Startup Recognition Turnover Threshold Raised

The revised framework for startup recognition raises the turnover threshold and introduces a dedicated Deep Tech Startups category with expanded eligibility. The revision also includes cooperative societies as eligible entities under specified cooperative laws.

Revised Startup Recognition Framework:

Dimension	Key Details
Turnover threshold	Enhanced turnover threshold increased from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore.
Category	Entities working on cutting-edge and breakthrough technologies.
Eligibility expansion	Age limit extended from 10 to 20 years from date of incorporation/registration and turnover limit enhanced to ₹300 crore.
Eligible entities	Inclusion of Multi-State Cooperative Societies governed by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and Cooperative Societies governed by State and Union Territory Cooperative Acts.
Recognised Startup	Recognised Startup comprises a startup granted official recognition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), based on eligibility criteria notified from time to time.
Benefits	Provides for exemption from including cash flow statement with financial statements and 100% tax exemption on profits for three years under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Recognised startups status (India)	Over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups (December 2025), with around 50% originating from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Key startup support initiatives	Startup India Initiative; Atal Innovation Mission (AIM); GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups); NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations).