Startup India DPIIT Recognition — Eligibility & Benefits 2026

Checklist

Documents required

1Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
2PAN card of the entity
3Authorised signatory's details and contact information
4Brief write-up on the innovative product / service (max 500 words)
5Website link / pitch deck / proof of concept
6List of awards, accelerator participation or patents (if any)
7Latest ITR or audited financials (if available)

Process

Step-by-step process

1Incorporate as a Private Limited Company, LLP or Partnership Firm
2Register on the Startup India portal at startupindia.gov.in
3Complete the entity profile and upload the certificate of incorporation
4Fill the DPIIT recognition application with innovation write-up and supporting links
5Submit — no government fee for DPIIT recognition itself
6Receive the DPIIT Recognition Certificate (with a unique DPIIT number) within 5–10 working days
7Apply separately for Section 80-IAC tax exemption (3-year tax holiday) via the same portal
8Apply separately for Section 56 (Angel Tax) exemption — needs CBDT approval
9Avail IPR rebates — 80% rebate on patent filing fee and 50% on trademark fee through facilitators

As of 2026

Fees & timeline

DPIIT recognition fee	Nil
DPIIT processing time	5–10 working days
80-IAC tax exemption	Separate application; 3-year tax holiday in any 3 of first 10 years
Angel Tax (Section 56) exemption	Separate CBDT approval
Validity	Up to 10 years from incorporation

Figures reviewed as of September 2026. Government fees may change without notice.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for DPIIT Startup India recognition?+

A Private Limited Company, LLP or Partnership Firm registered in India, less than 10 years old since incorporation, with annual turnover under ₹100 crore in any financial year, and working on innovation, development or improvement of a product / service / process — or a scalable business model with high potential of employment generation.

Is there a government fee for DPIIT recognition?+

No. DPIIT recognition itself is free. Government fees only apply if the startup separately seeks Section 80-IAC income tax exemption, Section 56 angel tax exemption or patent / trademark filings (where startups get 80% and 50% rebates respectively).

Does DPIIT recognition automatically give a tax holiday?+

No. DPIIT recognition makes a startup eligible to apply for the Section 80-IAC tax exemption (3-year tax holiday in any 3 out of the first 10 years), but the exemption requires a separate application and Inter-Ministerial Board approval.

Can a Jammu-based startup get DPIIT recognition?+

Yes. DPIIT recognition is granted pan-India irrespective of state. Jammu startups also become eligible for state-level benefits under the J&K Startup Policy, including seed funding, rent reimbursement and electricity duty exemption.