Article · 8 min read

How to register an NGO in India: trust, society or Section 8 company (2026)

Bhatt & Joshi Associates · bhattandjoshiassociates.com Free Beginner India

A law firm's 2026 comparison of the three forms an Indian non-profit can take, with the members each needs (a trust at least two trustees, a society seven for a state-level body, a Section 8 company two members as a private company) and why foreign donations require FCRA registration.

Open on bhattandjoshiassociates.com ↗

The question it answers

  1. How do I start an NGO or nonprofit in India?

Read with it

  1. The government's own comparison, and it leads with the exact filter you need: if you are raising funding, the decision is made... Startup India Article · 12 min read Types of Businesses (Sole Proprietorship, LLP, Private Limited, OPC) Startup India (DPIIT)
  2. NITI Aayog's portal where every non-profit, trust, society or Section 8 company, gets a Darpan unique ID on a self-declared... ngodarpan.gov.in Tool · Official portal NGO Darpan (NITI Aayog) NITI Aayog
  3. A 2026 guide to tax registration for non-profits under the Income-tax Act 2025, in force from 1 April 2026, where the old 12A... patronaccounting.com Article · 12 min read Charitable trust and NGO registration under the Income-tax Act 2025 Patron Accounting
  4. An October 2026 explainer of the donor's side of a non-profit's tax status: which gifts earn a 100% or 50% deduction, the 10%... calcguru.in Article · 10 min read Section 80G donations under the Income-tax Act 2025 CalcGuru
eChai Partner Brands The partnership →