DPIIT Startup Notification 2026 – Key Changes from 2019 Framework

Introduction

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has significantly updated India’s startup recognition framework through G.S.R. 108(E), dated 4 February 2026. The notification expressly supersedes the earlier G.S.R. 127(E), dated 19 February 2019, bringing the regulatory framework in line with the increasing scale and diversity of India’s startup ecosystem.

The most important changes are the increase in the general turnover threshold from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore, the introduction of a dedicated Deep Tech Startup category, expansion of eligible entity types to include cooperative societies, and a longer recognition period and higher turnover threshold for qualifying Deep Tech Startups.

1. 2019 Framework vs 2026 Framework

The key differences can be summarised as follows:

Particulars 2019 Framework 2026 Framework

General recognition period Up to 10 years Up to 10 years

General turnover limit ₹100 crore ₹200 crore

Private Limited Company Eligible Eligible

LLP Eligible Eligible

Registered Partnership Firm Eligible Eligible

Multi-State Cooperative Society Not covered Eligible

State/UT Cooperative Society Not covered Eligible

Deep Tech Startup category No separate category Introduced

Deep Tech recognition period Not applicable Up to 20 years

Deep Tech turnover limit Not applicable ₹300 crore

Innovation/scalability requirement Yes Yes

Business formed by splitting/reconstruction Not eligible Not eligible

Additional Deep Tech documentation Not applicable Required as prescribed

The 2019 framework permitted recognition for up to ten years and imposed a ₹100 crore turnover ceiling. It covered private limited companies, registered partnership firms and LLPs.

The 2026 notification retains the ten-year period for ordinary startups but doubles the general turnover ceiling to ₹200 crore and expands the eligible entity categories.

2. Turnover Limit Doubled from ₹100 Crore to ₹200 Crore

One of the most significant changes is the increase in the turnover threshold.

Under the 2019 notification, an entity could qualify as a startup only if its turnover had not exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation or registration.

Under the 2026 notification, this threshold has been increased to ₹200 crore. Therefore, a growing business that may have crossed the earlier ₹100 crore threshold can now remain within the DPIIT startup framework, provided it satisfies the other conditions.

Why this matters

The change recognises that successful startups can scale significantly before they become mature businesses. The higher threshold allows more high-growth companies to continue accessing the Startup India ecosystem and associated benefits for a longer period.

3. Introduction of the Deep Tech Startup Category

Perhaps the most important structural change is the introduction of a separate Deep Tech Startup category.

The 2026 notification recognises that deep technology businesses often require:

significant research and development;

longer product-development cycles;

substantial capital investment;

specialised infrastructure;

creation of new intellectual property; and

longer periods before commercialisation.

The notification therefore provides a separate framework for qualifying Deep Tech Startups.

Extended recognition period

A qualifying Deep Tech Startup can remain recognised for up to 20 years from incorporation or registration, compared with 10 years for an ordinary startup.

Higher turnover threshold

The turnover ceiling for a Deep Tech Startup is ₹300 crore for any financial year since incorporation or registration.

This creates a two-tier structure:

Ordinary Startup:

10 years + ₹200 crore turnover limit

Deep Tech Startup:

20 years + ₹300 crore turnover limit

4. What Qualifies as a Deep Tech Startup?

The 2026 notification sets out specific characteristics for a Deep Tech Startup.

The startup should be working on a solution based on new knowledge or advancements in a scientific or engineering discipline that is still being developed or is in the development process.

It should also generally demonstrate:

relatively high expenditure on R&D compared with income/funding;

ownership or development of significant novel intellectual property;

steps towards commercialisation of that IP;

extended development timelines;

long gestation periods;

high capital and infrastructure requirements; and

significant technical or scientific uncertainty.

Therefore, merely being a technology company does not automatically make an entity a Deep Tech Startup. The business must demonstrate the characteristics prescribed by DPIIT.

5. Cooperative Societies Are Now Included

Another notable expansion is the recognition of additional legal forms.

The 2019 framework covered:

Private Limited Companies;

registered Partnership Firms; and

LLPs.

The 2026 framework additionally includes:

Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002; and

Cooperative Societies registered under the applicable State or Union Territory cooperative legislation.

This broadens the Startup India framework beyond conventional corporate and partnership structures.

6. Innovation and Scalability Requirement Remains

Despite the expansion, the fundamental concept of what constitutes a startup has not been completely changed.

