Startup India Registration (DPIIT Recognition) Online
Get your company, LLP or partnership firm recognised as a startup by DPIIT and unlock tax holidays, cheaper patents and trademarks, easier government tenders and access to government funding schemes. We check your eligibility, write the innovation pitch, file on the National Single Window System and follow up until your certificate is issued.
- Eligibility check before you apply
- Innovation write-up & pitch deck
- Filing & replies to DPIIT queries
- 80-IAC tax exemption application
What is Startup India registration?
Startup India registration means getting your business recognised as a startup by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. A recognised startup gets a Certificate of Recognition with a unique DPIIT number and can claim the benefits of the Startup India programme.
Recognition is open to private limited companies (including OPCs), LLPs, registered partnership firms and cooperative societies that are working on innovation, or on a scalable business model that can create jobs or wealth. It is not a licence or a new registration of your business: your company or firm must already exist, and DPIIT recognition is added on top.
The application is free and fully online. It is filed on the National Single Window System (NSWS), and the certificate can be verified on the Startup India portal. In February 2026, DPIIT updated the rules: the turnover limit rose to ₹200 crore, cooperative societies became eligible, and a new deep tech category gets up to 20 years and ₹300 crore.
Recognition is the gateway to the 80-IAC tax holiday, rebates on patent and trademark fees, relaxed norms in government tenders and the government's startup funding schemes. Not registered yet? Start with a Private Limited Company or an LLP.
Who can get DPIIT startup recognition?
Your business must meet all of these conditions, as per DPIIT's February 2026 notification.
Eligible entity
Private limited company (including OPC), LLP, registered partnership firm, or a state or multi-state cooperative society. Proprietorships and unregistered firms are not eligible.
Up to 10 years old
Not more than 10 years from the date of incorporation or registration. Deep tech startups can be recognised for up to 20 years.
Turnover up to ₹200 crore
Turnover hasn't crossed ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. The limit for deep tech startups is ₹300 crore.
Innovation or scalability
Working on innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model with high potential for jobs or wealth creation.
Genuinely new
Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing a business that already exists.
Deep tech (new)
For startups built on new scientific or engineering knowledge, with significant R&D spend and novel IP they own or are creating. Extra documents are needed.
Good to know: recognition stops automatically once your startup completes 10 years (20 for deep tech) or its turnover crosses the limit. The 80-IAC tax holiday has its own, stricter conditions.
Benefits of Startup India registration
What DPIIT recognition can unlock for your business.
- 3-year income tax holiday100% deduction of profits for any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10 (Section 80-IAC), for eligible companies and LLPs that also get an Inter-Ministerial Board certificate.
- Cheaper, faster patentsUp to 80% rebate on patent filing fees, fast-track (expedited) examination, and free help from government-empanelled facilitators.
- 50% off trademark feesStartups pay the lower government fee for trademark applications, half the standard rate.
- Easier government tendersRelaxation from prior turnover and prior experience criteria in public procurement (subject to quality and technical specs), and EMD exemption on GeM.
- Funding schemesAccess to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme through incubators, the Fund of Funds for Startups (via SEBI-registered funds) and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups.
- Self-certificationSelf-certify compliance with specified labour and environmental laws, which means fewer inspections in the early years.
- Easy exitStartups with simple debt structures can be wound up under the fast-track insolvency process, within 90 days.
- Credibility & networkThe "DPIIT recognised" tag builds trust with investors, customers and banks, and opens state startup policies, challenges and programmes.
Each scheme has its own conditions and approval process. Recognition makes you eligible to apply; it doesn't guarantee funding or a tax exemption.
Startup India eligibility checker
Answer four quick questions to see if you qualify for DPIIT recognition and the 80-IAC tax holiday.
Your result
An indicative check based on DPIIT's February 2026 notification and Section 80-IAC. Final decisions are made by DPIIT and the Inter-Ministerial Board.
Startup India registration fees
There is no government fee for DPIIT recognition or the 80-IAC application. You pay only our fixed professional fee.
Recognition
DPIIT startup recognition, filed and followed up for you.
₹2,999₹4,999+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Eligibility check (DPIIT and 80-IAC)
- Innovation & business description
- NSWS profile and application filing
- Replies to DPIIT clarifications
- Certificate of Recognition
- Pitch deck
- 80-IAC tax exemption application
Recognition + Pitch
Stronger application, plus a pitch deck you can use with investors.
₹5,999₹8,999+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Everything in Recognition, plus:
- Professional pitch deck (10–12 slides)
- Udyam (MSME) registration
- Startup India portal profile
- Benefits roadmap for your startup
- Dedicated expert on WhatsApp
Recognition + Tax Exemption
For companies and LLPs that want the 3-year income tax holiday.
