Startup India / DPIIT Recognition
Official recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade - unlocking equity incentive tax deferral, self-certification benefits, and easier access to government schemes.
Eligible up to 10 years from incorporation and below a specified turnover threshold.
Must be working towards innovation or improvement of products, services or processes.
Recognition requires an application and review - incorporation alone doesn't qualify you.
One of the most valuable benefits - deferred tax on equity incentive exercise for eligible employees.
From application to certificate.
We check age, turnover and innovation criteria before applying.
Business description and innovation narrative drafted for the DPIIT portal.
We track the application and respond to any clarification requests.
Once recognized, we help you claim equity incentive tax deferral and self-certification benefits.
Part of Layer 1 - Entry, for both setup tracks.
We file for DPIIT recognition right after incorporation, so equity incentive and compliance benefits are available from your earliest hires.
Start your setup →Never applied? If you're still within the eligibility window, we check and file now - you may be leaving equity incentive tax benefits unclaimed.
Run your diagnostic →Recognition that actually gets used.
We help you apply equity incentive tax deferral practically when grants are exercised, not just note the eligibility.
Recognition doesn't expire on a schedule - we track your 10-year eligibility window instead.
Same team handling your equity incentive design also manages the recognition that makes it tax-efficient.
Common questions
No - DPIIT recognition requires a separate application and is not automatic upon incorporation.
Typically a few weeks, depending on clarification requests from the DPIIT review team.
Eligibility lapses after 10 years from incorporation or once turnover crosses the threshold, whichever is earlier.