DPIIT Recognition Checklist
Tick off eligibility, documents, the portal process and the benefits you can claim — watch your readiness score update live before you apply.
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Every criterion below must be true for the entity to qualify as a DPIIT-recognised startup.
Keep these ready before you start the application. Items marked optional strengthen the case but are not mandatory.
The full journey on the Startup India portal — the whole flow is free and online.
Recognition unlocks these — most need a separate application or self-declaration after you are recognised.
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We prepare the write-up, file the application and claim your 80-IAC & angel-tax benefits end to end.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for guidance only. DPIIT eligibility, forms and benefit conditions are governed by the DPIIT notifications and the Income-tax Act; confirm current rules on startupindia.gov.in before applying.
DPIIT recognition — eligibility limits & benefits
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) recognition is the gateway to the Startup India benefits. It is free, fully online, and once granted lets you apply for tax holidays, angel-tax exemption and a range of compliance relaxations.
| Entity type | Pvt Ltd / LLP / Reg. Partnership |
| Age since incorporation | < 10 years |
| Annual turnover (any year) | < ₹100 crore |
| Nature of business | Innovation / scalable |
| Formed by splitting a business | Not allowed |
| 80-IAC tax holiday | 3 of 10 yrs · 100% |
| Angel-tax exemption | Sec 56(2)(viib) |
| Self-certification | 9 labour + 3 env. |
| Patent fee rebate | Up to 80% |
| Public procurement | EMD / experience waived |
How DPIIT recognition works
The process is a single online application on the Startup India portal. There is no government fee. Once your entity and innovation details are validated, the recognition certificate is issued digitally.
Register & profile
Sign up on startupindia.gov.in and build your startup profile with sector, stage and team details.
Apply & submit
Fill the DPIIT recognition form, attach the incorporation certificate, PAN and innovation write-up, then self-certify and submit.
Get recognised
On approval a recognition certificate with a unique number is issued — then apply for 80-IAC and angel-tax benefits.
Key terms explained
DPIIT recognition
Recognition granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to an eligible startup. It is the entry point to all Startup India benefits and is issued as a certificate with a unique recognition number.
Section 80-IAC
A 3-year 100% tax holiday on profits, claimable in any 3 consecutive years out of the first 10 years. It needs a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board after DPIIT recognition.
Angel-tax exemption
Exemption under Section 56(2)(viib) so that share premium raised from investors is not taxed as income. A recognised startup files a Form-2 self-declaration to claim it.
Startup India
The Government of India flagship initiative to build a strong startup ecosystem. Its portal, startupindia.gov.in, hosts DPIIT recognition, funding schemes, self-certification and IPR facilitation.
Questions people ask
Short answers on Startup DPIIT Recognition Checklist. Tap a question to open it.
01What makes an entity eligible for DPIIT recognition?
It must be a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership, incorporated within the last ten years, with annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any year, working towards innovation, development or improvement of products or processes, or a scalable business model with potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
02What is excluded?
An entity formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business. A business that merely resells or provides routine services without an innovation element is generally not recognised.
03What are the main benefits?
Self-certification under specified labour and environmental laws, exemption from prior turnover and experience criteria in public procurement, an 80% rebate on patent and 50% on trademark filing fees with expedited examination, and access to the Fund of Funds and the credit guarantee scheme.
04What is the section 80-IAC tax holiday?
A deduction of 100% of profits for any three consecutive years out of the first ten, available to an eligible startup incorporated within the qualifying window and certified by the Inter-Ministerial Board. Recognition alone is not enough — a separate application is required.
05How does DPIIT recognition affect angel tax?
A recognised startup that files the prescribed declaration is exempt from the section 56(2)(viib) treatment of share premium above fair market value, subject to conditions on the investments it holds.
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Disclaimer: This tool gives indicative results for general guidance only and is not professional advice. Please verify with a qualified CA before acting on the numbers.