How to Check NGO Registration in India in 2026?

How to Check NGO Registration in India in 2026?

You might have been thinking: “Okay, I want to donate or partner with an NGO — how do I make sure it’s actually registered and legitimate?” Great question. Unlike buying something online where you see reviews and ratings, verifying an NGO takes a bit more effort because it deals with legal status, government records, and trust. So let’s walk through this together.

Whether you’re donating money, planning a collaboration, or just handling paperwork for your own NGO, knowing how to check NGO registration is extremely important — not just polite! By confirming registration, you avoid fraud, safeguard donations, and make better decisions about partnerships.

First Things First — What Kind of NGO Are You Checking?

Before you even log onto a government portal, you need to understand what type of NGO you’re dealing with.

In India, NGOs mainly fall into three legal structures:

1. Trusts – registered under Indian Trusts Acts (state level).
2. Societies – registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (or state variants).
3. Section 8 Companies – non-profit companies under the Companies Act, 2013.

Each has a slightly different place to check status.

Read More How to Apply for DARPAN Registration for NGO in India in 2026

Step by Step Process

Step 1 — NGO Darpan Portal (NITI Aayog)

One of the most common and centralized ways to check NGO registration is via the NGO Darpan Portal — managed by NITI Aayog (the Government of India’s policy think tank).

How to Use the Darpan Portal

Here’s what you do:

1. Go to: https://ngodarpan.gov.in
2. Click on “Search Registered NGOs”
3. Enter NGO name, Unique ID, or registration number
4. Hit Search

If the NGO exists and is registered, you’ll see details like:

• Name of the NGO
• Unique ID
• Type of registration
• Sector or area of work
• Contact information
• Status (active/inactive)

It’s simple and official — and you don’t want to skip this.

Step 2 — Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for Section 8 Companies

If the NGO you are vetting is a Section 8 Company (many are), then you should check the MCA portal:

1. Visit the MCA website
2. Go to “View Company/LLP Master Data”
3. Enter the CIN number or NGO name
4. Search

This will show you the official registration details, status, date of incorporation, and directors of the NGO. It’s an excellent way to ensure the NGO hasn’t dissolved or changed status.

Step 3 — State Registrars for Trusts & Societies

Trusts and societies do not show up on the MCA site. Instead, they are registered at the state level, usually with the Registrar of Societies or Charity Commissioner’s office.

Here’s how to check:

1. Identify the state where the NGO was registered
2. Visit the state registrar’s portal
3. Search by name or registration number

Each state may have a slightly different website or process, but the goal is the same — you’re confirming that the trust or society is legally registered and in good standing.

Step 4 — Don’t Forget PAN, 12A & 80G Verification

Even if an NGO is registered, that doesn’t automatically mean it gives tax benefits to donors or is exempt from tax itself.

There are three key things donors usually care about:

✅ PAN number – every registered NGO should have one

✅ 12A Certificate – allows the NGO to be exempt from income tax

✅ 80G Certificate – lets donors claim tax deductions

You can usually verify 12A and 80G status via the Income Tax Department portal or by asking the NGO for a certificate and checking it carefully with government records.

This step protects donor interests — because if an NGO’s 80G expires or is invalid, donations may not give tax deductions at all.

Step 5 — Check FCRA Status (If Receiving Foreign Funds)

NGOs that accept foreign donations must be registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). That registration is separate and can be checked on the FCRA section of the Ministry of Home Affairs portal.

This helps verify if the NGO is allowed to receive money from outside India — something international donors especially care about.

FYI: New FCRA norms tightened in recent years to ensure better transparency — so always check current status, not just old approvals.

Read More Documents Required for NGO Darpan Registration

Common Mistakes

I’ll be honest — many donors skip verification and end up with disappointing results. Here’s what often goes wrong:

• Relying only on an NGO’s website
• Ignoring state registrar records
• Assuming tax exemptions exist without verifying
• Only checking Darpan but not MCA/Income Tax portals

Simple cross-verifications save you from risks. Always match multiple records.

Conclusion

So, checking NGO registration in India in 2026 isn’t complicated — but it is essential. A quick verification on the NGO Darpan portal, MCA website, state registrar records, and Income Tax/FCRA portals can save you from financial risk, compliance issues, and reputational damage. Whether you're a donor, CSR head, or founding member, doing this basic due diligence ensures transparency and trust.

If you don’t want to navigate multiple portals or worry about missing compliance updates, AgileRegulatory can simplify the process for you. From NGO registration verification to 12A, 80G, FCRA, and ongoing compliance management, expert guidance makes everything smoother and stress-free.

Why choose AgileRegulatory?

✔️ Complete NGO registration verification support

✔️ Assistance with 12A, 80G & FCRA compliance

✔️ Expert consultation for trusts, societies & Section 8 companies

✔️ Ongoing regulatory and documentation support

With the right verification and professional help, you can focus on creating impact — while staying fully compliant and confident.