Startup India 2.0: Revised Recognition Framework 2026

The Government has overhauled the Startup India Action Plan, originally launched on 16 January 2016, to mark its second decade of implementation.

Managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the revised 2026 framework aims to promote high-tech innovation, rural entrepreneurship, and long-term “patient capital”.

Aspect	Details
Revised Framework	The revised Startup India 2.0 framework seeks to strengthen innovation-led growth, especially in deep technology and rural sectors.
Higher Turnover Threshold	The annual turnover limit for startup recognition has been increased from Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 200 crore.
Deep Tech Sub-category	For R&D-intensive sectors, the eligibility age has been extended from 10 years to 20 years, while the turnover limit has been raised to Rs. 300 crore.
Cooperative Societies	For the first time, Cooperative Societies including Multi-State and State Cooperatives are eligible for startup recognition.
Statutory Benefits	Recognised startups receive benefits such as tax holidays under Section 80-IAC and exemptions from Angel Tax under Section 56(2)(viib).
National Startup Day	India celebrates National Startup Day every year on 16 January to recognise the contribution of startups to the Viksit Bharat vision.
Policy Shift	The revised framework reflects a shift from only early-stage promotion toward scale-oriented and long-gestation innovation ecosystems.

PT Facts

DPIIT Recognition: Startup recognition is granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
Section 80-IAC: Provides tax holiday benefits for 3 consecutive years out of 10 years.
Angel Tax: Exemption available under Section 56(2)(viib) for eligible startups.
Deep Tech: Includes AI, semiconductors, robotics, biotech, space tech and advanced materials.
National Startup Day: Celebrated annually on 16 January.
Framework Goal: Encourages patient capital and long-term innovation ecosystems.

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