Startup India Eligibility Checker
Our Startup India Eligibility Checker service provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your business needs.
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Processing Time
- 15-30 Days
- Eligibility Check
- Instant
- DPIIT Recognition
- 10 Years
- Turnover Limit
- Under ₹100 Cr
- Government Fee
- Free
- Expert Support
- 24/7
What is Startup India?
Startup India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India launched in 2016 to foster a conducive ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs. The scheme aims to transform India into a vibrant hub for startups and innovation.
Under the Startup India initiative, eligible startups can apply for DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) recognition, which unlocks a comprehensive package of benefits including tax exemptions, IP rebates, self-certification for labor laws, and access to Fund of Funds.
The Startup India Eligibility Checker helps you instantly assess whether your startup meets the key criteria for DPIIT recognition, so you can understand what you qualify for and what gaps to address.
With Startup India vs Without
See the tangible advantages of DPIIT recognition for your startup.
Without DPIIT Recognition
Pay full corporate tax
With DPIIT Recognition
100% tax exemption for 3 years (80IAC)
| Aspect | Without DPIIT Recognition | With DPIIT Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | ✕ Pay full corporate tax | ✓ 100% tax exemption for 3 years (80IAC) |
| IP Registration Fees | ✕ Pay full patent/trademark fees | ✓ 80% rebate on IP filing costs |
| Labor Law Compliance | ✕ Regular government inspections | ✓ Self-certify under 6 labor laws for 3 years |
| Winding Up | ✕ Standard 2-year insolvency process | ✓ Fast-track exit in 180 days |
| Funding Access | ✕ Limited access to government schemes | ✓ Access to ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds (SIDBI) |
| Government Tenders | ✕ Competitive bidding required | ✓ Exemption from prior turnover/experience criteria |
Who Should Use This Checker?
- Entrepreneurs planning to incorporate a new company or LLP
- Startups less than 10 years old seeking DPIIT recognition
- Founders wanting to understand Startup India benefits early
- Existing startups unsure about their eligibility status
- Startups with annual turnover under ₹100 Crore
- Innovation-driven businesses in technology, biotech, design, or IP-heavy sectors
Documents Required for DPIIT Recognition
Common to every entity
- Certificate of Incorporation (MCA/MCA21)Mandatory
- PAN Card of the entityMandatory
- Founder's ID Proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)Mandatory
- Proof of Indian Residence (for at least one founder)Mandatory
- Business Pitch Deck / Description of InnovationMandatory
- Details of IP Registration (if any)
- Incubator/Angel Recommendation Letter (recommended)
- Board Resolution / Authorization LetterMandatory
How to Apply for DPIIT Recognition
Check Eligibility
This tool walks you through entity type, turnover, innovation focus, and founder requirements.
Register on Startup India Portal
Fill in your startup details and upload the incorporation certificate and founder documents.
Submit Application
The portal verifies your MCA incorporation data automatically. Upload pitch deck and supporting documents.
Receive Recognition
Processing takes 15-30 working days. Once approved, you can claim all benefits including 80IAC tax exemption.
Expected Timeline
From checking eligibility to claiming your first benefit:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | |
| Week 2 | |
| Week 3-6 | |
| Week 6-8 |
Costs & Fees
Applying for DPIIT recognition and claiming Startup India benefits involves the following costs:
DIY
Self-service application
- No government fee for DPIIT recognition
- Self-fill the application on startupindia.gov.in
- Apply for 80IAC tax exemption at no charge
Assisted
Expert-guided application
- Document review & checklist
- Application filing on your behalf
- Post-filing support & follow-up
- Guidance on claiming benefits
Full Support
End-to-end DPIIT + 80IAC
- DPIIT recognition filing
- 80IAC tax exemption application
- IP rebate claim assistance
- Annual self-certification management
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| DPIIT Recognition Application | Free | Rs. 4,999 onwards |
| Section 80IAC Tax Exemption | Free | Rs. 7,999 onwards |
| IP Rebate (Patent/Trademark) | 80% rebate | As per IP registration fees |
Find Your Perfect Plan
Answer a few questions and we'll recommend the best plan for your startup's DPIIT and compliance needs.
Is your company already incorporated?
