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Startup India Initiative

A flagship initiative offering recognition, tax benefits, easier compliance and funding support to innovative Indian startups.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)Updated 2 May 2025
Startup India Initiative

Overview

Startup India builds a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.

DPIIT-recognised startups get self-certification, tax benefits and simplified compliance.

The initiative also connects startups with funding through the Fund of Funds and the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The entity must be a private limited company, registered partnership or LLP.
  • It should be less than 10 years old with annual turnover under ₹100 crore in any financial year.
  • It must work towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services.

Key Benefits

  • Income-tax exemption for three consecutive years (subject to conditions) and angel-tax relief.
  • Self-certification under labour and environment laws.
  • Access to the Startup India Seed Fund and Fund of Funds, plus faster patent processing with fee rebates.

Required Documents

Certificate of incorporation / registration
PAN of the entity
A brief write-up on the innovative nature of the business
Details of directors/partners and funding, if any

How to Apply

  1. 1Incorporate your business as a company, LLP or registered partnership.
  2. 2Register on the Startup India portal and create a profile.
  3. 3Apply for DPIIT recognition by submitting the required details.
  4. 4On approval, download your recognition certificate and apply for tax and other benefits.

Important Dates

Initiative launchedJanuary 2016
Recognition validityUp to 10 years from incorporation

Apply on the Official Website

Always apply and verify details on the official government portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Startup India.

DPIIT-recognised startups can claim income-tax exemption for three consecutive financial years within their first ten years, subject to eligibility and approval.

An entity is considered a startup for up to 10 years from incorporation, provided its turnover stays under ₹100 crore in every financial year.

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