Start Up India

Start Up India

Startup India & DPIIT Recognition — 2026 Update

DPIIT Startup recognition can provide eligible businesses access to specified Startup India benefits and programs. Investax India assists founders with eligibility review, documentation and the recognition application.

Current DPIIT Startup Recognition Criteria

• The entity should be incorporated as a Private Limited Company or registered as a Partnership Firm, LLP or Cooperative Society.
• For a normal recognised startup, turnover should not exceed ₹200 crore in any financial year since incorporation or registration.
• For a recognised DeepTech startup, the turnover threshold is ₹300 crore.
• A normal startup can generally remain within the recognition framework for up to 10 years from incorporation or registration.
• A DeepTech startup can generally remain within the recognition framework for up to 20 years.
• The business should work towards innovation, improvement or development of products, processes or services, or have a scalable business model with potential for employment or wealth creation.
• An entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business is not eligible for recognition.

DeepTech Startup

DeepTech startups are subject to additional parameters relating to technology, research and development, intellectual property, technical or scientific uncertainty and other DPIIT-prescribed requirements.

How Investax India Can Help

1. Review your entity against the current DPIIT eligibility criteria.
2. Review incorporation, turnover and business activity details.
3. Review innovation and supporting documentation.
4. Assist with the Startup India recognition application.
5. Guide you through the documentation and recognition process.
6. Assist with related compliance after recognition.

DPIIT Recognition vs Income-Tax Benefits

DPIIT Startup recognition and income-tax exemptions are separate matters. Recognition does not automatically grant every tax benefit.

Eligible DPIIT-recognised startups may separately qualify for specified tax benefits subject to the applicable eligibility conditions, approvals and tax-law requirements.

2026 Income-Tax Transition

The Income-tax Act, 2025 applies to income earned from 1 April 2026 onwards under the new Tax Year framework. Earlier tax years and related proceedings continue under the Income-tax Act, 1961 where the transition provisions apply.

Build Your Startup With Confidence

Whether you are incorporating a new venture or already operating a growing business, the right structure and compliance roadmap can prevent costly mistakes later.

Planning Startup India recognition? Contact Investax India for an eligibility and compliance review based on your business and documents.