Tax Exemption
Eligible startups can apply for income tax exemption under section 80 IAC for 3 out of first 10 years, subject to incorporation type and other conditions.
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to catalyse startup culture. Get DPIIT recognition to avail tax exemptions, funding support, and simplified compliance.
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Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to catalyse startup culture and build a strong, inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Launched on 16 January 2016, it supports entrepreneurs with recognition, policy support and access to benefits.
Startup India focuses on policy simplification, funding access, and ecosystem building so founders can scale with fewer regulatory frictions.
Who can apply for Startup India Recognition?
Follow the simplified path to get DPIIT recognition and access Startup India benefits.
Register as a Private Limited / LLP / Registered Partnership (sole proprietorships are not eligible).
Tip: Keep your Certificate of Incorporation & Director KYC ready for upload during recognition.
Create account at startupindia.gov.in and complete your startup profile.
Keep basic details (name, industry, team) and contact info handy.
Use the “Get Recognised” flow — upload incorporation docs, pitch summary, product screenshots and director KYC.
Be concise about the innovation, scalability and job-creation potential to avoid clarifications.
DPIIT reviews eligibility. They may request clarifications or additional documents if required.
Proactive: respond quickly to any requests to speed up approval.
On approval, you receive a digital DPIIT Recognition Certificate — use it to access tax benefits, funding and preferential procurement.
Download and store the certificate; keep copies for tender/funding applications.
With recognition, apply for tax incentives, government funding programs and participate in targeted schemes & tenders.
MoA & AoA or Partnership Deed
Certificate of Incorporation
PAN Card of Organization
PAN Card of Authorized Person
Aadhaar of Authorized Person
Business Address Proof
Bank Statement of Company
Photograph of Directors
Website or Social Link or PitchDeck
Understanding the registration timeline helps startups plan better and avoid unnecessary delays. While DPIIT aims for efficiency, actual approval times may vary depending on completeness of information.
Submit your DPIIT recognition application with incorporation documents, director KYC and a concise innovation summary.
DPIIT verifies eligibility and checks whether the submission clearly communicates innovation & scalability.
If DPIIT requests more information, respond promptly with supporting documents or clearer business description.
Your DPIIT recognition certificate is issued digitally and emailed.
Note: Timelines are indicative. Complex cases or policy changes may affect processing time.
Despite meeting basic criteria, many startup applications get rejected due to common and avoidable mistakes. Understanding these reasons can help applicants prepare better and improve their chances of getting DPIIT recognition.
Applications that fail to demonstrate how the product or service is innovative, technology-driven, or solving a real problem are often declined.
A poorly written or vague explanation of the business model, target market, or operational approach reduces credibility in the eyes of the evaluators.
Startups older than the permitted age, registered as an ineligible entity (eg. sole proprietorship), or exceeding turnover limits are disqualified.
Failure to submit a clear pitch deck, incorporation certificate, or other required documents can lead to immediate rejection.
If the business is formed by splitting/restructuring an existing company without genuine innovation, it will not be recognized under the scheme.
The Startup India Registration 2025 process on Udyog Suvidha Kendra starts with filling out an online application and payment, followed by verification, DSC issuance and final certificate delivery by email.
Eligible startups can apply for income tax exemption under section 80 IAC for 3 out of first 10 years, subject to incorporation type and other conditions.
Exemption on investments above fair market value (subject to paid-up capital limits and other conditions).
Startups get government rebates for trademark filings and up to 80% rebate & fast-track for patent applications.
Self-certify compliance under 6 labour & 3 environmental laws for 5 years to reduce inspection hurdles.
Recognized startups are eligible for tenders without prior experience/turnover and often exempt from EMD requirements.
Access summits, investor meets, networking events and register on Government e-Marketplace to sell to public entities.
Access capital via the Fund of Funds initiative; implementing agencies help approved startups raise growth capital.
Startups (Pvt Ltd / LLP) may use fast-track winding up provisions under IBC for eligible cases — simplified exit options.
Real-world startups that leveraged Startup India recognition to scale, access funds and government opportunities.
Several Indian startups have successfully scaled after receiving DPIIT recognition under the Startup India initiative. Companies like Razorpay, CureFit, and FreshToHome leveraged tax exemptions, funding access, and government support to attract investors and expand rapidly. Recognition added credibility and opened doors to public procurement and international partnerships.
Startups like Dunzo and Instamojo used DPIIT support to innovate, digitize services, and scale to millions of users.
Agri-tech platforms such as DeHaat and Agrowave benefited from funding schemes and grants for tech adoption and scaling across rural markets.
Healthcare and logistics startups used recognition to access government tenders and ease compliance, accelerating service delivery.