Understanding eligibility criteria

Every scheme has a set of eligibility conditions your company must meet before you can apply. BenefitStack checks these automatically using your assessment answers, but understanding the underlying criteria helps you know why certain schemes appear or don't appear in your results.

Common eligibility factors

Entity type

Many startup-focused schemes (Section 80-IAC, SISFS, various state startup funds) are restricted to Private Limited companies and LLPs. Some MSME schemes are open to proprietorships and partnerships. If a scheme requires a specific legal structure you don't have, it won't appear in your results.

Company age

Most startup schemes define a maximum age since incorporation — typically 5 or 10 years. Companies older than this threshold are ineligible regardless of revenue or sector. Manufacturing and MSME schemes are usually less restrictive on age.

Annual turnover

Schemes use turnover bands to define eligibility. MSME classification itself depends on turnover: micro (under ₹5 Cr), small (₹5–75 Cr), medium (₹75–250 Cr). Many startup schemes cap eligible companies at ₹100 Cr in turnover. Schemes with high turnover caps are often more relevant for growth-stage companies than early-stage ones.

Sector

Sector-specific schemes are common in manufacturing (PLI schemes), agriculture, clean energy, and pharma/biotech. Technology companies benefit from a wide range of sector-agnostic startup schemes plus IT-specific state policies. If your primary sector is niche, you may see fewer schemes but higher average values.

State

State schemes require you to be registered in or operating in that state. Some states (Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat) have large, well-funded startup and IT incentive programmes. Others have fewer. Your results already filter for your selected state.

DPIIT / Startup India recognition

Recognition from DPIIT as a startup is a prerequisite for a significant portion of central schemes. The recognition process requires applying at startupindia.gov.in. Your company must be incorporated for fewer than 10 years and have turnover under ₹100 Cr. BenefitStack will show DPIIT-gated schemes in your results with a note if you have not indicated you hold recognition.

Udyam / MSME registration

Registration on the Udyam portal confirms your MSME classification and unlocks the MSME-specific layer of schemes. Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes at udyamregistration.gov.in.