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Startup India Registration — DPIIT Recognition Guide 2026

Updated: 3 June 2026  |  startupindia.gov.in  |  DPIIT Recognition  |  24–72 Hours

Startup India (DPIIT recognition) gives registered startups a 3-year income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, access to ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, self-certification under 9 labour laws, and fast-track patent/trademark processing. Apply at startupindia.gov.in. Eligible entities: Private limited company, LLP, or registered partnership incorporated within the last 10 years with annual turnover below ₹100 crore, working on an innovative product or service driven by technology or IP.
3 Yrs
Startup India benefits: 3-year tax holiday (old regime) + ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds + fast-track patents + self-certification under 9 labour laws
DPIIT recognition issued in 24–72 hours. 80-IAC tax benefit requires separate IMB approval.

Eligibility Criteria for Startup India Registration

CriterionRequirement
Entity typePrivate Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm
Age of businessLess than 10 years since date of incorporation/registration
TurnoverAnnual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any previous financial year
Nature of businessWorking towards innovation, development, deployment or commercialisation of new products/processes/services driven by technology or IP
Not a split-upNot formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business

How to Apply for Startup India DPIIT Recognition — Step by Step

  1. Register on startupindia.gov.in: Create a free account using your company email address and mobile number. Individual, company, or LLP accounts are supported.
  2. Login and click "Register as a Startup": After logging in, navigate to the registration section and click the "Register as a Startup" button to begin the application.
  3. Enter business details: Provide company name, date of incorporation, CIN (for Pvt Ltd) or LLPIN (for LLP), business sector, current stage, and brief description of innovation.
  4. Upload required documents: Upload the Certificate of Incorporation, a brief description of your innovative product or service, and supporting materials such as website URL or pitch deck.
  5. Submit application — DPIIT Number issued within 24–72 hours: Submit the form. Recognition is processed automatically; the DPIIT recognition certificate and number are issued within 24–72 hours in most cases.
  6. Apply for 80-IAC tax benefit (separate step): To claim the 3-year income tax holiday, file a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) after receiving your DPIIT recognition number. This takes 3–6 months and involves detailed scrutiny.
  7. Apply for angel tax exemption if applicable (Section 56(2)(viib)): If your startup has received or plans to receive investment from domestic investors above fair market value, apply separately on the income tax portal for Section 56(2)(viib) exemption.

Tax Benefits Under Startup India

BenefitSectionDetails
3-year income tax holidaySection 80-IAC100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10 years of incorporation. Requires IMB approval — separate from DPIIT recognition.
Angel tax exemptionSection 56(2)(viib)Investments received by DPIIT-recognised startups are exempt from the "angel tax" provision. Conditions and thresholds apply; apply separately on tax portal.
Loss carry-forwardSection 79DPIIT-recognised startups can carry forward and set off losses even if shareholding pattern changes (relaxation from usual 51% continuity rule).
Other key benefits: 50% rebate on patent filing fees • 80% rebate on trademark filing fees • Fast-track patent examination • Self-certification under 9 labour laws (for 3 years) and 3 environmental laws (for 5 years) • Access to ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI • Preference in government e-marketplace procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DPIIT recognition and 80-IAC?
DPIIT recognition is fast and automated (24-72 hours). It gives you access to self-certification, rebates on IP filing, and government procurement benefits. 80-IAC tax benefit (3-year income tax holiday) requires a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) — more detailed scrutiny, takes 3-6 months. Not all DPIIT-recognised startups automatically get 80-IAC approval.
Is Startup India registration free?
Yes. DPIIT recognition has no fee. The application on startupindia.gov.in is completely free. The only costs involved are for professional assistance if you hire a CA/consultant to prepare documentation, and separate government fees for trademark or patent filings (where rebates apply after recognition).
Can a bootstrapped startup get Startup India benefits?
Yes. There is no minimum investment or funding requirement. Even self-funded (bootstrapped) startups can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria: incorporated as Pvt Ltd/LLP/registered partnership, less than 10 years old, turnover below ₹100 crore, and working on an innovative product or service driven by technology or IP.
Does Startup India registration help with GST or patents?
Yes, partially. DPIIT-recognised startups get a 50% rebate on patent filing fees and an 80% rebate on trademark filing fees, plus fast-track processing. There is no direct GST exemption for Startup India registration. Startups can also self-certify compliance under 9 labour and 3 environmental laws for 3-5 years from incorporation.
Can existing profitable companies register for Startup India?
Yes, if the company is within 10 years of incorporation and has turnover below ₹100 crore in all previous years. However, the 80-IAC tax holiday covers 3 consecutive years out of the first 10 — so if you are already 8 years old you have limited years left. The sooner you apply, the more benefit you can access.

Related Pages

Private Limited Company Registration LLP Registration Income Tax Slabs Digital Signature Certificate Compliance Calendar

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