Startup India Recognises 2.07 Lakh Ventures, Creates 21.9 Lakh Jobs; Govt Expands Funding Push Through Flagship Schemes

• Startup India is a Government of India flagship initiative launched on 16 January 2016 to nurture innovation, build a startup ecosystem and catalyse investments; nodal agency is DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• As on 31 December 2025, 2,07,135 entities have been DPIIT-recognised as startups, generating over 21.9 lakh direct jobs across States/UTs.
• Three flagship funding schemes — FFS, SISFS, CGSS — operate alongside tax (80-IAC), compliance (BRAP, Jan Vishwas) and ESOP-TDS relief.
• High UPSC relevance: GS-III (economy, employment, innovation) and GS-II (governance/ease of doing business).