The Startup India Recognition Certificate is issued by DPIIT under the Startup India initiative, launched by the Government of India. This certificate officially acknowledges your business as a “Startup” and makes you eligible for several government schemes and exemptions.
These benefits include tax holidays, intellectual property rights (IPR) support, funding access via SIDBI, easier compliance, and relaxations in public procurement norms. The recognition also boosts your brand’s credibility in the ecosystem.
Startups that fulfill basic eligibility criteria—such as incorporation age, turnover cap, and innovation-based offerings—can apply via the Startup India portal. Once approved, the DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate is issued digitally.
Getting DPIIT recognition is a strategic move for early-stage and innovative businesses in India. The government provides considerable support to recognized startups to help them scale faster and more efficiently. Here’s how it helps:
The recognition brings not just credibility, but access to a rich ecosystem of benefits like tax exemptions, funding avenues, and patent fee rebates. If you’re an eligible startup, this is your gateway to faster, easier, and government-backed growth.
Tax Exemption for 3 Years under Section 80 IAC (post separate approval)
Self-certification for 9 labor & 3 environmental laws
Faster processing of patent applications with 80% rebate on fees
Access to government tenders without prior experience
Eligibility for Fund of Funds (₹10,000 crore corpus)
Networking & mentorship under Startup India Hub
Easier exit norms and winding up provisions
Boost in investor and client confidence
Helps in international expansion & fundraising
Startup India recognition is open to businesses across industries, provided they meet the conditions laid out by DPIIT. The company structure, incorporation age, turnover, and innovation quotient play a key role.
You’ll need to demonstrate that your business is working towards innovation, improvement of products or processes, or has the potential to generate employment or create wealth.
Registered as Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm
Incorporated within the last 10 years
Annual turnover has not exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year
The business is working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products/services/business models
The entity must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
Must not be a holding or subsidiary of an existing company
UrbanDox ensures all documentation is reviewed and formatted per DPIIT requirements to avoid delays and improve approval chances. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Certificate of Incorporation (from MCA or Registrar of Firms)
PAN Card of the entity
Brief write-up on the nature of business
Details of directors/partners
Website URL or Pitch Deck (strongly recommended)
Video or product demo (if available)
Details on innovation or scalability
Declaration of originality and non-reconstruction
MSME (Udyam) Certificate (optional but helpful)
Trademark/Patent proof (if applicable)
UrbanDox follows a structured, transparent, and efficient process to get your DPIIT recognition done without hassle. From checking eligibility to final certification, we’ve got your back.
We help prepare a professionally drafted startup profile and pitch if you don’t have one. All submissions are done online through the Startup India portal.
Initial eligibility check and document verification
Drafting of innovation write-up and profile enhancement
Preparation of pitch deck/website if required
Submission of application on Startup India portal
Follow-up for any queries or clarifications from DPIIT
Issuance of Startup Recognition Certificate (typically within 7–14 working days)
Post-recognition guidance on IPR, funding, and tax exemption application
Startups often overlook the importance of the write-up and innovation aspect while applying for DPIIT recognition. Even if your business is operational and legal, the certificate will only be issued if it meets the “innovation” or “scalability” requirement.
Make sure your pitch is aligned with government expectations and avoid plagiarism or re-used content. UrbanDox can help articulate your value proposition clearly.
Only companies under 10 years old and ₹100 Cr turnover are eligible
You must operate with innovation or problem-solving at your core
A strong pitch deck or website helps improve approval chances
DPIIT may raise queries, especially in B2B service models
Post-recognition, you can apply for tax exemption separately
The application process is free, you only pay service fee to facilitators
Use a registered DSC for submission, especially for Pvt Ltd/LLP
Recognition is valid till 10 years from incorporation date
Avoid duplicate applications — one rejection may delay future approvals
UrbanDox ensures your application is 100% compliant and optimized
The Startup India Recognition Certificate is issued by DPIIT under the Startup India initiative, launched by the Government of India. This certificate officially acknowledges your business as a “Startup” and makes you eligible for several government schemes and exemptions.
These benefits include tax holidays, intellectual property rights (IPR) support, funding access via SIDBI, easier compliance, and relaxations in public procurement norms. The recognition also boosts your brand’s credibility in the ecosystem.
