NGO Registration in West Bengal

West Bengal is known for its extensive government schemes. Registering as an NGO allows you to become an official implementation partner for flagship initiatives, bridging the gap between the government and local communities.

Registered NGOs can be involved through Duare Sarkar (Government at your Doorstep) camps.

NGOs can help organise rural women through Anandadhara (NRLM)

Through Utkarsh Bangla, NGOs can partner to generate employment.

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Quick Summary

Starting an NGO in West Bengal in 2026 is faster and more digital than ever, but the legal structure you choose today determines your funding success tomorrow. The journey begins with choosing the right legal structure: a Trust for simple, family-led charities; a Society for democratic, member-based organizations; or a Section 8 Company. Societies and Trusts may take up to 30 days due to state-level verification. The final and most critical step post-registration is applying for 12A and 80G certifications, which grant the NGO tax-exempt status and allow donors to claim tax deductions, effective for sustainable funding and long-term social impact.

Definition of an NGO in West Bengal

An NGO (Non‑Governmental Organization) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that works for social, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable objectives, without distributing profits to members. In India, NGOs usually take the legal form of a trust, society, or Section 8 company.

West Bengal is one of the most active states for social work, with around 13,381 NGOs registered on the Government’s NGO Darpan portal as per 2023 data (about 7.5% of all registered NGOs in India). This shows both the need and the opportunity for well-run organizations in the state.

Benefits of NGO Registration in West Bengal

Legal Identity: The first one is that your NGO becomes a juridical person that can own property and enter into contracts.
Tax Exemptions: Only registered NGOs can apply for 12A and 80G benefits.
CSR Funding: Under the Companies Act 2013, corporates prefer donating to registered entities with a clean track record.
Government Grants: To apply for state or central government schemes, registration is a non-negotiable prerequisite.
Credibility: The importance of NGO registration for social organizations in West Bengal cannot be overstated; it builds trust with donors and the public.

Types of NGO Registration in West Bengal

Before you file any papers, you need to pick the right "vessel" for your mission.

Feature	Trust	Society	Section 8 Company
Governing Law	Indian Trusts Act, 1882	WB Societies Reg. Act, 1961	Companies Act, 2013
Min. Members	2 Trustees	7 Members	2 Directors
Best For	Small, family-run charities	Member-based/cultural groups	Large-scale/Professional NGOs
Registration	Sub-Registrar Office	Registrar of Societies	MCA (Online)

The Best NGO structure for registration in West Bengal

For grassroots or community groups: Society.
For family‑driven or temple/charity activities: Trust.
For serious CSR/large donor engagement: Section 8 company.

Documents Required for the NGO Registration in West Bengal

NGO registration in West Bengal requires specific documents depending on the type (Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company)

Society Documents

Prescribed application form from the Registrar of Firms, Societies, and Non-Trading Corporations.
Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules/Regulations (self-attested copies).
Proceedings/minutes of the first meeting to form the society.
Identity proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, and Voter ID) of at least 7 members.
Passport-size photos of all governing body members.
Address proof of the registered office (utility bill <2 months old, rent agreement, or ownership papers).
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner (notarized on Rs. 10 stamp paper).
Board resolution approving the society's name and formation.

Trust Documents

Trust Deed on appropriate stamp paper (outlining objectives, trustees, settlor).
Identity and address proofs (PAN, Aadhaar) of trustees/settlors.
Registered office proof (utility bill, rent agreement/NOC).
Passport-size photos of trustees.

Section 8 Company Documents

Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for directors.
Identity/address proofs (PAN, Aadhaar) and photos of directors/promoters.
Registered office proof (utility bill <2 months, NOC if rented).
Declarations (INC-14, INC-15) and details of promoters/board.

Submit documents to the relevant authority (Registrar for Societies/Trusts; MCA portal for Section 8)

NGO Registration Process In West Bengal

NGO Registration under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 A society is the most common form of NGO registration in West Bengal.

Basic eligibility

A minimum of 7 individuals can form a society by subscribing to a Memorandum of Association (MoA) and filing it with the Registrar.
Objects must be charitable, literary, scientific, social, cultural, educational, or similar.

