Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition
In short
Startup India recognition is granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT, formerly DIPP). A private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm qualifies if it is less than ten years old, its turnover has not exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year, and it is working on innovation or a scalable business model. The application is made online on the Startup India portal.
Overview
Recognition is the gateway to most central-government startup benefits. It lets a startup self-certify compliance under several labour and environmental laws, file patents and trademarks with fee rebates and expedited examination, and access relaxed norms in public procurement.
Recognition is also a precondition for applying to the Inter-Ministerial Board for the startup tax holiday on profits.
Key requirements
- Incorporated as a private limited company, registered partnership firm or LLP
- Less than ten years since incorporation or registration
- Turnover has not exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model with high potential for employment or wealth creation
- Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
Documents required
- Certificate of Incorporation or registration
- PAN of the entity
- A short write-up on the product or service, the problem it solves and its innovation or scalability
- Supporting material such as a pitch deck, website or patent, where available
- Details of directors or partners
We share an exact checklist for your case before you start, since requirements vary with the structure and the people involved.
Process
Eligibility review
We check that the entity and business meet DPIIT criteria.
Write-up
We help you describe the innovation and scalability clearly and accurately.
Application
The application is filed on the Startup India portal.
Certificate
We follow up on any clarification sought until the recognition certificate is issued.
What KNAP Advisory handles
- Eligibility assessment
- Help drafting the innovation write-up
- Startup India portal registration and application
- Responses to clarifications
Frequently asked questions
Is DIPP recognition the same as DPIIT recognition?
Yes. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) was renamed the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in 2019. Startup India recognition is now issued by DPIIT.
Can a sole proprietorship or OPC get Startup India recognition?
A sole proprietorship cannot. Recognition is available to private limited companies (including OPCs, which are private companies), LLPs and registered partnership firms.
Does recognition automatically give a tax exemption?
No. The profit-linked tax holiday needs a separate certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board, which only recognised startups can apply for.