Appointment of Auditor: A Complete Guide

May 19, 2025
Private Limited Company vs. Limited Liability Partnerships

The appointment of auditor is a crucial compliance requirement for all companies operating in India under the Companies Act, 2013. Auditors play a pivotal role in ensuring financial transparency, validating statutory compliance, and upholding corporate governance standards. They serve as independent professionals who examine financial statements to provide stakeholders with reliable information about a company's financial health. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auditor appointments in India-from eligibility criteria and procedures to timelines, documentation requirements, and legal provisions-designed specifically for business owners, finance professionals, and compliance officers seeking clarity on this important corporate governance process.

Table of Contents

Understanding Auditor as Per Companies Act 2013

Under the Companies Act, 2013, an auditor is defined as a qualified professional appointed to examine and verify a company's financial statements and records. According to Section 139 of the Act, only an individual Chartered Accountant or a firm of Chartered Accountants registered under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, can be appointed as an auditor of a company. If the auditor is a firm, including a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the majority of its partners practicing in India must be qualified Chartered Accountants.

The Act emphasizes the importance of auditor independence to ensure unbiased examination of financial records. An auditor must remain free from any financial interest in the company being audited and cannot have business relationships that might compromise their objectivity. This independence requirement is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the audit process and ensuring that stakeholders receive reliable financial information.

The qualification criteria are stringent to ensure that only professionals with appropriate expertise and ethical standards undertake this crucial responsibility. The Companies Act specifically disqualifies certain individuals from being appointed as auditors, including employees of the company, those indebted to the company beyond a specified limit, and those holding securities in the company or its subsidiaries.

Role of an Auditor under Companies Act

An auditor performs several vital functions within the corporate governance framework as prescribed by the Companies Act, 2013. Their primary role includes:

  • Examining the company's financial statements to ensure they provide a true and fair view of the financial position and performance.
  • Verifying that proper books of account have been maintained by the company as required by law
  • Assessing the effectiveness of internal financial controls and reporting any weaknesses
  • Reporting instances of fraud, non-compliance with laws and regulations, or other material weaknesses observed during the audit process
  • Ensuring that financial statements comply with accounting standards and relevant statutory requirements
  • Providing an independent opinion on the financial health of the company to protect shareholder interests

The auditor's role extends beyond mere number checking; they serve as watchdogs who safeguard stakeholder interests by providing an objective assessment of the company's financial reporting. This independent oversight is crucial for maintaining transparency and building trust among investors, creditors, and other stakeholders.

Appointment of Auditor According to Companies Act, 2013

Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 outlines the comprehensive framework for the appointment of auditors. The process begins with the first auditor appointment, which must be completed by the Board of Directors within 30 days from the date of registration of the company. If the Board fails to appoint the first auditor within this timeframe, company members must make the appointment at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) within 90 days.

The first auditor holds office until the conclusion of the company's first Annual General Meeting (AGM). At this first AGM, a subsequent auditor is appointed who shall hold office from the conclusion of that meeting until the conclusion of the sixth AGM. This effectively establishes a tenure of five consecutive years for the auditor appointment.

Before finalizing the appointment, companies must obtain written consent from the proposed auditor, along with a certificate stating that the appointment meets all conditions prescribed under the Act. Additionally, the company must inform the appointed auditor of their appointment and file the appropriate notice with the Registrar of Companies within 15 days of the meeting where the appointment was made.

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Purpose of Appointment of Auditor

The appointment of a company auditor serves several critical purposes within the corporate governance framework. Primarily, auditors protect the interests of shareholders by providing an independent assessment of the company's financial position. They act as vigilant gatekeepers who examine the accounts maintained by directors and report on the company's true financial condition.

Independent auditors provide assurance to stakeholders that the financial statements presented by management accurately reflect the company's financial position and performance. This third-party verification builds confidence among investors, lenders, and regulatory authorities in the reliability of financial reporting.

