In 2019, I registered Marpu Foundation in Telangana. I was 18 years old, had no legal background, no business experience, and no idea how complicated the process would be.
Seven years later, Marpu operates across 23 states with over 250 corporate partners. But I still remember the confusion of those early days. Which registration should I choose? Where do I file? What documents do I need? How long will it take?
If you are reading this, you are probably asking the same questions. Maybe you want to start an NGO focused on education, environment, healthcare, or women empowerment. Maybe you have been doing informal social work and want to formalise it. Maybe you want to access CSR funding, and you know that requires a registered entity.
Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through exactly how to start an NGO in Telangana in 2026. I will share the official process, the practical tips I learned the hard way, and the mistakes you should avoid.
First Decision: Which Type of NGO Should You Register?
Before you file any paperwork, you need to decide what type of legal entity your NGO will be. In India, you have three main options.
1. Trust
A trust is the simplest and most common form of NGO in India. It requires a minimum of two trustees, and registration is done at the local Sub-Registrar office. In Telangana, trusts are registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Trusts are easy to form and give the founders significant control. However, they can be harder to modify later. If you want to change trustees or amend the trust deed, it involves legal procedures.
2. Society
A society requires a minimum of seven members and is registered under the Telangana Societies Registration Act. Registration is done through the office of the Registrar of Societies in your district.
Societies are more democratic in structure. They have a governing body, regular meetings, and formal membership processes. This structure works well if you plan to have a large volunteer base or want to eventually scale into a membership-driven organisation.
3. Section 8 Company
A Section 8 company is registered under the Companies Act, 2013. It requires a minimum of two directors and two shareholders. Registration is done through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.
Section 8 companies have the most credibility with corporates and government bodies. They also have stricter compliance requirements, including annual filings, audits, and board meetings. If you plan to work with large CSR funders, this structure is often preferred.
My recommendation: If you are just starting out and want something simple, go with a Trust. If you plan to scale significantly and work with corporates, consider a Section 8 Company from the start. Marpu Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization, and that has worked well for us, but I have seen many organisations later convert to Section 8 when they start receiving larger CSR grants.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trust in Telangana
Since Trust registration is the most common path, let me walk you through that process in detail.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your NGO
Your NGO name should be unique and not similar to any existing registered entity. It should reflect your mission but also be easy to remember and spell.
Avoid names that are too generic like “Helping Hands Trust” because there are probably hundreds of those already. Also avoid names that sound like government bodies, as these may be rejected.
When I named Marpu Foundation, I chose a Telugu word that means “change.” It is short, meaningful, and memorable. Think about what your NGO stands for and find a name that captures that.
Step 2: Prepare the Trust Deed
The Trust Deed is the foundational document of your NGO. It contains:
- Name of the Trust
- Address of the registered office
- Names and addresses of the Trustees (minimum 2)
- Objectives of the Trust (what activities you will undertake)
- Rules for governance, meetings, and decision-making
- Rules for adding or removing Trustees
- Rules for dissolution of the Trust
The objectives section is critical. Write it broadly enough to cover future activities, but specifically enough to align with your core mission. If you plan to apply for 80G and 12A later, your objectives must fall under charitable purposes as defined in the Income Tax Act.
I strongly recommend getting a lawyer to draft your Trust Deed. A poorly drafted deed can create problems for years. The cost is typically Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on the lawyer.
Step 3: Get the Trust Deed on Stamp Paper
In Telangana, the Trust Deed must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper. The stamp duty varies based on the value mentioned in the deed, but for most NGOs, stamp paper worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 is sufficient.
You can purchase stamp paper from authorised vendors or use the e-stamping facility available through the SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited) website.
Step 4: Register the Trust Deed
Take the Trust Deed to the Sub-Registrar office in the district where your registered office is located. In Hyderabad, there are multiple Sub-Registrar offices across the city.
You will need:
- Original Trust Deed on stamp paper (signed by all Trustees)
- ID proof of all Trustees (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
- Address proof of all Trustees
- Address proof of the registered office (rent agreement or utility bill)
- Passport-size photographs of all Trustees
- Registration fee (varies by district, typically Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000)
All Trustees must be physically present at the Sub-Registrar office on the day of registration. The Sub-Registrar will verify identities, witness signatures, and register the deed.