₹14,999₹19,999+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Everything in Recognition + Pitch, plus:
- Section 80-IAC application to the Inter-Ministerial Board
- IMB documentation and declarations
- Pitch video script and guidance
- Replies to IMB queries
- Trademark application, 1 class (govt. fee extra)
GST at 18% applies. Government fees for any trademark or patent filing are extra. Need a company or LLP first? See company registration.
Documents required for Startup India registration
Mostly documents you already have. We write the innovation description and pitch for you.
Your entity
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- PAN of the company, LLP or firm
- MOA & AOA, LLP agreement or partnership deed
- Registered office address
- Turnover for each year since incorporation
Founders & signatory
- Details of all directors or partners
- Authorised representative's name, mobile and email
- Authorisation letter for the representative
- Number of employees (current)
Your innovation
- Short description: problem, solution, uniqueness, scalability
- Pitch deck, website, app link or product video
- Patent or trademark filings, if any
- Awards, incubator or investor letters, if any (optional)
- Deep tech: R&D and IP details
Tip: most rejections and queries come from a vague innovation description. Explain clearly what problem you solve, how your product is different, and how the business can grow. This is exactly what we write for you.
How to register for Startup India
Fully online, with no government fee. Most complete applications are approved within a couple of weeks.
Eligibility checkSame day
We check your entity type, age, turnover and business model against DPIIT's criteria, and tell you if you also qualify for the 80-IAC tax holiday.
Innovation write-up & pitch1–2 days
We prepare the business and innovation description that DPIIT reviews, and (in the Standard and Premium plans) a professional pitch deck.
NSWS profile & application1 day
We create your profile on the National Single Window System, add "Registration as a Startup", fill in entity, founder and business details, upload documents and submit.
Review by DPIITUsually 2–10 working days
DPIIT reviews the application and may ask for clarifications. We draft and submit the replies quickly, so your application doesn't stall.
Certificate of RecognitionOn approval
Your certificate with a unique DPIIT number is issued online. We share it and update your Startup India profile.
80-IAC tax exemptionPremium plan
For eligible companies and LLPs, we prepare and file the application to the Inter-Ministerial Board for the tax holiday certificate.
Timelines are indicative and depend on DPIIT's review and how quickly clarifications are answered.
Section 80-IAC tax exemption for startups
The biggest benefit, with its own conditions and a separate approval from the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB).
The benefit: a 100% deduction of profits for any 3 consecutive financial years of your choice within the first 10 years from incorporation. It was introduced as Section 80-IAC and continues under the new Income-tax Act, 2025.
- EntityPrivate limited company (incl. OPC) or LLPPartnership firms and cooperatives can get DPIIT recognition but not this deduction.
- IncorporatedOn or after 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030The window was extended to 2030 in Budget 2025.
- TurnoverNot more than ₹100 croreIn the years you claim the deduction.
- ApprovalDPIIT recognition + IMB certificateApply on the Startup India portal after recognition. The IMB checks your innovation, scalability and financials.
- Watch outLower tax regime and MATA company that opts for the 22% concessional tax regime can't claim it, and Minimum Alternate Tax may still apply. We help you work out whether it's worth it.
DPIIT startup recognition vs MSME (Udyam) registration
They are different registrations with different benefits. Many startups get both.
| Feature | DPIIT recognition | Udyam (MSME) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Company, LLP, registered firm, cooperative | Any business, including proprietorships |
| Based on | Innovation or scalability, age, turnover | Investment and turnover only |
| Age limit | 10 years (20 for deep tech) | None |
| Government fee | Nil | Nil |
| Tax benefit | 80-IAC tax holiday (with IMB approval) | No direct tax holiday |
| Other benefits | Patent & trademark rebates, tender relaxations, startup funds | Priority lending, delayed payment protection, MSME schemes |
After you get Startup India recognition
There is no annual filing just for recognition, but a few things keep it useful.
- Day 1Download your certificateKeep the Certificate of Recognition and DPIIT number handy for tenders, banks, investors and IP filings.
- NextApply for the benefits you need80-IAC tax exemption, startup rates for trademarks and patents, GeM seller registration, seed fund applications through incubators.
- OngoingKeep your profile updatedUpdate changes in directors, address or business details on the portal, and keep your regular ROC, GST and income tax filings on time.
- OngoingStay within the limitsRecognition ends once you cross 10 years (20 for deep tech) or the turnover limit. Wrong information can lead to cancellation.
- Every yearTrack your tax holiday yearsIf you have an IMB certificate, choose your 3 deduction years carefully, ideally when you expect the highest profits.