Additionally, auditor appointments fulfill statutory requirements under the Companies Act, 2013, helping businesses maintain legal compliance. The audit process identifies potential areas of financial risk, inefficiency, or non-compliance, allowing management to address these issues proactively. Through their objective assessment, auditors contribute significantly to improved financial discipline and transparency, which ultimately strengthens corporate governance practices.

Documents Required for Auditors Appointment

For the proper appointment of an auditor, companies must ensure they have the following essential documents:

  • Written consent from the proposed auditor agreeing to the appointment
  • A certificate from the auditor confirming eligibility and compliance with all conditions specified under the Companies Act, 2013
  • Board resolution recommending the auditor's appointment to shareholders
  • Shareholder resolution approving the appointment of the auditor
  • Form ADT-1 for filing notice of appointment with the Registrar of Companies
  • Copy of the auditor's Chartered Accountant certification and practice certificate
  • Declaration of independence from the auditor confirming no conflicts of interest
  • Letter of engagement outlining the terms of the audit assignment and responsibilities

Procedure for the Appointment of Auditor

Eligibility Verification

The appointment process begins with verifying the eligibility of the proposed auditor. Only a practicing Chartered Accountant or a firm of Chartered Accountants can be appointed as an auditor. The company must ensure the auditor doesn't fall under any disqualification criteria specified in Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Obtaining Consent and Certificate

Before appointment, the company must obtain written consent from the proposed auditor. Additionally, the auditor must provide a certificate stating that the appointment complies with all conditions prescribed under the Act and Rules. This certificate should confirm that the auditor meets independence requirements and has no conflicts of interest that might compromise audit objectivity.

Board Recommendation

The Board of Directors reviews the qualifications and credentials of potential auditors and passes a resolution recommending suitable candidates to shareholders. For the first auditor, the Board directly makes the appointment within 30 days of company registration.

Shareholder Approval

For subsequent auditors, the appointment requires approval from shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The company includes the auditor appointment as an agenda item in the AGM notice, and shareholders vote on the resolution.

Filing Requirements

After appointment, the company must file Form ADT-1 with the Registrar of Companies within 15 days of the meeting where the appointment was made. This filing formally notifies regulatory authorities about the auditor appointment and includes details about the auditor's term and remuneration.

Communication to Auditor

The company must formally communicate the appointment to the auditor, specifying the tenure and terms of engagement. This communication establishes the official relationship between the company and its auditor for the designated period.

Guidelines for Appointment of Auditor for Different Types of Companies

The appointment process varies depending on the company type, as outlined below:

Company Type First Auditor Appointment Subsequent Auditor Appointment Term Special Provisions
Non-Government Company By Board of Directors within 30 days of registration. If not done, members appoint at EGM within 90 days By members at first AGM and subsequent AGMs Until 6th AGM or 5 years, whichever is applicable Certificate and consent required before appointment
Listed/Specified Company By members at AGM with rotation requirements Maximum 5 consecutive years for individual auditors; 10 consecutive years (two terms) for audit firms 5-year cooling period after completion of term before reappointment By Board of Directors within 30 days of registration
Government Company By Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) within 60 days. If not done, Board appoints within 30 days of incorporation By CAG annually Annual appointment CAG may order special audit if necessary
One Person Company/Small Company By Board of Directors Can have relaxed rotation requirements Simplified compliance procedures By members at AGM
Private Company (below threshold) By Board within 30 days By members at AGM Until 6th AGM May be exempt from certain rotation requirements

Changing the Auditor: Special Notice Requirements Under Companies Act

The Companies Act, 2013 establishes specific procedures when changing auditors to ensure transparency and protect auditor independence. A special notice is required in the following circumstances:

  • When appointing someone other than the retiring auditor
  • When explicitly deciding not to reappoint a retiring auditor
  • When removing an auditor before the expiration of their term

The special notice requirement involves:

  • Providing notice to the company at least 14 days before the general meeting
  • The company must immediately forward a copy of this notice to the affected auditor
  • The auditor has the right to make written representations to the company, which must be circulated to members
  • The auditor is entitled to be heard at the meeting where the resolution is being considered

These provisions ensure that auditor changes are properly scrutinized and that auditors have an opportunity to address any concerns regarding their removal or non-reappointment. This process safeguards against arbitrary dismissals of auditors who may have discovered irregularities or disagreed with management on accounting treatments.

