How to get DPIIT recognition, the Startup India certificate

DPIIT recognition is the government's confirmation that your company is a startup. It is free, and many government grants, including the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, ask for it before you can apply.

Free. No government fee.
Four steps. One online form on NSWS.
49 grants ask for it. All listed below.

Jump to the steps

Check what DPIIT opens for you

Three answers. Nothing is saved or sent.

Pick any one to start.

Who qualifies

A private limited company, partnership firm, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative society.
Up to 10 years from incorporation, or up to 20 years for a deep tech startup.
Turnover below INR 200 crore in every financial year so far, or below INR 300 crore for a deep tech startup.
Working on a new or improved product, service or process, with the potential to create jobs or wealth.
Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing a business that already exists.

Tick each one that is true for you.

How to apply

1.Create an investor account on the National Single Window System (NSWS), if you do not have one.
2.On your NSWS dashboard, choose Add Approvals, then Central Approvals.
3.Find Registration as a Startup and add it to your dashboard.
4.Fill in the form, attach the supporting documents it asks for, and submit.

Apply on NSWS (government site)Startup India recognition page

What it opens

Recognised startups can apply separately for the Section 80-IAC income tax holiday: three consecutive financial years out of the first ten, for a private limited company or LLP incorporated after 1 April 2016. Recognition is also the entry ticket to the government grants below.

Questions founders ask

Is DPIIT registration free?

Yes. DPIIT charges no fee for the certificate of recognition.

Is the Startup India certificate the same as DPIIT recognition?

Yes. DPIIT issues the certificate of recognition under Startup India. Founders search for it by both names.

Who is eligible for DPIIT recognition?

A private limited company, partnership firm, LLP or cooperative society. Up to 10 years old, or 20 for deep tech. Turnover under INR 200 crore every year, or INR 300 crore for deep tech.

What documents do I need?

The NSWS form asks for supporting documents as you fill it in. The official page lists no fixed set. Keep your incorporation details at hand.

How long does DPIIT recognition take?

The official page states no processing time, so we do not guess one.

What does DPIIT recognition give me?

A private limited company or LLP can apply for the Section 80-IAC tax holiday: three years in a row out of its first ten. 49 grants on our list also ask for recognition.