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.

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

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).

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.

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).

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

You need the Certificate of Incorporation (for a Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Registered Partnership), PAN of the entity, a brief description of the innovative product or service, and PAN details of directors or partners. A pitch deck or demo link is optional but strengthens the application.