Rotation of an Auditor

The Companies Act, 2013 introduced mandatory auditor rotation to enhance auditor independence and audit quality. This requirement primarily applies to listed companies and certain classes of companies as specified under Section 139(2).

For individual auditors, the maximum term is one period of five consecutive years. For audit firms, the maximum term is two periods of five consecutive years each (totaling ten years). After completing the maximum term, there must be a cooling-off period of five years before the same auditor or audit firm can be reappointed.

Key aspects of auditor rotation include:

  • Promotes auditor independence by preventing long-term relationships that might compromise objectivity
  • Brings fresh perspectives to the audit process, potentially uncovering issues missed by previous auditors
  • Enhances investor confidence in the integrity of financial statements
  • Reduces the risk of familiarity threats between auditor and client

Companies must plan transitions carefully to ensure smooth handovers between outgoing and incoming auditors, maintaining audit quality throughout the process.

Re-Appointment of Retiring Auditor

A retiring auditor may be re-appointed at the Annual General Meeting provided:

  • They are not disqualified for re-appointment under Section 141 of the Act
  • They have not completed the maximum term allowed under rotation requirements
  • They have not given notice in writing of their unwillingness to be re-appointed
  • No special resolution has been passed appointing someone else or specifically providing that the retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed

The process for re-appointment typically involves:

  • Board recommendation for re-appointment of the retiring auditor
  • Obtaining fresh written consent and eligibility certificate from the auditor
  • Placing the re-appointment resolution before shareholders at the AGM
  • Filing the necessary forms with the Registrar after shareholder approval

It's important to note that the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 removed the requirement for annual ratification of auditor appointment by members at every AGM when the auditor is appointed for a five-year term.

Removal, Resignation and Replacement of an Auditor

The Companies Act provides specific provisions for handling auditor changes during their term:

  • Removal before term completion: Requires special notice, Central Government approval, and a special resolution at a general meeting. The auditor must be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
  • Resignation: An auditor may resign by filing Form ADT-3 with the company and the Registrar, stating reasons for resignation. For listed companies and certain other categories, the auditor must also file with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
  • Casual vacancy: If a vacancy arises due to resignation, the Board of Directors must fill it within 30 days. If the vacancy is due to any other reason, the Board fills it within 30 days, but the appointment must be approved by members at a general meeting within three months.
  • Replacement procedure: When replacing an auditor, companies must follow due process including obtaining no objection certificates from the outgoing auditor and ensuring proper handover of relevant audit documents.

These provisions ensure that auditor changes are transparent, properly documented, and comply with regulatory requirements to maintain audit integrity and independence.

Conclusion

The appointment of an auditor represents a critical aspect of corporate governance under the Companies Act, 2013. By following the prescribed procedures for appointment, rotation, re-appointment, and removal, companies ensure compliance with legal requirements while strengthening financial transparency and accountability. The structured approach to auditor appointments-with specific provisions for different types of companies-helps maintain the independence and effectiveness of the audit function. Businesses must stay informed about these requirements and any legislative updates to ensure proper audit practices, as non-compliance can lead to penalties and reputational damage. Ultimately, a properly appointed independent auditor serves as a safeguard for stakeholder interests and contributes significantly to the overall integrity of corporate financial reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sec 139 Appointment of Auditor?

Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 establishes the framework for auditor appointments, including first-time appointments, subsequent appointments, re-appointments, and rotation requirements. It specifies that every company must appoint an auditor at its first AGM who shall hold office until the conclusion of the sixth AGM.

What is the form for appointment of auditor?

Form ADT-1 is used for giving notice to the Registrar about the appointment of an auditor. The company must file this form within 15 days of the meeting where the appointment was made.

Who appoints the internal auditor in section 138?

Under Section 138, the Board of Directors appoints the internal auditor based on the audit committee's recommendation (if applicable). Internal auditors can be either individuals or firms with appropriate qualifications as prescribed by the Act.

