Join India's Official Startup Ecosystem — Benefits, Network & Recognition
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched on January 16, 2016, with the objective of building a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The programme is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Registering on the Startup India portal and obtaining recognition as a "Startup" under the DPIIT definition is the first step toward accessing a wide range of government benefits exclusively available to recognised startups.
To be eligible, a startup must: be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm; be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation; have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any previous financial year; and be working toward innovation, development, or improvement of products/processes/services with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
VITTAX handles the Startup India registration application end-to-end — including drafting the innovation description (the most critical part of the application), compiling supporting evidence, and tracking the application to approval. Our application success rate is above 95% because we know exactly how DPIIT evaluates innovation descriptions.
Tech Startups
Tech and product startups with an innovative product, process, or service
All Innovative Ventures
Social startups, edtech, healthtech, fintech, agritech ventures
Tax Exemption Seekers
Startups applying for Section 80-IAC income tax exemption (3-year tax holiday)
Compliance Simplification
Startups wanting self-certification under 9 labour laws and 3 environment laws
IP Filers
Startups seeking faster processing of patent and trademark applications (80% fee rebate on patents)
Funding Seekers
Startups applying for Startup India Seed Fund, SIDBI Fund of Funds, or government grants
Tax Benefits
Regulatory Benefits
Intellectual Property Benefits
Funding & Network
Eligibility Check
1 dayVerify that the entity meets all eligibility criteria — age, structure, turnover, and innovative nature.
Innovation Description Drafting
2–3 daysWrite a compelling innovation description (500–1,000 words) explaining what is new/innovative about the product/service/process — the most critical element of the application.
Portal Application
1 dayRegister on startupindia.gov.in; file the DPIIT recognition application with the innovation description and supporting documents.
DPIIT Review
3–15 working daysDPIIT reviews the application; may request clarifications. VITTAX responds to all queries within the deadline.
Recognition Certificate
7–20 working days totalDPIIT issues the startup recognition certificate with a unique DPIIT Number. The startup can now access all DPIIT-linked benefits.
Certificate of Incorporation (COI) or LLP/Partnership registration certificate
PAN of the entity
Proof of funding received / patents filed / awards won (if any — optional but strengthens application)
Innovation description — a detailed write-up on what the business does that is new, innovative, or scalable
Authorised signatory details (director/partner PAN and Aadhaar)
Pricing Plans
Startup India Registration
₹3,999 one-time
DPIIT recognition application — end-to-end
Ideal for: All eligible startups — Pvt Ltd, LLP, registered partnership
Startup India + 80-IAC Tax Exemption
₹12,999 one-time
DPIIT recognition + Section 80-IAC application
Ideal for: Profitable startups seeking 3-year income tax holiday on business profits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every new company automatically a "Startup" under DPIIT?
No — incorporation alone does not make you a DPIIT-recognised startup. You must apply on the Startup India portal, demonstrate that your business is innovative, and receive an official recognition certificate from DPIIT. The recognition is not automatic.
What makes a business "innovative" for DPIIT purposes?
DPIIT looks for one of three criteria: (a) work toward development or improvement of a product/process/service with high employment or wealth creation potential; (b) scalable business model with high potential; or (c) use of technology or IP in a novel way. VITTAX drafts innovation descriptions that clearly establish this for your specific business.
Can a business older than 10 years apply for Startup India recognition?
No — the entity must be less than 10 years old from its date of incorporation. Additionally, it must not have been formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.
⚡ Key Benefits
Official DPIIT recognition, tax & labour law benefits, Startup India certificate — join India's official startup ecosystem