DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
Self-certification under labour and environment laws, faster and cheaper patents and trademarks (80% and 50% fee rebates), easier public procurement, and the gateway to the Seed Fund, credit guarantee and Section 80-IAC tax holiday.
Only private limited companies, LLPs and registered partnership firms are eligible.
How to apply online, step by step
- Register on the Startup India portal and create the entity profile.
- Fill the recognition form: entity details, sector, stage, how the business is innovative or scalable, founders.
- Upload the incorporation or registration certificate and a short write-up or pitch deck; self-certify eligibility.
- Track the application on the portal; the recognition certificate is issued online.
How to apply offline (in person)
- There is no paper route; State startup cells and incubators help founders file.
Documents required for DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India), and how to get each
Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed
Get it online
- Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
- LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.
Get it in person
- Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Board resolution or letter of authorisation for the person who signs applications
Get it online
- Draft on the letterhead, have it signed by the directors or partners and scan it as a PDF.
Get it in person
- Same, signed on paper; keep the original.
Fee: Free · Time: Same day
Questions people ask
How much does DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India) cost?
Free
How long does DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India) take?
Usually a few working days (longer if the department asks questions)
Who issues DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India)?
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Can I apply for DPIIT startup recognition (Startup India) without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
Find out everything your startup needs
The Startup Evaluator lists the registrations and licences for your sector, State and team size, in the order to get them, with costs, schemes and a three-year cash plan. All licence guides.