What is Startup India recognition?
Startup India is a Government of India initiative launched in 2016 to build a strong start-up ecosystem. Eligible businesses can be recognised as start-ups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The DPIIT certificate is the key that unlocks the scheme's benefits.
Eligibility criteria
- Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm in India
- Not older than 10 years from incorporation (longer periods apply for certain deep-tech / biotech categories as notified)
- Annual turnover not above ₹100 crore in any year since incorporation (or the higher limit notified for specific categories)
- Working on innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable model with potential for jobs or wealth creation
- Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
DPIIT revises the criteria from time to time. We check the latest notification before you apply.
Benefits of DPIIT recognition
- Income tax holidayEligible start-ups can apply to the Inter-Ministerial Board for 100% tax exemption on profits for any 3 consecutive years out of their first 10 (Section 80-IAC).
- Cheaper patents and trademarksUp to 80% rebate on patent fees and 50% on trademark fees, with fast-tracked examination and free facilitators.
- Self-certificationSelf-certify compliance with several labour and environmental laws, reducing inspections.
- Public procurementRelaxed prior-experience and turnover norms in government tenders, and exemption from earnest money deposit on GeM.
- Funding accessEligibility for the Fund of Funds for Startups (through SEBI-registered AIFs), Startup India Seed Fund and credit guarantee schemes.
- Faster exitSimplified winding-up for start-ups under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
Documents required
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- Company / LLP / firm PAN
- Brief description of the business and its innovation
- Proof of concept — website, pitch deck, product demo or video
- Details of directors / partners
- Patent, trademark or design filings (if any)
- Funding proof, awards or recognitions (if any)
- Authorisation letter for the authorised representative
How to get Startup India recognition
- Incorporate your businessRegister as a private limited company, LLP or partnership firm. Not registered yet? We can do that first.
- Create a Startup India profileRegister on the Startup India portal with business details.
- Apply for DPIIT recognitionCompanies and LLPs apply through the National Single Window System (NSWS) with a write-up on innovation and supporting documents.
- Recognition certificateDPIIT reviews the application and issues the recognition certificate with a DIPP number.
- Claim benefitsApply separately for 80-IAC tax exemption, IPR rebates and procurement benefits as needed.
Why CRSB?
Many applications are rejected because the innovation write-up is vague. We help you present your product clearly, assemble the right supporting evidence and file correctly — from incorporation right through to your DPIIT certificate and 80-IAC application.
Frequently asked questions
Is DPIIT recognition free?
Yes, there is no government fee for DPIIT recognition.
Can a sole proprietorship get Startup India recognition?
No. Only private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms are eligible.
Does DPIIT recognition automatically give tax exemption?
No. The 80-IAC income tax exemption needs a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board, and only private limited companies and LLPs are eligible for it.