§1Who it is for

  • Early-stage DPIIT-recognised startups, through selected incubators

Useful if

Watch for a successor seed scheme.

Do not spend time on it if

New applicants now.

§2Eligibility

  1. DPIIT-recognised startup, incorporated not more than 2 years ago at time of application.
  2. Business idea for a product/service with market fit, viable commercialisation and scope of scaling.
  3. Uses technology in core product/service, business model, distribution model or methodology.
  4. Not received more than ₹10 lakh monetary support under any other Central/State scheme (prize money, subsidised space, founder allowance, lab/prototyping access excluded).
  5. Indian promoters hold at least 51% at time of application.
  6. Seed support once each for grant and for debt/convertible.
  7. Preference to social impact, waste, water, financial inclusion, education, agriculture, food processing, biotech, healthcare, energy, mobility, defence, space, railways, oil & gas, textiles.

§3Benefits

  • Grant up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept, prototype or product trials (milestone-based instalments).
  • Up to ₹50 lakh for market entry, commercialisation or scale-up via convertible debentures, debt or debt-linked instruments.

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. Debt: interest not more than prevailing repo rate, tenure up to 60 months, moratorium up to 12 months, unsecured (per SISFS FAQ via search summary).
  2. Startup could apply to up to three incubators in order of preference.
  3. Incubator Seed Management Committee to select within 45 days of application.
  4. Rejected applicants may apply afresh.

§5Documents

Tick each one as you get it ready.

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    Closed to new startups since 31 May 2026.

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Real grant money (₹20 lakh) for prototype stage — rare in India.
  • 3,400+ startups approved for ₹605 crore+ (PIB Apr 2026).

Demerits

  • Closed to new applications from 31 May 2026.
  • Funds flow via incubators; selection and terms vary by incubator (guidelines).

→Related schemes

Need help with SISFS?

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

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

Sources

  1. DPIIT: Guidelines for Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
  2. Startup India: Playbook of Government Schemes and Initiatives for Startups (June 2026)
  3. 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.