Applications for National Startup Awards 2026 are open until November 20, following DPIIT’s launch on October 27. School and college students have a new award category this year, with a prize structure separate from the startup categories.
Eligible startup category winners qualify for ₹25 lakh per category, subject to award rules. Students compete for a shared ₹25 lakh pool across four sub-categories, rather than ₹25 lakh each.
Key Highlights
- Applications run from October 27 to November 20, 2026.
- NSA 6.0 covers 20 sectoral and 3 special categories.
- Student entries do not require DPIIT recognition.
- Students may enter individually or in teams of up to 4.
What Has Changed In National Startup Awards 2026?
The new Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award brings school and college projects into this edition. The other special awards recognise women-led startups and startup excellence in the North-East.
DPIIT has also introduced 12 new sectoral categories. Examples include biomanufacturing, defence and security, ocean and blue economy, and space-tech, drones and aerospace.
For students, the brief proposes State/UT evaluation before national jury presentations. An online entry starts that process; it does not secure a place in the national round.
Student Innovator Award: Age Groups And Prize Breakdown
A college project does not need DPIIT recognition to enter the student category. The student award brief allows individuals or teams of up to 4 and asks for evidence such as a prototype, working model, minimum viable product or proof of concept.
The awards page lists this prize structure:
| Student Sub-Category | Age Bracket On Portal | Winner | Runner-Up |
| Budding Innovators | 10–14 years | ₹3 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Rising Innovators | 14–16 years | ₹3 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Young Changemaker | 16–18 years | ₹4 lakh | ₹2 lakh |
| Emerging Entrepreneurs | 18–22 years* | ₹6 lakh | ₹3 lakh |
The student brief instead describes Emerging Entrepreneurs as 18+. Applicants near or beyond the displayed upper limit should obtain official clarification.
The amounts add up to ₹25 lakh across 8 national awardees. The largest listed winner’s prize is ₹6 lakh; a student should not budget on receiving the headline ₹25 lakh individually.
Startup Eligibility And Financial Records To Prepare
The general NSA 6.0 guidelines set conditions for startup applicants. Having an innovative product alone does not complete the eligibility check.
- Hold valid DPIIT recognition when applying and submit the recognition certificate.
- The startup must remain under 10 years old on the application deadline, subject to the applicable DPIIT recognition framework.
- Submit audited balance sheets and profit-and-loss statements covering FY 2023–24, FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26.
For startups incorporated less than 3 years ago, the requirement covers only the financial years available. The guidelines exempt startups under 1 year old that do not yet have audited financial statements. For FY 2025–26, the guidelines allow Chartered Accountant-certified provisional statements where audited statements are unavailable.
For a new venture, cite the applicable financial-record exemption rather than leaving an unexplained gap in uploads.
How To Apply Before The November 20 Deadline
Use the official NSA 6.0 page and open the guidelines for the relevant application route. For student entries, the brief sets out the information to prepare:
- Student names, class or year, institution and location.
- The problem, proposed solution, intended users and development stage.
- Supporting material such as photographs, a presentation, video or prototype link.
Describe what already works separately from what the team still plans to build. For example, label a demonstration as a prototype and explain what it demonstrates, without presenting anticipated results as completed testing.
The landing page also displays an old July 2025 closure message. DPIIT’s October 27, 2026 launch release sets the current deadline at November 20; seek clarification through Startup India’s official contact page if the application route causes confusion.
Open the correct guidelines now, match the evidence to the application and submit before November 20, 2026.
FAQs
Can previous National Startup Award winners apply again?
The general NSA 6.0 guidelines exclude applicants who won any category in an earlier National Startup Awards edition. Previous participation alone is different from having won.
How many categories can a startup enter?
The general guidelines allow a maximum of 3 categories. The application page contains different wording about special categories, so seek clarification before relying on a larger total.
Must applicants complete the form in English?
Yes. Startup India’s NSA 6.0 FAQ states that applications must use English. Prepare the project explanation and required responses accordingly before entering them in the application form.
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