darpan registration gives your organisation a Unique ID that is recognised across central government ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings as the standard identifier for NGOs seeking government grants, government schemes, and CSR partnerships.
N D Savla & Associates provides complete Darpan registration services for NGOs, charitable trusts, societies, and section 8 companies across Mumbai and India. We handle the entire process — from eligibility assessment and document preparation to portal application filing, Unique ID issuance follow-up, and annual profile update support. For organisations that also need 12A and 80G registration or trust audit services, we manage all requirements under one roof.
Eligibility
Who Can Register on NGO Darpan?
Darpan registration is available to any voluntary organisation legally registered in India under an applicable law:
| Organisation Type | Applicable Registration Law | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Charitable Trust | Indian Trusts Act, 1882; state Public Trusts Acts (e.g. Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950) | Educational trusts, healthcare trusts, relief trusts, religious trusts |
| Society | Societies Registration Act, 1860 and state equivalents | Charitable societies, welfare societies, cultural societies |
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013 — Section 8 | NGOs as not-for-profit companies, foundations, development organisations |
| Religious Organisation | Relevant state public trust or charitable institution registration | Temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras with formal registration |
| Other Voluntary Organisations | Any applicable central or state legislation | Cooperatives in social work, village development organisations, SHG federations |
Why Darpan
Why Your NGO Needs a Darpan Unique ID
Mandatory for Government Grants
Under GFR 2017 Rule 230, central government ministries cannot process NGO grant applications without a valid Darpan Unique ID.
Required for FCRA Registration
The Ministry of Home Affairs requires Darpan Unique ID as a mandatory field in the FCRA registration and renewal application. Darpan first — FCRA second.
CSR Funding Prerequisite
Large corporates require Darpan registration as standard due diligence for NGO empanelment under Companies Act Section 135 CSR obligations.
Government Scheme Participation
PM CARES, ministry grant schemes, and national social welfare programmes require implementing NGOs to be registered on Darpan.
PFMS Integration
Government funds are transferred directly via PFMS using the Darpan Unique ID. Without it, direct government fund transfers cannot be processed.
Free Registration
Darpan registration on the NGO Darpan portal is completely free of government fees — there is no charge for obtaining or maintaining a Darpan Unique ID.
Documents Required
Document Checklist for Darpan Registration
The following documents are required for NGO Darpan registration. Each governing body member must also complete mobile OTP verification on the portal:
- Registration certificate — trust deed registration, society registration, or certificate of incorporation (Section 8)
- PAN card of the organisation — in the name of the trust, society, or section 8 company
- 12A and 80G certificates — if obtained (not mandatory for Darpan but strengthens the profile)
- Constitution / trust deed / MoA — the governing document of the organisation
- Governing body details — name, designation, Aadhaar, PAN, and contact details of all trustees or committee members
- Audited financial statements — last 3 years if available; newly registered organisations submit what is available
- Bank account details — account number, IFSC, and bank name with a cancelled cheque or bank certificate
- Project and activity details — description of the organisation's work, beneficiary details, and geographical area
- FCRA registration number — if the organisation is already FCRA-registered
Our Process
How We Handle Darpan Registration — Step by Step
From engagement to Darpan Unique ID issuance, here is exactly what we do:
Eligibility and Readiness Assessment
Document Collection and Verification
NGO Darpan Portal Registration and Profile Creation
Document Upload and Application Submission
Darpan Unique ID Issuance and Verification
Annual Profile Update and Ongoing Support
FCRA Connection
Darpan Registration and FCRA — The Essential Sequence
For NGOs that receive or intend to receive foreign contributions — from international donors, foreign foundations, overseas Indians, or foreign companies — FCRA registration is mandatory. And FCRA registration requires a Darpan Unique ID.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has made Darpan Unique ID a mandatory field in both new FCRA registration and FCRA renewal applications. An organisation without Darpan registration cannot apply for FCRA. The Ministry of Home Affairs also accesses the NGO's Darpan profile as part of its FCRA due diligence process.
Government Grants
Darpan and Government Grant Applications — How They Connect
The primary purpose of Darpan registration for most NGOs is to unlock eligibility for central government grants:
| Stage | Darpan's Role | Without Darpan |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application screening | Ministry checks for valid Darpan Unique ID as a first filter | Application rejected at screening — mandatory under GFR 2017 Rule 230 |
| Due diligence | Ministry officials access Darpan profile to verify registration, financials, and past projects | No public profile available — credibility cannot be independently verified |
| Grant agreement | Darpan Unique ID cited as the official identifier in the grant agreement | Grant agreement cannot be executed without the Darpan ID |
| Utilisation reporting | Utilisation certificates and project reports reference the Darpan Unique ID | Reports cannot be linked to the official NGO database record |
| PFMS integration | NGO bank account linked to PFMS using Darpan Unique ID for direct fund transfer | Government funds cannot be transferred directly through PFMS |
Related Services
NGO Compliance Services We Handle Alongside Darpan
Darpan is one part of an NGO's compliance picture. Our broader NGO and trust practice covers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions on Darpan Registration
What is NGO Darpan and who needs to register?
Is Darpan registration free?
What documents are needed for Darpan registration?
Is Darpan registration required for FCRA?
How long does Darpan registration take?
Ready to Register Your NGO on Darpan?
Whether your trust or NGO needs Darpan registration for a government grant, CSR funding, or FCRA application — we handle the complete process across Mumbai and India.
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