The National Startup Awards 2026 are open for applications across India. Launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 27 October 2026, the sixth edition invites eligible startups and student innovators to apply by 20 November 2026. Startups and students from Noida, Greater Noida and other parts of Gautam Buddha Nagar can also participate, subject to the official eligibility requirements.
National Startup Awards 2026: Key Details
| Organiser | DPIIT, Government of India |
|---|---|
| Edition | Sixth (NSA 6.0) |
| Applications Opened | 27 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 November 2026 |
| Sectoral Categories | 20 |
| Special Categories | 3 |
| Startup Category Prize | ₹25 lakh per eligible category winner |
| Student Award Prize Pool | ₹25 lakh across four subcategories |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | National Startup Awards 2026 |
Who Can Apply for National Startup Awards 2026?
The awards are open to eligible startups across India. According to the official NSA 6.0 guidelines, applicants in the main startup categories must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid DPIIT Certificate of Recognition at the time of application.
- Have completed fewer than ten years from incorporation by the application deadline, subject to the applicable DPIIT recognition framework.
- Submit audited financial statements for FY 2023-24, FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, subject to the exemptions and alternatives specified for newer startups.
- Not have won an award in any category in a previous edition of the National Startup Awards.
- Not be undergoing insolvency, liquidation or winding-up proceedings on the application closing date.
Startups incorporated less than three years ago must submit financial statements for the available financial years. Those less than one year old without audited statements are exempt from the audited-statement requirement. Where audited FY 2025-26 statements are unavailable, provisional statements certified by a Chartered Accountant may be submitted.
Applicants must provide accurate information and may be required to submit additional documents during the evaluation process. Meeting the eligibility conditions does not guarantee an award.
Official guidelines: Read the National Startup Awards 6.0 eligibility guidelines (PDF).
National Startup Awards 2026: Categories and Prizes
The sixth edition includes 20 sectoral categories and three special categories. The awards cover areas such as deep technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, financial technology, clean energy, logistics and digital content.
The three special categories are:
- Women-Led Startup of the Year.
- North-East Startup Excellence Award.
- Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award.
According to DPIIT, winners in the 20 sectoral categories and the two startup-focused special categories are eligible for a cash prize of ₹25 lakh per category.
The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award has a separate ₹25 lakh prize allocation across four subcategories.
The programme also seeks to facilitate mentorship, investor engagement, market access and industry connections. These opportunities are not guaranteed to every applicant.
Student Innovator Awards: Opportunities for School and College Students
The sixth edition introduces a separate Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award for eligible school and college students across India.
Unlike applicants in the main startup categories, students applying under this award do not need DPIIT startup recognition.
According to the official student guidelines, individuals or teams of up to four may apply. Applicants should demonstrate a prototype, working model, minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept, along with the problem their innovation addresses and its potential impact.
Student Award Categories and Prize Money
The official student guidelines describe the following proposed prize allocation:
| Category | Age | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budding Innovators | 10-14 years | ₹3 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Rising Innovators | 14-16 years | ₹3 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Young Changemakers | 16-18 years | ₹4 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Emerging Entrepreneurs | 18+ years | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
The proposed student prize allocation totals ₹25 lakh across eight national awardees.
Students from schools, colleges and universities in Noida and Greater Noida can explore this opportunity, provided they meet the applicable eligibility and participation conditions.
Official student guidelines: Read the Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur guidelines (PDF).
Can Startups from Noida and Greater Noida Apply?
Yes. The National Startup Awards are a nationwide initiative, and eligible startups from Noida, Greater Noida, Greater Noida West and the YEIDA region can participate.
The opportunity may be relevant to local technology startups, manufacturing enterprises, university innovators and student entrepreneurs working on eligible projects.
For example, a startup developing a healthcare technology product or a student team working on an AI-based solution can review the relevant award category and its eligibility requirements.
However, being based in Noida does not automatically establish eligibility or provide preferential treatment. Applicants must satisfy the conditions of their selected category.
How to Apply for National Startup Awards 2026
Applications are being invited through the official Startup India awards portal.
- Visit the official National Startup Awards 2026 website.
- Open the NSA 6.0 application section.
- Select the applicable startup or student innovator application route.
- Review the eligibility conditions and official guidelines for the selected category.
- Complete the application in English and provide the required supporting information.
- Submit the application before the official deadline and retain the acknowledgement, if provided.
Official application portal: Apply for National Startup Awards 2026.
Important: The general startup guidelines mention a maximum of three award categories, while the application interface describes up to three sectoral categories and two special categories. Applicants planning multiple submissions should seek clarification from Startup India rather than assume the higher limit applies.
Some text on the Startup India awards page also refers to an earlier application cycle. Applicants should follow the current NSA 6.0 instructions and verify the active submission process before applying.
For application-related queries, Startup India lists the support email startup.support@investindia.org.in.
National Startup Awards 2026 Application Deadline
The last date to apply is 20 November 2026, according to DPIIT’s official announcement dated 27 October 2026.
Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date and check the official Startup India portal for any subsequent changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for National Startup Awards 2026?
DPIIT has announced 20 November 2026 as the application deadline.
Can startups from Noida apply for National Startup Awards?
Yes. Eligible startups from Noida, Greater Noida and other parts of India can apply. Applicants in the main startup categories must satisfy the applicable DPIIT recognition and eligibility requirements.
Can college students apply without a registered startup?
Yes. DPIIT startup recognition is not required for the Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award. Eligible students may apply individually or in teams of up to four, subject to the official programme conditions. Applicants should have a prototype, working model, MVP or proof of concept.
Can school students apply for National Startup Awards 2026?
Yes. The student award includes categories for eligible school students aged 10-14, 14-16 and 16-18 years, as well as an 18+ category for emerging entrepreneurs. Applicants should review the detailed student guidelines.
How much prize money can winners receive?
Eligible winners in the 20 sectoral and two startup-focused special categories can receive ₹25 lakh per category. The student award has a separate proposed prize allocation totalling ₹25 lakh across four subcategories.
Is DPIIT recognition compulsory for every applicant?
DPIIT recognition is required for applicants in the main startup categories. It is not required for the separate Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award.