Society registration process in West Bengal

Prepare the MoA and Rules & Regulations in accordance with the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961.
Submit the application with documents and the prescribed fee (not exceeding ₹150 as per the Act) to the Registrar of Societies.
Registrar verifies documents and, if satisfied, issues the Certificate of Registration.

Once registered, the society becomes a separate legal entity capable of owning property, suing, and being sued in its own name.

Trust Registration Process for NGOs in West Bengal

Many charitable NGOs in West Bengal are also set up as public charitable trusts.

How to create a charitable trust in West Bengal

Draft a trust deed clearly stating objectives, details of the settlor and trustees, trust property, and rules.
Execute the trust deed on appropriate non‑judicial stamp paper (stamp duty is state‑specific).
Take an appointment with the Sub‑Registrar having jurisdiction over the trust’s registered office.
Present the trust deed at the Sub‑Registrar’s office with all trustees and two witnesses; pay the government registration fee.
Collect the registered deed after processing (typically within 1 week).

Section 8 Company Registration for NGOs in West Bengal

A Section 8 company is ideal if you want strong governance and national‑level credibility. Although Section 8 is a central law, many NGOs with operations in West Bengal choose this route. Key steps include:

Obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) for directors.
Apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) if required.
Reserve the company name through the MCA portal.
Draft Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association with charitable objects.
File an incorporation application (SPICe+ forms) with necessary attachments and declarations.
Receive a Certificate of Incorporation with a Section 8 license from the Registrar of Companies.

Post Compliance 12A and 80G Registration

To enjoy tax exemption for NGOs under the Income Tax Act, you must apply for 12A and 80G with the Income Tax Department.

12A registration: Gives income tax exemption on the NGO’s eligible surplus income.
80G registration: Allows donors to claim a deduction for donations made to your NGO, significantly improving fundraising.

12A and 80G registration for NGOs in West Bengal

Ensure your NGO has a PAN, a governing document, and properly drafted objects (charitable only).
File an online application in the prescribed forms (such as Form 10A/10AB as applicable) with attachments like a registration certificate, MOA/trust deed, accounts, and activity details.
Respond to any queries from the Income Tax Department and attend a hearing if called.
On approval, you receive 12A and 80G registration orders, usually with a validity period in accordance with current law.

The benefits of 80G registration for NGO donors include reduced taxable income, which makes it easier for you to convince individuals and corporates to contribute.

Why Choose NGOExperts in West Bengal

NGOExperts stands out as a trusted partner for NGO registration in West Bengal due to its specialized expertise and client-focused services.

Expert guidance on West Bengal processes: Handles society, trust, or Section 8 registrations with local Registrar compliance, including MoA drafting and filings.
End-to-end support: Manages documentation, submissions, PAN/TAN applications, and post-registration steps like 12A/80G tax exemptions and FCRA.
Transparent and affordable: Clear pricing with no hidden fees, timely delivery, and free initial consultations.
Dedicated professionals: Experienced CAs/lawyers ensure confidentiality, step-by-step clarity, and high success rates.
Additional value: Boosts access to funding (CSR, grants) via NGO Darpan integration and compliance advisory.

FAQs

Q.1. What is the easiest way to register an NGO in West Bengal for beginners?

For most beginners, registering a society under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961, is the simplest option because the process and compliance are relatively straightforward.

Q.2. How long does NGO registration take in West Bengal?

If the documents are in order, society or trust registration often takes about 3–5 weeks, while a Section 8 company can take a similar or slightly shorter period, depending on MCA processing.

Q.3 Can one person start an NGO in West Bengal?

No, you need at least 7 people for a society, at least 2 for a trust, and at least 2 members/directors for a Section 8 company.

Q 4. Can I register an NGO online in West Bengal?

It may involve many steps, especially for Section 8 companies and for PAN/12A/80G, which are available online via the MCA and Income Tax portals. However, trust and society registration may still require visits to Registrar/Sub‑Registrar offices, depending on your district.

Q.5. Do I need 12A and 80G immediately after registration?

You can start activities after registration, but applying early for 12A and 80G is wise so that your income and donors get tax benefits as soon as possible.