Startup India at a glance
- Listing price
- Free
- Account
- Sign up with email
- Captcha
- Google reCAPTCHA
- Backlink or badge
- Not required
- Email confirmation
- Yes, by link or code
- Submit at
- startupindia.gov.in
What Startup India is and who it's for
Startup India is a Government of India initiative run by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It offers DPIIT recognition to eligible startups, unlocking tax exemptions, easier compliance, IPR fast-tracking, and public procurement benefits. The portal also hosts funding schemes, mentorship, investor connections, and a registry of ecosystem stakeholders.
Indian startups, investors, mentors, incubators, and government bodies looking to engage with the national startup ecosystem.
It lists
- Indian startups seeking DPIIT recognition
- Entities with at least one registered office in India
- One Person Companies (OPC)
- LLPs with foreign partners
- Startups at any stage (ideation to scaling)
It doesn't take
- Entities without a registered office in India
How to submit to Startup India, step by step
Register on the portal and apply for DPIIT recognition free of cost.
Register on the portal
Click Register and authenticate via the mygov platform using your email. You'll receive an OTP and set a password.
Create your profile
After login, select your stakeholder type (startup, investor, mentor, etc.) and fill in your profile details.
Apply for DPIIT recognition
Navigate to 'Apply for DPIIT Recognition' and complete the application form with entity details, stage, and supporting documents.
Submit for review
Submit the application. DPIIT reviews it against eligibility criteria (age, turnover, innovation).
Receive recognition certificate
If approved, you can download your DPIIT recognition certificate from the portal.
What the Startup India form asks for
| Field | Limits and format |
|---|---|
| name | required |
| country | required |
| role | required |
| required | |
| query | required |
| stage | radio: Ideation, Validation, Early Traction, Scaling |
Our free preview drafts your name, tagline, short and long descriptions, categories and tags in the lengths directories like this one ask for. Try it with your URL.
Startup India pricing: free vs paid
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| DPIIT recognition application | Free | Eligibility check, application submission, review, and certificate download |
Why Startup India submissions get rejected or stall
- Entity does not have a registered office in India
- Startup exceeds age or turnover limits set by DPIIT
- Business is not innovative or scalable as per DPIIT guidelines
- Incomplete or incorrect application details
- Duplicate application for the same entity
Tips for a listing that gets approved
- Ensure your entity has a valid PAN before applying, though it is not mandatory.
- Use the DPIIT recognition to apply for tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC.
- Connect with investors and mentors through the portal's network features.
- Check eligibility criteria carefully before applying to avoid rejection.
Our take on Startup India
Startup India is essential for any Indian startup seeking government recognition and benefits. The process is free but requires meeting DPIIT eligibility and providing accurate documentation. Expect a review period after submission, with no guaranteed approval.
Startup India FAQ
Is Startup India registration free?
Yes, registration and DPIIT recognition application are free.
Can a foreign company register on Startup India?
Any entity with at least one registered office in India can register. Foreign companies without an Indian office cannot.
How do I register on Startup India?
Click Register, authenticate via mygov with email and OTP, set a password, then create your profile.
What are the benefits of DPIIT recognition?
Tax exemptions, easier compliance, IPR fast-tracking, and easier public procurement norms.
Can a One Person Company (OPC) apply?
Yes, OPCs are eligible for benefits under Startup India.
Checked against Startup India's own pages on Oct 24, 2026: startupindia.gov.in, startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/about_us/faqs.html. Directories change their forms and prices; the submit page has the final word.
