NGO Registration in Telangana: Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies

Telangana has an active non-profit sector, from education and health NGOs in Hyderabad to rural development organisations across the districts. This guide explains how each NGO form is registered in the state. Procedures and fees change, so check with the relevant office.

Trusts

A public charitable trust is created by executing a trust deed on non-judicial stamp paper and registering it with the Sub-Registrar in whose jurisdiction the trust's office is located. The settlor and trustees usually attend, with identity documents and witnesses. Telangana doesn't have a general public trusts act like Maharashtra's, but institutions with religious or charitable endowments may come within the Telangana Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, so check whether it applies.

Societies

Societies in Telangana are registered under the Telangana Societies Registration Act, 2001, with the District Registrar. Requirements include:

• At least seven members.
• A memorandum of association and bye-laws.
• Details of the governing body and members.
• Registered office proof.

Registered societies must file annual returns — typically the list of the governing body and audited accounts — with the Registrar within the prescribed time.

Section 8 Companies

Section 8 companies are incorporated through the MCA portal with the SPICe+ form, and the Registrar of Companies for Telangana is in Hyderabad. The process is the same nationally.

After Registration

1. Obtain PAN and open a bank account.
2. Apply for provisional 12AB and 80G registration.
3. Register on NGO Darpan for government grants.
4. File CSR-1 to receive CSR funds.
5. Consider FCRA once eligible, if foreign funding is planned.

Getting Help

Think Filing registers trusts, societies and Section 8 companies in Telangana and handles follow-on registrations.