Start a business
Startup India (DPIIT) recognition
Apply to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for recognition as a startup. We check your eligibility, write up with you how your business is innovative or scalable, and file the application on the Startup India portal. DPIIT reviews it and decides whether to recognise your startup.
- Eligibility checked before you apply
- Write-up on your innovation prepared with you
- Application filed and DPIIT's queries answered
- A CA handles the work from start to finish
- 4.9 on Google (222 reviews)
- Work done by chartered accountants
- 100% online, anywhere in India
- Since 2017
Price
DPIIT recognition
₹4,999+ ₹900 GST
Filing in 3–5 working days; DPIIT's review takes its own time
- Eligibility check against DPIIT's current conditions
- Startup India portal account and profile
- Write-up on your innovation and business model
- Review of your pitch deck or website for the application
- Application for DPIIT recognition
- Answers to DPIIT's queries
- Advice on the separate income tax exemption application
Fees are before 18% GST. DPIIT charges no government fee for recognition. The separate application for the income tax exemption isn't included.
Who needs startup India (DPIIT) recognition
- Private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms building a new product, process or service
- Startups that want lower patent and trademark fees and faster patent examination
- Founders planning to apply for the startup income tax exemption
- Startups bidding for government tenders that relax prior-experience or turnover conditions
Documents you'll need
About the entity
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- PAN of the company, LLP or firm
- Details of the directors or partners
About the business
- A short description of the problem you solve and how
- Pitch deck, website or product demo link
- Patents, trademarks or awards, if any
- Details of funding received, if any
You upload these from your order page after you pay. Scans or clear phone photos are fine.
How it works
- 1
Eligibility check
We check your entity type, date of incorporation, turnover and business model against DPIIT's current conditions.
- 2
Your story
We work with you to explain clearly what is innovative or scalable about the business, which is what DPIIT assesses.
- 3
Application
We set up the Startup India profile and file the recognition application with the supporting documents and your self-certification.
- 4
Queries
If DPIIT asks for more information or documents, we prepare the reply with you.
- 5
Recognition
DPIIT decides on the application. If it recognises the startup, you get a certificate with a DPIIT number, and we tell you how to use the benefits.
Who can be recognised
DPIIT recognition is open to private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms within the age and turnover limits in DPIIT's notification. The business must be working on innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or have a scalable business model with high potential to create jobs or wealth.
A business formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business isn't eligible, and proprietorships and unregistered firms can't apply. We check the current limits before we file, since DPIIT revises them from time to time.
Benefits of recognition
Recognised startups get lower fees and faster examination for patents, lower trademark fees, and relaxed prior-experience and turnover conditions in many government tenders. They can self-certify compliance with some labour and environment laws, and can apply to government funding schemes for startups.
Recognition is decided by DPIIT on what you submit. It isn't automatic, and some applications are sent back for more information.
The income tax exemption is a separate application
Recognition alone doesn't give a tax holiday. A recognised company or LLP that meets further conditions, including on its date of incorporation, can apply separately to the Inter-Ministerial Board for a certificate of eligibility. If it's granted, the startup can claim a deduction of its profits for three consecutive years out of its first ten (formerly section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961).
Partnership firms can be recognised by DPIIT but don't qualify for this deduction. The Board's decision is separate from recognition and has its own criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a government fee for DPIIT recognition?
No. The application on the Startup India portal is free. Our fee covers the eligibility check, the write-up, the filing and answering DPIIT's queries.
How long does recognition take?
We prepare and file within a few working days of getting your documents. DPIIT then reviews the application in its own time and may ask for more information. We don't control that timeline and can't promise a result.
Can a sole proprietorship get DPIIT recognition?
No. Only private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms are eligible. A proprietor would first need to set up one of these, which we can do for you.
Does recognition give me the income tax exemption?
No. The tax exemption needs a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board, open only to companies and LLPs that meet its conditions. We advise on it and can prepare it as a separate service.
Does recognition expire?
Recognition lasts while the business stays within DPIIT's conditions. It ends once the entity crosses the age or turnover limit in the notification.
Do I need a patent to be recognised?
No. A patent or trademark helps show innovation, but DPIIT also recognises businesses with new processes, services or scalable models. What matters is a clear explanation of what is new about your business.