Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Startup India
DPIIT recognition certificate + 3-year income tax holiday under Section 80-IAC + angel tax exemption + 50–80% reduction in patent/trademark fees + priority in government tenders + self-certification for 9 labour laws + faster company winding-up (90 days)
Startup India is a flagship initiative launched on 16 January 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade — DPIIT) to build a strong startup ecosystem in India. DPIIT recognition gives startups access to tax exemptions (80-IAC, angel tax), fast-track IPR support, government tender priority, and self-certification under labour laws. As of 2026, over 1,85,000 entities are officially DPIIT-recognised startups, making India the world's 3rd-largest startup ecosystem.
Am I Eligible?
Quick check — answer 3 questions
Is your age between 18 and 100 years?
Is your annual family income under ₹1 Cr?
Do you live in India?
Benefit Details
DPIIT recognition certificate + 3-year income tax holiday under Section 80-IAC + angel tax exemption + 50–80% reduction in patent/trademark fees + priority in government tenders + self-certification for 9 labour laws + faster company winding-up (90 days)
Provided by Central Government
Eligibility Criteria
Must be incorporated as Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm in India; less than 10 years from date of incorporation; annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in any prior year; must be working towards innovation/development/improvement of products, processes, or services; not formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business
18 to 100 years
Up to ₹1 Cr / year
Rural & Urban (Both)
Required Documents
💡 Tip: Keep original documents and 2 photocopies ready. Self-attest all photocopies.
How to Apply
Incorporate Your Company
onlineFirst register your entity as a Private Limited Company (via MCA21/SPICe+), LLP, or Partnership Firm. Ensure the company is less than 10 years old and has not crossed ₹100 crore annual turnover in any year.
Apply for DPIIT Recognition on Startup India Portal
onlineGo to startupindia.gov.in → "Get DPIIT Recognition" → create your user account → log in → click "Apply for DPIIT Recognition" → fill entity details (name, incorporation date, PAN, CIN/LLPIN) → describe your innovation/product → answer questions about your business → submit.
Upload Documents
onlineUpload: incorporation certificate, PAN, brief description of how your startup is innovative (must explain differentiation clearly). Approval is typically within 72 hours for well-described applications.
Receive DPIIT Recognition Certificate
onlineAfter DPIIT validates your application, you receive a DPIIT recognition number and digital certificate. This certificate is used to claim all Startup India benefits with the Income Tax department, banks, and government agencies.
Apply for Tax Exemptions
onlineFor 80-IAC income tax holiday: apply to the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) via startupindia.gov.in → "Tax Exemption (Sec 80 IAC)" → IMB evaluates and approves within 45 days. Angel tax exemption is automatic with DPIIT recognition — no separate application needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
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Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
Collateral-free business loans up to ₹20 lakh for micro and small businesses in manufacturing, trading, and services sectors at competitive interest rates
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
₹15,000 toolkit grant + Vishwakarma Certificate + skill training with ₹500/day stipend + collateral-free loan up to ₹3 lakh at 5% concessional rate
Udyam Registration (MSME)
Free MSME registration with permanent 19-digit URN — unlocks collateral-free priority sector loans, 1–2% interest subvention, delayed payment protection (within 45 days), government tender reservations, and multiple state-level subsidies
Stand Up India Scheme
Composite bank loan of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises; covers term loan + working capital; repayment up to 7 years with 18-month moratorium; free handholding support for first-time entrepreneurs
⚠️ Disclaimer: Information is compiled from official government sources for guidance purposes. Eligibility and benefits may vary. Always verify with the official portal or nearest government office before applying.
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