How To Register A Startup Company In India?

India's startup ecosystem is flourishing, and the first major milestone in starting a business is legal registration. Whether your startup is planning for the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognition, raising investments, or just establishing a legal framework, registering a startup correctly is of utmost importance. Entrepreneurs often feel confused by all the paperwork, unsure about which business structure to choose, what documents are needed, and how to complete the registration on government websites. This blog walks you through the entire process, from determining the right legal entity (private limited, LLP) to actually registering your company with the MCA and Startup India. If you have been wondering about company registration of startups in India, then here is a step-by-step guide for you that will make your startup journey easy.

What does this blog cover?

• What qualifies as a startup under DPIIT and the required legal criteria?
• Step-by-step registration via Startup India/NSWS, with cost, timeline, documents, and post-registration roadmap.
• Tax exemptions, funding access, IP support, and other advantages of Startup India registration.

About the Startup India Scheme

Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on 16th January 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Its goal is to turn India into a country of job creators rather than job seekers.

Since its launch, the number of entities officially recognised as startups under the scheme has grown from around 500 in 2016 to over 1.61 lakh (161,000) as of January 31, 2025, making India the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Startups under this initiative have generated over 17.69 lakh (1.769 million) direct jobs, with more than 14.11 lakh jobs created in just the past five years [Source]

Key Benefits of the Startup India Scheme:

• Simplified regulatory processes and self-certification for compliance
• Easier patent filing and legal support
• Tax exemptions, such as a three-year tax holiday for eligible startups
• Funding support through a dedicated Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI
• Access to incubators and accelerators
• Opportunities for collaboration with investors, academia, and other startups

By cutting red tape and offering financial and legal assistance, Startup India aims to empower entrepreneurs, boost economic growth, and create large-scale employment across the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Registration under the Startup India Scheme

To be eligible for the benefits under the Startup India Scheme, businesses must meet specific criteria set by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Below are the key requirements for registration as a recognized startup under this initiative.

• Entity Type: Your business must be registered as a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or Registered Partnership Firm under Indian laws.
• Age of Business: The startup must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation. For biotech startups, this limit is extended to 15 years.
• Annual Turnover: The business's annual turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
• Innovation Requirement: The startup should focus on innovation, development, or improvement of products, services, or processes, or have a scalable business model with potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
• Original Entity: The business must not be formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.
• DPIIT Recognition: You need to apply for and receive recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) by submitting the required documents and self-certifying compliance with eligibility norms.
• Legal Compliance: Your startup must comply with all relevant legal requirements, such as the Companies Act, Income Tax Act, GST Act, and must maintain a bank account in the business’s name.

For a complete list of eligibility and compliance norms, read our full guide on Startup India Eligibility Criteria.

Step-By-Step Process To Register A Startup In India

Step 1 - Incorporate Your Business

To begin your Startup India registration process, the first step is to formally incorporate your business under Indian law. You must choose an appropriate legal structure either a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Registered Partnership Firm. This decision affects everything from liability to taxation and investment eligibility, so it's important to select the structure that best fits your startup's goals and operations.

Once the structure is decided, you need to register the entity with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This involves submitting the necessary incorporation documents and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation or Registration. This certificate is essential, as you cannot proceed with DPIIT recognition under the Startup India Scheme without it.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documents

After incorporation, your next task is to collect all the essential documents required for Startup India registration. Some documents are mandatory, while others are optional but can strengthen your application and speed up DPIIT recognition.

Here’s a checklist of commonly required documents:

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration (issued by MCA)
• PAN Card of the company
• KYC details of directors/partners (PAN, Aadhaar, contact info)
• Brief description of your business, product, or service
• Pitch deck, website, or other supporting documents (optional but helpful)
• Patent or IPR details (if applicable)
• Authorization letter (if applying through a consultant)
• Business plan or financial projections (optional but recommended)

For a complete and detailed checklist, read our guide on documents required for Startup India registration.

Step 3 – Create a Profile on the Startup India Portal

Create an Account

Begin by creating your account on the official Startup India portal:

1. Visit the Startup India portal.
2. Click on the ‘Register’ button.
3. Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, and set a password.
4. Verify your email and mobile number through OTPs.
5. Complete the basic profile details to activate your account.

Fill Out the Registration Form

After logging in, complete the registration form with the following details:

• Type of user (e.g., founder, investor)
• Startup name and current stage
• Company details like incorporation number, PAN, and registered address
• Business model summary, innovation details, and scalability potential

Submit the form to create your startup profile on the portal.

