You don’t need a rich uncle, a famous investor, or a big salary to start a company in India. Sometimes you just need to know which door to knock on.

1. DPIIT recognition under Startup India

Start here. Recognition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is the gateway to most other benefits, including tax exemptions and access to schemes. Register on the Startup India portal.

2. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

This is probably the most important one for early founders. It offers DPIIT-recognised early-stage startups up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept or prototyping, and up to ₹50 lakh for market entry and scaling. Money is routed through selected incubators, so your application goes through them, not directly to the government.

Key eligibility points: the startup must be DPIIT-recognised and no more than 2 years old, use technology in its core offering, have at least 51% Indian promoter shareholding, and not have received more than ₹10 lakh from other central or state government schemes. Apply via the official seed fund portal.

3. Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)

This doesn’t give money to you directly. Through SIDBI, the government invests in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, which in turn invest in growing Indian startups. It matters to you because it strengthens the pool of VC money you will eventually pitch to.

4. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

It helps startups obtain collateral-free loans by giving lenders a guarantee, which is useful if you don’t own assets to pledge.

5. Atal Innovation Mission and incubation centres

AIM supports innovation through Atal Incubation Centres and related programmes. Many colleges also run their own incubators, so check with your institution first.

6. NIDHI programmes (Department of Science and Technology)

These support technology-based ideas through schemes for prototyping, incubation and seed support. They are especially relevant for science and engineering students.

7. Targeted support

Stand-Up India supports loans for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, and there are start-up programmes aimed specifically at SC/ST students. Reports note that nearly half of the ₹592 crore in approved SISFS funding has gone to women-led startups. Many states also run their own startup missions, such as Kerala Startup Mission, with additional grants and workspaces.

How to get started

• Register your company (a Private Limited or LLP is usually the safest route).
• Get DPIIT recognition.
• Join your college incubator or approach your nearest SISFS-approved one.
• Prepare a clear one-page problem, solution, traction and fund-usage summary.
• Apply for the scheme that fits your stage, not every scheme at once.

Common mistakes

Applying with just an idea and no prototype or customer evidence, ignoring eligibility rules, and missing the paperwork and milestone reporting.