UNNATI Scheme 2024 — Capital Subsidy & GST Incentives for North-East India — Frequently Asked Questions

There are three separate components. The Capital Investment Incentive pays 30% of your eligible plant and machinery cost if your unit is in Zone A, or 50% if it is in Zone B. The Capital Interest Subvention cuts your loan interest by 3% in Zone A or 5% in Zone B, and that concession continues for 7 years. The Manufacturing & Services Linked Incentive then gives you a benefit equal to 100% of your net GST paid — that is, GST paid minus input tax credit — for up to 10 years. Since the amounts depend on your project cost and location, the total value varies from applicant to applicant.

It covers the North-Eastern Region in full — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Both new units and businesses that are expanding existing operations are eligible, as long as they operate in the manufacturing or service sector and are located in one of the eight North-Eastern states. Applicants also need to satisfy the scheme's minimum investment threshold, hold a recognised legal entity status, and submit a complete set of documents. Full conditions are set out in the scheme guidelines.

No. UNNATI is a subsidy scheme, not an equity investment programme. The support comes as a capital investment incentive, an interest subvention and a GST-linked benefit — all of which are grants or cost concessions. Your ownership and shareholding stay entirely with you.

No. Applications run on a rolling basis, which means the window is always open and there is no last date to meet. You can file whenever your project documentation is ready.

The core submission is a Detailed Project Report outlining your business plan and financial projections. Along with it you will need legal papers such as land documents or company incorporation papers, Bank Appraisal Reports and other financial statements, a registered lease deed for your operational premises, current GST details, and evidence of environmental and statutory compliance. The exact checklist is specified in the official guidelines, so verify it before uploading.

Everything is done online at the official scheme portal, https://unnati.dpiit.gov.in/. You begin by registering with an active email ID or mobile number, then set up your login credentials. Once signed in, you complete the online application form with accurate details about your project and business, upload all mandatory supporting documents, and review the entire submission against the guidelines. When everything checks out, you submit the form through the portal, which generates a confirmation or acknowledgment receipt.

The Capital Interest Subvention is given for 7 years. The Manufacturing & Services Linked Incentive runs for a maximum of 10 years from the date you commence commercial production or operations, or until the scheme's validity ends, whichever is earlier.

The scheme divides its coverage area into two zones and offers higher rates in Zone B. A unit in Zone B receives 50% of its eligible plant and machinery cost as a capital investment incentive, against 30% in Zone A. Similarly, the interest subvention is 5% in Zone B and 3% in Zone A. The GST-linked incentive is available at the same 100% of net GST paid in both zones.

The incentive is worked out as a percentage of eligible plant and machinery cost — 30% or 50% depending on the zone — so the rupee value depends on your project. Any absolute ceiling on the amount would be detailed in the comprehensive scheme guidelines.

It is a Government of India initiative implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, launched in 2024 to accelerate industrial growth, attract investment and create employment across the North-Eastern Region.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for UNNATI Scheme 2024 — Capital Subsidy & GST Incentives for North-East India, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

UNNATI Scheme 2024 — Capital Subsidy & GST Incentives for North-East India is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.