A Comprehensive Guide To Registering Your Startup Under India’s Startup India Intiative

Starting a business in India has never been more thrilling and easier than now, courtesy of the Startup India Initiative introduced by the Government of India in 2016. This flagship initiative is designed to encourage entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and ease the process of starting up through numerous benefits and incentives. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking for how to register startup in Startup India, this detailed guide is for you.

This blog will guide you Startup India registration step by step, tell you about the advantages, and clarify all your queries regarding how to register in Startup India without difficulty.

The Startup India Initiative was launched by the government to foster innovation and develop a healthy startup ecosystem within India. Under this initiative, startups receive an array of incentives, such as exemptions from taxation, simplified compliance guidelines, funding assistance, and avenues for networking opportunities.

Before moving towards the steps of how to register in Startup India, let’s examine the significance of registration under Startup India. 

• Tax Benefits: Registering under the initiative, startups can benefit from a 3-year income tax relief during their first 10 years of registration.
• Faster IP Registration: In this initiative, applicants get up to 80% exemption on patent filing fees and a fast-track process for start-up registration.
• Self-Certification: Startups get the advantages of self-certified compliance with labour and environmental laws.
• Access to Government Tenders: In the initiative, registered startups are qualified to take part in tenders without much prior experience.
• Funding Opportunities: Registered startups gain access to the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a collection of ₹10,000 crores.

To begin the Startup India registration step-by-step process, make sure your business matches the following eligibility criteria:

1. Age of the Company: The startup should be at least 10 years old from the date of establishment.
2. Type of Entity: The startup should be must be registered as a Partnership Firm, Private Limited Company, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
3. Annual Turnover: The business should have a yearly turnover of less than ₹100 crore in any previous financial year.
4. Original Entity: The startup should not have been established by dividing or reforming an existing business.
5. Innovative & Scalable: The startup should be working towards the improvement, creativity, and development of services and products.

To register your startup smoothly, collect the following documents – 

• Brief description of your busines
• Certificate of Incorporation or Registration
• Details of directors/partner
• PAN Card of the business entity
• Patent and trademark details (if any)
• Proof of funding (optional)
• Website link or pitch deck (if available)

Usually, applicants find it difficult how to register startup in Startup India, but it is a simple process. Here is a Startup India registration step by step guide.  Follow the steps carefully for a hassle-free registration –

Step 1: Incorporate Your Business

Primarily, you should legally register your business under one of the following as-

• LLP under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
• Partnership Firm under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932
• Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013

This process also includes having your PAN and TAN numbers and registering with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Step 2: Register on the Startup India Portal

You need to register your startup on the official portal of the startup india initiative. Go to the official website and click on the option of ‘Register’. Enter your necessary details and create your profile.

Step 3: Apply for DPIIT Recognition

Once your account is created, logged in, and move to the section “DPIIT Recognition for Startups”. Click on the option of “Get Recognized.”

You will need to complete a form with the following details –

• Authorised representative
• Details of startup activities
• Director or Partner details
• Entity details
• Full address
• Funding and intellectual property information (if any)

To avoid further rejection and any difficulties, ensure you provide answers accurately and honestly.

 

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload the below required documents, including –

• Any supporting documents, such as awards or patents 
• Business description or pitch deck
• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN card

 

Step 5: Self-Certify Compliance

You will need to self-certify or declare that your startup meets the set eligibility criteria. Make sure you tick every box precisely before submission.

 

Step 6: Submit and Track Your Application

When all the fields are completed and documents are uploaded, click on the “Submit” option. You can easily check the status of your application on the dashboard section.

In a few days, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (or DPIIT) will analyse your application. They will either approve your application or ask for additional supporting documents. If everything is found to be correct, you will get a registration certificate.

When you complete your Startup India registration step by step, you become qualified for various benefits. Some of the benefits are mentioned below –

1. Startup India Hub Access

You are allowed to access the Startup India Hub for various resources, mentorship, and support for developing your business.

2. Tax Exemptions

You also become eligible for several tax exemptions. Simply, apply for income tax exemption separately under section 80 IAC, and capital gains relief under the Income Tax Act, section 56.

3. Patent & IPR Benefits

You can also influence the benefits of subsidized fees and IPR fast-tracking for your startup.

4. Government Schemes & Challenges

You can take part in government-supported schemes for funding and procurement opportunities.

While considering how to register startup in Startup India, entrepreneurs frequently make these mistakes. Read them to avoid for a successful registration. 

• Incomplete Business Description: Don’t be confused. Always highlight the creativity and impact of your startup.
• Selecting Wrong Entity Type: Make sure your startup is registered under the relevant legal entity type.
• Missing Documents: Failing to submit any required documents could delay or even reject your application. Thus, submit all essential documents.
• Not Checking Eligibility: Only qualified startups get approval for the registration, so carefully check the criteria.

Providing identity to your startup under the Startup India initiative is an excellent idea when you are dedicated to creating a scalable and meaningful business in India. The entire registration process is online, clear, effortless, and loaded with long-term advantages. With the help of this Startup India registration step by step guide, you will be on the correct track to obtaining government support and speeding up your startup journey.

When you become aware of how to register under Startup India, don’t wait—go ahead and register your startup soon. The Indian startup environment is growing fast, and this is your opportunity to be a part of it.