NGO DARPAN: Registration, Process, Documents, and Benefits
- Bhumi Bhardwaj
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
In India, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and voluntary organizations (VOs) play a crucial role in bridging gaps where government services may not fully reach—whether in education, health, environment, women empowerment, or community development. To streamline their functioning and create transparency in how they operate and collaborate with the government, the NGO DARPAN portal was launched.
Managed by NITI Aayog in association with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), NGO DARPAN has become an essential digital platform for NGOs and VOs seeking recognition, credibility, and partnership opportunities with various government ministries and departments.
What is NGO DARPAN?
NGO DARPAN is a government initiative that serves as an online interface between NGOs/VOs and the Government of India. It acts as a comprehensive database of organizations working across different sectors, promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration in the nonprofit ecosystem.
Initially introduced as a simple platform to maintain basic NGO records, it has now evolved into a full-fledged e-governance tool. Through this portal, NGOs can:
Access real-time information about new government programmes and projects.
Track updates on previous schemes and initiatives.
Build credibility by showcasing their registration details, objectives, and work areas.
By ensuring NGOs are officially registered and verified, the portal reduces duplication, misuse of government grants, and enhances overall trust in the sector.
Who Can Register on NGO DARPAN?
Not every entity can register on the NGO DARPAN portal. It is specifically designed for legally registered nonprofit organizations. The following types of organizations are eligible:
NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
VOs (Voluntary Organizations)
Charitable societies
Charitable associations
Charitable trusts
Section 8 companies (nonprofit companies under the Companies Act)
Process of NGO DARPAN Registration
The registration process is simple, user-friendly, and completely online. It is mandatory for NGOs/VOs to register on NGO DARPAN if they want to receive government grants, funding, or assistance. A registered NGO also requires the unique ID from NGO DARPAN to apply for FCRA registration (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act), which is necessary for receiving foreign donations.
Here is a step-by-step guide to register on NGO DARPAN:
Visit the official website of NGO DARPAN.
Click on the ‘Login/Register’ button on the homepage.
Select the ‘Sign Up’ option.
Enter the NGO/entity name, mobile number, and email ID → Click Submit.
Provide details of the contact person (name, mobile number, and email). Enter the OTP sent to your email/phone.
Enter the PAN number of the NGO/entity.
Create a secure password and log in to the portal.
Fill in the organization details – name, PAN, address, registration number, registration authority, validity, FCRA details (if any).
Enter the executive committee members’ details – name, date of birth, designation, Aadhaar, PAN, and contact numbers.
Provide funding details, areas of work, and sources of funds.
Once all details are entered, your profile will show 100% complete.
The NGO DARPAN administrators will then verify the documents. After successful verification, you will receive an email to generate your Unique ID.
Log in again and generate the Unique DARPAN ID, which can be used for applying for grants and recognition.
Documents Required for NGO DARPAN Registration
The following documents are necessary for registration:
Registration Certificate of the NGO/Entity (Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company).
PAN card of the NGO.
PAN and Aadhaar cards of at least three executive committee members (such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer).Documents Required for NGO DARPAN Registration
The following documents are necessary for registration:
Registration Certificate of the NGO/Entity (Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company).
PAN card of the NGO.
PAN and Aadhaar cards of at least three executive committee members (such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer).
Benefits of NGO DARPAN Registration
Registering on the NGO DARPAN portal provides several benefits, both in terms of credibility and access to opportunities.
Government Recognition & Credibility
Having an NGO DARPAN Unique ID enhances the trustworthiness of your NGO.
It acts as proof that the NGO is officially verified by NITI Aayog.
Mandatory for Grants
The Unique ID is required when applying for government grants or financial assistance.
Without it, NGOs cannot avail themselves of central or state funding opportunities.
Gateway to FCRA Registration
NGOs intending to receive foreign funding must first be registered on NGO DARPAN.
Access to Information
Ministry and department websites coordinate with NGO DARPAN to share grant-related information.
NGOs can receive timely updates on schemes, projects, and collaborations.
Increased Transparency
By maintaining updated records on NGO DARPAN, NGOs demonstrate accountability and transparency in their operations.
Networking & Collaboration
The portal acts as a database of NGOs working across India, which can help organizations find potential collaborators, donors, and partners.
Goodwill & Public Image
Registration on a government-recognized portal improves the NGO’s reputation, increasing trust among stakeholders, beneficiaries, and donors.
Is There Any Fee for NGO DARPAN Registration?
One of the biggest advantages of NGO DARPAN is that the registration process is completely free of cost. There are no charges for signing up, uploading documents, or obtaining the Unique ID.
Why Every NGO Should Register on NGO DARPAN
In today’s digital age, credibility and transparency are everything for NGOs. Whether you are a small grassroots organization or a large national NGO, registering on NGO DARPAN gives you visibility, recognition, and eligibility for multiple opportunities.
Since many funding agencies, CSR donors, and even international partners now look for NGO DARPAN registration as a mark of authenticity, having the Unique ID has become a necessity rather than an option.
The NGO DARPAN portal is more than just a registration platform—it is a gateway to credibility, funding, and partnerships for nonprofit organizations in India. By providing a transparent database and a digital interface with government ministries, it ensures that NGOs and VOs can access timely information, apply for grants, and build long-term sustainability.
For any NGO that envisions growth, visibility, and impact, registering on NGO DARPAN is not just a formality but a strategic step toward recognition and trust. With a process that is simple, free, and entirely online, there is no reason for organizations to delay their registration.
In today’s era of accountability and transparency, having an NGO DARPAN Unique ID is becoming a benchmark of authenticity—opening doors to government schemes, CSR partnerships, and foreign funding opportunities. By joining this initiative, NGOs can not only amplify their reach but also contribute to building a more collaborative and transparent development ecosystem in India.
Written By : Bhumi Bhardwaj