How to Register on Startup India – Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a new business in India, registering your venture with the Startup India initiative can open doors to a host of benefits—from tax exemptions to funding support and government tenders. But a common question remains: how to register on Startup India?

In this article, we’ll break down the Startup India registration process, eligibility criteria, documents required, and the benefits you can expect after registering your business.

🧩 What is Startup India?

Launched in 2016 by the Government of India, Startup India is a flagship initiative that aims to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, boosting entrepreneurship, and enabling ease of doing business for startups across sectors.

By registering on the Startup India portal, eligible businesses can gain access to:

• Tax benefits under Section 80-IAC

• Self-certification under labour and environmental laws

• Easier access to government tenders

• Faster patent and trademark applications

• Networking and funding opportunities

✅ Who Can Register on Startup India?

Before diving into how to register on Startup India, check if you meet these eligibility criteria:

• Your business must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.

• It must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.

• Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crore in any previous financial year.

• The business must be innovative or improving existing products/services/processes, and have the potential to generate employment or create wealth.

• It should not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.

📝 How to Register on Startup India – Step-by-Step Process

Understanding how to register on Startup India becomes easy when broken into simple steps:

1. Incorporate Your Business First

Before Startup India registration, your business must be officially registered as:

• Private Limited Company under MCA

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

• Partnership Firm under Indian Partnership Act

You can register your company through the MCA portal or with professional help from platforms like Taxlegit.

2. Visit the Startup India Portal

Go to the official Startup India website: www.startupindia.gov.in

Click on “Register” to create your profile using your name, email, mobile number, and business details.

3. Fill the Startup Recognition Form

After logging in, go to “DPIIT Recognition for Startups” under the “Recognition” tab. You’ll be required to:

• Fill in details like entity type, industry sector, date of incorporation, full address, etc.

• Describe your business innovation and objectives clearly.

• Attach relevant documents (mentioned below).

4. Upload Required Documents

The following documents are essential for Startup India registration:

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration

• PAN card of the company

• Details of directors/partners

• Brief write-up on how your startup is innovative or improves a product/service/process

• Website/Deck/Pitch or video (optional but recommended)

• Patent and trademark details (if any)

Make sure the write-up is concise, unique, and clearly states the innovative element of your startup. This plays a key role in getting DPIIT recognition.

5. Get DPIIT Recognition

Once you submit the form, your application will be reviewed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Upon approval, you will receive a Startup Recognition Number and Certificate of Recognition.

This certificate allows you to claim benefits such as tax exemptions under 80-IAC and exemption from Angel Tax under Section 56.

🎁 Benefits After Startup India Registration

After understanding how to register on Startup India, let’s explore the key benefits you unlock:

• 3-year income tax exemption (post-investment under Section 80-IAC)

• Exemption from Angel Tax under Section 56(2)(viib)

• Self-certification for 6 labour and 3 environment laws

• Fast-track patent & trademark filing with 80% fee rebate

• Access to ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)

• Apply for government tenders, even without prior experience

• Invitations to mentorship programs, pitch sessions, and global startup events

💡 Pro Tips for Smooth Startup India Registration

• Use simple, clear language in your business write-up.

• Highlight what makes your startup innovative or scalable.

• Attach a pitch deck or product demo link to strengthen your case.

• Don’t leave any field blank—fill with NA where not applicable.

• Ensure your company’s name and details match those in MCA/Partnership registration.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Registering on the Startup India portal is a smart move for early-stage startups. It not only gives you access to tax benefits and funding opportunities but also positions your brand within a credible government-recognized ecosystem.

If you’re still wondering how to register on Startup India or need help with documentation, pitch writing, or eligibility assessment—get in touch with experts.