For non-profit organizations in India, credibility and recognition are vital to secure funding, gain donor confidence, and build partnerships with government bodies. One such important recognition is the NGO DARPAN certificate, issued by NITI Aayog through its online portal. Many organizations want to know the process and requirements for getting this certificate. In this guide, we’ll explain how NGOs can apply for and obtain the DARPAN certificate, along with the role of ngo darpan registration in the process.
What is the NGO DARPAN Certificate?
The NGO DARPAN certificate is a digital acknowledgment issued to non-governmental organizations that successfully complete their ngo darpan registration on the official DARPAN portal. The certificate carries a unique identification number (UIN) provided by NITI Aayog, which serves as proof of registration and credibility.
This certificate is mandatory for NGOs that wish to apply for government grants, financial aid, or schemes. It also acts as a valuable recognition for organizations looking to establish trust with donors, corporates, and the general public.
Importance of the NGO DARPAN Certificate
Obtaining the NGO DARPAN certificate offers multiple benefits:
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Eligibility for Government Grants: Without this certificate, an NGO cannot apply for funding from central ministries or government departments.
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National-Level Recognition: The certificate makes the NGO part of a verified database maintained by NITI Aayog.
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Trust Building: It strengthens the NGO’s reputation among donors, corporates, and stakeholders.
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Compliance and Transparency: By registering, NGOs demonstrate accountability and transparency in their functioning.
Therefore, whether your NGO is a trust, society, or Section 8 company, completing ngo darpan registration and obtaining the certificate is highly recommended.
Step-by-Step Process to Get an NGO DARPAN Certificate
The process of obtaining the NGO DARPAN certificate is fully online and user-friendly. Below are the steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official NGO DARPAN Portal
Go to the official NGO DARPAN website managed by NITI Aayog. This is the only authorized platform for ngo darpan registration and certificate issuance.
Step 2: Create a Login ID
Click on the “Sign Up” option and create an account by entering your NGO’s official email ID and mobile number. A verification process will confirm your login credentials.
Step 3: Provide Basic NGO Details
Fill in details such as:
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Name of the NGO
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Type of registration (Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company)
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Registration number and date
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Registered address of the NGO
This information is crucial for validation during ngo darpan registration.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
The following documents must be uploaded in scanned format:
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Registration certificate of the NGO
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PAN of the organization
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PAN or Aadhaar details of the office bearers
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Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Trust Deed
Step 5: Add Governing Body Information
Details of the trustees, directors, or executive members, including their contact details and PAN numbers, must be provided.
Step 6: Submit Activity and Area of Operation Details
The portal asks NGOs to specify their working sectors (such as education, health, rural development, or skill training) and the geographical areas where they operate.
Step 7: Verification and Approval
Once all information is submitted, NITI Aayog reviews the application. If everything is in order, the NGO receives a unique ID. Along with this ID, the NGO DARPAN certificate is generated.
Step 8: Download the Certificate
The certificate can be downloaded directly from the portal in PDF format. This document serves as official proof of successful ngo darpan registration.
Documents Required for NGO DARPAN Certificate
To complete the process, NGOs need to keep the following documents ready:
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Registration certificate of the NGO (Trust Deed, Society Registration Certificate, or Section 8 Incorporation Certificate)
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PAN card of the NGO
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PAN and Aadhaar card of office bearers or governing members
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Details of activities and projects undertaken
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Annual financial details (if available)
Submitting accurate documents ensures quick approval of the ngo darpan registration application.
Compliance After Getting the Certificate
Obtaining the NGO DARPAN certificate is not the end of the process. NGOs must ensure compliance by updating their details regularly:
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Annual financial statements and project details
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Updated information about office bearers
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New activities or programs started by the NGO
Failing to update details may result in deactivation of the ngo darpan registration, which can restrict access to government funding opportunities.
Common Issues Faced During Registration
Some NGOs face challenges during the process of obtaining the NGO DARPAN certificate. Common issues include:
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Mismatch in PAN details of office bearers
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Errors in NGO registration number or date
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Uploading unclear or invalid documents
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Failure to update information after initial registration
To avoid these issues, NGOs should double-check their documents before submission and ensure accuracy at every step of the ngo darpan registration process.
Why Every NGO Should Get the DARPAN Certificate
Even if your NGO is not immediately applying for government grants, having the certificate enhances credibility and visibility. Donors, CSR partners, and international agencies often prefer collaborating with NGOs that have completed ngo darpan registration and obtained the certificate. It acts as a badge of authenticity and strengthens the NGO’s long-term growth prospects.
Conclusion
The NGO DARPAN certificate is more than just a formality—it is a crucial recognition that empowers NGOs to access funding, build trust, and showcase their work transparently. The process of obtaining it is straightforward but requires accurate documentation and compliance.
By completing ngo darpan registration and securing the certificate, NGOs position themselves as credible, accountable, and eligible organizations ready to make a lasting impact on society. If your NGO hasn’t registered yet, now is the time to begin the process and unlock new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
