Startup India (DPIIT Recognition)
Who qualifies, how to apply and what recognition gives you.
Key facts
- DPIIT recognition is free and online on the Startup India portal. It needs the incorporation certificate, a short write-up on the innovation and a self-declaration; recognition usually comes within a few days to a month.
- Eligible: private limited companies, LLPs, registered partnership firms and cooperative societies, up to 10 years from incorporation, with turnover not above ₹100 crore in any year since incorporation (definition notified 4 February 2026).
- The business must work on innovation, improvement of products, services or processes, or a scalable model with high potential for jobs or wealth creation. Entities formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business don't qualify.
- Deep-tech startups get a longer recognition period and a higher turnover ceiling under the 2026 definition; the exact limits are as notified by DPIIT.
- Recognised startups can self-certify compliance with 9 labour laws and 3 environmental laws, with no routine inspections for 3 to 5 years.
- IPR support: 80% rebate on patent filing fees and 50% on trademark fees, plus fast-tracked patent examination and free facilitators under the SIPP scheme.
- In government procurement, recognised startups can get relaxation from prior experience and prior turnover conditions and exemption from EMD, subject to quality and technical requirements.
- Funding support includes the Fund of Funds for Startups (through SEBI-registered AIFs), the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
Common questions
Startup India eligibility: who is eligible for recognition?
A private limited company, LLP, registered partnership firm or cooperative society, up to 10 years old, with turnover not above ₹100 crore in any year since incorporation, working on an innovative or scalable business. It must not be formed by splitting up an existing business.
Startup India registration: how do I get DPIIT recognition?
Register on the Startup India portal, fill the recognition form with entity details, upload the incorporation certificate and a short write-up on your innovation, and submit the self-declaration. It is free; the certificate is usually issued within 2 to 30 days.
Startup India benefits: what does DPIIT recognition give?
Tax holiday under 80-IAC (after a separate approval), self-certification under labour and environment laws, 80% off patent fees and 50% off trademark fees, relaxed norms and EMD exemption in government tenders, access to the Fund of Funds, Seed Fund and credit guarantee, and faster winding up.
Is a sole proprietorship eligible for Startup India?
No. Recognition is available to companies, LLPs, registered partnership firms and cooperative societies. A proprietor has to convert to one of these first.
Is there a fee for DPIIT recognition?
No. DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal is free.
Sources
- Startup India: definition of a startup and DPIIT recognition (as amended)