What is the time limit for appointment of internal auditor?

While the Act doesn't specify a strict timeline for internal auditor appointments, companies typically need to have an internal auditor in place before the beginning of the financial year for which the audit will be conducted, ensuring continuous audit coverage.

Who appoints external auditors?

External auditors are appointed by the shareholders (members) of the company at the Annual General Meeting. For the first auditor, the Board of Directors makes the appointment within 30 days of company registration. In government companies, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India appoints the external auditor.

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Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)

Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)

Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups, and MSMEs (PRISM) is a program that offers grants, technical support, and mentorship to individual innovators, including students, guiding them through each stage of incubating their ideas into new enterprises.

Description Who is it for? Benefits
To provide grants, technical advice, and mentorship to individual innovators, guiding them through the various stages of incubating their ideas until they transform into viable enterprises For Innovators in the technology area Upto INR 2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost for prototype or model development
The essentials of US Incorporations - documents, eligibility and process.

This grant-aid support is implemented in phases:

  • Phase-1
    Category 1: For Proof of concept/prototype/models
    Category 2: For fabrication of working model/ process know-how/testing & trail/ patenting/ technology transfer, etc.
  • Phase-2
    For scaling up technology-based innovations, including patenting/design registration/trademark registry/ technology transfer to develop a marketable product/process towards enterprise creation.

Table of Contents

Eligibility

  • For PRISM Phase-1:
    Any Indian citizen, including student innovators, can avail support to develop their novel ideas into demonstrable models/prototypes.
  • For PRISM Phase-2:
    PRISM innovators who have demonstrated success or innovators who have proven their concepts with assistance from other government institutions or agencies.

Eligible Sectors for the Scheme

The proposals are encouraged to focus on sectors such as

  • Green Technology
  • Clean Energy
  • Industrial Smart Materials
  • Waste to Wealth
  • Affordable Healthcare
  • Water & Sewage Management
  • Other technology or knowledge-intensive areas.

Application procedure for Startups

  • Submit your project proposal following the prescribed format to the nearest TePP Outreach cum Cluster Innovation Centres (TOCICs). Here’s a list of TOCICs in India.
  • Once received, TOCIC coordinators will review proposals for completeness and forward them further.
  • Domain Knowledge Experts associated with TOCIC will then assess the proposals.
  • Evaluated proposals are forwarded to DSIR for further action and reviewed by the PRISM Advisory and Screening Committee (PASC) for recommendation.
  • Upon Department approval, "Terms & Conditions" must be signed before grants-in-aid release.
  • Initial fund release is based on project milestones and PASC recommendations. Subsequent releases depend on project progress evaluated by the Project Review Committee (PRC).
  • TOCIC and network partners, along with technical experts, will monitor approved projects.
  • TOCIC will provide project status reports to DSIR every 3 months, while PRCs will review project progress at least once every 9 months.
  • Upon successful project completion, the DSIR will accept the project completion report based on PRC recommendation.

Benefits of the PRISM Scheme

The PRISM Scheme includes various phases designed to support innovators in different stages of their project development. Each phase may involve different levels of support, resources, and guidance tailored to the specific needs of innovators.

  • For Phase-1:
    Category 1: Maximum support within this category is capped at INR 2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever is less.
    Category 2: Maximum support is limited to 20.00 lakh or 90% of the total project cost, whichever is lower.
  • For Phase-2:
    For projects with costs ranging from INR 5 Lakhs to INR 35 Lakhs, maximum support of either INR 20 Lakhs or 90% of the total project cost (whichever is lower) is provided.

Please note: If the project beneficiaries abandon the project, innovators must reimburse the funding disbursed, along with a 12% interest rate, to the DSIR.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of the PRISM Scheme?

The PRISM Scheme aims to encourage innovation, research, and development activities among individuals, startups, and MSMEs by providing financial support and fostering a conducive ecosystem for growth and experimentation.

Can individuals or only organizations apply for the PRISM Scheme?

