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Published on:

April 26, 2025

Alankar Mishra

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Startup India Scheme: Key Benefits and Eligibility

The youth and innovation of a country help in forming powerful new age businesses commonly referred to as ‘Startups’. However, without the right framework in place, there are many challenges that can impede the growth of these businesses. Overcoming such obstacles is made possible using the Startup India Scheme. Aimed with promoting and nurturing innovation along with startups, this scheme was introduced in 2016 by the Government of India.

If you intend to launch your startup or are looking for ways to garner government support for boosting your business, here is everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, key benefits, and the complete summary of the Startup India Scheme. We’ll make sure to walk you through the process in a manner so it’s easy to follow in 2025 and beyond.

Overview Table

Feature	Details
Scheme Name	Startup India Scheme
Launched By	Government of India
Launch Date	January 16, 2016
Nodal Ministry	Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Primary Objective	Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation
Eligibility	Registered entity with turnover under ₹100 crore, not older than 10 years
Official Portal	www.startupindia.gov.in

What is the Startup India Scheme?

The Indian government has come up with the Startup India Scheme to promote entrepreneurship by offering financial, administrative, legal, and several other aids to emerging startups in the country. The initiative aims to relieve regulatory requirements, provide tax benefits, reduce compliance measures, and make funding more accessible. Essentially, the Indian government hopes to turn India into one of the largest startup ecosystems around the world.

The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) took on this initiative, successfully aiding, with the internet of things, thousands of registered startups in technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, and even in the fintech sector.

Key Benefits of the Startup India Scheme

These are the most prominent benefits of registering under the Startup India initiative:

1. Exemption from Income Tax: Startups meeting specified criteria can avail 100% tax exemption for 3 consecutive financial years within 10 years from incorporation. This is tremendously helpful for startups in the early stages of development, as they have high expenditure and low profits.

2. Self Certification for labour and environmental laws: Start-ups can self-certify compliance with 9 labour laws and 3 environmental laws. It is available for 5 years from the date of incorporation.

3. Patent Application and IPR Announcement Support for Startups: Startups enjoy up to 80% reduction in fees paid for filing patents, and faster examination under the Startup Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme. This protects ideas and encourages innovation by making these processes faster and less expensive.

4. Norms for Public Procurement are More Flexible: Startups registered under the DPIIT can apply for government tenders without any prior experience or turnover. This opens doors and new markets for startups.

5. Through Fund of Funds: The government has established a Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) of ₹10,000 crore, which is controlled by SIDBI. This is not funded directly but via Venture Capital Funds registered with SEBI.

6. Startup India Hub: An online platform focused on aiding startups by allowing them to directly connect to investors, mentors, incubators, and accelerators. The platform also hosts knowledge resources, government schemes, and networking events

7. Startup Recognition Certificate: Post-registration, all startups are provided with a Startup Recognition Certificate which is fundamental to most of the benefits listed above.

Eligibility Criteria for Startup India Scheme

To qualify for benefits under this scheme, an entity must meet the following conditions:

Type of Entity

The business must be registered as a:

Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013.

Registered Partnership Firm under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) under the LLP Act, 2008.

Age of the Business: The entity must not be more than 10 years old from the date of incorporation or registration.

Annual Turnover: The startup’s turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.

Original Entity: The business must be a new entity and not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.

Innovative and Scalable: The startup must work towards innovation, development, or improvement of products or processes, or should be a scalable business model with potential for employment generation or wealth creation.

How to Register for Startup India Scheme (Step-by-Step)

Getting your startup recognised under Startup India is a straightforward online process. Here's how:

Step 1: Incorporate Your Business

Make sure your business is registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.

Step 2: Create an Account on the Startup India Portal

Visit www.startupindia.gov.in and sign up using your email ID to create a profile.

Step 3: Apply for DPIIT Recognition

Go to the ‘Recognition’ section > Apply for DPIIT Recognition. Fill out the application form with the required details such as:

Company details

Founders’ details

Startup activities

Upload documents like PAN, Certificate of Incorporation, and a brief about the startup

Step 4: Submit Application

Once submitted, your application is usually processed within 2–10 working days. If accepted, you will receive a Startup Recognition Number and Certificate.

Documents Required for Startup India Registration

Before applying, keep the following documents ready:

Certificate of Incorporation/Registration.

Details of Directors/Partners.

PAN Card of the entity.

A brief description of your business (pitch deck or write-up).

Website or product links (if available).

IPR details (if applicable).

PAN and Aadhaar of directors/partners.

Who Should Apply for the Startup India Scheme?

This scheme is ideal for:

First-time entrepreneurs with tech-driven or innovative ideas.

Businesses focused on solving social, agricultural, or environmental problems.

Startups need initial support in terms of funding, IP, or compliance.

Young professionals are looking to scale their product-based ideas into formal businesses.

Impact of Startup India Scheme Till 2025

By the year 2025, the Startup India scheme will have registered over 1,30,000+ startups across the nation. The scheme has led to the creation of more than 9 lakh new employment opportunities, and numerous innovations have been introduced to the market swiftly, owing to government support.

India has seen a drastic surge in the number of unicorns, world-class accelerators and incubators have been set up, and even Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities have been able to participate in the entrepreneurial boom thanks to the scheme.

Conclusion

The Startup India Scheme provides immense support to encourage new entrepreneurs to start their business and further develop that by offering government assistance. With this initiative, you are guaranteed to receive aid in numerous ways, like tax breaks, financial backing, less strict regulations, and much more, all tailored to help you focus on what counts: growing your company.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Startup India Scheme?

Supporting Indian entrepreneurs, the government launched the Startup India Scheme in 2016. This scheme aids new companies through investment, relaxed regulations, and tax benefits.

Q2. Who is eligible for the Startup India Scheme?

To fulfil the requirements, the entity must fall under the following categories: Private Limited Company, LLP or Registered Partnership Firm, which is less than 10 years old and has an annual turnover of less than ₹100 crore while possessing an innovative business model.

Q3. What are the benefits of Startup India registration?

Among the main benefits are three years of tax relief, self-declaration of compliance with labour regulations, eligibility for national tenders, IPR assistance, and financing through the Fund of Funds.

Q4. How can I register my startup under this scheme?

You can register online via the Startup India portal by creating an account and applying for DPIIT recognition with the required documents.

Q5. What is DPIIT recognition under Startup India?

Getting DPIIT recognition grants your company the benefits of the Startup India initiative, which include tax benefits, access to funding, looser regulations, and other policy advantages.