What is your current annual turnover?
What help do you need most?
Startup India Benefits You Can Claim
Tax Benefits
- 100% profit-linked tax deduction for 3 consecutive years (Section 80IAC) out of first 10 years of operation.
- No tax on long-term capital gains from investments in recognized startups.
- No 'angel tax' (Section 56(2)(x) exemption) for recognized startups.
IP Benefits
- 80% rebate on patent filing fees (capped at ₹15 lakh per application).
- 80% rebate on trademark and design registration fees.
- Fast-track examination of patent applications.
Compliance Benefits
- Self-certification for compliance under 6 labor laws (Industrial Disputes Act, PF, ESIC, etc.).
- Self-certification under 3 environmental laws for eligible sectors.
- Reduced regulatory burden for the first 3 years.
Funding & Exit
- Access to ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI through SEBI-registered AIFs.
- Exemption from prior turnover/experience criteria in government tenders.
- Fast-track insolvency exit process (180-day winding up window).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying before incorporation is complete
Ensure your company/LLP is registered with MCA before applying for DPIIT recognition.
Missing pitch deck or innovation description
Prepare a clear pitch deck showing your innovative product/service, technology, or IP.
Ignoring turnover tracking
Keep annual turnover below ₹100 Cr throughout the 10-year recognition period.
Not self-certifying under labor laws
Log in to Startup India portal annually and self-certify compliance for each applicable law.
Missing deadline for 80IAC application
File Section 80IAC application before filing your income tax return for the relevant year.
Every rejection above has a fix - most come down to how the innovation note is written, not the business itself. Most applicants don't know that until after the rejection.
If you have already been rejected, or want to make sure it does not happen, the 15-minute call below is the fastest path.
Why Choose Bizeneed?
Frequently asked questions
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) recognition is the official government recognition of a startup under the Startup India scheme. It unlocks benefits including tax exemptions, IP rebates, and access to government funding schemes.
The typical processing time for DPIIT recognition is 15-30 working days from the date of submitting a complete application on the Startup India portal.
No. Only entities registered as Private Limited Companies, LLPs, or Registered Partnership Firms can apply for Startup India DPIIT recognition.
The startup's annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 Crore at the time of application and must stay below this threshold to maintain DPIIT recognition.
For basic DPIIT recognition, it is not mandatory. However, a recommendation from a DPIIT-recognized incubator or SEBI-registered angel network significantly strengthens your application and is required for certain benefits.
DPIIT recognition is valid for 10 years from the date of incorporation, provided the annual turnover remains below ₹100 Cr throughout this period.
Yes, but the startup should not have been formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business. Prior investments are allowed, though angel tax exemptions have specific conditions.
DPIIT recognition can be obtained up to 10 years from the date of incorporation. Startups in the biotech sector have an extended limit of up to 10 years. If you're older than this, check with a CA for alternative schemes.
No, the DPIIT recognition application on the Startup India portal is completely free. However, you may choose to use a professional service to help with documentation and filing.
You can claim: 3-year tax exemption (80IAC), 80% rebate on patent/trademark fees, self-certification for 6 labor laws, fast-track exit under IBC, and access to the ₹10,000 Cr Fund of Funds.
After obtaining DPIIT recognition, you need to file an application under Section 80IAC with the Income Tax Department. This must be done before filing your ITR for the relevant financial year.
No. DPIIT recognition is only available for startups incorporated within the last 10 years (15 years for biotech startups). However, you can continue to claim benefits for the remaining years within the 10-year window.
It is a ₹945 Cr fund that provides seed funding to startups through selected incubators. Eligible startups can receive grants up to ₹5 Cr for product development, market entry, and commercialization.
Foreign entities can qualify if they are registered in India as a Pvt Ltd Company or LLP. However, at least one founder must be an Indian resident (staying in India for 180+ days in the year).
You need the DPIIT recognition number, the patent/trademark/design application filed through the Startup India portal, and proof of fee payment. The rebate is processed directly by the IP office.
Written by Bizeneed Research Team, Business Compliance & Startup Registration Experts
Last updated 2026-09-06
Sources
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Eligibility is determined by DPIIT. Consult a CA or legal professional for your specific case.
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