Both individuals and organizations, including startups and MSMEs, are eligible to apply for the PRISM Scheme as long as they meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the scheme.

Are there any specific criteria for project selection under the PRISM Scheme?

Projects are selected based on criteria such as innovation quotient, technical feasibility, market potential, scalability, and socio-economic impact.

Do projects funded under the PRISM Scheme get evaluated later?

Projects funded under the PRISM Scheme are subject to regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with project milestones, utilization of funds, and achievement of desired outcomes.

What is Letter of Credit (LC)? Meaning, Types, Examples, and Uses

What is Letter of Credit (LC)? Meaning, Types, Examples, and Uses

A Letter of Credit (LC) is a financial tool used in trade transactions to ensure secure payments for sellers. It acts as a guarantee from a bank that the buyer's payment will be received on time and for the correct amount. This mechanism minimises risks in international trade. There are various types of LCs like sight credit, acceptance credit and revocable credit, etc.

Table of Contents

What is an LC (Letter of Credit)?

A Letter of Credit (LC) is a document issued by a bank that guarantees payment to a seller on behalf of a buyer, provided that certain conditions are met. This financial instrument ensures payment security and mitigates risks associated with cross-border transactions. The issuance of an LC involves specific conditions, like the submission of required documents, which the bank reviews before releasing funds. It provides bank guarantees and incurs fees that are essential for its operation.

Examples of Letters of Credit

International Trade Example: A U.S. company wants to buy machinery from an Indian exporter. The U.S. company requests its bank to issue an LC to the Indian exporter. Once the exporter ships the machinery and presents the required documents to their bank, they receive payment from the issuing bank, ensuring trust and mitigating payment risk.

Domestic Transaction Example: A large retail chain uses an LC to purchase inventory from a local supplier. The LC guarantees that the supplier will receive payment as soon as they fulfill the delivery conditions outlined in the agreement.

Basics of a Letter of Credit Transaction

Applicant

The buyer who requests the LC from their bank. They initiate the process by applying for the LC and specifying the terms and conditions of the trade.

Beneficiary

The seller who receives payment through the LC. They must present all required documents correctly to receive payment.

Issuing Bank

The bank that issues the LC on behalf of the applicant. They verify the buyer's creditworthiness and commit to making the payment when conditions are met.

Negotiating Bank

The negotiating bank in LC that examines documents presented by the beneficiary and facilitates payment. They ensure all paperwork matches LC requirements perfectly.

The process begins when the applicant approaches their issuing bank for an LC. The issuing bank then coordinates with the negotiating bank to establish terms and verify documents before releasing any funds.

Importance of Letters of Credit

Secure Payments

They ensure that sellers receive payments without requiring advance payments, reducing risk for both parties involved in the letter of credit.

Facilitate Cross-Border Transactions

LCs simplify complex international transactions by providing a standardised payment mechanism across different countries.

Secure Business Funding

They provide businesses with necessary funding while verifying creditworthiness, helping companies maintain healthy cash flow.

Financial Assurance

LCs offer security when buyers cannot pay, acting as a guarantee backed by reliable banking institutions.

Advantages of Letters of Credit

Ease International Trade: Simplifies complex transactions across borders by providing a structured framework for payment and documentation.

Foster Global Business Connections: Builds trust between trading partners by removing payment uncertainty and providing bank-backed guarantees.

Provide Flexibility: Customisable terms to suit various transaction needs, including payment timing, shipping requirements, and document presentation.

Parties to Documentary Credit

Commercial/Trade Parties: The buyer and seller form the core of the transaction, initiating and completing the trade deal.

Banks: Issuing and advising banks serve as intermediaries ensuring secure payment and proper documentation.

Related Entities: Shipping lines and insurers support the transaction by handling logistics and risk management aspects.

Types of a Letter of Credit

Sight Credit

A Sight Credit allows instant payment upon presenting the correct documents, providing immediate access to funds for sellers. For example, if a businessman needs quick access to cash after shipping goods, they can use this type of credit.

Acceptance Credit/Time Credit

Acceptance or Time Credit involves bills that are accepted upon presentation and paid on specified due dates. This type allows sellers to receive payments after a set period.

