Eligible Business Entity
The entity must be incorporated or registered in India under an eligible category, such as a private limited company, registered partnership firm, LLP or eligible cooperative society.
Get guidance for DPIIT Startup Recognition, understand eligibility requirements, prepare supporting documents and explore benefits available to eligible startups.
Recognition and individual benefits are subject to applicable government criteria and approvals.
Recognition framework supporting eligible businesses focused on innovation, development and scalable growth.
Startup India is a Government of India initiative that supports entrepreneurship, innovation and the development of India's startup ecosystem.
Eligible businesses can apply for recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Recognition can help eligible startups access specified government benefits, subject to the conditions of each scheme or applicable law.
DPIIT recognition is different from company incorporation and does not replace other registrations, licences or statutory compliance requirements.
Get Startup Registration AssistanceReview entity type, age, turnover and innovation criteria.
Organise business information and supporting evidence.
Understand applicable recognition benefits and separate approvals.
Review the core eligibility requirements before preparing your DPIIT recognition application.
The entity must be incorporated or registered in India under an eligible category, such as a private limited company, registered partnership firm, LLP or eligible cooperative society.
The standard framework generally allows up to 10 years from incorporation or registration. Eligible Deep Tech startups may qualify under a separate 20-year framework.
Under the standard framework, turnover must not exceed ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. Eligible Deep Tech startups may qualify under a separate ₹300 crore limit.
The business should work towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or have a scalable model with potential for employment or wealth generation.
The startup must not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business. Additional conditions may apply under the current DPIIT recognition framework.
Note: Deep Tech recognition has additional requirements. Confirm the latest DPIIT notification and applicable eligibility conditions before applying.
Keep the relevant business records and supporting evidence ready for the application. The exact requirements may vary according to the entity type and current portal instructions.
Additional information or evidence may be requested depending on the nature of the startup and the recognition category.
Registration certificate or incorporation documents applicable to the business entity.
PAN details of the entity, as required for identification and application verification.
Details of directors, partners or authorised representatives and other information requested by the application portal.
A clear explanation of the product, service, process, innovation or scalable business model.
Pitch deck, website, product information, prototype details or other relevant evidence, where applicable.
Eligible startups may access specified support measures, subject to the requirements of the relevant scheme, department or law.
Eligible startups may apply for the deduction under Section 80-IAC, subject to separate statutory conditions and approval.
Separate approval requiredEligible startups may access specified patent and trademark facilitation, including applicable fee concessions and expedited processes.
Eligible startups may receive specified public procurement relaxations, subject to the tender's rules and applicable conditions.
Recognition can help startups explore eligible government funding schemes, incubators and startup support programmes.
Eligible startups may use self-certification provisions under specified labour and environmental laws, subject to the applicable rules.
Explore eligible startup programmes, networking opportunities and support resources offered through participating institutions.
DPIIT recognition does not automatically guarantee tax exemptions, funding, tender awards or every listed benefit. Each benefit has its own eligibility and application process.
A structured approach to preparing and submitting your DPIIT recognition application.
Review your entity type, incorporation date, turnover, innovation and applicable recognition criteria.
Gather registration records, PAN details, founder information and evidence of your business activity.
Create an account on the National Single Window System and submit the applicable Startup recognition form.
Monitor the application, respond to any requests and download the recognition certificate if approved.
DPIIT Startup Recognition applications are submitted through the National Single Window System (NSWS). Use your own business details and registered contact information when applying.
Get assistance understanding eligibility, organising your supporting documents and navigating the application process.