Startup India (DPIIT) recognition is free — here's how it works

What DPIIT recognition is

DPIIT recognition is an official status from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade that marks your entity as a recognised 'startup'. It unlocks benefits like a 3-year income-tax exemption (Section 80-IAC), self-certification on labour and environment laws, easier public procurement, and faster IP processing.

Who is eligible (2026 rules)

Under the rules updated in 2026, an entity qualifies if it meets all of the following:

• Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, registered Partnership Firm, or Cooperative Society
• Less than 10 years old (a separate Deep Tech track allows up to 20 years)
• Annual turnover up to ₹200 crore in any year (₹300 crore for the Deep Tech track)
• Working towards innovation, improvement, or a scalable business model — not formed by splitting up an existing business

How to apply — free, in outline

First, register your entity (Private Limited, LLP or partnership) — this is the paid step, because a startup must exist before it can be recognised. Then apply for DPIIT recognition through the government's National Single Window System (nsws.gov.in) with your incorporation details and a short note on what makes your startup innovative or scalable. The recognition application itself carries no government fee.

The tax benefit worth knowing

DPIIT-recognised Private Limited Companies and LLPs can claim a 100% income-tax exemption on profits for any 3 consecutive financial years within their first 10 years, under Section 80-IAC (subject to Inter-Ministerial Board approval). This is one of the strongest reasons student and first-time founders choose a Pvt Ltd or LLP structure.