Revocable Letter of Credit

A Revocable Letter of Credit can be canceled or modified by the issuing bank without beneficiary consent, which limits its reliability in ensuring secure transactions.

Irrevocable Letter of Credit

An Irrevocable Letter of Credit guarantees payment once certified by the exporter’s bank. This type provides security for international transactions and is often preferred by exporters due to its reliability.

Confirmed Letter of Credit

A Confirmed Letter of Credit involves both issuing and confirming banks. The confirming bank guarantees payment to the beneficiary, holding equal liability as the issuing bank, ensuring that payments will be honored upon proper presentation.

Back-to-Back Letter of Credit

This type involves issuing a second LC based on the security provided by the first LC. It is commonly used to secure payments for suppliers in international trade transactions.

Transferable Letter of Credit

A Transferable Letter of Credit allows the primary beneficiary to transfer credit partially or fully to another beneficiary, typically a supplier. However, once transferred, the second beneficiary cannot transfer it further.

Restricted Letter of Credit

A Restricted Letter of Credit specifies a particular bank responsible for payment, limiting its scope compared to unrestricted LCs. This type is often used when specific banks are preferred due to their reliability.

Revolving Letter of Credit

A Revolving Letter of Credit allows reuse after payments or drawings are made. This flexibility is beneficial for businesses requiring multiple shipments or ongoing transactions under one credit arrangement.

Precautions to be Taken

Verify Bank Reliability: The issuing bank must be reliable and well-known to both parties of the letter of credit. This helps minimise risks and ensures the LC will be honored when presented.

Local Bank Verification: It's essential to advise through an Indian bank and confirm the authenticity of the LC. The local bank can verify the legitimacy of the foreign bank and ensure all documents meet local regulations.

Clarify Financial Terms: Make sure to clearly establish who covers all bank charges and confirm freight payment terms as specified in contract agreements. This prevents disputes and unexpected costs during the transaction process.

Import Export Code

The Import Export Code (IEC) is a mandatory document required for all businesses involved in international trade. This code streamlines customs clearance, enables duty benefits, and ensures regulatory compliance. Through platforms like Razorpay Rize, businesses can obtain their IEC within 6-7 days which makes the process efficient and straightforward.

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1,499 + Govt. Fee
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  • Professional services 
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by a letter of credit?

A letter of credit is a financial instrument issued by a bank that serves as a guarantee of payment in a transaction. The bank commits to pay the seller on behalf of the buyer when specific conditions and documentation requirements are met.

What is the difference between LC and BG?

While both are banking instruments, they serve different purposes. A letter of credit (LC) primarily ensures payment for a specific transaction upon meeting predetermined conditions. In contrast, a bank guarantee (BG) acts as a financial backup that compensates for potential losses if one party fails to meet their obligations.

Is a letter of credit a bank guarantee?

Though they may seem similar, these are distinct financial instruments. Letters of credit facilitate trade transactions by ensuring payment, while bank guarantees provide security against non-performance or default. They have different structures, purposes, and usage scenarios in business transactions.

Which type of LC is safest?

Among all types of letters of credit, a confirmed LC offers the highest level of security for sellers. This is because it involves two banks - the issuing bank and a confirming bank - both guaranteeing payment. The second bank's confirmation adds an extra layer of payment security, particularly valuable when dealing with international trade.

What is the bank limit for LC?

There's no standard limit for letters of credit, as banks set their own limits. These limits are determined by various factors like:

  • The bank's assessment of the client's creditworthiness
  • The nature and value of the transaction
  • The type of goods or services involved
  • The client's relationship with the bank
  • The bank's own risk policies and regulatory requirements

Nipun Jain

Nipun Jain is a seasoned startup leader with 13+ years of experience across zero-to-one journeys, leading enterprise sales, partnerships, and strategy at high-growth startups. He currently heads Razorpay Rize, where he's building India's most loved startup enablement program and launched Rize Incorporation to simplify company registration for founders.

