Startup India Registration

Apply for Startup India Registration (DPIIT Recognition) and give your business a strong start. Eligible startups can enjoy tax benefits, easier compliance, and faster IPR support. Check if you qualify and apply today to access government support and grow your business with confidence and better opportunities ahead.

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Startup India Registration: Introduction

Everything founders need to know about getting recognised as a startup by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade — eligibility, benefits, step-by-step process, and the landmark 2026 policy changes.

What is DPIIT Recognition?

DPIIT Recognition is an official certification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It formally recognises a business as a “startup” under the Startup India initiative, unlocking a range of benefits that are not available to regular businesses.

Launched on January 16, 2016, the Startup India initiative was designed to build a strong, innovation-driven ecosystem that promotes growth and generates large-scale employment. The DPIIT Certificate of Recognition is the gateway credential to this ecosystem.

Once you hold a DPIIT Certificate of Recognition, you can then apply separately for additional benefits such as the Section 80-IAC income tax exemption, IPR fee rebates, and seed funding schemes.

Check Your Eligibility : Get Recognised

A startup must meet all of the following criteria under the revised 2026 DPIIT framework (Gazette Notification G.S.R. 108(E)).

Entity Type

Must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, Registered Partnership Firm, or (from 2026) Cooperative Society. Sole proprietorships and public limited companies are not eligible.

Age of Entity

Must not have been incorporated for more than 10 years from the date of registration. (Deep Tech Startups get 20 years.)

Annual Turnover

Must not exceed ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation (up from ₹100 Cr under the old 2019 rules).

Innovation Criteria

Must work towards development, improvement, or innovation of a product, process, or service — OR have a scalable business model with high potential for wealth and employment creation.

Indian Entity

Must be incorporated in India. Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding as per Companies Act 2013 and SEBI (ICDR) Regulations.

Not a Restructured Entity

Must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already existing business. Joint Ventures, holding/subsidiary structures are also excluded.

Startup India Registration Fees

We help plan and prepare for Startup India Registration, draft documents, and file with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the government of India Startup India Initiatives.

Basic Package

₹ 4,999/-

Free Expert Consultation
Document Preparation
DPIIT Application Filing
DPIIT Recognition Certificate

Silver Package

₹ 6,999/-

Free Expert Consultation
Class 3 Organisation DSC
DPIIT Application Filing
DPIIT Recognition Certificate

⚠️ Alert Organisation DSC is now mandatory (since November 2023). If you don't have one, choose the Silver Package — it's included.

Documents Required for Startup India Registration

Certificate of Incorporation / Registration Certificate and PAN
Email ID and Mobile number of Directors and Authorise person
Company Details ( Industry, Sector, Category, Regd. Office Address etc)
Directors/Partners Details ( Name, Photo, Gender, Mobile No. Email ID, Full Address)
A Brief about business and products/services and notes on innovations
Revenue model and Uniqueness of the Product
Pitch Deck/Video/Patent ( anyone)
Website
Organisation DSC

Toolkit for Financial Statements

Updated financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss statement, Income Tax Returns) for the past three years or from the year of incorporation
Note 1 – The Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Statement must be CA Certified
Note 2 – If your startup was incorporated on 1st April 2021 or later, Income Tax Returns (ITR) is not mandatory. For startups incorporated earlier, ITR is mandatory

Toolkit for Video Link

The video should ideally be of 2-3 minutes and be no longer than 5 minutes
Please showcase the working of the product(s)prototype/proof-of-concept developed by your startup
If you are a product or software based startup then showcasing a demonstration/prototype/walk-through of the product(s)/software product(s) developed by you is compulsory
If you provide software or technology services such as website development, application development, developing white-label software products for clients, then please showcase a demonstration/prototype/walk-through of the product(s) developed for your key clients
Please also showcase the market traction that your product/service has generated through either online customer reviews, client testimonials (video/text are acceptable), or any other similar appreciation/feedback received.
Note –
Please upload the video is uploaded on a third-party video hosting platform such as Youtube or Vimeo. In case you are uploading the video on Google Drive please make sure that it is NOT access restricted

