India has become a hotbed for innovation, with thousands of startups
emerging across sectors like fintech, edtech, healthtech, and e-commerce. To
support and boost entrepreneurship, the Government of India launched the Startup
India Scheme on January 16, 2016. The initiative offers a range of benefits
like tax exemptions, easier compliance, access to funding, and more. But to take
advantage of these benefits, businesses must first complete the official
registration process.
If you’re wondering how to register under Startup India scheme,
this detailed guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, eligibility
criteria, required documents, and key benefits of registration.
What Is the Startup India Scheme?
The Startup India Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian
government, aimed at fostering innovation and creating an ecosystem conducive
to startup growth. It provides various support measures including:
- Recognition
by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
- Income
tax benefits
- Easier
public procurement norms
- Self-certification
under labour and environmental laws
- Access
to government-funded incubators
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Before learning how to register under Startup India scheme, it’s
important to understand the eligibility criteria:
1. Entity Type
Only the following types of entities are eligible:
- Private
Limited Company (registered under Companies Act, 2013)
- Limited
Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Registered
Partnership Firm
2. Age of the Entity
The business should not be older than 10 years from the date of
incorporation.
3. Annual Turnover
The turnover of the startup should not exceed INR 100 crores in
any of the financial years since incorporation.
4. Innovation Requirement
The entity must be working towards:
- Innovation
- Development
or improvement of products or processes
- A
scalable business model with a high potential for employment generation or
wealth creation
Documents Required
Here are the documents you need before you start the process of how
to register under Startup India scheme:
- Certificate
of Incorporation or Registration
- PAN
card of the entity
- Details
of the directors/partners
- Brief
description of the business and its innovative nature
- Website
or Pitch Deck (if available)
- Patent
and trademark details (if any)
- List of
awards or recognition (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Process: How to Register Under Startup
India Scheme
Step 1: Incorporate Your Business
Before registering under the scheme, make sure your business is
incorporated as:
- Private
Limited Company
- LLP
- Partnership
Firm
You must register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and
obtain a valid PAN.
Step 2: Create a Profile on Startup India Portal
Visit the official Startup India Portal and create a user account using your email ID and
mobile number.
Once registered, log in and select the option “Get Recognized”
under the “Recognition” tab.
Step 3: Apply for DPIIT Recognition
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
recognition is crucial, as it enables access to most benefits under the scheme.
Click on “Apply for DPIIT Recognition” and fill in the following
details:
- Entity
details (name, type, date of incorporation)
- Full
address and contact details
- Directors/Partners'
information
- Funding
status (if applicable)
- Description
of the business model and innovation
- Revenue
model and customer segments
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload all necessary documents like:
- Incorporation
Certificate
- PAN
card
- Description
of how your startup is innovative
Ensure that the uploaded pitch or video clearly outlines the problem
your startup solves, your target market, and your unique value proposition.
Step 5: Self-Certification and Declaration
You’ll be asked to self-certify that:
- Your
startup is not a result of splitting or reconstructing an existing
business
- The
entity complies with the definition of a startup
- The
information provided is correct
Tick the declaration boxes and proceed.
Step 6: Submit the Application
After completing all the above steps, submit your application. You will
receive an acknowledgment receipt for your application.
Step 7: Recognition Number and Certificate
If all documents are found valid, DPIIT will issue a recognition number
and certificate within 1–2 weeks. You can download this certificate from
the dashboard on the Startup India portal.
Post-Registration Benefits
Once you understand how to register under Startup India scheme
and successfully complete the process, your startup can enjoy multiple
benefits:
1. Tax Exemptions
Eligible startups can apply for:
- Income
tax exemption under Section 80 IAC for three consecutive
financial years
- Exemption
from capital gains tax under Section 56(2)(viib)
2. Easier Compliance
Startups can self-certify compliance under environmental and labour laws
for up to 5 years.
3. Funding Support
Access to government schemes like:
- Fund of
Funds for Startups (FFS)
- Credit
Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
4. Faster IPR Processing
Startups receive fast-tracked examination of patents and trademarks with
up to 80% rebate on filing fees.
5. Government Tenders
Startups get exemptions from prior experience and turnover requirements
in public procurement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When following the steps on how to register under Startup India
scheme, be mindful of these errors:
- Submitting
incomplete documents
- Misrepresenting
the business model or innovation
- Using
an incorrect business structure (like sole proprietorship)
- Skipping
DPIIT recognition (which is essential for benefits)
Conclusion
Understanding how to register under Startup India scheme is
crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their startups with government
support. The registration process is entirely online, transparent, and can be
completed without intermediaries. Once registered, startups can access tax
benefits, funding opportunities, and a host of incentives aimed at nurturing
India’s innovation ecosystem.
If you’re building something new and impactful, don’t wait—get your
startup recognized under this transformative initiative and unlock the path to
growth and success.
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