Previously, he founded Natty Niños and scaled it before exiting in 2021, then led enterprise growth at Pickrr Technologies, contributing to its $200M acquisition by Shiprocket. A builder at heart, Nipun loves numbers, stories and simplifying complex processes.

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National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations- Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations- Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

The National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is a comprehensive program created by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, through its Innovation & Entrepreneurship division. It fosters the transformation of ideas and innovations, particularly those rooted in knowledge and technology, into thriving startup ventures.

NIDHI-Seed Support System is an initiative of the National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science & Technology. aims to bridge a significant gap in financial support for technology-driven startups in their early stages.

Description Who is it for? Benefits
To provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization, etc. For MSMEs and Technology startups Financial Support up to Rs 100 lakhs per start-up as Seed Support

The core concept of seed support revolves around offering financial aid to budding startups with promising ideas, innovations, and technologies. It strives to provide financial assistance to startups for proving their concept, developing prototypes, conducting product trials, entering the market, and commercializing their innovations.

Table of Contents

Components of NIDHI Scheme

The key components of NIDHI are:

1. NIDHI-GCC

Grand Challenges and Competitions for scouting innovations;

2. NIDHI-PRomotion and Acceleration of Young and Aspiring technology entrepreneurs (NIDHI-PRAYAS)

Support from Idea to Prototype

3. NIDHI- Entrepreneur In Residence (NIDHI-EIR)

Support system to reduce risk

4. Startup-NIDHI through Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs)

To encourage students to promote start-ups in Institutions

5. Start-up Centre in collaboration with MHRD

To drive entrepreneurship and innovation in National Institutions of Higher Learning

6. NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (TBI)

To help convert Innovations into startups

7. NIDHI-Accelerator

Fast-tracking a start-up through focused intervention

8. NIDHI-Seed Support System (NIDHI-SSS)

To provide early-stage investment

9. NIDHI Centres of Excellence (NIDHI-CoE)

A World-class facility to help startups go global

Focus Areas of NIDHI-SSS

Technology-based product proposals in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, IoT, biotechnology, medical devices, water, waste management, energy, climate tech, fintech etc.

Eligibility of NIDHI-SSS

  • Must be a registered company in India with a minimum of three months of residency at the Science and Technology Entrepreneurs' Park (STEP) / Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
  • Must be an Indian start-up.
  • Must have Indian promoters holding the shares of at least 51% in the incubated startup.

Please note: This assistance is not intended for Indian subsidiaries of multinational corporations or foreign companies. However, individuals holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) status will be treated as Indian citizens under this scheme.

Application procedure for Startups

  • Website and newspaper ads are posted to signal the availability of seed support at specific incubator organizations.
  • Social media posts announce the call for applications.
  • Applicants are shortlisted based on eligibility criteria.
  • The NIDHI-SSMC makes decisions regarding the shortlisted applicants.
  • Selected applicants are chosen for funding.

Benefits of NIDHI-SSS

Seed support of up to INR 100 Lakhs with average financial seed funding ranging from INR 25 Lakhs.

Other assistance areas include:

  • Product development
  • Testing and trials
  • Test Marketing
  • Mentoring
  • Professional Consultancy
  • IPR issues
  • Manpower for day-to-day operations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the application process for the NIDHI Seed Support Scheme work?

The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal outlining the startup's innovative idea, project plan, budgetary requirements, and expected outcomes. Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo further evaluation and due diligence before final selection.

Is there a limit on the number of times a startup can apply for funding under the NIDHI Seed Support Scheme?

A startup supported once will not be eligible to apply for subsequent rounds of seed support to any STEP/TBIs.

What is the post-selection process of the NIDHI-SSS?

The post-selection process in the NIDHI Seed Support Scheme typically involves several steps aimed at facilitating the disbursement of funds and providing ongoing support to the selected startups.

After the seed support is recommended to an incubated startup, the terms of agreement with the incubated startup are framed by the STEP/TB, linking the progress milestones, monitoring norms, reasonable repayment, recovery provisions in case of loan, and terms of equity liquidation in case of equity holding by STEP/TBI.

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