DPIITSTART
Startup India Recognition (DPIIT)
Official DPIIT recognition for startups to unlock tax exemptions, simplified compliance self-certification, fast-track intellectual property filings, and public procurement preferences.
NOTICE
This service is free. We will never ask for payment. If anyone offers to apply on your behalf for a fee, they are not us.
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Apply on official portalOpens the official portal · We never charge
Official fee
₹0 — completely free
Obtaining DPIIT recognition is completely free. There are no fees to register or file applications.
Beware of lookalike portals
Ensure you apply only through startupindia.gov.in. Beware of agents charging a 'consultancy fee' to guarantee certificate approval.
Only the "Apply on official portal" button above leads to the verified government site.
Highlights and Media
Key Highlights
3-Year Tax Holiday
Section 80-IAC income tax exemption for 3 consecutive years within the first 10 years.
Compliance Self-Certification
Self-certify compliance for 9 labour and environmental laws online to bypass inspections.
Patent Cost Rebate
80% rebate on patent filing costs and fast-track evaluation support.
Exemptions & Benefits comparison
How DPIIT Recognition alters the compliance and cost structure for a startup
Patent Filing Costs
80% OffRecognized startups pay only 20% of standard patent application fees.
Income Tax Holiday
100% Tax FreeZero income tax liability on profits for 3 blocks under Section 80-IAC.
Who is eligible
- Entity age is 10 years or less since incorporation
- Annual turnover does not exceed ₹100 Crore
- Venture focuses on innovation and scalable products
Eligibility rules · v1 · effective 1 January 2020
Who is not eligible
- DPIIT recognition is only for startups under 10 years old.
- Startup turnover must be under ₹100 Crore in any financial year.
- The business must focus on technology, innovation, or scalability.
How to apply
Register on the Startup India Portal
Create a profile for your entity on startupindia.gov.in as a Startup.
Typical duration · 1 day
Apply for DPIIT Recognition
Fill the online DPIIT Recognition application form and upload the incorporation certificate and write-up.
Typical duration · 2 days
Get Recognition Certificate
DPIIT reviews the application; upon approval, a unique Recognition Number is issued.
Typical duration · 15 days
Sources
- DPIIT Startup India PortalMINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
Additional Details
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It builds a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startup growth. Under the initiative, eligible entities obtain formal DPIIT recognition.
Key benefits include: a 3-year income tax holiday (under Section 80-IAC), capital gains tax exemptions, compliance self-certification for 9 environmental and labour laws, and fast-tracked patent application processing with up to 80% rebate in patent fees. It also grants startups relaxed criteria for public procurement tenders (prior experience/turnover waivers) and a fast-track winding-up process (within 90 days).
Registration is free and done online through the official Startup India portal. There are no official fees — you should never pay intermediaries for recognition.
Related / Stackable schemes
DPIIT
DPIIT Startup Recognition
Government recognition for innovative startups — unlocks tax holidays (80-IAC), self-certification, and access to SISFS, CGSS, and SIPP.
DPIIT
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
A Rs 10,000 crore government corpus run by SIDBI that backs SEBI-registered venture funds, which then invest equity in DPIIT-recognised startups. You reach it indirectly by raising from a participating fund, not by applying to SIDBI.