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Obtaining NGO Darpan Unique ID is quick and easy, and can be done online with ngoministry.com in 3 simple steps.
We verify your documents.
We submit your application.
We follow up with Niti Aayog.
NGO Darpan is an online platform managed by NITI Aayog, Government of India, where NGOs must register to access government schemes, grants, and CSR opportunities. It ensures transparency and credibility for NGOs working across India.
Mandatory for applying to government funding and projects
Builds trust with donors, corporates, and stakeholders
Provides a unique NGO ID for recognition and compliance
Strengthens accountability and governance
Registration Certificate (Not applicable to Trusts);
MOA, AOA & Rules (Not applicable to Trusts);
Trust Deed;
PAN, Email ID & Mobile No. of Organisation;
PAN, Aadhar, Email Id & Mobile No. of all office bearers.
NGO DARPAN ID is a unique identification number allotted to eligible NGOs/voluntary organisations after registration on the NGO DARPAN portal of NITI Aayog. It helps the Government maintain a centralised database of NGOs and voluntary organisations.
The NGO DARPAN Portal is an initiative of NITI Aayog intended to create a database of voluntary organisations/NGOs operating in India and facilitate interaction between NGOs and Government departments.
Generally, organisations such as the following can register on NGO DARPAN:
The organisation should have valid registration/incorporation documents and the required information for registration.
DARPAN registration has become important for NGOs seeking various Government-related benefits and registrations. In particular, DARPAN ID is required in connection with FCRA registration and prior permission applications under the current FCRA framework.
Yes. An organisation seeking FCRA registration is required to have a valid DARPAN ID and furnish it in the FCRA application.
Yes. An organisation applying for FCRA Prior Permission is also required to provide its DARPAN ID as part of the applicable FCRA application process.
No.
These are completely different:
| DARPAN ID | FCRA Registration |
|---|---|
| Issued through NITI Aayog's NGO DARPAN system | Granted by Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Identifies the NGO/voluntary organisation | Permits eligible organisation to receive foreign contribution |
| Does not authorise receipt of foreign contribution | Authorises receipt/utilisation of foreign contribution subject to law |
| Does not replace FCRA registration | Separate statutory approval |
No. DARPAN registration does not authorise an NGO to receive foreign contribution.
The NGO must have valid FCRA Registration or FCRA Prior Permission, as applicable.
Depending upon the organisation and portal requirements, information/documents may include:
Yes. The organisation's PAN and other identifying information are generally required for registration.
The portal may require the organisation to provide bank-related information. The exact information required should be verified on the current NGO DARPAN portal at the time of registration.
Yes, subject to satisfying the portal's registration requirements and providing the requisite incorporation and organisational information.
Yes, provided the trust has been validly constituted and possesses the documents and information required by the portal.
Yes. A duly registered society can register on the NGO DARPAN portal subject to the applicable requirements.
The broad process is:
The time can vary depending upon the completeness of the application, verification requirements and portal processing. An NGO should therefore avoid assuming that the ID will necessarily be generated immediately.
Registration on the NGO DARPAN portal is generally intended as a Government registration facility and no normal registration fee is charged by NITI Aayog for obtaining the DARPAN ID. Applicants should nevertheless verify the current portal position before filing.
An organisation should generally maintain one DARPAN registration corresponding to its legal entity. A trust, society or Section 8 company should not create multiple registrations for the same legal entity merely because it has different projects or activities.
No. DARPAN ID is intended to uniquely identify the registered organisation.
They are different identification numbers.
For example:
No.
PAN identifies the organisation for income-tax purposes, whereas DARPAN ID identifies the NGO/voluntary organisation within the NGO DARPAN system.
No.
CSR-1 is a separate registration/filing under the Companies Act framework for entities seeking eligibility for undertaking CSR activities. DARPAN ID is a separate NGO identification mechanism.
DARPAN ID and CSR-1 serve different purposes. An organisation's eligibility to undertake CSR activities and receive CSR funding should be examined under the Companies Act, 2013 and CSR Rules, including the applicable CSR-1 requirements.
