SchemeKendra logoSchemeKendra

Startup India

Recognition, tax benefits, and easier compliance for eligible startups.

Startup India eligibility, benefits, and the application process are summarised below to help you decide whether this central government scheme from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry suits your needs. You are generally eligible if you are any eligible resident as per the official scheme guidelines. Key benefits include Income tax exemption for recognised startups (subject to conditions), Angel tax and capital gains exemptions and faster patent/registered-design processing and compliance self-certification. To apply for Startup India, incorporate the entity, then apply for DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal and file for the relevant tax and IP benefits.

Open official source ↗Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

About the scheme

Startup India is an initiative to build a strong ecosystem for innovation and startups. Recognised startups get tax exemptions, easier public procurement, and a self-certification compliance regime, among other benefits.

Launched: 2016

Benefits

  • Income tax exemption for recognised startups (subject to conditions)
  • Angel tax and capital gains exemptions
  • Faster patent/registered-design processing and compliance self-certification

How to apply

Incorporate the entity, then apply for DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal and file for the relevant tax and IP benefits.

Apply / read on official site ↗

FAQ — eligibility, benefits & apply

What is the eligibility for Startup India?

Eligibility for Startup India broadly covers any eligible resident as per the official scheme guidelines. It is a central government scheme administered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

What are the benefits of Startup India?

Startup India provides the following benefits: Income tax exemption for recognised startups (subject to conditions); Angel tax and capital gains exemptions; Faster patent/registered-design processing and compliance self-certification.

How do I apply for Startup India?

To apply for Startup India, incorporate the entity, then apply for DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal and file for the relevant tax and IP benefits. Submit your application only through the official source linked on this page.

What documents are required for Startup India?

Required documents vary by scheme and are listed on the official source. Commonly needed: Aadhaar, bank passbook, income or caste certificate, ration card, and (for farmer schemes) land records. Confirm the exact list on the official portal linked on this page.

How do I check my Startup India application or status?

Status and applications are handled on the official government portal, not here. Open the official source linked on this page and use its tracking or beneficiary-search tool. SchemeKendra is informational and does not process applications.

Who is NOT eligible for Startup India?

Eligibility exclusions depend on the scheme's criteria (income, age, occupation, social category, state). Review the eligibility-at-a-glance panel and the official guidelines linked here to confirm whether you qualify.

Related schemes

You may also qualify for

CentralMinistry of Electronics & Information Technology

Digital India / Common Service Centres (CSC)

Digital access to government services via CSCs and online platforms for every citizen.

Financial InclusionEmployment & Jobs