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Before you apply

Most schemes ask for the same few things. Sort these out once and every application gets faster.

  1. Step 1

    Get DPIIT startup recognition

    Most startup-specific schemes — FoF-backed funds, CGSS, PRAYAS, NQM, iDEX and many state grants — require it. It is free and online through the Startup India portal.

    Who qualifies (from 4 Feb 2026)

    • A private limited company, LLP, registered partnership or — new in 2026 — a cooperative society.
    • Up to 10 years from incorporation, with turnover up to ₹200 crore in every year (was ₹100 crore).
    • Working on innovation or improvement of a product, process or service, or a scalable business model — not formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.

    New category: a Deep Tech Startup can stay recognised for up to 20 years with turnover up to ₹300 crore, after a DPIIT evaluation of its R&D, IP and technical risk (notification G.S.R. 108(E)). Recognised startups must not park funds in non-core real estate, luxury assets or speculative investments.

  2. Step 2

    Know your tax benefits

    • Section 80-IAC: 100% of profits tax-free for any 3 consecutive years out of your first 10, if you are a DPIIT-recognised company or LLP incorporated before 1 April 2030 and certified by the Inter-Ministerial Board.
    • Angel tax is gone: section 56(2)(viib) was scrapped from FY 2024-25, so share premiums from investors are no longer taxed as income.

  3. Step 3

    Register as an MSME (Udyam)

    Free Udyam registration unlocks MSME schemes: CGTMSE and MCGS-MSME guarantees, TReDS invoice discounting, the SRI Fund, MSME Champions and the International Cooperation scheme. Many startups qualify as micro or small enterprises.

  4. Step 4

    Pick the right channel

    • Through an incubator: NIDHI-SSP, PRAYAS, BIG, BIRAC SEED, TIDE 2.0, GENESIS and many state grants are paid via incubators — get incubated first.
    • Through a fund: FFS, FoF 2.0, AcE, AgriSURE and the SRI Fund invest via SEBI-registered AIFs — pitch those funds, not the ministry.
    • Through a bank: CGSS, CGTMSE, Mudra, PMEGP and AIF loans start with your lender.
    • Directly: TDF, iDEX, ANIC, TTDF, DCIS, PRIP and Railways run their own calls.

  5. Step 5

    Keep a ready folder

    • Certificate of incorporation & PAN
    • DPIIT and Udyam certificates
    • Pitch deck (10–12 slides)
    • Last 2 years' financials
    • Cap table & shareholding
    • Project proposal with milestones
    • Budget & use of funds
    • IP filings, if any

  6. Step 6

    Read the status first

    • Open nowApplications are being accepted now, through a rolling scheme or an open call.
    • ActiveRunning. Apply through partner incubators, funds or banks, or the next periodic call.
    • Between callsAlive, but no window is open right now. The next call is awaited.
    • Renewal awaitedLapsed or being revamped. Not accepting until it is renewed.
    • AnnouncedDeclared by the government, but not yet operational.
    • ClosedNo longer accepting applications.

Rules summarised from the DPIIT notification of 4 Feb 2026, Union Budgets 2024-25 and 2025-26, and scheme guidelines, as of 3 October 2026. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.