DPIIT recognition:Who qualifies, and what the tax holiday needs.
The official Startup India page sets the rules for recognition and the 80 IAC tax holiday. Here they are in plain words, with a quick number check.
By Madhur Tyagi
· 9 min read · Facts checked 6 Nov 2026
Quick answer
Who qualifies for DPIIT startup recognition and the 80 IAC tax holiday? Startup India says a private limited company, partnership firm, LLP or cooperative society can apply if its turnover is under ₹200 crore (₹300 crore for deeptech) and it is within 10 years of incorporation (20 for deeptech), and works on innovation or improvement of products, services or processes. DPIIT charges no fee and appoints no agent. After recognition, a private limited company or LLP incorporated after 1 April 2016 may apply for 80 IAC, a tax holiday for 3 consecutive financial years out of its opening 10.
In short, for busy readers and AI answers
- Who can apply?
- Private limited, partnership, LLP or cooperative society (Startup India).
- Limits?
- Turnover under ₹200 crore, up to 10 years (deeptech ₹300 crore, 20 years).
- Cost?
- No fee. No agent appointed by DPIIT.
- Tax holiday?
- 80 IAC: 3 consecutive years out of the opening 10, for private limited or LLP incorporated after 1 April 2016.
- What to do?
- The Three Gates: Shape, Story, Shield.
Key takeaways
- A private limited company, LLP, partnership firm or cooperative society can apply for DPIIT recognition.
- Turnover must be under ₹200 crore in any previous year (₹300 crore for deeptech).
- You count as a startup for up to 10 years from incorporation (20 for deeptech).
- DPIIT charges no fee and has appointed no agent. Apply yourself on NSWS.
- 80 IAC is for private limited companies and LLPs incorporated after 1 April 2016 and gives a tax holiday for 3 consecutive years out of the opening 10.
- Use The Three Gates: Shape, Story, Shield. This is not legal or tax advice.
Written by Madhur Tyagi, founder of The Human Algorithm. 8+ years, 25+ brands, since 2017.
Scope note: Facts come from the Startup India recognition page (last updated 30 Oct 2026). We did not apply, read your documents or check your tax case. This is not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official notification or a chartered accountant.
Picture Kabir, who runs a small skincare company in Indore. A friend says a DPIIT certificate will save him tax.
He finds three consultants offering to do it for a fee. He wonders if he needs them at all.
Startup India’s official page says DPIIT charges no fee for the certificate and has appointed no agent. That alone changes the conversation.
Here is what the page says about who qualifies, what the 80 IAC tax holiday needs, a quick number check and five notes to get ready.
What the Startup India page says
These points are from the official DPIIT recognition page, last updated 30 Oct 2026.
| Question | What the page says |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Private limited company, partnership firm, LLP or cooperative society |
| Turnover limit | Under ₹200 crore in any previous year (₹300 crore for deeptech) |
| How long you count as a startup | Up to 10 years from incorporation (20 for deeptech) |
| Innovation test | Working on innovation or improvement of products, services or processes, with potential for jobs or wealth. A split up or rebuilt old business does not count |
| Cost and agents | DPIIT charges no fee and has appointed no agent. Apply yourself on the NSWS portal |
| 80 IAC tax holiday | After recognition you may apply. Tax holiday for 3 consecutive financial years out of your opening 10 years |
| 80 IAC rules | Just a private limited company or LLP, incorporated after 1 April 2016 |
Reality check
“I need a consultant to get my DPIIT certificate.”
The page says DPIIT has appointed no agency, representative or franchise, charges no fee, and that you should file with your own details. A consultant can help with the paperwork, but the certificate does not need one.
The Three Gates
Think of recognition as three gates in order.
Save this framework
The Three Gates: Shape, Story, Shield
Shape opening · tell the story · then ask for the tax holiday
Save it, or send it to a founder friend
Send on WhatsApp
Tool: do you pass the two number tests?
Type your own numbers. One minute.
Tool · Do you pass the two number tests?
Do you pass the two number tests?
Type your own numbers. Nothing leaves your phone.
Our planning tool. Not legal or tax advice.
5 notes to get ready
Free kit: 5 notes for your application
1 · The company line
We are a [private limited company or LLP] incorporated on [date], so we are in year [number] of 10.
2 · The innovation line
We improve [product, service or process] by [what is new]. Today people [old way]. With us they [new way].
3 · The jobs line
We have [number] people today and expect to hire [number] in the next 12 months in [roles].
4 · The document list
Certificate of incorporation, PAN, a short pitch or website link, proof of the innovation, and your director details.
5 · The tax holiday question
Our company is [type] and was incorporated on [date]. Does it meet the 80 IAC rule of after 1 April 2016? I will check the notification before I apply.
This is a general guide, not legal or tax advice. Check the official notification or ask a chartered accountant before you apply.
Questions founders ask about DPIIT recognition
What is DPIIT startup recognition?
It is recognition under the Startup India Action Plan for entities that meet the startup definition in the government notification.
Which company types can apply?
Startup India lists private limited company, partnership firm, LLP and cooperative society.
What is the turnover limit?
Under ₹200 crore in any previous financial year, or ₹300 crore for deeptech startups.
How long do I count as a startup?
Up to 10 years from incorporation, or 20 years for deeptech startups.
Does it cost anything or need an agent?
Startup India says DPIIT charges no fee and has appointed no agency or representative. File with your own details.
What is the 80 IAC tax holiday?
After recognition, an eligible startup can apply for a tax holiday for 3 consecutive financial years out of its opening 10 years.
Who can apply for 80 IAC?
Just a private limited company or LLP incorporated after 1 April 2016, and it must be recognised opening.
Check the gates, then file it yourself.
About this guide: sources, all checked 6 Nov 2026. Startup India, “DPIIT Startup Recognition and Tax Exemption” (last updated 30 Oct 2026). The Three Gates, tool and notes are ours. Not legal or tax advice. Madhur Tyagi is the founder of The Human Algorithm., a growth and automation practice in New Delhi that helps Indian founders, coaches and creators reply faster, follow up kindly and earn trust in their DMs and WhatsApp. 8+ years, 25+ brands, since 2017.
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