Startups that fulfill basic eligibility criteria—such as incorporation age, turnover cap, and innovation-based offerings—can apply via the Startup India portal. Once approved, the DPIIT Startup Recognition Certificate is issued digitally.
Getting DPIIT recognition is a strategic move for early-stage and innovative businesses in India. The government provides considerable support to recognized startups to help them scale faster and more efficiently. Here’s how it helps:
The recognition brings not just credibility, but access to a rich ecosystem of benefits like tax exemptions, funding avenues, and patent fee rebates. If you’re an eligible startup, this is your gateway to faster, easier, and government-backed growth.
Tax Exemption for 3 Years under Section 80 IAC (post separate approval)
Self-certification for 9 labor & 3 environmental laws
Faster processing of patent applications with 80% rebate on fees
Access to government tenders without prior experience
Eligibility for Fund of Funds (₹10,000 crore corpus)
Networking & mentorship under Startup India Hub
Easier exit norms and winding up provisions
Boost in investor and client confidence
Helps in international expansion & fundraising
Startup India recognition is open to businesses across industries, provided they meet the conditions laid out by DPIIT. The company structure, incorporation age, turnover, and innovation quotient play a key role.
You’ll need to demonstrate that your business is working towards innovation, improvement of products or processes, or has the potential to generate employment or create wealth.
Registered as Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm
Incorporated within the last 10 years
Annual turnover has not exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year
The business is working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products/services/business models
The entity must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
Must not be a holding or subsidiary of an existing company
UrbanDox ensures all documentation is reviewed and formatted per DPIIT requirements to avoid delays and improve approval chances. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Certificate of Incorporation (from MCA or Registrar of Firms)
PAN Card of the entity
Brief write-up on the nature of business
Details of directors/partners
Website URL or Pitch Deck (strongly recommended)
Video or product demo (if available)
Details on innovation or scalability
Declaration of originality and non-reconstruction
MSME (Udyam) Certificate (optional but helpful)
Trademark/Patent proof (if applicable)
UrbanDox follows a structured, transparent, and efficient process to get your DPIIT recognition done without hassle. From checking eligibility to final certification, we’ve got your back.
We help prepare a professionally drafted startup profile and pitch if you don’t have one. All submissions are done online through the Startup India portal.
Initial eligibility check and document verification
Drafting of innovation write-up and profile enhancement
Preparation of pitch deck/website if required
Submission of application on Startup India portal
Follow-up for any queries or clarifications from DPIIT
Issuance of Startup Recognition Certificate (typically within 7–14 working days)
Post-recognition guidance on IPR, funding, and tax exemption application
Startups often overlook the importance of the write-up and innovation aspect while applying for DPIIT recognition. Even if your business is operational and legal, the certificate will only be issued if it meets the “innovation” or “scalability” requirement.
Make sure your pitch is aligned with government expectations and avoid plagiarism or re-used content. UrbanDox can help articulate your value proposition clearly.
Only companies under 10 years old and ₹100 Cr turnover are eligible
You must operate with innovation or problem-solving at your core
A strong pitch deck or website helps improve approval chances
DPIIT may raise queries, especially in B2B service models
Post-recognition, you can apply for tax exemption separately
The application process is free, you only pay service fee to facilitators
Use a registered DSC for submission, especially for Pvt Ltd/LLP
Recognition is valid till 10 years from incorporation date
Avoid duplicate applications — one rejection may delay future approvals
UrbanDox ensures your application is 100% compliant and optimized
Q: Is DPIIT recognition same as tax exemption?
A: No. Tax exemption under Section 80 IAC is a separate application post DPIIT recognition.
Q: Is there any fee charged by DPIIT?
A: No, the government portal and recognition process is free.
Q: Can an MSME also apply for DPIIT recognition?
A: Yes. DPIIT recognition is independent of MSME status.
Q: What happens after I get the certificate?
A: You become eligible for tax exemption, funding, IPR benefits, and more.
Q: Can I apply without a pitch deck or website?
A: You can, but having them significantly increases approval chances.
Q: Is recognition applicable to NGOs or Trusts?
A: No, only companies, LLPs, and partnerships are eligible.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Typically 7–14 working days, depending on document accuracy.
Q: Can foreign directors be part of a recognized startup?
A: Yes, if the entity is registered in India and meets criteria.
Q: Can I update my documents post-submission?
A: Only before approval. Once submitted, changes need to be re-applied.