Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition

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Get DPIIT recognition and unlock tax holidays, patent discounts, and grant access

Validity: 10 years from date of incorporation of the startup

What is Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition?

Obtain DPIIT Recognition Certificate from the Startup India portal. Unlock the 80IAC income tax holiday, 80% patent fee rebate, fast-track examination, and eligibility for BIRAC, SIDBI, and state government grants.

The DPIIT recognition certificate is issued through the Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in) and is linked to your company's PAN. Once recognised, you can apply for benefits including the 3-year income tax holiday under Section 80IAC (requires a separate application to DIPP after recognition), fast-track patent examination under CGPDTM's SIPP scheme, and self-certification under 9 labour laws.

Who Needs Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition?

Any entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Registered Partnership) incorporated in India for less than 10 years, with annual turnover under ₹100 crore, working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products or services.

What's Included

DPIIT Recognition Certificate with unique recognition number
80% rebate on patent and trademark government fees
3-year income tax holiday eligibility (Section 80IAC)
Angel tax exemption (Section 56(2)(viib))
Self-certification under 9 labour laws
Fund of Funds for Startups (SIDBI) access
Pitch deck and innovation proof crafting support

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Without DPIIT recognition, startups pay full patent fees (up to ₹15,000 for first 10 pages) instead of the 80% discounted rate. They also cannot access the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) managed by SIDBI and miss out on the angel tax exemption under Section 56(2)(viib).

How It Works

1
Register on Startup India Portal
Create an account on startupindia.gov.in using your company PAN and authorised signatory credentials.
2
Fill the Application Form
Provide company details, founding date, sector, brief business description, and upload your incorporation certificate.
3
Innovation Proof Upload
Upload a pitch deck, product demo link, or letter from an incubator/accelerator confirming the startup's innovative nature. We help you craft this.
4
DPIIT Review
The DPIIT reviews your application — usually within 5–7 working days. No fee is charged for recognition.
5
Recognition Certificate
On approval, you receive the DPIIT Recognition Number and PDF certificate. This can be downloaded any time from the portal.

Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Company Documents

Certificate of Incorporation / RegistrationRequired
CoI from MCA for Pvt Ltd / LLP / OPC; GST certificate for others
PAN of the companyRequired
Company PAN card copy
MoA / LLP AgreementRequired
Defines the business objects; must cover the innovative product or service

Founder Details

Director/partner names & DINsRequired
All directors or designated partners
Shareholding pattern (for Pvt Ltd/OPC)Required
Screenshot or extract from MCA portal

Business Details

Brief description of innovative product/serviceRequired
400-500 words explaining the innovation, scalability, and job creation potential
Pitch deck or product demo (optional but recommended)
Strengthens your application significantly

Fees & Pricing

Government Fees

DPIIT recognition application

Completely free on the Startup India portal

Free

80IAC income tax exemption application

No fee; filed after recognition

Free

Professional Fees (SGI)

DPIIT registration assistance package

Application preparation, document review, 80IAC guidance

2,999

Total (approx.)2,999

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Startup India (DPIIT) recognition?

Any entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Registered Partnership) incorporated in India for less than 10 years, with annual turnover under ₹100 crore in any preceding financial year, working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products/services.

Is there a fee for DPIIT recognition?

No. The recognition itself is free. There are no government fees — only professional charges for assistance with the application.

What is the Section 80IAC tax exemption?

DPIIT-recognised startups incorporated on or after 1 April 2016 can apply for a 3-year income tax holiday (100% deduction on profits) under Section 80IAC. This is a separate application processed by the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB).

Does my startup need to be in a specific sector?

No. DPIIT recognition is sector-agnostic — IT, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, fintech, edtech, and others all qualify, as long as the business is working on something innovative.

How long is the recognition certificate valid?

There is no expiry on the recognition certificate as long as the startup continues to meet the eligibility criteria (under 10 years old, turnover under ₹100 crore).

Can a proprietorship get DPIIT recognition?

No. Only Pvt Ltd companies, LLPs, and Registered Partnership Firms are eligible. Sole proprietorships must first incorporate as one of these structures.