Built by a DPIIT-recognised startup, for startups
IBACT is a DPIIT-recognised startup itself (DPIIT No. DIPP283950). We know the process first-hand, and we help with everything that comes next.
Register & stay compliant
Company, LLP and OPC registration, GST, trademark, accounting and ROC filings, all at fixed prices.
Company registrationGet your business online
Professional website, .in domain, business email and Google Business Profile, so customers and investors can find and trust you.
Website plansReach more customers
WhatsApp Business API, bulk SMS, cloud telephony, SEO and ads to grow sales from day one.
WhatsApp APIStartup India registration: frequently asked questions
What is Startup India registration?+
It is recognition of your business as a startup by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Recognised startups get a Certificate of Recognition with a DPIIT number and can apply for Startup India benefits such as the 80-IAC tax holiday, patent and trademark fee rebates and relaxed public procurement norms.
Who is eligible for DPIIT startup recognition?+
A private limited company (including an OPC), LLP, registered partnership firm or cooperative society that is not more than 10 years old, has never had turnover above ₹200 crore in a financial year, is working on innovation or a scalable business model, and was not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business. Deep tech startups can be up to 20 years old with turnover up to ₹300 crore.
What changed in the February 2026 DPIIT notification?+
DPIIT's notification of 4 February 2026 raised the turnover limit from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore, made state and multi-state cooperative societies eligible, and created a deep tech category with a 20-year recognition period and a ₹300 crore turnover limit.
Can a sole proprietorship get Startup India recognition?+
No. Proprietorships, unregistered partnership firms and individuals are not eligible. You would need to register a private limited company, OPC, LLP or registered partnership firm first. We can do both together.
Is there a government fee for Startup India registration?+
No. DPIIT recognition and the 80-IAC application to the Inter-Ministerial Board are both free. You pay only our professional fee, starting at ₹2,999 + GST.
How long does DPIIT recognition take?+
Complete applications are usually approved within about 2 to 10 working days. It can take longer if DPIIT asks for clarifications, which is why a clear innovation description matters.
Where is the application filed?+
On the National Single Window System (NSWS). You create a profile, add the approval called Registration as a Startup, enter entity, founder and business details, and upload documents. The certificate can be verified on the Startup India portal.
Do I need a patent or funding to get recognised?+
No. A patent, funding, incubator support or awards strengthen your application but are optional. What matters most is a clear explanation of the problem you solve, how your product or model is innovative, and how it can scale.
Does DPIIT recognition give a tax exemption automatically?+
No. The 3-year tax holiday under Section 80-IAC needs a separate certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB). Only companies and LLPs incorporated on or after 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030, with turnover up to ₹100 crore, can apply, and only after getting DPIIT recognition.
How does the 80-IAC tax holiday work?+
An eligible startup can deduct 100% of its profits for any 3 consecutive years out of its first 10 years. You choose the years, ideally when you expect the highest profits. A company that opts for the 22% concessional tax regime can't claim it, and Minimum Alternate Tax may still apply.
Is angel tax still an issue for startups?+
No. The angel tax provision (Section 56(2)(viib)) was abolished for all companies from assessment year 2025-26, so startups no longer need a special exemption from it.
What is the difference between DPIIT recognition and MSME (Udyam) registration?+
Udyam registration is for any business based on investment and turnover, and gives MSME benefits such as priority lending and delayed payment protection. DPIIT recognition is only for innovative or scalable startups up to 10 years old, and gives startup benefits such as the 80-IAC tax holiday and IP fee rebates. Many startups get both.
How long is DPIIT recognition valid?+
Until the startup completes 10 years from incorporation (20 years for deep tech), or its turnover crosses ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for deep tech) in any financial year, whichever comes first. DPIIT can also cancel recognition if information given was wrong.
Can a startup that is already a few years old apply?+
Yes, as long as it is within 10 years of incorporation (20 for deep tech) and meets the turnover and innovation conditions. For the 80-IAC tax holiday, the startup must also have been incorporated on or after 1 April 2016.
Is there any annual compliance for a recognised startup?+
There is no separate annual return just for DPIIT recognition. You should keep your profile details updated and continue your usual ROC, GST and income tax compliances. Specific schemes may have their own reporting.
Is IBACT itself a recognised startup?+
Yes. IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd is a DPIIT-recognised startup (DPIIT No. DIPP283950), so we have been through the process ourselves.
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Disclaimer: IBACT Digital (IBACT Innovations Pvt Ltd) is a private consultancy, not a government body. Startup recognition is granted by DPIIT and tax exemption certificates by the Inter-Ministerial Board, subject to their review. Information on this page is for general guidance and is based on rules as of October 2026.