Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs
By Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
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Quick Answer
A scheme by MeitY and DoT to reimburse up to 75% of telecom equipment testing and certification charges for DPIIT-recognized Start-ups and MSME-registered Micro & Small Enterprises, capped at ₹50 lakh.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this subsidy
The scheme "Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs" has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. Testing and certification of telecom equipment are key enablers for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs, to ensure acceptance at both national and international deployment. Certificated products/solutions build consumer confidence and drive business growth, fostering adoption in domestic and global markets. To support start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), the competent authority has decided to reimburse testing and certification charges for Start-ups and MSEs in respect of testing and certification in the field of telecom under the mandatory/voluntary testing certification scheme. Through this Scheme the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) will reimburse a part of testing charges incurred by Start-ups & MSEs at Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) designated/recognized labs or at NABL accredited Lab(s) [in case there is no TEC designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for a particular test facility] and certification charges under mandatory/voluntary testing certification scheme.
Objectives:
- To reimburse a part of the testing and certification charges for Start-ups and MSEs in the field of telecom/ICT incurred by them at Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)/ National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) designated/recognized labs or at NABL accredited Lab(s) [in case there is no TEC designated CAB for a particular test facility] under mandatory/voluntary testing certification scheme.
- To increase the competence of Start-ups/MSEs and create a conducive ecosystem in Telecom product development, thereby promoting their competitiveness in the domestic and export markets.
Duration of the Scheme: In order to catalyse the ecosystem, this scheme will be operational for a period of two years from the date of implementation or until the allocated funds of Rs 25,00,00,000 (Rs 25 crore) are fully utilised, whichever occurs earlier.
Eligibility
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Subsidy providers
Overview MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the startup-focused initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It serves as the central coordination platform linking incubation centres, accelerators, investors, and corporates to…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
What You Get
This scheme offers financial reimbursement for a portion of the costs incurred in testing and certification of telecom equipment. Start-ups are eligible for up to 75% reimbursement, Micro Enterprises up to 60%, and Small Enterprises up to 50% of the charges. The maximum reimbursement is capped at ₹50 lakh per applicant during the scheme's duration. This support helps reduce the financial burden on emerging businesses, enabling them to gain national and international market acceptance.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Duration
- 24 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are submitted online before prescribed quarterly deadlines. These applications are first screened by Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE) for completeness and adherence to basic eligibility criteria. Eligible applications are then forwarded to the Technical Evaluation Committee for a detailed evaluation and due diligence process. Based on their recommendations, the applications are sent to the Administrative Committee for further review and approval. Final approval is granted by the competent authority. Following approval, funds are released by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) to TCOE, which then disburses the reimbursement to the successful applicant within 7 days.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit the application and all required documents through the online portal before the quarterly deadline.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to reimburse a part of the testing and certification charges incurred by Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom/ICT sector.
Who can apply under this scheme?
Start-ups registered with DPIIT and Micro or Small Enterprises registered under the Ministry of MSME, incorporated in India, can apply.
What is the maximum reimbursement amount under the scheme?
The maximum reimbursement is capped at Rs 50,00,000 per Start-up or MSE during the scheme duration.
What percentage of reimbursement is provided?
Start-ups: Up to 75%; Micro Enterprises: Up to 60%; Small Enterprises: Up to 50%.
Which types of testing and certification are eligible for reimbursement?
Testing and certification under Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) or voluntary certification conducted at TEC/NCCS designated labs or NABL accredited labs are eligible.
Is reimbursement available for R&D-related testing?
No, reimbursement is not provided for control tests related to product research and development (R&D).
What is the time limit to apply for reimbursement?
The reimbursement claim must be submitted within 3 months from the date of issuance of the product certificate by TEC.
What is the duration of the scheme?
The scheme is operational for 2 years or until the allocated budget of Rs 25,00,00,000 is fully utilised, whichever is earlier.
How can applicants apply under the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the official portal: https://tec.gov.in/tcrs.
Can an applicant claim reimbursement under multiple government schemes for the same testing?
No, the applicant must provide a self-declaration confirming that reimbursement has not been claimed under any other government scheme for the same testing and certification charges.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
