VCFO Lite
DPIIT startup recognition on NSWS
What this means, checked by a CA
DPIIT recognition is the government certificate that makes your company or LLP a recognised startup, which is the entry ticket to the tax holiday, Seed Fund, convertible notes and other startup benefits. We check eligibility, write the innovation description, file on the National Single Window System and answer DPIIT queries.
₹2,999
One time, + 18% GST
- Delivered in 2 working days to prepare after documents; DPIIT decision usually within 2 to 10 working days for complete applications (practitioner estimate)
- Due: Any time while the entity is within 10 years of incorporation (20 years for deep tech) and under the turnover limit
How we do it: IDFD
Every case runs through the same four steps: Information, Discussion, Forms, Deliverables. You see each one ticked as it happens.
InformationWhat we need from you · 10 items
Certificate of incorporation or registration
Proves entity type and age
Entity PAN
Identity of the entity
MoA and AoA, LLP agreement or deed
Matches entity type and objects
Innovation and scalability write-up
Main basis of approval
Directors or partners details
DIN, PAN, address, contact
Letter of authorisation for signatory
Authorises the person filing
Turnover for each year since incorporation
Turnover limit check
Pitch deck, website or product proofOptional
Strengthens the innovation case
Patent or trademark filing receiptsOptional
Evidence of IP, if any
Deep tech R&D and IP evidenceOptional
Only for deep tech recognition
DiscussionWhat we discuss · 6 items
Is it a company, LLP, registered firm or cooperative?
Proprietorships and HUFs cannot apply
Date of incorporation and turnover in every year so far?
10 year and ₹200 crore tests
Was the business carved out of an existing one?
Split or reconstruction is excluded
What exactly is new, and what proof do you have?
Vague write-ups get rejected
Deep tech: R&D spend, IP and long gestation?
Decides 20 year and ₹300 crore limits
Do you plan to claim the tax holiday or Seed Fund?
Those need extra applications and timing
FormsForms we file · 6 items
Eligibility check: entity type, age, turnover in every year since incorporation, no split or reconstruction
Age = date of application minus date on certificate; turnover tested for each previous year against ₹200 crore (₹300 crore deep tech)
Where: Internal working with incorporation certificate and financial statements. Due: Before filing
Draft the innovation write-up: problem, solution, what is novel, proof point, how it scales, revenue model
Where: Internal draft. Due: Before filing
Register or log in on NSWS (Investor Login) and add the central approval 'Registration as a Startup'
Where: https://www.nsws.gov.in. Due: Any time
Fill the Common Registration Form and the Startup Recognition by DPIIT form, upload documents, tick self-certifications and submit
Where: https://www.nsws.gov.in. Due: Any time within eligibility
Track status and reply to DPIIT clarifications from the dashboard
Where: https://www.nsws.gov.in and https://www.startupindia.gov.in dashboard. Due: As soon as a query appears
If rejected on NSWS, fix the cited issue and reapply through Startup India
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: After rejection
DeliverablesWhat you get · 3 items
DPIIT recognition certificate with DPIIT number
When: Usually 2 to 10 working days after a complete application
Eligibility note and filed write-up
When: With the certificate
Use-of-funds compliance note
When: With the certificate
Questions people ask
Is there any government fee?
No. Recognition is free and the government has not appointed any agent.
Can a cooperative society apply now?
Yes. The February 2026 notification added state and multi-state cooperative societies.
Does recognition mean we pay no income tax?
No. The tax holiday needs a separate Inter-Ministerial Board certificate and only companies and LLPs can get it.
Where do I download the certificate?
From NSWS under Approvals, from the Startup India homepage 'Verify Certificate', or from DigiLocker.
If we are rejected, can we apply again?
Yes. Fix the issue DPIIT cited and reapply; practitioners report no limit on reapplying.
Is GST registration needed first?
No, GST registration is not a precondition.
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