Provide a Letter of Recommendation

Upload a valid letter of recommendation from one of the following:

• A government-recognized incubator
• An industry association
• Any other entity as permitted under Startup India guidelines

This letter must validate your startup’s innovative nature and growth potential.

Ensure all documents, including the recommendation letter, are accurate and up to date to avoid delays.

To begin your registration, visit the official Startup India website.

Step 4 – Apply for DPIIT Recognition

Once your startup profile is created on the Startup India portal, the next step is to apply for DPIIT recognition through the National Single Window System (NSWS) — a mandatory step to access benefits under the Startup India Scheme such as tax exemptions, easier funding access, IP support, and self-certification under labor laws.

Start from Startup India Portal

• Log in to your account on the Startup India portal
• Under the ‘Recognition’ tab, click on ‘Apply for DPIIT Recognition’
• You will be redirected to the NSWS portal

Create an Investor Account on NSWS

• Click on Login → Select Investor Login
• Click on Sign Up Now
• Enter your personal and business details (name, email, mobile number, etc.)
• Verify your details via OTP or email confirmation

Set Up Your Profile

• Select your entity type (e.g., Private Limited Company, LLP, Partnership, etc.)
• Enter your PAN card number
• Once PAN is validated, enter:
• • Postal address
  • Registered address

Add Authorized Signatory

• Enter the authorized signatory’s details (name, designation, contact info)
• Click on Save

Locate the Startup Registration Form to register as a Startup for DPIIT Recognition

• Go to: Homepage → Centre Approvals → All Approvals
• Search for "Registration as a Startup"
• Click on Add to Dashboard

Fill and Submit the Application

• Go to Dashboard → Click on Apply Now
• Fill in required details:
• • Startup details: Name, type, sector
  • Innovation summary: How your startup solves a unique problem or improves existing solutions
  • Revenue model and scalability
  • Team information and job creation potential
• Review all the information carefully
• Click Submit

⚠️ Note: No changes can be made once the application is submitted.

Track Your Application

• Go to your Dashboard and click on the submitted form
• Your application status and DPIIT Recognition Number will be displayed

Download Your DPIIT Certificate

• Visit NSWS portal or open your DigiLocker
• Search for "Startup Certificate"
• Download and store the digitally signed DPIIT Certificate

Also Read : Pvt Ltd Company Registration Fees in India – Complete Breakdown

Key Things to Keep in Mind During Startup Registration

Registering your startup under the Startup India Scheme can unlock valuable benefits like tax exemptions, funding access, and regulatory relaxations. However, the process involves multiple steps and strict eligibility conditions. To avoid delays or rejections, it's important to be well-prepared and mindful of key legal and procedural requirements. Below are the most important things to keep in mind during your startup registration journey.

• Eligibility: Ensure your startup is a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm; under 10 years old (15 for biotech); with turnover below ₹100 crore and focused on innovation and scalability.
• Document Readiness: Keep essential documents ready — Incorporation Certificate, PAN, KYC of founders, and a brief business description. Optional docs like pitch decks, website, or patents add value.
• Accuracy Matters: Double-check details like business name, PAN, contact info, and email for OTPs. Use official business contacts only.
• Online Process: Registration is fully digital — start on the Startup India portal and complete DPIIT recognition via NSWS.
• Legal Compliance: Follow applicable laws (Companies Act, IT, GST). Maintain a business bank account and consider self-certifying under labor and environmental laws post-recognition.
• Track & Respond: Monitor your application dashboard regularly and respond to any queries. Download your DPIIT certificate once approved.
• Avoid Mistakes: Don’t upload incorrect/incomplete documents or use personal emails. Review everything before submitting — changes aren't allowed later. If an application is marked as ‘Incomplete’ three times, it is formally rejected. Once rejected, the application cannot be edited, and the applicant must wait three months from the date of the rejection email before submitting a new application.
• Seek Help if Needed: Consult a CA or legal expert if unsure about any step.

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Conclusion

Registering your startup under the Startup India Scheme is a smart move if you want to save on taxes, raise funds easily, and access many government benefits. The process is simple, and most of it can be done online. All you need is the right documents, a legally registered business, and a little clarity on the steps. With DPIIT recognition, your startup gets the credibility and support it needs to grow faster.