DPIIT Certificate Download Process for Startups

The DPIIT certificate is a formal recognition issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Startup India initiative to eligible startups. It allows startups to access government benefits like tax exemptions, funding, and faster approvals. Once approved, the DPIIT certificate can be easily downloaded from the Startup India portal through a few simple steps. This blog will provide you with detailed information on the DPIIT certificate download process for startups, along with its application process and benefits.

What is a DPIIT Certificate?

A DPIIT Certificate is an official recognition granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It identifies a business as a startup under the Startup India initiative, making it eligible for various government benefits. These include income tax exemption under Section 80 IAC, self-certification for labour and environmental laws, easier access to public procurement (tenders), funding support, and intellectual property benefits like reduced patent fees.

To obtain this certificate, startups must register on the Startup India portal, submit basic business details, and upload required documents. Once approved, the DPIIT certificate can be downloaded online from the same portal. This recognition helps boost credibility, attract investors, and scale operations more efficiently.

Who is Eligible for DPIIT Certificate Download?

To earn a DPIIT Certificate, your startup must meet these key criteria under the Startup?India scheme:

• Registered Entity: Legally set up as a Private Limited Company, Partnership Firm, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in India. Sole proprietorships and unregistered firms do not qualify
• Age Limit: Must be under 10 years old as of its date of incorporation
• Turnover Cap: Annual turnover must be Rs. 100 crore or less in any financial year since incorporation
• Original & Innovative: The business must be freshly formed (not spun off from an existing company) and focused on innovation, improvement, or scalability with potential to create wealth or jobs

Once these conditions are fulfilled, startups can apply through the Startup India portal or the National Single Window System. After review, the DPIIT recognition certificate can be downloaded online, with no cost involved

How to Apply for the DPIIT Certificate

To get your DPIIT certificate, which officially recognises your startup under the Startup India initiative, follow these easy steps:

1. Incorporate Your Business

First, legally register your startup as a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or Partnership Firm in India. This incorporation must be completed before you apply for recognition.

2. Register on the Startup India Portal

Next, open an account on the Startup India portal:

• Visit the portal and sign up with your email and mobile.
• Verify through OTP and complete your basic profile (business name, type, PAN, GST, address).

3. Open an NSWS Account & Add Approval

The next step is to register on the National Single Window System (NSWS):

• Log in with “Investor Login” or register if new.
• In the dashboard, click “Add More Approval” → Central Approvals and select “Registration as a Startup”.

4. Complete the DPIIT Recognition Form

Access the form via Startup India or NSWS. You will need to fill in:

• Company details (incorporation date, structure, sector)
• A brief description of your innovation and business model
• Financial details and team information
• Self-declarations affirming eligibility

5. Upload Required Documents

Carefully upload the documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
• PAN Card and Aadhaar of directors/partners
• Authorisation letter
• Innovation proof (pitch deck, prototype, patents, website, etc.)
• Financial statements or other support documents

6. Self-Certify & Submit

Make sure to self-certify for eligibility, so confirm your startup is under 10 years old, turnover is below Rs. 100 crore, and the entity is not a result of restructuring. Then submit your application.

7. Application Review & Follow-Up

DPIIT reviews your form, usually within 2–10 working days, depending on correctness and completeness. They may ask for clarification, so respond quickly to stay on track.

How to Download DPIIT certificate for Startups

Let us discuss the process to download DPIIT certificate:

Step 1: Visit the Startup India Portal

Go to the official website of the Startup India portal.

Step 2: Log in to Your Account

Click on ‘Login’ in the top right corner and use your registered email ID and password to access your Startup India profile.

Step 3: Access Your Dashboard

Once logged in, go to your dashboard, and there you will see your application status. If your startup is already DPIIT-recognised, the status will show as “Recognised”.

Step 4: Download Your DPIIT Certificate

• Look for the ‘Certificate of Recognition’ section on your dashboard.
• Click on the download icon or the ‘Download Certificate’ button.
• Your certificate will be downloaded in PDF format, ready to be used for tax exemption, funding, or government schemes.

