Drishti Foundation’s Guide to NGO Types and Registration in India
For the past 27 years, Drishti Foundation has been working as a leading Research and Development Organisation dedicated to social transformation through scientific insight, field-based diagnosis, and sustainable interventions. Our long journey in the development sector has shown us how important NGOs are in shaping India’s progress. They uplift marginalized communities, support vulnerable populations, protect the environment, improve education and health systems, and respond to emergencies when it matters the most.
With millions of Indians aspiring to contribute to society, many often ask: What types of NGOs exist in India, and how can one register an NGO? This comprehensive blog aims to guide aspiring social entrepreneurs, youth groups, philanthropists, researchers, and change-makers through the structure, classification, and registration process of NGOs in the simplest and most practical way.
In India, Non-Governmental Organisations function as independent, voluntary, and nonprofit bodies created to serve public welfare. They bring together people who share a common purpose and work collectively to solve social, environmental, cultural, educational, and humanitarian challenges. Broadly, NGOs in India can be categorised based on their legal structure, functional focus, and operational scale. Understanding these classifications is essential because the choice of registration model directly affects governance, compliance, credibility, and long-term sustainability. The three primary legal structures for registering an NGO in India are Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies. Each comes with unique features and regulatory frameworks.
Trusts, governed by the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, are one of the oldest and simplest forms of charitable institutions in India. A trust is created when a settlor legally transfers property or funds to trustees who manage them for the benefit of society. Trusts are commonly formed for philanthropic activities, running orphanages, old-age homes, healthcare services, religious causes, disaster relief, and educational initiatives. The registration process of a trust is straightforward, the governance structure is stable, and the organization usually enjoys lifetime validity. Many legacy institutions in India—especially those rooted in philanthropy—operate as trusts due to their simplicity and continuity.
Societies, on the other hand, are registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. They require a minimum of seven founding members and function democratically with elected office bearers. Societies are ideal for organizations working in education, culture, scientific research, public welfare, community service, and environmental action. They must conduct annual general meetings, maintain minutes, and file yearly documents with the Registrar of Societies. Their participatory governance model makes them suitable for group-driven missions such as community learning centers, research collaborations, cultural institutions, and professional associations. Drishti Foundation, with its extensive involvement in research, environment protection, education, and community engagement, closely aligns with the kind of work societies typically undertake.
A Section 8 Company, registered under the Companies Act of 2013, is considered the most robust, transparent, and credible form of NGO structure in India. Unlike traditional companies, Section 8 entities do not distribute profits; instead, all income is reinvested into the organization’s objectives. This structure is highly trusted by corporate CSR partners, government agencies, UN bodies, and international donors. With a more stringent compliance system and clearly defined governance norms, Section 8 Companies are ideal for large-scale operations, national programs, technology-driven social solutions, innovation hubs, and global partnerships. Because Drishti Foundation holds Special Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations and collaborates with international agencies, we recognize the significance of a strong governance model such as this.
Apart from legal structures, NGOs can also be understood by their functional areas. Some organizations focus on charity providing health camps, education support, nutrition programs, poverty alleviation, and welfare services. Others are dedicated to environmental conservation, working on afforestation, river rejuvenation, biodiversity protection, waste management, and climate action much like Drishti Foundation’s extensive work on water conservation, plantation drives, and stepwell restoration. Advocacy NGOs focus on policy change, human rights, gender justice, and awareness-building. Research-based organizations conduct socio-economic studies, develop sustainable models, and produce knowledge that influences governance and development strategies. There are also community-based NGOs that work closely with local self-help groups, youth clubs, community radio systems, and village-level institutions. On an operational level, NGOs may function at local, state, national, or international scales, depending on their vision, resources, and partnerships.
For anyone passionate about social change and wishing to start an NGO, the registration process begins with clarity of purpose. Before forming an organization, it is essential to identify the problem you want to address, your target beneficiaries, the programs you wish to implement, and the long-term vision that will guide your journey. Once you have conceptual clarity, the next step is choosing the appropriate legal structure—Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on the activities you plan to undertake and the scale you intend to operate at. Your NGO name should be unique, meaningful, and compliant with legal restrictions under the Emblems and Names Act.
Documentation plays a critical role in NGO formation. Basic documents include identity proofs of founders, address proof for the registered office, and organizational bylaws. Trusts require a Trust Deed, Societies require a Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations, while Section 8 Companies must submit their Memorandum and Articles of Association along with declarations to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The registration authority differs for each structure Trusts are registered with the Sub-Registrar, Societies with the Registrar of Societies in the respective state, and Section 8 Companies with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The time required for completing registration varies from 15 to 45 days depending on the structure and documentation.
After formal registration, the NGO must apply for a PAN card and open a dedicated bank account. To gain credibility with donors and ensure tax exemption benefits, the NGO should then apply for 12A and 80G certifications from the Income Tax Department. These certifications not only help the NGO save tax but also allow donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions, encouraging more philanthropic involvement. For organizations intending to receive CSR funds from companies, registration under Form CSR-1 on the MCA portal is compulsory. To receive foreign donations, NGOs can apply for FCRA registration once they complete three years of operation and demonstrate a track record of proper fund utilization.
Compliance is an ongoing responsibility for NGOs. Annual audits, financial statements, activity reports, governance records, meeting minutes, and statutory filings must be maintained regularly. Transparency and accountability build donor trust and allow the organization to scale its impact without legal challenges. Drishti Foundation strongly believes that responsible governance is the foundation of an impactful NGO.
Over nearly three decades of our work, Drishti Foundation has seen how a well-structured NGO can transform communities, improve livelihoods, protect ecosystems, empower youth, and bring science closer to society. We encourage individuals, organizations, and youth groups who are passionate about service to consider forming legally recognized NGOs. India needs more credible and mission-driven institutions to address challenges like climate change, water scarcity, poverty, education inequity, and public health issues. With sincerity, dedication, and compliance, any individual can create an organization that leaves a lasting mark on society.
Drishti Foundation continues to work on environment conservation, river rejuvenation, water body restoration, research-driven education programs, digital classrooms, health initiatives, wildlife protection, community radio empowerment, disaster relief, and many more innovative social development models. As we expand our mission and reach, we invite everyone to join hands with us in creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”
Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/drishtiresearch
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/drishtiresearch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drishtiresearch
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drishtiresearch