SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the scheme provide?
You get back 80% of the testing fee you paid, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,000 for each SC/ST MSE in a financial year. If 80% of the bill comes to more than ₹1,00,000, the reimbursement stops at ₹1,00,000. GST and other applicable taxes are not part of the reimbursable amount.
Who is eligible to claim this refund?
The scheme is open to SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises. The enterprise must be one that has actually paid a testing fee to an accredited laboratory, since the support works as a reimbursement rather than an upfront grant.
Which laboratories are accepted?
Only laboratories accredited by NABL or BIS. Testing carried out at any other facility falls outside the scheme, so it is worth confirming a lab's accreditation before you commission the test.
Can I claim the refund more than once in a year?
Yes. The assistance can be availed multiple times, as long as the total you receive in a financial year does not cross the ₹1,00,000 ceiling for your enterprise. This makes it workable for businesses that test in repeated batches or go through several certification rounds.
Is GST or any other tax reimbursed?
No. GST and other applicable taxes are excluded from the reimbursement. The 80% is calculated on the fee excluding those taxes.
Is there an application deadline?
There is no fixed deadline — the programme is rolling and always open. You can file a claim once the testing is complete and the fee has been paid, and the annual ceiling resets with each financial year.
Is this a loan or does it take equity in my company?
Neither. It is a reimbursement of money you have already spent on testing, so nothing has to be repaid and no equity or ownership stake is taken in your enterprise.
What documents do I need for the claim?
Keep your SC/ST certificate and Udyam registration ready, along with the test report issued by the NABL or BIS accredited laboratory, the laboratory's invoice, and proof that you have paid the testing fee.
How and where do I apply?
Applications go through the National SC-ST Hub scheme portal at https://www.scsthub.in/nssh-schemes/. Have your ownership certificate, Udyam registration, test report, lab invoice and payment proof assembled before you start the application.
Is DPIIT recognition required for SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year?
SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year is offered by National SC-ST Hub, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for SC/ST MSE Testing Fee Refund: 80% Back, Up to ₹1 Lakh a Year?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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