Therefore, DARPAN ID should not be treated as a substitute for CSR-1.
DARPAN ID and 12AB registration are separate registrations. DARPAN ID does not replace 12AB registration, and 12AB is governed by the Income-tax Act.
DARPAN ID and 80G approval are separate matters. An NGO must satisfy the applicable Income-tax requirements for 80G.
Generally, no. The DARPAN ID is required to be furnished for the relevant FCRA application.
Differences in:
can create verification or compliance issues.
It is advisable to ensure that the organisation's DARPAN, PAN, constitutional documents, Income-tax records, bank records and FCRA records are consistent and updated.
Yes. Changes in the organisation's particulars should be updated on the DARPAN portal wherever the portal provides an update facility.
The NGO should update its records with the relevant statutory authorities and, where applicable, update the corresponding information on NGO DARPAN.
The organisation should update its governing body/key person information on DARPAN wherever required and ensure that the change is also reflected in its constitutional/statutory records.
The organisation should first complete the legally required name-change process and then ensure that the changed name is updated across relevant records, including NGO DARPAN.
An organisation's DARPAN registration may be subject to the portal's verification and administrative processes. NGOs should therefore maintain accurate and updated information.
The organisation should use the portal's available login/retrieval mechanisms or contact the relevant DARPAN support mechanism to retrieve its registration details.
The NGO should seek correction/update through the available portal facility and maintain documentary evidence supporting the correct information.
NGO DARPAN is primarily intended for Indian NGOs/voluntary organisations. A foreign organisation should not assume that it can obtain a DARPAN ID merely because it operates or funds projects in India.
DARPAN registration can be important for NGOs seeking Government grants and interaction with Government departments. Specific schemes may prescribe their own eligibility and registration requirements.
No. Registration on DARPAN does not create an automatic entitlement to Government grants.
The NGO must separately satisfy the eligibility criteria of the relevant Government scheme/department.
DARPAN registration provides an identification/database mechanism, but it should not be treated as a blanket certification or guarantee of the NGO's activities, financial integrity or statutory compliance.
39. Can an NGO have DARPAN ID but not have 12AB?
Yes. DARPAN and 12AB are separate regulatory systems. However, an NGO seeking income-tax exemption must separately satisfy the applicable Income-tax requirements.
Yes. DARPAN registration does not automatically grant 80G approval.
Yes. This is very common.
An NGO can have:
DARPAN ID + 12AB + 80G
without having FCRA registration.
It cannot, however, receive foreign contribution merely because it has DARPAN ID.
Depending upon its structure and activities, an NGO may need to consider:
The organisation should not assume that all information remains permanently valid without updates. It should keep its DARPAN profile current and comply with any verification/update requirements prescribed by the portal.
Yes. An NGO may disclose its DARPAN ID in its institutional information, annual report or other appropriate public disclosures where useful. It should, however, avoid presenting DARPAN ID as equivalent to FCRA approval or Government accreditation.
The most common misconception is:
"We have DARPAN ID, therefore we can receive foreign donations."
This is incorrect.
DARPAN ID ? FCRA Registration.
DARPAN is an NGO identification/database facility, whereas FCRA registration is the statutory permission required for receiving foreign contribution.
Quick Comparison for NGOs
| Particular | DARPAN | 12AB | 80G | CSR-1 | FCRA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | NGO identification /database | Income-tax exemption | Donor tax deduction | CSR eligibility | Foreign contribution |
| Authority/system | NITI Aayog | Income Tax Department | Income Tax Department | MCA | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Allows foreign donations? | ? No | ? No | ? No | ? No | ? Subject to approval |
| Allows tax exemption? | ? No | ? | — | ? No | ? No |
| Required for FCRA? | Yes | Separate requirement /eligibility consideration | Separate | Separate | — |
| Unique ID/approval | DARPAN ID | 12AB order/registration | 80G approval | CSR-1 registration | FCRA registration certificate |
