Central government · Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

Startup India recognition by DPIIT DPIIT recognition

Free DPIIT recognition for innovative companies, LLPs, partnerships and cooperatives under 10 years old, which opens a tax holiday, self-certification, cheaper IP filing and startup-only funding.

Last updated on 5 November 2026

Status: Open
Run by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Official website (external site)

What you get

Income tax holiday of 100% of profits for any 3 consecutive years within the first 10, for recognised private limited companies and LLPs incorporated from 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030, with a certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board
Self-certification under nine labour laws and, for white category industries, three environment laws, with no labour inspection for 3 to 5 years except on a credible written complaint
80% rebate on patent filing fees, 50% on trade mark filing fees, fast-tracked patent examination, and free IP facilitators paid by the government
Relaxation of some public procurement norms for startups, as clarified by Startup India
Recognition is needed for the Startup India Seed Fund, Fund of Funds and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups records in this guide

Who can apply

Must be a private limited company, partnership firm, LLP or cooperative society. Sole proprietorships cannot be recognised.
Up to 10 years from incorporation, or 20 years for deep tech startups
Turnover not above ₹200 crore in any year, or ₹300 crore for deep tech startups
Must be working on innovation or improvement of products, services or processes, with potential to create jobs or wealth
Cannot be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
The tax holiday needs a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board and is only for private limited companies and LLPs

How to apply

Create an investor account on the National Single Window System
Go to Add Approvals, then Central Approvals, and add Registration as a Startup
Fill in and submit the form
After getting the DPIIT certificate, apply for the tax exemption through the Income Tax Exemption form

Documents to keep ready

Certificate of incorporation or registration of the entity
Short description of the innovation

Figures you may see elsewhere

The Startup India 80-IAC page still says turnover must be under ₹100 crore, while the recognition page gives ₹200 crore. The recognition page is newer and is shown.

Worth knowing

Criteria as shown on the Startup India recognition page, updated 30 October 2026. The page links notification G.S.R. 108(E), which appears to be dated 6 February 2026.

Where we found this

An independent guide by The Company of Four, not a government website. Schemes change often, so check every detail on the official website before you apply. Links marked ↗ open external websites that we do not run, and we are not responsible for their content. Seen something out of date? Tell us and we will look into it.