What to Do If You Can't Download the Certificate?

Here is what to do if you can't download the certificate:

Step 1: Check Your Recognition Status

Before trying to download the certificate, ensure that your startup is officially recognised by DPIIT. You can check this by:

• Logging in to your account on the official Startup India portal:

Go to your Dashboard and check the status of your application.

• If it says “Recognised”, then your certificate should be available.
• If it shows “Under Review” or “Pending”, wait for approval. The certificate won’t be available until your application is approved.

Step 2: Refresh or Re-login

Sometimes the website may not load properly due to technical issues or slow internet.

• Try refreshing the page or logging out and logging in again.
• Use a different browser (Google Chrome or Firefox) or clear your browser cache.

Step 3: Check the Download Section

• Once logged in and on your dashboard, look for the “Certificate of Recognition” section.
• If the download button is missing or not working, it could be a temporary glitch.

Step 4: Reach Out to Startup India Support

If you still cannot download the certificate, contact the Startup India support team directly:

• Email: support@startupindia.gov.in
• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-115-565 (Available Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM)
• Live Chat: Available on the Startup India Helpdesk

When contacting support, mention the following details:

• Registered email ID
• Company name
• Application number (if available)
• Screenshot of the issue (optional but helpful)

The support team usually responds within 2–3 working days.

Step 5: Use the DPIIT Application Number for Provisional Use

If your startup is already recognised, but you are waiting to get the certificate for a government scheme or funding:

• You can temporarily use the application number or the acknowledgement email as proof.
• Mention that the certificate is under retrieval, and you are in contact with Startup India.

This is accepted by many departments if you show them the recognition status from your dashboard.

Benefits of Having a DPIIT Certificate

Let us explore the main benefits of having a DPIIT Certificate:

1. Tax Exemptions – Save More, Grow Faster

Startups with DPIIT recognition can apply for:

• Income Tax exemption for 3 consecutive years under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act.
• Angel Tax exemption under Section 56(2) (viib), which helps you raise funds without worrying about heavy taxes on capital received from investors.

This is a major benefit that allows startups to focus on growth instead of tax burdens.

2. Easier Access to Government Funding

Recognised startups are eligible to apply for:

• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS):  A Rs. 10,000 crore scheme that supports startups indirectly through SEBI-registered venture capital funds.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): Provides up to Rs. 20 lakh for idea-stage and Rs. 50 lakh for product development-stage startups.

This support helps reduce dependency on private investors in the early stages.

3. Faster and Cheaper Patent & Trademark Filing

Startups with a DPIIT certificate enjoy:

• Up to 80% rebate on patent filing fees.
• Fast-track examination of patent applications.
• 50% discount on trademark filing fees.

These benefits make it easier to protect your ideas and innovations legally at a lower cost.

4. Self-Certification for Compliance

Recognised startups can self-certify compliance under 6 labour laws and 3 environment laws for up to 10 years. These include laws related to PF, gratuity, contract labour, and environmental impact. This reduces the inspection burden and saves time on paperwork and legal processes.

5. Easier Public Procurement and Government Tenders

Startups with DPIIT recognition get:

• Exemption from prior turnover and experience requirements.
• Exemption from EMD (Earnest Money Deposit).
• Access to GeM (Government e-Marketplace) for selling products and services to the government.

This opens the door to large government contracts even for new startups.

6. Networking, Recognition & Global Exposure

• Startups can participate in national and international startup events, workshops, and showcases.
• Recognition by DPIIT adds credibility and trust, which is useful when approaching investors, partners, or customers. It helps your startup stand out in a competitive market.

Getting your DPIIT certificate is more than just a formality, but a gateway to exclusive benefits, funding, and national recognition. With just a few simple steps, you can unlock powerful support from the Indian startup ecosystem. So don’t wait, download your DPIIT certificate today and take the next big leap in your startup journey. In this article, you learned about the DPIIT certificate download process for startups. Contact Online Legal India to get support and assistance in filing a DPIIT certificate from professional experts.