This scheme provides financial assistance to startups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) by reimbursing a portion Read More... of their testing and certification expenses for telecom products, boosting their market competitiveness. Read less
Details
In today's fast-paced digital world, getting telecom products tested and certified is crucial for both startups and small businesses to gain trust and expand their reach. To help these budding enterprises, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has introduced a special scheme.
The 'Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs' is designed to ease the financial burden on young companies and small enterprises in the telecom sector. It aims to cover a part of the costs these businesses incur for testing and certifying their telecom equipment. This support helps ensure their products meet national and international standards, building confidence and driving growth.
The scheme is specifically tailored for two types of businesses operating in India:
These entities must be incorporated in India and meet certain financial criteria regarding their revenue and funding.
By reimbursing testing and certification charges, the scheme directly supports the competitiveness of Indian startups and MSEs in the telecom and ICT fields. This not only fosters innovation and product development within these companies but also helps them compete more effectively in both domestic and international markets, contributing to the growth of the Indian telecom ecosystem.
Objective
Benefits
This scheme provides financial assistance for setting up a Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit, with a project cost of ₹3,00,000/- per unit.
Mode of Disbursement:60% of the government contribution is from the Government of India, and 40% is from the State Government.
Frequency of Disbursement:The benefit can be availed once in a lifetime.
Sources and references
Interested startups and MSEs can submit their reimbursement claims online through the official portal:
Ensure you have all the required documents ready before starting your application.
For detailed guidelines and updates, please refer to the official website.
What is the main goal of this scheme?
The scheme's primary aim is to refund a part of the expenses that Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom and ICT sector incur for testing and certifying their products.
How much financial help can I get under this scheme?
The reimbursement percentage varies: Start-ups can get up to 75%, Micro Enterprises up to 60%, and Small Enterprises up to 50% of the testing and certification costs. However, the total reimbursement for any applicant is capped at ₹50,00,000/- throughout the scheme's duration.
For how long will this scheme be active?
This scheme will be operational for two years from its start date, or until the total allocated fund of ₹25,00,00,000/- is completely used up. Whichever happens first will mark the end of the scheme.
Can I get reimbursed if my testing was for research and development (R&D)?
No, the scheme specifically excludes reimbursement for control tests that are related to product research and development (R&D) activities.
What is the deadline to submit my reimbursement claim after getting the certificate?
You need to submit your claim for reimbursement within 3 months from the date the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) officially issues your product certificate.
Which types of testing and certification qualify for reimbursement?
The scheme covers testing and certification that falls under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) scheme or voluntary certification. The testing must be done at TEC/NCCS recognised labs or NABL-accredited labs.
How do I actually apply for this reimbursement?
You can apply for the reimbursement by visiting the official online portal at https://tec.gov.in/tcrs.
What if I've already received or am receiving funds from another government scheme for the same testing costs?
You cannot claim reimbursement under this scheme if you have already received or are receiving funds from any other government scheme for the exact same testing and certification charges. You will need to provide a self-declaration to confirm this.
Am I eligible if I'm a startup with significant funding?
Startup applicants are eligible only if they have not raised funds exceeding ₹10,00,00,000/-.
What kind of enterprises can apply?
The scheme is open to Start-ups registered with DPIIT and Micro or Small Enterprises that are registered under the Ministry of MSME. Both types of entities must be based in India.