The entity must continue to demonstrate that it is working towards:

innovation;

development or improvement of products, processes or services; or

a scalable business model having high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.

Thus, merely satisfying the age and turnover limits is not enough.

A company must still demonstrate that it falls within the substantive startup definition.

7. Businesses Created by Splitting or Reconstruction Remain Excluded

Both frameworks contain an important anti-avoidance condition.

An entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business is not considered a startup.

This prevents an existing established business from simply creating another entity to obtain startup recognition and associated benefits.

8. Recognition Process Under the 2026 Framework

The basic recognition process continues to operate through the DPIIT portal.

Under the 2026 notification, the application is to be submitted through the DPIIT-established portal and is accompanied by:

Certificate of Incorporation/Registration;

a write-up explaining the nature of the business and its innovation, development, improvement or scalability; and

additional documents/information where the applicant seeks recognition as a Deep Tech Startup.

DPIIT may call for additional information or documents before granting or rejecting recognition.

This means that Deep Tech applicants should be prepared to provide stronger technical and R&D documentation than an ordinary startup.

9. A Significant Change: Conditions on Use of Funds and Investments

The 2026 notification also introduces specific conditions concerning the deployment of startup funds.

It states that startups should deploy their funds primarily towards their core business activities, innovation, research, scaling or operational requirements.

It also restricts certain investments during the recognition period, subject to specified exceptions where the investment is integral to the startup’s core business.

The restricted areas include, among others:

certain land and buildings;

loans and advances;

capital contributions to other entities;

shares and securities;

certain high-value transportation assets;

jewellery; and

speculative or non-productive assets.

This is an important compliance consideration for recognised startups under the new framework.

10. Does the 2026 Notification Automatically Give Tax Benefits?

No.

DPIIT recognition and eligibility for specific tax benefits are related but should not be treated as identical.

For example, the Income Tax Department specifically notes that a startup recognised by DPIIT must satisfy the separate conditions applicable under the Income-tax law for claiming benefits such as the Section 80-IAC deduction.

Therefore:

DPIIT recognition ≠ automatic entitlement to every startup tax benefit.

Companies should separately examine the conditions applicable to the particular tax incentive they intend to claim.

11. Practical Impact on Existing and New Startups

The 2026 framework is particularly relevant for businesses that are scaling rapidly.

For existing startups

A company that previously approached the ₹100 crore turnover ceiling now has additional room under the general ₹200 crore limit, subject to the other requirements.

For Deep Tech businesses

The change is considerably more significant. Businesses working in areas such as advanced engineering, biotechnology, specialised scientific technologies, advanced materials, robotics or other R&D-intensive fields may potentially benefit from the extended 20-year recognition period and ₹300 crore turnover ceiling, provided they satisfy the Deep Tech criteria.

For founders

Founders should review their DPIIT recognition status, business description, turnover position and supporting documents to determine whether the new framework changes their eligibility or classification.

12. Key Takeaways

The 2026 DPIIT notification is more than a simple increase in the turnover threshold. It represents an expansion of the Startup India recognition framework.

The major changes are:

₹100 crore → ₹200 crore

General startup turnover threshold doubled.

10 years → 20 years

Recognition period extended for qualifying Deep Tech Startups.

₹200 crore → ₹300 crore

Higher turnover threshold introduced for Deep Tech Startups.

New eligible entities

Multi-State and State/UT Cooperative Societies can now qualify, subject to the prescribed conditions.

New Deep Tech category

A formal recognition route has been introduced for R&D-intensive, IP-driven and technically complex ventures.

Greater compliance focus

The 2026 framework contains specific conditions regarding deployment of funds and certain investments.

Conclusion

The DPIIT Startup Notification 2026 (G.S.R. 108(E)) marks a substantial evolution from the 2019 framework. While the core concept of supporting innovative and scalable businesses remains intact, the revised framework acknowledges that India’s startup ecosystem now includes larger, more mature and technically complex businesses.

For most startups, the immediate headline change is the ₹200 crore turnover threshold. For technology-intensive ventures, however, the introduction of the Deep Tech Startup category—with a 20-year recognition period and ₹300 crore turnover limit—could be significantly more consequential.

Businesses seeking or already holding DPIIT recognition should therefore review their eligibility and compliance position under the 2026 notification rather than relying solely on the earlier 2019 framework.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and should not be treated as legal or tax advice. Specific eligibility for DPIIT recognition or tax benefits should be evaluated based on the applicable notification, the entity’s facts and the relevant tax provisions.