DPIIT Startup Certificate Registration 2026

India is home to one of the largest startup ecosystems in the world. DPIIT, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the sole government department that is responsible for registering startups in the country. It provides recognition and various benefits under the Startup India initiative.

This initiative aims to reduce the regulatory burden on startups and allows them to focus on their core business while keeping compliance costs low for them. In this blog post, we shall explain to our readers how they can register their businesses with DPIIT as a startup.

What is DPIIT Registration?

DPIIT full form is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. It is the central government department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. DPIIT registration refers to the process through which a startup is officially recognised by the DPIIT under the Startup India initiative.

Such recognition allows startups to avail various benefits, exemptions, and incentives, including income-tax exemptions, easier compliance, up to 80% fee rebate on patent filings and reduced fees for design applications. The DPIIT registration process is an entirely online process that needs to be completed through the Startup India portal.

What is DPIIT Certificate?

The DPIIT Registration Certificate, also known as the Startup India Certificate, is an official document issued by DPIIT when a startup successfully completes the DPIIT registration process. This certificate is proof that the startup is formally recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Startup India initiative.

Each and every DPIIT certificate contains a DPIIT registration number, which is unique to each and every startup and is used for identification and verification purposes. This number is typically mentioned on the top left corner of the certificate.

DPIIT Registration Eligibility

The following types of business entities are eligible for registration with DPIIT provided they follow the DPIIT rules :-

• Private Limited Company, Nidhi Company and One Person Company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Limited Liability Partnership registered under Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
• Partnership Firm registered under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

It is important to note that businesses older than 10 years are ineligible for DPIIT startup registration. Additionally, companies with turnover exceeding Rs. 100 crore are also ineligible.

DPIIT Registration Documents Required

To register a startup with DPIIT, the following documents and details are necessary :-

• Certificate of Incorporation issued by ROC, MCA
• PAN Card of Business Entity
• Details of Directors/Partners
• Active Email Address
• Active Mobile Number
• Letter of Authorization
• Pitch Deck/Brief Description of the Business that highlights innovation
• Other supporting documents required by DPIIT

DPIIT Startup Registration Process

The DPIIT startup certificate registration process needs to be completed via the Startup India portal. The following steps are involved in the process :-

Step 1 :- Before you apply for DPIIT recognition, it is necessary that you register your business as a pvt ltd company or any other eligible business model. If you have already completed this step, then you don’t need to repeat it.

Step 2 :- Now, you need to create an account on the Startup India portal. Visit the portal, then click on ‘Register’. After that, fill in required information and then verify with OTP.

Step 3 :- Once your account is created, you need to log in and then navigate to the “Recognition” tab → “Apply for DPIIT Recognition”. Then, click on the “Apply Now”.

Step 4 :- Now, you need to fill out the Startup Recognition Application Form. In the form, mention entity details, address of the registered office, director/partner details, etc.

Step 5 :- Then, provide brief Information about your product/service/innovation. Also, provide a brief write-up explaining how your business is innovative.

Step 6 :- Now, upload the required documents. Make sure they’re clear and legible.

Step 7 :- Now, you will need to self-certify that your entity is a startup, has turnover less than Rs. 100 crore, etc.

Step 8 :- Review all the details and documents you provided. Then, click on the “Submit” option.

Step 9 :- After successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgement email with a tracking number.

Once the application is submitted, the DPIIT will carefully review it along with the attached documents. If satisfied with the application, it’ll issue a startup recognition certificate in the name of your business within 1-3 weeks.

In case the application faces rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be provided and you will be allowed to resubmit the application once you make all the necessary changes.

Conclusion

To claim incentives and benefits under the Startup India initiative, it is necessary to register your business with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It is important to note that while private limited companies, Nidhi companies, one person companies, limited liability partnerships and registered partnership firms are eligible for registration, sole proprietorships, public limited companies and unregistered partnerships are ineligible.

Need assistance in DPIIT registration? Connect with our experts at Registrationkraft! We’ll help you collect all the necessary documents required for registration, and also help you file an application with DPIIT while ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is DPIIT full form?

A.  DPIIT full form is Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. It is the central government department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Indian Government.

Q2. What is DPIIT registration fees?

A. It is completely free of cost. However, if you seek professional assistance from an expert, they will charge you fees for their services.

Q3. Is a sole proprietorship eligible for DPIIT recognition?

A.  No, a sole proprietorship is not eligible for DPIIT recognition.

Q4. Can an LLP older than 10 years apply for startup registration?

A. No, an LLP older than 10 years are ineligible for startup registration.

Q5. What is the annual turnover requirement for a company to be recognized as a startup by DPIIT?

A. To be recognized as a startup by DPIIT, a company’s annual turnover must not have exceeded Rs. 100 crore in any financial year since its incorporation.