You will receive a certified copy of the registered Trust Deed within 7 to 15 days. This is your official proof of registration.
Step 5: Apply for PAN and TAN
Once your Trust is registered, apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for the Trust. This is mandatory for opening a bank account and for all financial transactions.
You can apply for PAN online through the NSDL or UTIITSL websites. You will need:
- Certified copy of the registered Trust Deed
- ID and address proof of the Managing Trustee
- Address proof of the Trust
If you plan to hire employees later, you will also need a Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN). This can be applied for simultaneously.
Step 6: Open a Bank Account
Take your registered Trust Deed and PAN card to any bank to open a current account in the name of the Trust. Most banks will require:
- Certified copy of the registered Trust Deed
- PAN card of the Trust
- Board resolution authorising account opening
- ID and address proof of authorised signatories
I recommend opening your account at a nationalised bank. Private banks sometimes create complications for NGO accounts, especially when you start receiving larger donations.
Getting 12A and 80G Registration
Once your Trust is registered and has a bank account, the next step is applying for 12A and 80G registration from the Income Tax Department.
12A Registration exempts your NGO from paying income tax on donations received for charitable purposes.
80G Registration allows donors to claim tax deductions on donations made to your NGO.
Both registrations are now done through the Income Tax portal. Since 2021, you first receive provisional registration (valid for 3 years), and then apply for permanent registration after demonstrating charitable activities.
The application requires:
- Registered Trust Deed
- PAN of the Trust
- Bank account details
- Details of Trustees
- Details of activities undertaken (for permanent registration)
- Audited financial statements (for permanent registration)
The process typically takes 1 to 3 months. Having a chartered accountant help with the application significantly reduces the chances of rejection.
Getting CSR-1 Registration
If you want to receive CSR funding from companies, you need CSR-1 registration. I wrote a separate detailed article on this process, but here is the summary.
CSR-1 registration is done through the MCA portal. You need:
- 12A registration (mandatory)
- Registered Trust Deed
- PAN of the Trust
- Details of ongoing or completed CSR projects
Without CSR-1 registration, companies cannot legally spend their CSR funds through your NGO. This registration has become non-negotiable for any NGO that wants to work with corporates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience and what I have seen with other NGOs, here are mistakes you should avoid.
1. Rushing the Trust Deed
Your Trust Deed is the foundation of your NGO. Do not copy-paste from the internet or use a generic template without customisation. Spend time getting it right.
2. Choosing the Wrong Trustees
Your Trustees should be people who are genuinely committed to the cause. Avoid adding family members just to fill seats. Also ensure at least one Trustee understands finance and compliance.
3. Ignoring Compliance from Day One
Many NGOs operate casually in the early years and then struggle when they want to apply for 80G or CSR-1. Maintain proper books of accounts, hold regular Trustee meetings, and document everything from the start.
4. Not Planning for Scale
If you think you might want to operate beyond Telangana someday, draft your objectives and structure accordingly. Changing these later is complicated.
5. Underestimating the Time Required
The entire process from Trust registration to 80G and CSR-1 approval can take 6 to 12 months. Do not expect to start receiving donations or CSR funding immediately after registration.
What Comes After Registration
Registration is just the beginning. The real work starts after.
You need to build a team, develop programmes, create systems for financial management, and start building relationships with potential donors and partners.
When I started Marpu Foundation, I had no idea how much would be required beyond the paperwork. The first year was about figuring out what we actually wanted to do and how to do it effectively. The registration gave us legitimacy, but the impact came from the work that followed.
If you are serious about starting an NGO in Telangana, treat registration as the first step of a long journey. The process is straightforward if you follow the steps. The harder part is building an organisation that actually creates change.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you have questions about starting an NGO in Telangana or want advice on the registration process, I am happy to help. I have been through this journey and I know how confusing it can feel at the beginning.
Write to me at hi@kadiriraghuvamsi.com
