National Startup Awards 6.0
By Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
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Quick Answer
NSA 6.0 is a flagship initiative by Startup India, DPIIT, recognising and rewarding startups with innovative, scalable, and impactful solutions across 22 categories, offering a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹25L
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- 32d — 30 Nov 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
- Registrations needed
- DPIIT recognition, Private Limited company registration
About this competition
The National Startup Awards (NSA) 6.0 is a prestigious initiative by Startup India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. This program is designed to identify and celebrate exceptional startups that are driving innovation, demonstrating scalability, and creating significant socio-economic impact across India. The awards aim to foster a robust and vibrant startup ecosystem by providing recognition, visibility, and invaluable connections to promising ventures.
Winners are selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process, culminating in a pitching event before a National Jury Panel. Beyond the substantial cash prize, NSA 6.0 offers unparalleled opportunities for awardees to connect with a network of mentors, investors, corporate partners, and key government stakeholders. This platform not only acknowledges entrepreneurial excellence but also serves as a catalyst for growth, helping startups to scale their solutions and contribute to national development objectives.
Participating in NSA 6.0 allows startups to gain national prominence, attract further investment, and open doors to new markets. The initiative underscores the Government of India's commitment to nurturing homegrown innovation and empowering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs to build a globally competitive startup ecosystem.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is part of India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its Startup India section runs the Startup India initiative, launched on 16 January 2016, and issues the DPIIT startup recognition certificate that most…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹25L
What You Get
Winning startups across 20 sectoral and 2 special categories will receive a cash prize of ₹25 lakh each. This significant, equity-free funding can be utilized to further develop products, scale operations, or expand market reach. Beyond the monetary award, NSA 6.0 provides invaluable non-monetary benefits including high-level mentorship from industry veterans, crucial access to a network of investors and corporate partners, and facilitated entry into new markets. Awardees also gain unparalleled visibility and recognition from government stakeholders, enhancing their credibility and opening doors for future collaborations and growth.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 3 months
- Cohort size
- 22 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the National Startup Awards 6.0 is a multi-stage, rigorous evaluation designed to identify the most innovative and impactful startups. It begins with an initial eligibility and compliance screening to ensure all applications meet the stated criteria. Following this, applications undergo sectoral evaluation by specialized committees. These committees comprise experts from relevant Ministries, incubators, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), and banks/financial institutions, ensuring a diverse and informed assessment. Startups are evaluated on parameters such as innovation, scalability, market potential, demonstrated impact, sustainability, and specific criteria relevant to their chosen award category. A subset of applicants is then shortlisted as finalists. These finalists are invited to a dedicated NSA pitching event, where they present their solutions and business models. The final selection is made by a distinguished National Jury Panel, consisting of high-level representatives from the Government, industry leaders, and domain experts. The jury's decisions, along with those of the implementation committee, are final and binding.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Complete the application form on the Startup India portal, providing your DPIIT certificate, financial statements, and other required documents.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key eligibility criteria for applying to NSA 6.0?
Applicants must be DPIIT-recognised startups and submit valid financial statements for recent fiscal years. The startup should not be more than ten years old from its date of incorporation and must not be undergoing insolvency proceedings. Previous NSA winners are ineligible to apply again.
What is the prize money for the National Startup Awards 6.0?
Each winner across the 20 sectoral award categories and two special startup categories will receive an equity-free cash prize of ₹25 lakh. In addition to the monetary award, winners gain significant exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
How many categories can a startup apply for?
A DPIIT-recognised startup can apply for a maximum of 3 sectoral categories and the 2 special categories (Women-Led Startup of the Year; North-East Startup Excellence Award).
What kind of support is offered to the winners beyond the cash prize?
Beyond the cash prize, NSA aims to connect startups with comprehensive support, including mentorship from industry experts, access to investors, opportunities to collaborate with corporates, market access facilitation, and engagement with government stakeholders to accelerate their growth and impact.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners for the National Startup Awards 6.0 will be announced on National Startup Day, 16 January 2027.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
