Sanya Warriar

Expert

Published on: Jul 30, 2026

What Is Difference Between Ngo And Section 8 Company?

This article will discuss the differences between an NGO and a Section 8 company in India. An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is an organization that works independently of any government to provide services to people in need. A Section 8 company is a company that is registered under the Companies Act 2013, and is dedicated to promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity, or any other useful purpose. This article will compare the differences between these two types of organizations, including their legal structure, activities, and sources of funding.

Section 8 company

Section 8 Companies are a type of Non-Governmental Organizations in India and are registered under the Companies Act 2013. They are not-for-profit organizations that are set up for charitable purposes such as promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity, and other objects of public interest. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs regulates section 8 companies. They must comply with specific rules and regulations, such as having at least three directors, a Board of Directors, and an annual general body meeting. They must also file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies. Lastly, they are subject to the same regulatory framework as all other companies in India but are exempt from certain sections of the Companies act 2013.

What are NGOs

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are legally registered entities created by individuals, groups, or organizations not affiliated with any government. Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, or a combination of all three usually fund them. NGOs can be found in almost every sector of society and can have a variety of purposes, including public service, advocacy, research, or humanitarian work. They work in many different ways, such as providing direct services, raising awareness, advocating for policy change, researching and developing new solutions, and engaging with the public and other stakeholders. NGOs are often seen as a force for positive change, providing more direct and flexible support, challenging injustice and promoting human rights, and providing vital services in areas where government or other organizations are unable to.

Differentiating Factors

The key

differences between an NGO and a Section 8 Company are:
  1. An NGO is a voluntary organization, while a Section 8 Company is a legal entity governed by the Companies Act 2013.
  2. An NGO is typically funded by individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, or a combination of all three. A Section 8 Company, in contrast, may receive funding from the government, as well as other sources.
  3. An NGO is formed to pursue a mission, typically charitable. In contrast, a Section 8 Company is created to promote commerce, art, science, religion, charity, or any other helpful object for the benefit of society.
  4. An NGO is exempt from certain sections of the Companies Act 2013, such as the requirement to use the word “limited” in its name and the requirement to have a minimum of seven shareholders. A Section 8 Company, however, is subject to the same regulatory framework as all other companies in India.
  5. An NGO does not have to pay income tax on profits as long as the profits are used for the purpose of its mission. A Section 8 Company, however, is exempt from paying income tax on profits.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about NGO vs Section 8 Company in India: Key Differences.

An NGO is a voluntary organization, while a Section 8 company is a legal entity governed by the Companies Act 2013. An NGO is typically funded by donations, sponsorships, and grants, whereas a Section 8 company may receive funding from the government and other sources.
Yes, a Section 8 company can engage in commercial activities, but its primary objective must be to promote commerce, art, science, religion, charity, or any other useful purpose for the benefit of society. It is not a profit-making entity, but it can generate revenue to sustain its operations.
NGOs are typically funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, or a combination of all three. They do not receive direct funding from the government, although they may receive grants or contracts for specific projects or services.
A Section 8 company is a legal entity registered under the Companies Act 2013. It must have at least three directors, a Board of Directors, and an annual general body meeting. It is also required to file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies.
NGOs do not have to pay income tax on profits as long as the profits are used for the purpose of their mission. However, they may be subject to other taxes depending on their activities and the applicable laws.
The purpose of a Section 8 company is to promote commerce, art, science, religion, charity, or any other useful object for the benefit of society. It is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest.
While NGOs primarily focus on their charitable or social missions, some NGOs may engage in limited commercial activities to generate revenue to support their operations. However, these activities must be related to and in support of their primary mission.
Section 8 companies are regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India. They must comply with specific rules and regulations set forth by the Companies Act 2013.
NGOs can receive government funding in the form of grants or contracts for specific projects or services, but they do not receive direct funding from the government like Section 8 companies may.
Section 8 companies are subject to the same regulatory framework as all other companies in India, including the requirement to file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies and comply with reporting and disclosure requirements under the Companies Act 2013.