How does a startup get it?
Industry Updates
DPIIT recognition is the Government of India’s formal recognition of a business as a startup. DPIIT is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and it runs the Startup India initiative.
Who can apply. The rules are updated from time to time, so confirm them on startupindia.gov.in. In general, your business should:
- Be registered as a private limited company, a registered partnership firm or an LLP
- Be less than 10 years old, counted from the date of incorporation
- Not have crossed ₹100 crore in annual turnover in any financial year
- Work on innovation or improvement of a product, process or service, or on a scalable model that can create jobs or wealth
- Not have been formed by splitting up or restructuring an existing business.
How to apply
- Register your company, LLP or partnership firm.
- Create an account on the Startup India portal.
- Fill in the recognition form and describe, in plain language, the problem you solve and what is new in how you solve it.
- Upload your documents, such as the certificate of incorporation, and a website or pitch link if you have one.
- Wait for the review. If approved, you receive a recognition certificate online.
Why it matters. Recognition opens the door to Startup India schemes and support. It also makes you eligible to apply separately for income-tax benefits under Section 80-IAC, which are approved through a different process.
Our experience. Modern Myriad Branding is a Government of India-recognised startup and, as confirmed through Startup India, the first and only startup from Nagaland to receive the 80-IAC certificate to date. Our team has also taken part in the States’ Startup Ranking 5.0 workshop in Kohima (March 2025), National Startup Day in New Delhi (January 2025) and Startup Mahakumbh (April 2025).
Our advice. Spend your time on the innovation description. Reviewers read it first, so make it clear, specific and honest.
Source credit: Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in)