Toolkit for Pitch deck

Information about the product/service offering of your startup
Brief about how is your startup innovative and/or scalable (Uniqueness/USP of the startup that differentiates from its competitors in the market)
Director details and their educational qualification, professional experience, and formal role in the startup/current designation (if any)
Shareholding pattern as on the date of filling this application
Directors and Shareholders’ citizenship details
Team details – current role, education, and professional experience
Details about adherence to the specific government approvals required by the startups such as FSSAI Registration, guidelines set by Bureau of Indian Standards
Revenue model i.e. details of how the startup generates revenue
Funding received from private investors or Angel/VC funds (Yes/No); if yes, please add names and details of the investors
If any support (monetary/non-monetary) is received from Central or State Government Ministries/Departments/PSUs/Incubators
Details of any public or private sector awards won by the startup
Number of people directly employed with your startup
Number of customers/clients – Paying customers/users with a copy of at least one Contract/Work-Order/MoU or the number PlayStore/AppleStore downloads in case of mobile applications along with a screenshot of the app listing on these platforms
Link to your startup’s website
Screenshots/images of your product/website
Note –
1. Please ensure that you provide all the following details in your pitchdeck.
2. Pitchdeck uploaded must be in a PDF format

Startup India Registration Benefits

DPIIT Recognition is one certificate that opens multiple doors. Here are the key benefits available to recognised startups.

3-Year Income Tax Holiday

Eligible startups can claim a 100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive assessment years within the first 10 years from incorporation, after separate IMB approval. Extended to startups incorporated up to March 31, 2030.

80% Reduction in Patent Filing Fees

DPIIT-recognised startups get fast-tracked patent examination and pay only 20% of standard patent filing fees. Government bears all facilitator fees — you only pay the statutory fee.

Government Tender Access

Recognised startups can apply for government tenders without the “prior experience or turnover” criteria that applies to regular companies. GeM onboarding initiatives also expanded in 2025-26.

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

Access to seed funding for proof-of-concept, prototype development, product trials, and market entry. Only DPIIT-recognised startups can apply through empanelled incubators.

Simplified Labour & Environmental Compliance

Self-certify compliance with 9 labour laws and 3 environmental laws through the Startup India app, saving time and legal costs in the early years.

Fast-Track Exit
(IBC)

If a startup fails, it can wind up operations through a simplified fast-track insolvency process under the IBC — often within approximately 90 days, creating a healthier risk-taking environment.

Angel Tax Abolished (FY 2025-26)

Section 56(2)(viib) angel tax — a major pain point for fundraising startups — has been permanently eliminated for all classes of investors effective FY 2025-26. Formally omitted from the 2026 DPIIT notification.

Networking, Mentorship & Incubation

Access to DPIIT-empanelled incubators, national and international startup fests, investor networks, and government mentorship programmes through the Startup India ecosystem.

How to Apply for DPIIT Recognition or Startup India?

1.Create a Business Account on NSWS

Visit nsws.gov.in and create a business account. If you have an existing investor or business account, log in directly.

2. Add “Registration as a Startup” to Dashboard

Click Add Approvals → Central Approvals and search for “Registration as a Startup” to add it to your dashboard.

3. Fill in the Application Form

Enter company details: entity type, industry, sector, incorporation date, PAN, registration number, and a detailed write-up on your innovation and business model.

4. Upload All Required Documents

Submit your Certificate of Incorporation, Organisation DSC, pitch deck, demo video link, director KYC, financial statements, and revenue model.

5. Receive Your Recognition Certificate

Upon successful submission, you receive an immediate recognition number. The formal Certificate of Recognition is issued within 2–30 working days after document review.

6. Apply for 80-IAC Tax Exemption (Separate)

With your DPIIT Certificate, apply separately for Section 80-IAC tax exemption via the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB). IMB approval typically takes 3–12 months. This is a completely separate process from DPIIT recognition.

