DPIIT Registration: Eligibility, Process, Documents

DPIIT recognition offers tax benefits, access to funding, and regulatory support under the Startup India initiative. It is granted only to startups that meet defined eligibility criteria. A clear understanding of these conditions ensures a smooth registration process and helps avoid delays, errors, or rejection due to non-compliance. In this article, you will learn about who is eligible for DPIIT, its registration process and more.

What is DPIIT Registration?

DPIIT Registration refers to the official recognition granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Government of India. This recognition is part of the Startup India initiative, launched to foster innovation and drive economic growth through entrepreneurship. DPIIT-recognised startups receive regulatory support, easier compliance norms, and priority access to government incentives, promoting scalability and long-term sustainability.

Who is Eligible for DPIIT Registration?

DPIIT registration follows strict eligibility norms set under the Startup India initiative. These norms help identify genuine startups with innovative ideas and growth potential. The conditions are clearly defined and must be fully satisfied at the time of application.

1. Startup Age Criteria

The business must have a legal registration or incorporation date within the last 10 years. This rule applies to all eligible entity types. The 10-year period starts from the date mentioned in the Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Registration.

2. Annual Turnover Limit

The total annual turnover must stay below ?100 crores in any financial year since incorporation. This includes all revenue generated from business activities. If turnover crosses this limit even once, the entity becomes ineligible for DPIIT recognition.

3. Original Entity Condition

The business must operate as an original venture. It must not result from the split, reconstruction, or rebranding of an existing enterprise. DPIIT does not allow recognition for businesses that transfer existing operations under a new structure to gain benefits.

4. Innovation and Scalability Requirement

The startup must introduce a product, service, or process that creates value through innovation or improvement. The solution must solve a real-world problem or offer a better alternative to what already exists. The business must also show potential to scale operations and create jobs or wealth at a significant level.

5. Type of Entity

Only specific types of registered entities qualify. These include Private Limited Companies under the Companies Act, of 2013; Limited Liability Partnerships under the LLP Act, of 2008; and Registered Partnership Firms under the Indian Partnership Act, of 1932. Unregistered entities and sole proprietorships do not qualify for DPIIT recognition.

Documents Required for DPIIT Registration

To complete the DPIIT registration process, a startup must submit specific documents that verify its legal status, structure, and innovative nature. These documents help establish credibility and ensure compliance with Startup India guidelines.

• Certificate of Incorporation or Registration

A valid Certificate of Incorporation issued under the Companies Act, 2013; the LLP Act, 2008; or the Indian Partnership Act, 1932. This document confirms the legal existence of the business entity.

• Details of Directors or Partners

A list containing the names, identification numbers (such as DIN or PAN), and designations of all directors or partners. This information confirms the management structure of the startup.

• Brief on the Nature of Innovation

A concise write-up explaining the core innovation, improvement, or problem-solving approach adopted by the business. It must highlight the unique value proposition and purpose of the startup.

• Business Website, Pitch Deck, or Social Media Links (if available)

Any available online resources that showcase the startup’s products, services, or business model. These links support the innovation claim and provide external validation.

• PAN, Email ID, and Contact Number

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the entity, along with an active email address and contact number. These details are required for verification and communication throughout the application process.

How to Apply for DPIIT Registration?

Below is the complete step-by-step guide to apply for DPIIT recognition through the Startup India and NSWS portals:

Step 1: Register on the Startup India Portal

Visit the Startup India Portal and create your account. Enter essential details such as your startup’s name, type of entity, date of incorporation, business sector, and contact information. This registration gives you access to DPIIT recognition and other services under the Startup India initiative.

Step 2: Create an Account on the NSWS Portal

Go to the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal and register under the “Investor/Startup” category. This unified platform allows you to apply for various central and state-level approvals from one place.

Step 3: Add DPIIT Registration as a Central Approval

Once logged in to the NSWS dashboard, navigate to the “Add Approvals” section. Under the “Central Approvals” category, search for “Registration as a Startup.” Select this option and add it to your application dashboard to initiate the DPIIT recognition process.

Step 4: Fill out the Application Form

Complete the DPIIT recognition form with accurate and detailed information. Include your business model, sector, innovation summary, problem solved, proposed solution, founder details, and revenue model. Ensure that the information reflects the innovative nature and growth potential of your business.

Step 5: Ensure Accuracy in Uploaded Documents

Upload all the required documents as part of the application. Each document must be valid, clear, and current. Incorrect or unclear documentation often leads to rejection or unnecessary delays. Ensure that every file you attach supports the information entered in the application form and matches the prescribed format. Proper documentation strengthens your eligibility and enhances the credibility of your application.

