Comprehensive Guide to
Startup Schemes in India
Explore central and state government schemes, incubation centers, tax benefits, funding opportunities, and regulatory support for Indian startups
Central & State Government Schemes
Comprehensive support from central and state governments to help your startup grow
Startup India Initiative
DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce
Flagship program providing comprehensive support including tax exemptions, self-certification compliance, IPR fast-tracking, and access to funding opportunities
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Incorporated as Private Limited or LLP, turnover < ₹100 Cr, working on innovation
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
DPIIT
Provides financial assistance up to ₹20 lakhs for proof of concept and ₹50 lakhs for prototype development and market entry
Key Benefits
Eligibility
DPIIT recognized startup, incorporated < 2 years, innovative business model
SIDBI Fund of Funds
SIDBI
₹10,000 Cr corpus providing capital to SEBI registered AIFs who invest in startups across various sectors
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Through SEBI registered Venture Capital funds investing in Indian startups
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
NITI Aayog
Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through Atal Tinkering Labs, Incubation Centers, and mentorship programs
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Schools, colleges, and organizations promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
TIDE 2.0 Scheme
MeitY
Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs providing financial support to incubators for ICT startups in emerging tech
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Incubators supporting ICT startups in IoT, AI, Blockchain, AR/VR, etc.
NIDHI Programme
DST
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - umbrella program supporting TBIs to nurture startups
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Technology Business Incubators and innovation-driven startups
Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGSS)
SIDBI
Provides collateral-free debt funding up to ₹10 Cr for DPIIT recognized startups through member institutions
Key Benefits
Eligibility
DPIIT recognized startups with viable business model
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
DBT
Supports biotech startups with funding, mentorship, and infrastructure for innovation in healthcare and life sciences
Key Benefits
Eligibility
Biotech and life sciences startups with innovative solutions
Premier Incubation Centers in India
World-class incubators providing infrastructure, mentorship, and funding support
T-Hub
Hyderabad, Telangana
India's largest innovation campus and startup incubator with world-class infrastructure
Focus Areas
Facilities
NSRCEL - IIM Bangalore
Bangalore, Karnataka
Premier business incubator at IIM Bangalore supporting early-stage startups with mentorship and funding
Focus Areas
Facilities
STPI
Pan India
Software Technology Parks of India promoting IT/ITES startups with infrastructure and support
Focus Areas
Facilities
IIT Madras Incubation Cell
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Premier incubator supporting deep-tech and innovation-driven startups with technical expertise
Focus Areas
Facilities
CIIE.CO - IIM Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship fostering innovation-driven enterprises
Focus Areas
Facilities
SINE - IIT Bombay
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supporting technology startups with comprehensive support
Focus Areas
Facilities
Kerala Startup Mission
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Nodal agency for entrepreneurship development in Kerala with extensive support ecosystem
Focus Areas
Facilities
NASSCOM 10000 Startups
Pan India
Scale-up program for tech startups with mentorship, market access, and global connections
Focus Areas
Facilities
Tax Benefits for Startups
Significant tax exemptions and benefits to help startups save costs and grow faster
Income Tax Exemption
Up to 30% of profits
3-year tax holiday for eligible startups under Section 80-IAC
- Exemption from income tax for 3 consecutive years out of first 10 years
- Applicable to startups incorporated after April 1, 2016
- Turnover should not exceed ₹100 Crores in any financial year
- Must be certified by Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB)
Capital Gains Tax Exemption
Up to 20% of capital gains
Exemption on long-term capital gains invested in startups
- Under Section 54EE and 54GB of Income Tax Act
- Exemption on capital gains if invested in eligible startups
- Promotes investment in startup ecosystem
- Lock-in period of 5 years applicable
Angel Tax Exemption
Significant compliance relief
Exemption from Angel Tax under Section 56(2)(viib)
- DPIIT recognized startups exempt from Angel Tax
- No scrutiny on share premium received from investors
- Simplified compliance for fundraising
- Promotes angel investment in startups
GST Benefits
Reduced compliance costs
Simplified GST compliance and exemptions
- Self-certification for labor and environment laws
- Reduced compliance burden for 5 years
- Exemption from certain inspections
- Simplified return filing process
Potential Tax Savings
Government Funding Schemes
Access various funding opportunities from seed stage to growth stage
Seed Funding
Early-stage funding for proof of concept and prototype development
- Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
- State government seed funds
- Incubator seed programs
- Angel networks
Fund of Funds
SIDBI Fund of Funds providing capital through SEBI registered AIFs
- SIDBI FoF
- Venture capital funds
- Growth stage funding
- Sector-specific funds
Credit Guarantee
Collateral-free debt funding through Credit Guarantee Scheme
- CGSS by SIDBI
- Bank loans without collateral
- Working capital support
- Growth financing
Sector-Specific Funds
Specialized funding for specific sectors and technologies
- BIRAC for biotech
- TIDE 2.0 for ICT
- Clean energy funds
- Agri-tech initiatives
Funding Journey
Seed Stage
₹10L - ₹50L
Early Stage
₹50L - ₹5Cr
Growth Stage
₹5Cr - ₹50Cr
Scale Stage
₹50Cr+
Regulatory Ease & Support
Simplified compliance and regulatory benefits to help startups focus on growth
Self-Certification
Startups can self-certify compliance with 9 labor and 3 environment laws
Fast-Track Patent Examination
Expedited patent processing with 80% rebate on patent filing fees
Easy Exit Mechanism
Simplified winding up process within 90 days for failed startups
Public Procurement Benefits
Exemption from earnest money and prior experience requirements
Simplified Compliance Timeline
5 Years
Self-certification for labor and environment laws
Fast-Track
Patent examination with 80% fee rebate
90 Days
Quick exit mechanism for winding up
Ready to Leverage Government Support?
Start your startup registration journey and unlock all these benefits today