Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
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.