Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs
A scheme by MeitY and DoT to reimburse up to 75% of telecom equipment testing and certification charges for DPIIT-recognized Start-ups and MSME-registered Micro & Small Enterprises, capped at ₹50 lakh.
- Funding amount
- ₹50L (subsidy)
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. Its purpose is to encourage innovation and market readiness among telecom and ICT startups and micro/small enterprises by easing the financial burden of mandatory and voluntary testing and certification.
Telecom equipment products need to be tested and certified before they can be deployed in India or exported. Certified products build consumer trust and open doors to domestic and international markets. However, testing and certification costs can be high for early-stage businesses. This scheme reimburses a significant portion of those charges, making quality certifications more accessible.
The scheme is funded with a total allocation of ₹25 crore and will run for two years from its implementation date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Highlights
- Reimbursement up to 75% for Start-ups
- Reimbursement up to 60% for Micro Enterprises
- Reimbursement up to 50% for Small Enterprises
- Maximum reimbursement cap: ₹50 lakh per applicant
- Covers testing & certification at TEC/NCCS designated or NABL accredited labs
- Open to DPIIT Start-ups & MSME-registered Micro & Small Enterprises
Who can apply
To be eligible, an applicant must be: (1) a Start-up registered with DPIIT OR a Micro or Small Enterprise registered under MSME (Udyam), and (2) incorporated in India. Additionally, the applicant’s annual revenue must not exceed ₹5 crore in any financial year since incorporation. For DPIIT-recognized start-ups, they must not have raised more than ₹10 crore in funding. The reimbursement applies only to testing and certification charges for telecom/ICT products carried out at labs designated or recognized by TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Centre) or NCCS (National Centre for Communication Security), or at NABL-accredited labs (if no TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body exists for that test).
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The scheme offers financial reimbursement for a portion of eligible testing and certification costs. Reimbursement rates are:
- Start-ups: up to 75% of charges
- Micro Enterprises: up to 60% of charges
- Small Enterprises: up to 50% of charges
The maximum reimbursement cap is ₹50 lakh per applicant over the scheme's duration. This assistance lowers the financial entry barrier for startups and MSEs to obtain mandatory (MTCTE) or voluntary telecom product certifications, thereby accelerating product acceptance and market entry.
About the provider
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is offered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a government body. As a government-backed subsidy, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The application process is ongoing (rolling) with quarterly deadlines. Once an online application is submitted on the TEC portal, it undergoes the following stages:
- Screening by Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE): Applications are checked for completeness and basic eligibility.
- Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) assessment: Eligible applications are sent to a committee for detailed evaluation and due diligence.
- Administrative Committee review: Based on TEC recommendations, the Admin Committee further reviews and approves applications.
- Final approval: The competent authority gives the final go-ahead.
- Disbursal: Approved funds are transferred from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) to TCOE, which then releases the reimbursement to the applicant within 7 days.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹50L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main objective of this scheme?
The scheme aims to reimburse a portion of testing and certification charges for telecom/ICT equipment incurred by startups and MSEs, thereby reducing their financial burden and promoting market acceptance.
Who can apply for this reimbursement?
Eligible applicants are DPIIT-recognized Start-ups and Micro or Small Enterprises registered under MSME (Udyam), incorporated in India.
What are the revenue and funding eligibility limits?
The applicant’s annual revenue must not exceed ₹5 crore in any financial year since incorporation. Additionally, DPIIT Start-ups must not have raised funds exceeding ₹10 crore.
What is the maximum reimbursement amount?
The maximum reimbursement is capped at ₹50 lakh per applicant during the entire scheme duration.
What percentage of costs are reimbursed?
Start-ups get up to 75% reimbursement, Micro Enterprises up to 60%, and Small Enterprises up to 50%.
Which testing and certification expenses are eligible?
Charges for mandatory (MTCTE) or voluntary testing and certification of telecom/ICT products conducted at TEC/NCCS designated labs or NABL accredited labs (if no TEC-designated CAB is available) are eligible.
Is R&D testing covered?
No, reimbursement is not provided for control tests related to product research and development (R&D).
What is the deadline to apply after receiving certification?
The reimbursement claim must be submitted within 3 months from the date of issuance of the product certificate by TEC.
How long is the scheme valid?
The scheme is valid for 2 years from the implementation date or until the total allocated budget of ₹25 crore is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Where and how do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the official TEC portal at https://tec.gov.in/tcrs, along with required documents such as incorporation certificate, audited financial statements, DPIIT/Udyam registration, lab designation/accreditation certificates, test reports, invoices, payment receipts, and a self-declaration.
Can an applicant claim reimbursement from other government schemes for the same expense?
No, the applicant must submit a self-declaration confirming that no other government scheme reimbursement has been claimed for the same testing and certification charges.
How much funding does Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs provide?
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs provides ₹50L (up to) as subsidy. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Does Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs take equity?
No. Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is subsidy and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs?
Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs is offered by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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