Empowering Start-ups and Telecom MSEs: Government of India Launches Reimbursement Scheme for Testing and Certification Charges

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Dated: 25.02.2026

Empowering Start-ups and Telecom MSEs: Government of India Launches Reimbursement Scheme for Testing and Certification Charges

The Government of India, through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has taken a significant step to support Start-ups and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom and ICT sector. On March 5, 2025, the DoT announced the launch of the “Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs.” This initiative is designed to foster innovation, boost consumer confidence, and enable domestic and global market adoption of certified telecom products and solutions.

Why Testing and Certification Matter

Testing and certification of telecom equipment are critical for ensuring the quality, reliability, and safety of products. Certified products not only meet national and international standards but also instill trust among consumers and businesses. For Start-ups and MSEs, these certifications are essential to compete in the market and expand their reach globally. However, the costs associated with testing and certification can be a significant financial burden for smaller enterprises. Recognizing this challenge, the DoT has introduced this reimbursement scheme to ease the financial strain and encourage innovation in the telecom sector.

Objectives of the Scheme 

The primary goal of the scheme is to reimburse a portion of the testing and certification charges incurred by Start-ups and MSEs in the telecom/ICT sector. These charges must be incurred at:

Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) designated/recognized labs,
National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) designated/recognized labs, or
NABL-accredited labs (if no TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is available for a specific test facility).

This initiative is expected to catalyze the growth of Start-ups and MSEs by reducing their financial burden and enabling them to focus on innovation and product development.

Reimbursement Criteria

The scheme provides reimbursement based on the following categories:

Start-ups: Up to 75% of testing and certification charges.
Micro Enterprises: Up to 60% of testing and certification charges.
Small Enterprises: Up to 50% of testing and certification charges.

This tiered approach ensures that the financial support is tailored to the size and needs of the enterprise, with Start-ups receiving the highest level of reimbursement.

Duration of the Scheme 

The scheme will be operational for a period of two years from the date of implementation (March 5, 2025) or until the allocated funds of ₹25 crores are fully utilized, whichever occurs earlier. This limited timeframe emphasizes the urgency for eligible entities to take advantage of the scheme promptly.

Implementation and Nodal Authority 

The Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) has been appointed as the Implementing Agency (IA) for the scheme. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) will serve as the Nodal Authority responsible for overseeing the implementation and ensuring smooth execution of the scheme.

Application Process

The scheme officially comes into effect on March 5, 2025, and applications will be accepted starting March 10, 2025. Interested Start-ups and MSEs can submit their applications through the dedicated portal: https://tec.gov.in/tcrs.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

Financial Support: By reimbursing testing and certification charges, the scheme reduces the financial burden on Start-ups and MSEs, enabling them to allocate resources to other critical areas like research and development.
Market Expansion: Certified products are more likely to gain acceptance in both domestic and international markets, helping businesses grow and scale.
Consumer Confidence: Certification ensures product quality and reliability, fostering trust among consumers and businesses.
Boost to Innovation: The scheme encourages Start-ups and MSEs to innovate and develop cutting-edge telecom solutions without worrying about the high costs of certification.

Conclusion

The “Scheme for Reimbursement of Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom MSEs” is a commendable initiative by the Government of India to empower smaller enterprises in the telecom sector. By reducing the financial barriers associated with testing and certification, the scheme aims to foster innovation, drive business growth, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian Start-ups and MSEs. With the scheme set to roll out, eligible entities are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to scale their businesses and contribute to India’s telecom ecosystem.

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Source: Department of Telecommunications

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