§1Who it is for

  • Private limited companies, registered partnership firms, LLPs and cooperative societies working on innovation or scalable models

Useful if

Any founder with a pvt ltd/LLP/partnership doing something new or scalable.

Do not spend time on it if

Traders or reconstructed old businesses.

§2Eligibility

  1. Incorporated/registered in India as a private limited company, registered partnership firm (sec 59, Partnership Act 1932), LLP, Multi-State Cooperative Society, or a State/UT cooperative society.
  2. Within 10 years of incorporation/registration (20 years for Deep Tech Startup).
  3. Turnover in any year since incorporation not above ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for Deep Tech).
  4. Working towards innovation/improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable model with high employment or wealth-creation potential.
  5. Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.
  6. Deep Tech: new scientific/engineering knowledge, high R&D spend as % of revenue/funding, owns or is creating significant novel IP, long gestation and high technical uncertainty.

§3Benefits

  • Section 80-IAC (Sec 140 of new Act): 100% deduction of profits for any 3 consecutive years within first 10 years — only for pvt ltd companies/LLPs incorporated 1 Apr 2016 to before 1 Apr 2030, turnover ≤ ₹300 crore in that year, with IMB certificate.
  • Angel tax (tax on share premium above FMV) abolished from 1 Apr 2025.
  • Deferred tax on ESOPs and relaxed carry-forward of losses for eligible (IMB-certified) startups.
  • Self-certification under labour and environment laws; no labour inspections for a specified period.
  • Public procurement: exemption from EMD/bid security; relaxed prior turnover and experience.
  • Reduced patent filing fees and expedited patent examination.
  • Fast-track winding up within 90 days vs 180 days.
  • Access to SISFS, Fund of Funds, CGSS and other schemes.

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. Tax holiday needs separate Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB) certification on the Startup India portal after recognition.
  2. MAT/AMT may still apply (Tax Playbook).

§5Documents

Tick each one as you get it ready.

Details of directors / partners

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    Create an account on NSWS (www.nsws.gov.in).

  2. 2

    Add form 'StartUp Recognition by DPIIT' under Central Approvals and submit.

  3. 3

    For 80-IAC, apply for IMB certificate on the Startup India portal after recognition.

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Free and online; minimal documents (Startup India playbook).
  • Recognition unlocks GeM Startup Runway, SISFS, FoF-backed VC, CGSS loans.
  • 80-IAC window open for incorporations till 31 Mar 2030 (Tax Playbook).

Demerits

  • Proprietorships cannot be recognised (entity list in definition).
  • 80-IAC needs a second approval (IMB) and is not available to partnership firms or cooperatives (Tax Playbook eligibility: pvt ltd or LLP).
  • Recognition alone gives no cash.

→Related schemes

Need help with DPIIT Startup Recognition?

Eligibility check, DPR and application file — ask us on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp usServices

Our interestHelp is our paid service. You can also apply for the scheme yourself.

Sources

  1. PIB, 5 Feb 2026: Government revises startup recognition framework
  2. Startup India: Startup Playbook — Exclusive Benefits for DPIIT Recognised Startups (April 2026)
  3. Startup India: Tax Playbook for Startup Ecosystem (May 2026)
  4. Startup India: DPIIT Startup Recognition & Tax Exemption page
  5. PIB, 17 Apr 2026: 55,200+ startups recognised in FY 2025-26 (FFS, SISFS, CGSS status)

Checked on 18 October 2026. For information only — confirm with the department or bank. Spotted a mistake? Report it.