Book
The book: How to Start an NGO in India
A step-by-step guide by Raghu Vamsi Kadiri, inspired by the Marpu Foundation journey. Written for first-time founders who want to start an NGO properly, from the first decision to an organisation that lasts.
| Author | Raghu Vamsi Kadiri |
| Format | Kindle ebook |
| For | First-time NGO founders in India |
| Companion | The free nine-step route on this site |
Who it is for
- Students and young professionals thinking about starting an NGO.
- Volunteer groups ready to become a registered organisation.
- Professionals planning a nonprofit as a second career.
- CSR teams and fellows who want to understand the NGO side of the table.
Why Raghu wrote it
Raghu registered Marpu Foundation at 18, with more enthusiasm than paperwork. The book is the guide he wishes he had then: the order to do things in, the decisions that are hard to undo, and what it takes to build an organisation that companies, donors and volunteers can trust.
It draws on the Marpu Foundation journey, from registration as a nonprofit organization in Telangana in 2019 to a network working across 23+ states.
Book details
| Title | How to Start an NGO in India, A Step-by-Step Guide: Inspired by the Marpu Foundation Journey |
| Author | Raghu Vamsi Kadiri |
| Format | Kindle e-book |
| Language | English |
| Where to buy | Amazon |
A note on changing law
Rules for NGOs change. From 1 April 2026, the Income-tax Act, 2025 replaced the Income-tax Act, 1961, and renumbered the provisions behind familiar registrations such as 12A and 80G. CSR rules are amended from time to time too. Use the book for the path and the judgement, and confirm current forms, fees and section numbers with a chartered accountant or lawyer before you file.
Free companions to the book
Articles on this site that go deeper on single steps.
Deciding and registering
Getting CSR-ready
About the book
What is the book about?
Starting an NGO in India properly: choosing the cause and the legal form, registering, getting tax and CSR registrations, building a team and a compliance routine, and earning the trust of companies, donors and volunteers.
Who should read it?
First-time founders, student groups and volunteer collectives ready to register, professionals planning a nonprofit as a second career, and CSR teams who want to see the NGO side of the table.
Is it up to date with the Income-tax Act, 2025?
The decisions in the book still hold. Section numbers and some forms changed on 1 April 2026, so check them against the step-by-step route, which is kept current, and with a chartered accountant before you file.
Starting an NGO this year?
Read the book, then bring your questions to a workshop or a one-to-one call.