Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition Explained
Qualify for DPIIT recognition to access the 3-year tax holiday (80-IAC), angel-tax exemption, self-certification and government tenders — here's how to apply.
Cost
Free
Portal
startupindia.gov.in
Age limit
≤10 years old
Turnover limit
≤₹100 cr / year
Eligible entities
Pvt Ltd / LLP / Regd. Partnership
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) recognition is the gateway to the Startup India programme's benefits: a potential 3-year income-tax holiday under Section 80-IAC, exemption from angel tax, self-certification under labour and environment laws, faster IP processing with fee rebates, and easier access to government tenders and funds. Recognition itself is free and granted on the Startup India portal.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Check eligibility
Your entity must be a Private Limited Company, LLP or Registered Partnership, incorporated within the last 10 years, with annual turnover never exceeding ₹100 crore in any year, and working toward innovation, improvement or a scalable business model with employment/wealth-creation potential. It must not be formed by splitting up an existing business.
- 2
Register your entity first
DPIIT recognition sits on top of an incorporated entity — so you must already have a company or LLP. If you haven't incorporated yet, do that first.
- 3
Create a Startup India profile
Sign up on startupindia.gov.in and complete your startup profile with entity details, directors/partners, and a short description of how your business is innovative or scalable.
- 4
Apply for DPIIT recognition
Submit the recognition application with your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and a write-up (or pitch deck / website / video) demonstrating innovation and scalability. There is no fee.
- 5
Receive the recognition certificate
On approval you get a DPIIT Recognition Number and certificate. You can then separately apply for the Section 80-IAC tax holiday and angel-tax (Section 56) exemption through the portal, which go to an inter-ministerial board.
Expert tips
Frequently asked
Does DPIIT recognition automatically give me a tax holiday?
No. Recognition unlocks the ability to apply for the Section 80-IAC 3-year tax holiday, but that exemption is granted separately by an inter-ministerial board and is not guaranteed.
Official sources
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