Get your business recognised under the Startup India scheme. A dedicated corporate expert checks your eligibility, helps you incorporate if you have not yet, prepares your DPIIT application and explains which benefits you can actually claim.
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Startup India registration means applying to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on the Startup India portal to have your private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm recognised as a startup. If approved, you receive a DPIIT recognition certificate that unlocks the scheme's benefits.
Last updated: October 2026. Eligibility limits, benefits and procedures can change, so we confirm the current position on the official portal before filing.
Startup India is a Government of India initiative to support new businesses. Recognition by DPIIT is the formal status that lets an eligible entity claim benefits under the scheme. It is different from incorporation: the Registrar of Companies creates your company, while DPIIT separately recognises it as a startup.
Many founders search for "Startup India registration" when they mean one of three things: incorporating a company, getting the DPIIT certificate, or applying for a tax exemption. These are separate steps with separate authorities, and we explain which ones you need.
The application is made on the official Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in). If you do not yet have a company, start with our private limited company registration service. Once recognised, protect your brand with trademark registration online.
Your entity must meet all of these conditions. Limits are revised by DPIIT, so we check the latest notification.
Only certain structures can apply.
The business must be within DPIIT's notified limits.
The entity should be a fresh venture.
You must show what makes the business a startup.
Not sure whether your business qualifies? Tell us about it and our experts will review eligibility free of charge.
What recognition can offer. Some benefits need separate applications or approvals.
Recognised startups can self-certify compliance under selected labour and environment laws.
Rebates on patent and trademark filing fees and access to fast-track examination for patents.
Eligible startups may claim a deduction for three years out of a notified period, but only after a separate approval.
Relaxed prior experience and turnover norms in government tenders, subject to the buying department.
Eligibility for schemes such as the Fund of Funds for Startups and the credit guarantee scheme, through the relevant institutions.
The DPIIT certificate helps with investor, incubator and accelerator conversations.
From incorporation to DPIIT certificate, here is how it works.
Timelines depend on application quality and DPIIT review. Not to scale.
We review entity type, age, turnover and the innovation angle against the current DPIIT criteria.
If you are a proprietor or not yet registered, we incorporate the right entity first.
We help you register on the Startup India portal with the company's authorised signatory.
We help you explain clearly what is new or scalable about your product, service or model.
We upload the certificate and supporting documents and submit the recognition form.
If DPIIT asks for clarifications we help you reply. On approval you receive the recognition certificate.
Keep these ready. Our expert will confirm the exact list for your case.
The DPIIT recognition application on the Startup India portal does not carry a government filing fee at present. Your total cost depends on whether you already have an eligible entity.
None for the DPIIT application today. If you need to incorporate, the MCA fee applies and we confirm the current amount before filing.
Applies to company incorporation documents and varies by state and authorised capital.
Depends on whether you need incorporation as well. Call free for a custom quote before you pay anything.
Optional services such as trademark filing, GST registration and ongoing compliance are quoted separately. Get your free quote →
Choose the situation that matches yours, or call free for a custom quote.
You already have an incorporated entity and want DPIIT recognition.
Starting from scratch: incorporate and get recognised.
Converting a proprietorship or asking about 80-IAC.
Our professional fee is quoted after a free call. Government fee and stamp duty apply only to incorporation. Not sure which option fits? Ask for a free consultation.
A quick view of eligibility and suitability by business structure.
| Structure | Eligible for DPIIT recognition | Fundraising | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private limited company | Yes | Equity, shares and ESOPs possible | Higher |
| LLP | Yes | No shares; harder to raise equity | Moderate |
| Registered partnership firm | Yes | Mostly partner funds and loans | Lower |
| One Person Company | Not listed as an eligible entity type | Limited | Moderate to higher |
| Sole proprietorship | No | Owner funds and loans | Lowest |
Careful preparation prevents most delays and rejections.
Recognition is a starting point. Here are the steps that follow.
Apply for GST, Udyam and other licences your activity requires.
File a trademark for your name and logo and use the IPR fee rebate where available.
The tax holiday needs a separate application and approval after recognition.
File ROC returns, audit and income tax returns. Recognition does not remove statutory compliance.
See our trademark registration online service, and our trademark hearing online service if your mark faces an objection. For local support, see trademark registration in Dwarka and Jaipur.
Quick answers on Startup India registration and DPIIT recognition.
Startup India registration is the process of getting your business recognised as a startup by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) through the Startup India portal. Recognition gives access to scheme benefits such as self-certification under selected labour and environment laws, faster IPR processing and eligibility for certain tax and funding schemes.
The entity must be a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm, within the age and turnover limits notified by DPIIT, not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business, and working on innovation or a scalable business model with potential for jobs or wealth creation. Limits are revised from time to time, so we check the current notification.
Incorporate your business, create a login on the Startup India portal, fill in the recognition form with company, director and business details, upload the incorporation certificate and supporting documents, and submit. DPIIT reviews the application and issues a recognition certificate if you qualify.
No. Company registration creates a legal entity with the Registrar of Companies under the MCA. Startup India registration is a separate, later step in which DPIIT recognises that entity as a startup. You need an incorporated entity before you can apply.
Usually the certificate of incorporation or registration, PAN and details of directors or partners, a short description of the business and the innovation involved, and details of any funding received. A website link or pitch deck and an authorised signatory are also commonly needed.
The time depends on how complete the application is and whether DPIIT raises queries. A well-prepared application is often processed faster, but we cannot promise a fixed timeline because the decision rests with DPIIT.
As of now, the DPIIT recognition application on the Startup India portal does not carry a government filing fee. Costs arise from incorporating the entity (MCA fee, stamp duty) and our professional fee, which we quote after a free call.
Recognised startups can access self-certification under selected labour and environment laws, fee rebates on patent and trademark filing, relaxed public procurement norms, and eligibility for schemes such as the Fund of Funds and credit guarantee. An income tax holiday under Section 80-IAC needs a separate approval and is not automatic.
No. A sole proprietorship or an unregistered partnership is not eligible. You must first become a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm.
Recognition is available only while the entity meets the age and turnover conditions notified by DPIIT. Some benefits, such as the Section 80-IAC deduction, have their own time limits and conditions.
Planning your Startup India registration? Speak to our corporate expert today – the consultation and the quote are free.
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you with the right guidance.
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