NGO Darpan Registration
The NITI Aayog listing a voluntary organisation needs before it can apply for government grants.
NGO Darpan is the portal maintained by NITI Aayog on which voluntary organisations register to obtain a unique identity number. That number is a precondition for applying for grants from most central government ministries.
It is not a licence and it confers no legal status. What it does is put your organisation into the database that ministries draw on when disbursing grants — and without it, an application for central funding will not proceed.
What this costs
Basic
₹5,604 plus GST
- Application prepared for you
- Application submitted on your behalf
- Darpan Number
- Darpan Certificate
Who registers
- Trusts, societies and Section 8 companies pursuing charitable or developmental work
- Organisations intending to apply for grants from central government ministries
- Organisations required to hold the unique identity number under a scheme they are applying to
- Organisations that need to be visible to ministries for partnership opportunities
What it does and does not do
Registration provides a unique identity number and lists your organisation in the government database. It does not grant tax exemption, does not permit receipt of foreign contribution, and does not itself entitle you to any grant.
Those come from elsewhere — Section 12A for exemption, 80G for donor deductions, and FCRA registration for foreign contribution. Darpan sits alongside them rather than replacing any of them.
Aadhaar of office bearers is required
The registration requires the Aadhaar number and details of at least three office bearers, and their mobile numbers must be linked to Aadhaar for the one-time password verification.
Where an office bearer is a foreign national, a passport is used instead. Inconsistency between the name on Aadhaar and the name in the organisation’s records is the usual cause of a failed registration.
How we handle it
- 1 Checking consistency Office bearer names are checked against Aadhaar and the organisation’s records, since a mismatch is what usually causes failure.
- 2 Preparing the application The application is completed with the organisation, sector and office bearer details.
- 3 Aadhaar verification Office bearers complete one-time password verification against their linked mobile numbers.
- 4 Filing The application is submitted on the NGO Darpan portal.
- 5 Unique ID issued The unique identity number is generated and provided to you for use in grant applications.
- 6 Keeping it current We advise on updating the record when office bearers or activities change, since ministries rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Darpan registration compulsory?
Not in itself. It becomes effectively compulsory when you apply for a grant from a central government ministry, because the application requires the unique identity number.
Does it give tax exemption?
No. Exemption comes from Section 12A registration with the income tax authorities, and donor deductions from 80G approval. Darpan is separate from both.
Can we receive foreign donations with it?
No. Foreign contribution requires FCRA registration or prior permission. Darpan registration has no bearing on that.
How many office bearers are needed?
At least three, with Aadhaar numbers and mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar for verification. A foreign national office bearer uses a passport instead.
Does it need renewal?
There is no periodic renewal, but the record should be kept current when office bearers, activities or contact details change, since ministries rely on what is shown.
What is not included. Government fees, statutory charges, stamp duty, court and registry fees, digital signature costs and any third-party professional charges are separate and payable at actuals. GST applies on professional fees where indicated. Prices shown are indicative and may change without notice; we confirm the total in writing before any work begins — see our terms on pricing.
Talk to us about NGO Darpan Registration
Share your requirement and our team will confirm the documents needed, the exact charges and a realistic timeline — usually the same working day.
- Expert document checking before submission
- Regular status updates on WhatsApp
- Transparent professional charges
- Assistance in Marathi & English
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