Step 6: Submit the Self-Declaration

Before submission, you must confirm that your startup meets all eligibility conditions laid out under the DPIIT guidelines. You must declare that your entity is not older than 10 years, has an annual turnover below ?100 crore, and is not formed through the reconstruction or splitting of an existing business. You must also confirm that the startup operates on a scalable or innovative business model with the potential for job or wealth creation. Once these conditions are verified, accept the terms and validate the self-declaration digitally.

Step 7: Submit the Application

After completing the form and uploading the documents, apply to your NSWS dashboard. There is no government fee for DPIIT recognition. Once submitted, your application moves to DPIIT for official review.

Step 8: Track the Application Status

You can monitor the status of your application either on the NSWS dashboard or the Startup India portal. DPIIT typically processes applications within 2 to 7 working days, depending on the accuracy and completeness of the form and documents.

Step 9: Download the DPIIT Registration Certificate

Once your application is approved, download the Certificate of Recognition from the Startup India portal, NSWS dashboard, or Digilocker. This certificate officially confirms that your startup is recognised under the DPIIT framework.

Benefits of DPIIT Registration

DPIIT recognition offers several benefits that support a startup’s growth, reduce its operational burden, and improve access to government resources. Each benefit focuses on a specific area that directly impacts business efficiency and financial stability.

• Tax Exemptions

A recognised startup receives income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act for three consecutive financial years within the first ten years of incorporation. It also receives an exemption from angel tax under Section 56(2)(viib), which protects investments from tax scrutiny when funds are raised from angel investors.

• IPR Support

DPIIT-recognised startups receive faster processing for intellectual property rights (IPR) applications. They receive up to an 80% rebate on patent filing fees and a 50% rebate on trademark filing fees. Startups also receive assistance from government-appointed facilitators during the IPR application process.

• Funding Access

Recognised startups become eligible to apply for financial support under the ?10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). This fund is managed through SIDBI and disbursed through registered venture capital firms. It helps startups secure equity-based funding without requiring direct government involvement.

• Government Tenders

DPIIT recognition allows startups to participate in public procurement without meeting prior experience or minimum turnover conditions. This enables early-stage startups to compete for central or state government contracts that are otherwise restricted to established businesses.

• Regulatory Relief

Recognised startups receive self-certification benefits under six labour laws and three environmental laws. This reduces the need for routine inspections and simplifies the compliance process during the initial phase of business operations. It allows the startup to focus on development without facing immediate regulatory pressure.

How to Download the DPIIT Certificate?

Once you receive DPIIT recognition, you must download the official Certificate of Recognition for use in compliance processes, funding applications, and government incentives. You can access it through three authorised platforms: the Startup India portal, the NSWS portal, and DigiLocker. The steps to download the DPIIT

Step 1: Open the Startup India Portal

Log in using your registered email ID and password. This is the same account you used at the time of submitting your DPIIT application. The login option is available on the portal’s home page.

Step 2: Access the DPIIT Recognition Section

After logging in, your profile dashboard appears. Click on the “DPIIT Recognition” section. This tab shows your current recognition status and provides access to the certificate once approval is granted.

Step 3: Verify Recognition Status

Check the status shown next to your startup’s application. If it displays “Recognised,” your application has received approval. If the status shows “Under Review” or “Pending,” wait for DPIIT to complete the evaluation. The processing time usually ranges from 2 to 7 working days, depending on the accuracy of your submission.

Step 4: Download the Certificate

Once your status updates to “Recognised," click the "Download Certificate" button. The certificate is downloaded in PDF format. Save it to your device for compliance checks, tender applications, and tax exemption requests.

Step 5: Use the NSWS Portal (Alternate Method)

Log in using the same registered credentials. Go to your dashboard and select “Central Approvals.” Find the approval titled “Registration as a Startup.” Click the download icon next to it. This step provides the same DPIIT certificate issued on the Startup India portal.

Step 6: Access from DigiLocker

Use your DigiLocker account or mobile app. In the issuer list, search for “DPIIT Recognition Certificate.” Enter your startup’s name or the certificate number. Enter the mobile number registered with your Startup India profile. Once verified, download the digital certificate from the document section.

Step 7: Match Profile Details Across Platforms

Ensure that all your business details—such as company name, CIN, PAN, and mobile number—match exactly on the Startup India portal, NSWS, and DigiLocker. Any mismatch in these records may stop access to the certificate on integrated portals. Update incorrect entries before attempting to download the certificate again.

Conclusion

In brief, understanding who is eligible for DPIIT Registration is crucial for securing the legal and strategic benefits offered under the Startup India Initiative. Startups that meet the defined conditions gain access to tax exemptions, funding opportunities, regulatory relief, and national-level recognition. A precise and compliant application process ensures timely approval and uninterrupted access to these advantages.

To ensure error-free registration, proper documentation, and expert handling of each step, consult Online Legal India. Our professionals simplify the process, minimise delays, and help your startup gain official DPIIT recognition with full legal assurance.