Startup Schemes • DPIIT Recognition
Startup India Scheme Eligibility
2026 Revised Criteria
The Government of India has revised the Startup India recognition framework to be more inclusive and future-ready. Understand who qualifies, what has changed and how the revised criteria benefit startups across sectors.
Sapno Se Safalta Tak
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New Turnover Limit (Regular Startups)
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Turnover Limit for Deep Tech
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Age Limit for Deep Tech Startups
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Age Limit for Regular Startups
Scheme Overview
What Is Startup India Scheme Eligibility?
Startup India scheme eligibility refers to the specific criteria defined by the Government of India for an entity to be recognised as a 'Startup' under the Startup India initiative, administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Recognition under Startup India enables businesses to access tax exemptions under Section 80IAC, collateral-free loans through CGTMSE and CGSS, government procurement preferences, faster IP support and a simplified compliance environment.
The revised framework expands eligibility to support businesses at different maturity levels - especially research-heavy deep tech startups and cooperative-led innovation models, reflecting how the ecosystem has matured.
Key Requirements At A Glance
- 01
Incorporated as Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership Firm or Cooperative
- 02
Annual turnover below ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for Deep Tech)
- 03
Age ≤10 years (≤20 years for Deep Tech from incorporation)
- 04
Working on innovation, improvement or a scalable model
What Changed
Why The 2026 Revision Matters
Higher Limits, Deep Tech Recognition And Cooperative Inclusion Unlock Longer Access To Startup India Benefits.
01
Higher Turnover Ceiling
Annual turnover limit raised from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore for regular startups, and ₹300 crore for Deep Tech - allowing fast-growing startups to retain recognition longer.
02
Deep Tech Category
A dedicated Deep Tech category for startups working on advanced science and R&D-intensive technologies with long development cycles - up to 20 years age and ₹300 crore turnover.
03
Cooperative Entities Included
Both Multi-State and State-registered Cooperative Societies are now eligible, promoting grassroots innovation, rural entrepreneurship and agri-business models.
04
Extended Age Limit
Deep Tech startups can now be up to 20 years old from incorporation, acknowledging longer gestation before commercial scale.
05
Access To Collateral-Free Loans
DPIIT recognition is the gateway to CGTMSE and CGSS collateral-free credit - making it easier to access business loans without security.
06
Tax Holiday Eligibility
Recognition enables application for Section 80IAC - up to 100% income tax exemption for three consecutive years within the first decade of incorporation.
Who Qualifies
Who Can Apply Under The Revised Framework
The 2026 Revision Expanded Who Qualifies. Here Are The Updated Criteria:
Entity & Limits
Entity Type
Private Limited Companies, LLPs, Partnership Firms and Multi-State or State-registered Cooperative Societies are all eligible.
Annual Turnover
Must not exceed ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation. For Deep Tech startups, the limit is ₹300 crore.
Age Limit
Must not be older than 10 years from incorporation. For Deep Tech startups working on science-based, R&D-intensive technologies, the limit is extended to 20 years.
Innovation & Structure
Innovation Focus
The startup must work towards innovation, improvement of existing products/services, or a scalable business model with high employment or wealth-creation potential.
Not Formed By Splitting
Must not have been formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business - it must be a genuinely new enterprise.
Deep Tech Qualification
Startups working on advanced, science-based, R&D-intensive technologies with long development cycles qualify for the Deep Tech category with extended limits.
How To Apply
How To Get DPIIT Recognition
Register On The Startup India Portal, Self-Certify Eligibility And Unlock Scheme Benefits.
- STEP 01
PROCESS
Register On Startup India Portal
Create an account at startupindia.gov.in and log in to the recognition application.
- STEP 02
PROCESS
Fill The Application
Provide entity details, describe your innovation and upload supporting documents.
- STEP 03
PROCESS
Self-Certify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the revised eligibility criteria including entity type, turnover, age and innovation-driven model.
- STEP 04
PROCESS
Submit And Wait
Applications are processed by DPIIT. Recognition is typically granted within a few weeks for straightforward cases.
- STEP 05
PROCESS
Access Benefits
Use your DPIIT recognition number to apply for Section 80IAC, CGTMSE, SISFS, government procurement preferences and more.
Paperwork
Documents For DPIIT Recognition
Important: Vikas Bharat can help organise a complete Startup India recognition file.
Certificate of Incorporation or Registration Certificate
PAN card of the entity
Details of directors/partners/promoters with Aadhaar and PAN
Brief description of the business, product/service and innovation
Website URL or product demo link (if available)
Proof of funding received (if any) - angel, VC or government grants
Audited financial statements (if the entity is more than 1 year old)
- What is the new turnover limit under Startup India scheme eligibility?
- The turnover limit has been increased to ₹200 crore for regular startups and ₹300 crore for Deep Tech startups under the 2026 revised framework.
- What is the age limit for Deep Tech startups?
- Deep Tech startups can be up to 20 years old from incorporation. Regular startups must be within 10 years of incorporation to be eligible.
- Are cooperative societies eligible under Startup India scheme?
- Yes, both Multi-State and State-registered Cooperative Societies are now eligible under the 2026 revised framework - a significant expansion from the earlier criteria.
- What qualifies a startup as Deep Tech?
- Startups working on cutting-edge, science-based, R&D-intensive technologies with long development cycles qualify as Deep Tech under the revised framework.
- Can I get a collateral-free business loan after getting recognized?
- Yes, DPIIT recognition is the key requirement for applying for a collateral-free loan through the CGTMSE or CGSS schemes.
- Does recognition under Startup India give tax benefits?
- Yes, DPIIT recognition is the prerequisite for applying for Section 80IAC - 100% income tax exemption for three consecutive years within the first ten years of incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Revised Turnover And Age Limits, Deep Tech, Cooperatives And Recognition Benefits.
What is the new turnover limit under Startup India scheme eligibility?
The turnover limit has been increased to ₹200 crore for regular startups and ₹300 crore for Deep Tech startups under the 2026 revised framework.
What is the age limit for Deep Tech startups?
Are cooperative societies eligible under Startup India scheme?
What qualifies a startup as Deep Tech?
Can I get a collateral-free business loan after getting recognized?
Keep exploring
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