CHECKLIST & GUIDE
DPIIT Startup India Application Pack
Complete guide to getting your startup DPIIT-recognised — eligibility test, required documents, self-certification format, problem/solution write-up templates, and 80-IAC tax holiday planning.
DPIIT Recognition is FREE — apply at startupindia.gov.in. Recognition gives access to income tax exemption (80-IAC), angel tax exemption (Sec. 56(2)(viib)), self-certification under 9 labour/environment laws, and government tender benefits.
Section 1: Eligibility Checklist
- Entity type is eligible — Pvt Ltd, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm; sole proprietors and public companies are NOT eligible
- Age of entity — Incorporated/registered within the last 10 years (from date of registration)
- Turnover below threshold — Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any previous financial year
- Working towards innovation — The entity should work towards innovation, development or improvement of a product/service/process OR have high potential for employment/wealth creation
- Not formed by splitting up — Entity should not have been formed by splitting/reconstructing an existing business
- Indian company — Incorporated under Companies Act 2013 or LLP Act 2008 in India
Section 2: Documents Required
- Incorporation certificate — COI from MCA for Pvt Ltd; Certificate of Registration for LLP
- PAN of entity — Company/LLP PAN card
- Proof of funding (if any) — Term sheet, investment agreement, or funding letter
- Proof of awards/recognition (if any) — Patents, incubator letters, acceleration program certificates
- Pitch deck / write-up — Problem, solution, innovation, scalability (max 1000 words or PPT)
- Website or product demo link — If available; not mandatory but strengthens application
- Revenue/turnover certificates — To confirm turnover below ₹100 Cr threshold
Section 3: Innovation Write-Up Template
WRITE-UP STRUCTURE (max 1000 words)
Problem Statement
Describe the specific problem your product/service solves. Be quantitative — size of the problem, people affected, economic impact. Example: "25 crore Indian MSMEs spend avg ₹45,000/year on compliance yet face 3.5 penalties per year due to complexity..."
Solution & Innovation
Explain your solution and what is innovative/novel about it. Mention any patents, proprietary technology, unique approach, or new business model. How is it different from existing alternatives?
Scalability
Explain how the business can scale without linear cost increase — digital platform, network effects, asset-light model, pan-India or international expansion potential.
Market Opportunity
TAM (Total Addressable Market) — size of the market you are targeting. Current traction: users, revenue, partnerships.
Team
Founder background, domain expertise, and why this team is best-positioned to solve this problem.
Section 4: 80-IAC Tax Holiday
Section 80-IAC provides 100% tax exemption on profits for 3 consecutive years out of 10 years from incorporation. Apply separately to DPIIT → IMB (Inter-Ministerial Board) after getting startup recognition.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entity type | Pvt Ltd or LLP only (not Partnership) |
| Incorporation date | On or after 1st April 2016 |
| DPIIT recognition | Must have valid DPIIT startup certificate |
| Turnover limit | Turnover ≤ ₹100 Cr in year of exemption claim |
| Nature of business | Innovation-driven; IMB evaluates scalability & employment potential |
| Tax holiday period | 3 consecutive years out of first 10 years — choose optimally when profits are highest |
| Application portal | startupindia.gov.in → Tax Benefits → 80-IAC |
Additional Benefits Under DPIIT Recognition:
Angel Tax Exemption (Sec. 56(2)(viib))
Self-certification under 9 labour laws
Patent fast-track + 80% fee rebate
GeM government marketplace access
Easy winding up (90-day process)
Easier exit under Insolvency Code
Section 5: Application Process
Step 1
Register on startupindia.gov.in
Create account using mobile OTP or Google login.
Create account using mobile OTP or Google login.
Step 2
Fill in entity details
Company name, CIN/LLPIN, date of registration, PAN, founders.
Company name, CIN/LLPIN, date of registration, PAN, founders.
Step 3
Upload documents
COI, PAN, write-up (PDF), funding proof, awards (if any).
COI, PAN, write-up (PDF), funding proof, awards (if any).
Step 4
Submit application
Application is processed; approval usually within 7-10 working days.
Application is processed; approval usually within 7-10 working days.
Step 5
Download DPIIT Certificate
Certificate with unique DIPP number — use for all government schemes.
Certificate with unique DIPP number — use for all government schemes.
Step 6
Apply for 80-IAC (separate)
Go to Tax Benefits section on portal — file with IMB documentation.
Go to Tax Benefits section on portal — file with IMB documentation.
Get DPIIT recognised and claim your 3-year tax holiday.
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