Startup India Registration for Kolkata Startups: DPIIT Recognition, Tax Holiday and the New Bengal Startup Policy
A private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm in Kolkata that is less than 10 years old, has turnover below ₹100 crore in every year, and works on innovation or a scalable business model can apply for DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal. Recognition is free and usually comes within a few weeks. It opens up a three-year income tax holiday for eligible startups incorporated up to 31 March 2030, lower patent and trademark fees, self-certification under labour and environment laws, and easier government procurement. West Bengal’s Budget 2026-27 also announced a new state startup policy with a ₹40 crore incubation fund and a ₹60 crore venture fund.
Who qualifies
| Condition | Rule |
|---|---|
| Entity | Private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm |
| Age | Up to 10 years from incorporation |
| Turnover | Not above ₹100 crore in any financial year |
| Activity | Innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable model with high potential for jobs or wealth |
| Not allowed | An entity formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business |
A proprietorship cannot be recognised, so solo founders in Kolkata usually incorporate a private limited company first.
How to apply
- Register on the Startup India portal and fill the DPIIT recognition form.
- Upload the certificate of incorporation and a short description of the innovation: what problem you solve, how, and why it is scalable.
- Add the website, pitch deck or product links, and any patents, awards or incubator support.
- Get the recognition certificate by email. Queries come through the portal.
Benefits
- Tax holiday: a recognised startup that also gets the Inter-Ministerial Board certificate can claim 100% deduction of profits for any 3 consecutive years out of its first 10, if incorporated before 1 April 2030.
- No angel tax: the tax on share premium received above fair value was abolished from 2024-25.
- IPR: 80% rebate on patent fees and the lower ₹4,500 trademark fee, with fast-tracked patent examination.
- Self-certification under several labour and environment laws for the first years.
- Public procurement: relaxation of prior turnover and experience conditions in many tenders, and EMD exemption.
- Funding: access to the Fund of Funds and Startup India Seed Fund through incubators.
Kolkata ecosystem and the state policy
Kolkata founders work with incubators such as the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and institutions around Salt Lake Sector V and New Town. The Budget 2026-27 promised a new West Bengal startup policy, a ₹40 crore incubation fund and a ₹60 crore venture capital fund. Keep your DPIIT recognition, cap table and audited accounts ready so you can apply when the scheme opens. See our West Bengal Budget 2026-27 highlights.
FAQs
Is DPIIT recognition free?
Yes.
Can an LLP in Kolkata get Startup India recognition?
Yes, LLPs are eligible if they meet the age, turnover and innovation conditions.
Does DPIIT recognition give the tax holiday automatically?
No. The tax holiday needs a separate certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board.
What did West Bengal announce for startups in 2026?
A new startup policy, a ₹40 crore incubation fund and a ₹60 crore venture capital fund, in the Budget 2026-27.
TAXAJ helps Kolkata founders with incorporation, DPIIT recognition, tax holiday applications and funding paperwork. See our Startup India registration service or talk to our Kolkata team.
Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: DPIIT notification G.S.R. 127(E) of 19 February 2019 defining startups, as amended; Income-tax law on the startup tax holiday and the abolition of angel tax; West Bengal Budget 2026-27 (PRS Legislative Research analysis). General information only.
