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Before you apply

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

01

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.

02

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.
03

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.

04

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.
05

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
06

Read the status first

Open nowApplications are being accepted now — 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.