Startup India: 80 IAC Tax exemption

The Section 80-IAC tax holiday is perhaps the most financially significant benefit of the Startup India ecosystem. It allows eligible startups to claim a 100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive assessment years within the first 10 years since incorporation.

Key update from Union Budget 2025-26: The incorporation cut-off date for 80-IAC eligibility has been extended to March 31, 2030. Startups incorporated up to that date — and which subsequently get DPIIT recognition — can access this benefit.

Eligibility Criteria for applying to Income Tax exemption (80IAC):

Only Private Limited Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are eligible for the 80-IAC tax holiday. Registered Partnership Firms and Cooperative Societies are not currently eligible for this specific benefit, though they can still access all other DPIIT recognition benefits.

How to apply for 80-IAC

After receiving your DPIIT Certificate of Recognition, apply for the Certificate of Eligibility via the Startup India portal at startupindia.gov.in. This triggers a review by the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB), which evaluates whether your startup genuinely qualifies. IMB approval typically takes 3–12 months. Once approved, you can claim the three-year tax holiday in any consecutive years of your choosing within the first 10 years.

Ready to Get Your DPIIT Recognition?

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FAQ's On Startup India Registration

What is Turnover Limit for Startup India Recognition

As per the DPIIT Gazette Notification G.S.R. 108(E) dated February 4, 2026, the annual turnover limit for a regular startup has been raised to ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation (previously ₹100 crore). Deep Tech Startups have a higher ceiling of ₹300 crore.

what is the new Deep Tech Startup Category under DPIIT?

The February 2026 DPIIT notification formally introduced a “Deep Tech Startup” sub-category for entities with high R&D intensity, significant IP creation, scientific/technical uncertainty, and long gestation periods (10–15 years). Deep Tech Startups receive an extended eligibility window of up to 20 years from incorporation and a higher turnover threshold of ₹300 crore.

Are cooperative societies eligible for Startup India Recognition?

Yes — for the first time. The 2026 notification expanded eligible entity types to include state cooperative societies and multi-state cooperative societies, in addition to the existing categories of Private Limited Companies, LLPs, and Registered Partnership Firms.

How long does it take to get DPIIT Recognition Certificate?

You receive an immediate recognition number upon successful submission of the application on NSWS. The formal Certificate of Recognition is typically issued within 2–30 working days after document review. Separately, the Section 80-IAC tax exemption approval by the IMB takes 3–12 months and is a completely different process.

Can a Sole Proprietorship or OPC Register Under Startup India?

Sole proprietorships are not eligible for DPIIT recognition. However, a One Person Company (OPC), being a form of Private Limited Company, is eligible for all Startup India benefits. Unregistered partnership firms are also not eligible.

What documents are required for Startup india registration?

Key documents include: Certificate of Incorporation and PAN, director/partner KYC documents, Organisation Class 3 DSC (mandatory since November 2023), innovation write-up, pitch deck (PDF), demo video link (YouTube/Vimeo, 2–5 minutes), revenue model, and CA-certified financial statements (Balance Sheet and P&L) for the past years or since incorporation. ITR is mandatory only for startups incorporated before April 1, 2021.

What is the difference between DPIIT Recognition and 80-IAC tax Exemption?

DPIIT Recognition is the foundational certificate that formally identifies your entity as a startup. It is processed through the NSWS portal and is a prerequisite for all other Startup India benefits. Section 80-IAC tax exemption is a separate benefit requiring a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) via the Startup India portal. Getting DPIIT recognition does not automatically grant the 3-year income tax holiday — you must apply separately and wait for IMB approval (typically 3–12 months).

Can foreign entities or foreign -owned startups register under Startup India?

No. Only entities incorporated in India are eligible. Additionally, Indian promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding. Foreign investors and VC funds can invest in and support Indian startups, but the startup entity itself must be incorporated in India with majority Indian promoter ownership.