All schemes
Tax benefit DPIIT

Startup India DPIIT Recognition

Tax exemptions, IPR fast-track, fund of funds access

Maximum benefit
Tax exemptions + fund access
Typical processing
DPIIT recognition: 5-15 working days. 80-IAC tax exemption: 2-3 months additional.
Apply on official portal

About this scheme

Startup India (DPIIT Recognition) is the flagship initiative of the Government to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. DPIIT-recognised startups get a basket of benefits: 3-year income-tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, self-certification on labour & environment laws, fast-track patent examination, 80% rebate on patent filing fees, access to SIDBI Fund of Funds (Rs. 10,000 crore corpus), preference in Government tenders, and easy winding-up via Insolvency Code.

What you get

  • 3-year income-tax holiday u/s 80-IAC (must apply separately for IT exemption after DPIIT recognition)
  • Self-certification compliance — 6 labour laws + 3 environment laws (3-5 years)
  • 80% rebate on patent filing fees; fast-track examination (8 months vs 4-5 years normal)
  • 50% rebate on trademark filing fees
  • Access to SIDBI Fund of Funds (FFS) — Rs. 10,000 crore corpus invested via AIFs
  • Easier winding-up under Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (90 days fast-track)
  • Preference in Government procurement — exemption from prior experience and turnover criteria
  • Tax exemption on investments above fair market value (Angel Tax exemption)

Who qualifies

Indian-incorporated entity (Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm) that is less than 10 years old since incorporation. Annual turnover must not exceed Rs. 100 crore in any of the financial years since incorporation. Must be working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products/processes/services, or be a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation. NOT formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business.

Industries (NIC divisions)
PublishingFilm / videoBroadcastingTelecomIT / softwareInformation servicesLegal / accountingManagement consultingArchitecture / engineeringResearch & developmentAdvertisingOther professional
Business types
Private LimitedLLPsOne Person Companies

Available across India (central scheme).

How to apply

  1. 1Incorporate as Pvt Ltd / LLP / Partnership Firm via MCA/State portal
  2. 2Visit startupindia.gov.in → Register as Startup
  3. 3Submit Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and a brief description of innovation/business model
  4. 4Provide supporting documents: pitch deck, patent/trademark details, awards/recognitions, funding details
  5. 5DPIIT review: ~5-15 working days (auto-approval for many basic profiles)
  6. 6On approval, DPIIT Recognition Certificate issued — use it to claim benefits
  7. 7For 80-IAC tax exemption, file Form 1 separately with the Inter-Ministerial Board

Key terms and conditions

  • DPIIT recognition is valid as long as turnover < Rs. 100 cr and age < 10 years
  • 80-IAC tax exemption: only for 3 consecutive financial years out of the first 10
  • Self-certification valid for 5 years (compliance windows specified)
  • No fee for DPIIT recognition (it is free)
  • Annual compliance: submit annual report to Startup India portal

What disqualifies you

  • Entity formed by demerger/split of existing business is NOT eligible
  • Turnover > Rs. 100 cr in any year disqualifies for that year onwards
  • Foreign-incorporated entities not eligible — must be Indian
  • Sole proprietorships not eligible (only Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership)
  • 80-IAC exemption is one-time choice — once chosen years cannot be changed

Documents typically required

  • Incorporation certificate
  • PAN
  • Pitch deck
  • Innovation/scalability brief
  • Founders Aadhaar

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is DPIIT recognition the same as the 3-year tax holiday?
No — these are two separate processes. DPIIT recognition unlocks eligibility; tax exemption (80-IAC) requires a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board.
Q. My company is 11 years old — am I eligible?
No — the 10-year age limit is strict. The clock starts from your Certificate of Incorporation date.
Q. Does DPIIT recognition guarantee me funding?
No — DPIIT recognition is a status badge. Funding access via SIDBI FFS is indirect (through AIFs that may invest in your startup).
Q. Can a service-based startup get DPIIT recognition?
Yes — services are explicitly covered. The key criterion is innovation/scalability, not the sector.

The content above is compiled from public information published by the scheme authority. Eligibility, benefits, and procedures are subject to change. Confirm details directly with the official portal before applying. BharatSeal does not process scheme applications.