What this scheme offers
DPIIT recognition is a one-time, free certification that officially marks your company as a "recognised startup" — separate from incorporating the company itself, and a prerequisite for claiming any Startup India benefit. Recognised startups get: a 100% income tax holiday for 3 consecutive years under Section 80-IAC; complete abolition of "angel tax" under Section 56(2)(viib), so raising capital above fair market value no longer triggers a tax penalty; an 80% rebate on patent filing fees and fast-track IP examination; self-certification under 6 labour laws and 3 environment laws, reducing compliance inspections; access to the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (credit guarantees up to ₹10 crore) and SIDBI's ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds; and GeM marketplace registration with exemption from Earnest Money Deposit in government tenders. A February 2026 notification significantly expanded eligibility — doubling the turnover ceiling to ₹200 crore and adding a new Deep Tech category with a longer eligibility window.
Who is eligible
- Entity type: Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Registered Partnership Firm, Cooperative Society, or Multi-State Cooperative Society (sole proprietorships and HUFs are not eligible).
- Less than 10 years old from incorporation (extended to 20 years for Deep Tech startups under the 2026 framework).
- Annual turnover below ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
- Working toward innovation, development or improvement of products/services/processes, or a scalable business model with high potential for wealth and employment creation.
- Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.
Documents required
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- PAN of the entity
- Details of directors/partners
- A brief write-up describing your innovation, product or scalable business model
- Audited financials and ITRs, as applicable (for entities beyond a certain age)
How to apply
- Incorporate your entity first (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Registered Partnership) — DPIIT recognition is a separate, later step.
- Visit startupindia.gov.in and create a free account.
- Fill in your company details and upload your incorporation certificate along with a brief description of your innovation or business model.
- Submit the signed Form 2 declaration confirming your eligibility.
- DPIIT typically reviews and approves recognised applications within about 72 hours.
- Once recognised, apply separately for the Section 80-IAC tax exemption — this is reviewed independently by the Inter-Ministerial Board and is not automatic just from DPIIT recognition.