Yes, they are different. Company Registration (via MCA) gives you a legal entity. Startup India Recognition (DPIIT) is a special status awarded by the government to businesses that are innovative, working toward the improvement of products/services, or have a high potential for employment generation and wealth creation.

To be eligible, your business must be:

• Incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm.

• Within 10 years of its incorporation date.

• Have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 Crores in any financial year.

• Working toward innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services.

Recognized startups can apply for significant tax advantages:

• Section 80-IAC: A 3-year income tax holiday within the first 10 years of incorporation.

• Angel Tax Exemption: Exemption from tax on investments received above fair market value (Section 56(2)(viib)).

• Self-Certification: Startups can self-certify compliance for 6 labor laws and 3 environmental laws for a period of 3 to 5 years.

The government provides a 80% rebate on patent filing fees and a 50% rebate on trademark filing fees for recognized startups. Additionally, startups get access to a panel of facilitators to help with the fast-tracking of patent applications, making it much cheaper and faster to protect your ideas.

We handle the end-to-end application on the Startup India portal, which includes:

• Drafting the Write-up: Explaining how your startup is innovative or scalable (crucial for approval).

• Document Upload: Submitting your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and pitch deck/website link.

• DPIIT Application: Filing the formal application and following up until you receive your Certificate of Recognition.