Startup India Certificate: How to Download (2026)

To download the Startup India Certificate, log in to startupindia.gov.in, open Dashboard → Recognition & Tax Exemption, and select View / Download Certificate to save the digitally signed DPIIT Certificate of Recognition as a PDF. You can also access the certificate through the NSWS portal or DigiLocker.

The Startup Registration Certificate serves as official proof of DPIIT recognition and supports applications for eligible startup benefits, such as the 80-IAC tax exemption, IPR fee rebates, and certain GeM opportunities. Since the certificate is issued digitally, downloading it from an official portal provides the required electronic copy.

Key Takeaways

What Do You Need Before Downloading Startup India Certificate?

If you have completed Startup India registration, keep these details ready to download the certificate:

• Approved recognition status: DPIIT generates the certificate after approving the application.
• Portal login credentials: Use the account linked to the DPIIT recognition application on the Startup India or NSWS portal.
• DPIIT recognition number: Keep the recognition number handy to verify the certificate and access it through supported services.
• Registered mobile number: The number linked to the application may be required for OTP verification, particularly when accessing the certificate through DigiLocker.
• Stable internet and updated browser: Use a reliable connection and an updated browser such as Chrome or Edge to avoid download errors.

How to Download the Startup India Certificate? 3 Different Methods

Once DPIIT approves your application, the Startup India Certificate becomes available for download as a digitally signed PDF. There are three official channels to download it:

Method 1: Download from the NSWS Portal

1. Visit nsws.gov.in and log in using the credentials used during the application.
2. On the dashboard, locate the Registration as a Startup application.
3. Open the application and confirm that the status displays “Recognised”.
4. Click the Download Certificate button. The file downloads as a PDF named DPIIT_Recognition_Certificate.pdf.

Method 2: Download from the Startup India Portal

1. Visit startupindia.gov.in and log in.
2. Go to Dashboard → Recognition & Tax Exemption.
3. Click View / Download Certificate. The DPIIT Startup India Certificate is generated instantly.

Note: Use the same method as above to access the DPIIT recognition certificate via the Startup India mobile app.

Method 3: Download from DigiLocker

1. Open the DigiLocker website or app and sign in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
2. Tap Search Documents and search for “DPIIT” or “Startup Certificate”.
3. Select Recognition Certificate – Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
4. Enter your DPIIT recognition number and registered mobile number.
5. Tap Get Document. The certificate is fetched directly into your DigiLocker locker, and no separate download is needed.

Troubleshooting Common Certificate Download Problems

If the certificate download fails, try this in order:

• Check status first: The certificate is only available when the application status reads “Recognised”. If it reads “Under Review” or “Submitted”, DPIIT has not yet approved.
• Browser issues: Clear cache, disable ad-blockers, and try Chrome or Edge in incognito mode.
• Allow pop-ups: NSWS may open the certificate in a new tab, so enable pop-ups for the portal.
• Check the connection: Refresh the page and retry if a weak or unstable connection interrupts the download.
• Try another portal: If the Startup India dashboard does not work, access the certificate through NSWS or DigiLocker.
• Contact support: If the problem continues, contact DPIIT support with the application number and a screenshot of the error.

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