How to Get a Darpan Registration Certificate for Your NGO

Starting an NGO requires following key legal steps. One of the important steps is obtaining the Darpan registration certificate. This certificate is essential for NGOs that want to receive government grants. I’m associated with NGO Experts, a trusted legal company that helps with complete NGO registration services across India.

Jun 30, 2025 - 11:59
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How to Get a Darpan Registration Certificate for Your NGO

This guide explains how to apply for the certificate, why it's needed, and how it relates to Section 8 company registration and NGO Darpan portal registration.

What Is the Darpan Registration Certificate?

The Darpan registration certificate is issued through the NITI Aayog portal. It identifies NGOs and builds transparency between them and government departments. The certificate also helps NGOs access government schemes.

Without this certificate, it's difficult to apply for central or state grants. The process is fully online and needs valid documents. It is the first step before applying for funding or recognition.

Why I Recommend the NGO Darpan Portal Registration

I always suggest completing the NGO Darpan portal registration early. It creates an official record of your organization on the NITI Aayog platform. This registration is simple, but it must be accurate.

During the process, you must upload your NGO’s PAN, details of members, and legal documents. The portal also connects NGOs to different ministries. Once registration is complete, your organization receives a unique Darpan ID.

This ID is important for communication and project updates with government bodies. Without Darpan portal registration, you cannot proceed with funding or project approvals.

Who Needs a Darpan Registration Certificate?

Any NGO planning to work with government projects needs the Darpan registration certificate. It applies to:

  • Trusts

  • Societies

  • Section 8 Companies

Whether you're just starting out or already running an NGO, the certificate is necessary. If your organization is registered as a Section 8 company, you still need this certificate for compliance.

I have seen many NGOs delay this step, and later struggle with project approvals. So I always advise clients to complete this registration immediately after legal formation.

Link Between Darpan and Section 8 Company Registration

Many clients ask me if Section 8 company registration is enough to apply for government support. The answer is no. Even after registering as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, you must also complete Darpan registration.

A Section 8 company is a non-profit entity with legal status. It allows the NGO to operate under the law and limits the use of profits. However, without the Darpan certificate, the company cannot receive grants from ministries.

I assist my clients at NGO Experts with both processes. We ensure that once the company is formed, we start the Darpan portal registration without delay.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply

Here’s how I help NGOs apply for the Darpan registration certificate:

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Gather your PAN, registration certificate, and details of all board members.

Step 2: Visit the Portal

Go to the NGO Darpan portal registration website. Fill in the required details such as registration type and address.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of legal documents. Enter the PAN of the organization.

Step 4: Add Members

List the key functionaries with their PAN and designation.

Step 5: Submit Application

Check all details and submit the form. The portal sends you a unique Darpan ID on successful registration.

This ID also acts as proof of completion. It is essential while applying for various schemes and schemes.

Benefits of Getting the Certificate

I’ve seen many NGOs grow faster after completing Darpan registration. The certificate helps you:

  • Get listed officially with NITI Aayog

  • Apply for government aid easily

  • Build trust with donors and ministries

  • Update work regularly on the portal

It also improves your NGO’s visibility. Ministries can find your profile and project history directly. Many of my clients have received recognition and support after completing this step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many NGOs delay the registration or make errors during application. Here are some mistakes I help my clients avoid:

  • Using incorrect PAN details

  • Submitting expired registration certificates

  • Not updating board member information

  • Uploading low-quality scanned documents

I advise double-checking all details. At NGO Experts, we verify every document before submitting on the portal. This ensures faster approval and avoids rejection.

Why Choose NGO Experts for Legal Support

As part of NGO Experts, I work closely with NGOs across India. Our firm is a reliable legal company with experience in:

  • Section 8 company registration

  • Trust and Society registration

  • Darpan registration certificate

  • 12A and 80G certification

We guide you through every step. Our goal is to make legal compliance easy and smooth for new and existing NGOs.

Conclusion

Getting a Darpan registration certificate is one of the first steps for an NGO to grow and get government support. It builds your legal identity and helps you access grants and schemes.

Whether you're planning Section 8 company registration or already running an NGO, I always suggest registering on the NGO Darpan portal without delay.

If you need guidance, I’m here to help. At NGO Experts, we take care of all the legal steps so you can focus on your mission.