The Mandatory NGO Identity — Apply for Govt Grants & CSR Funds
NGO-Darpan is an online interface portal developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to maintain a database of voluntary organisations and NGOs in India. It serves as the central repository of information about civil society organisations — their registration details, area of work, financial information, and governance — enabling the government, donors, and the general public to verify the authenticity and track record of an NGO before engaging with it.
NGO-Darpan registration (obtaining a unique Darpan ID) is mandatory for any NGO, trust, society, or Section 8 company seeking: (a) government grants from central government ministries or departments; (b) CSR funding from corporate donors (as the MCA requires corporate CSR committees to verify NGO credentials through Darpan); and (c) FCRA registration for receiving foreign contributions. From 2021, the MHA requires all FCRA applicants to furnish their NGO-Darpan unique ID as part of the FCRA application.
Beyond mandatory compliance, a Darpan ID signals credibility — it demonstrates that the NGO has undergone a basic identity verification by NITI Aayog, making donors and government grant-makers more confident in the organisation. VITTAX manages the Darpan registration including uploading annual reports, financial statements, and governance data as required by the portal.
Govt Grant Applicants
NGOs, trusts, and societies applying for government ministry grants
CSR Fund Seekers
NGOs listed on CSR portals seeking corporate donations under Section 135
FCRA Applicants
Organisations applying for FCRA registration (Darpan ID is mandatory in FCRA Form FC-3A)
Govt Scheme Participants
Development organisations, SHGs, and NGOs wanting to participate in government schemes and tenders
New NGOs
Newly registered NGOs wanting to establish credibility with donors from Day 1
Portal Registration
1 dayRegister on the NGO-Darpan portal using the NGO's name and email ID. OTP-based verification.
Organisation Profile
1–2 daysFill complete organisation profile — registration details, objectives, legal entity type, governing board, address, areas of work.
Document Upload
1–2 daysUpload registration certificate, MOA/Trust Deed, audited financial statements (last 3 years if available), and governance documents.
Unique ID Generation
ImmediateDarpan unique ID (format: TS/20XX/XXXXXXXX) is generated immediately upon successful profile submission.
Annual Update
Annual — March 31 deadlineFinancial statements, activity reports, and governance data must be updated annually to keep the Darpan profile current.
Registration certificate — Trust Deed (Sub-Registrar stamped) / MOA of Society / COI of Section 8 Company
PAN of the NGO / Trust / Society
12A registration certificate (if obtained)
List of governing board members / trustees with their identity proofs
Audited financial statements for last 1–3 years (if available)
Annual report / activities report
Bank account details of the organisation
Pricing Plans
Darpan Registration
₹1,999 one-time
NGO-Darpan profile setup + unique ID
Ideal for: All NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies seeking govt grants or FCRA
Darpan + Annual Compliance
₹3,999 per year
Registration + annual profile update for 1 year
Ideal for: NGOs wanting ongoing Darpan compliance managed by VITTAX
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darpan registration the same as FCRA registration?
No — they are separate. Darpan registration gives you a unique NGO identity number on the NITI Aayog portal. FCRA registration (from MHA) gives you the legal permission to receive foreign contributions. However, from 2021, Darpan ID is mandatory to file for FCRA registration. You need Darpan first, FCRA second.
Is Darpan ID mandatory for CSR funds?
While not legally mandated by statute, the CSR rules under the Companies Act (Schedule VII) require companies to verify NGO credentials before releasing CSR funds. Most corporate CSR committees require a Darpan ID as part of their due diligence. Many government CSR portals also require Darpan ID for NGO listing.
Can a newly registered NGO with no financial history get a Darpan ID?
Yes — there is no minimum age or financial track record requirement for Darpan registration. New NGOs can register immediately after obtaining their Trust Deed or Section 8 COI and PAN.
⚡ Darpan ID Enables
Mandatory for govt grants, required for FCRA application, CSR donor confidence — establish your NGO's credibility from day one