Your startup could be saving
lakhs in taxes.
Most founders don't know it.
by DPIIT to date
to apply
under Sec 80-IAC
A master access card from the Government of India
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) officially certifies qualifying businesses as startups under the Startup India initiative. This is not a formality. It is a single certificate that unlocks a stack of government benefits: tax holidays, intellectual property rebates, compliance relief, funding access, and government procurement advantages.
The best way to think about it: most of India's startup benefits require DPIIT recognition as the entry credential. Without it, you are locked out. With it, doors that would otherwise take months of paperwork open quickly.
“Get the certificate first. Everything else (the tax holiday, the IP rebates, the seed fund) requires you to have it already.”
Five conditions. All must be met simultaneously.
Right legal structure
Must be a Private Limited Company (including OPC), LLP, Registered Partnership Firm, or (newly added in 2026) a Cooperative Society. Sole proprietorships do not qualify.
Under 10 years old
The entity must not be more than 10 years from its date of incorporation. For Deep Tech startups, this window extends to 20 years under the 2026 notification.
Below ₹200 crore
Annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. This ceiling was doubled from ₹100 crore by the February 2026 notification. Deep Tech startups get ₹300 crore.
Not a restructured business
Your startup must be a genuine new venture, not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already existing business. Duplication of entities with similar addresses and directors also disqualifies.
Demonstrable innovation or scalability
Your business must work towards innovation, development, or improvement of a product, process, or service, or demonstrate a scalable business model with high potential for employment or wealth creation. Pre-revenue startups qualify if they can articulate this through a pitch deck or concept note. A vague description (“we use the latest technology”) is the single most common reason for rejection.