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Startup India (DPIIT) recognition: eligibility, benefits and steps
DPIIT recognition makes your company, LLP or registered partnership an official startup, and lets you apply for tax and other benefits under Startup India.
The short answer
DPIIT recognition makes your company, LLP or registered partnership an official startup, and lets you apply for tax and other benefits under Startup India.
Source: startupindia.gov.in. Not yet matched to an official page; confirm on the official portal before paying.
Official fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| DPIIT recognition certificate | Free |
Checked on 18 Oct 2026 Source
Same fee in every state and city. It is set by the central government.
Documents to keep ready
Tick what you already have. The shared list shows each one as ready or pending.
How to apply
- Incorporate as a Private Limited company, LLP or registered partnership first
- Create an investor account on nsws.gov.in
- Add Registration as a Startup from Central Approvals on the dashboard
- Fill in the application and upload the documents
- Submit and wait for the DPIIT certificate of recognition
- Apply for the 80-IAC tax exemption on the Startup India portal if you qualify
- Use recognition for other benefits such as easier public procurement
- DPIIT says it does not charge any fee for the recognition certificate or the certificate of eligibility. Do not pay an agent.
- Turnover must stay under ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for DeepTech) in earlier years.
- Only a Private Limited company or an LLP can get the 80-IAC tax holiday: 3 consecutive years out of the first 10.
- A business formed by splitting or rebuilding an existing business is not a startup.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Depends on DPIIT's review
Not officially verified
If you do not have it or miss the deadline
There is no penalty for not getting DPIIT recognition. You only lose the benefits that need it.
Law: Startup India scheme, DPIIT
Not officially verified Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Entity does not meet the definition (age, turnover or structure) | Check the eligibility criteria on the Startup India page before applying. |
| Innovation or scalability not explained | Describe your product, how it is different and how it can create jobs or wealth. |
| Incorporation details not mapped to the profile | Enter the correct CIN or registration number when asked. |
Not officially verified
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Common questions
Who is eligible for DPIIT startup recognition?
What are the benefits of Startup India recognition?
How much does DPIIT recognition cost?
Aksar pooche jaane wale sawaal
Yahi jaankari, Hinglish mein.
Startup India recognition kaise le?
DPIIT recognition ki fees kitni hai?
Startup India ke faayde kya hain?
Startup India recognition ka application status kaise check karein?
Startup India recognition ka application reject ho jaye to kya karein?
Bina Startup India recognition ke pakde gaye to kya hoga?
Sources: startupindia.gov.in startupindia.gov.in
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