Overview
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognises eligible entities as startups. Recognition opens access to Startup India benefits such as self-certification under some labour and environment laws, faster patent examination and fee rebates, easier public procurement norms, and the option to apply for the income tax holiday (for eligible companies and LLPs) and the exemption related to share premium.
Under the revised framework notified in February 2026, a private limited company, LLP, registered partnership firm or cooperative society can be recognised if it is up to 10 years old and its turnover has not exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year (20 years and ₹300 crore for deep tech startups), and it works towards innovation or improvement of products, services or processes with potential for employment or wealth creation. An entity formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business doesn't qualify. The government charges no fee.
Our team checks eligibility, writes up your innovation and business model in the way the application asks, prepares the supporting documents, and files the application.
Who needs it
- Young private limited companies, LLPs, registered firms and cooperative societies building something new
- Startups planning to apply for the income tax holiday or the share premium exemption
- Founders who want to use Startup India schemes, procurement relaxations or IPR fee rebates
Documents required
What we usually ask for. Our team confirms the exact list for your case before anything is filed.
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- PAN of the entity
- Details of directors or partners
- A short description of the product or service and what is innovative about it
- Website, pitch deck, product demo or other proof of work, if available
- Patents, trade marks or awards, if any
How it works
- 1
Check eligibility
We confirm the entity type, age and turnover against the current definition.
- 2
Prepare the write-up
We help you describe the problem, the solution and its innovation clearly and accurately.
- 3
Apply online
The application is filed through the National Single Window System with the supporting documents.
- 4
Follow up
If DPIIT asks for clarifications, we help you respond. On approval, the recognition certificate is issued.
Typical timeline
Recognition is granted by DPIIT after it reviews the application and documents; the time taken varies with the queries raised. The government charges no fee.
Get a free quote
Answer a few questions and our team will contact you. It takes about two minutes.
Official sources
The government portals and laws this page is based on:
Please note