Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups
Credit guarantee on loans up to ₹20 Cr (doubled from ₹10 Cr in May 2025). Cover 85% up to ₹10 Cr, 75% above. AGF reduced to 1% p.a. for 27 Champion Sectors.
Quick facts
- Ministry / Agency
- DPIIT / NCGTC
- Funding
- Up to ₹20 Cr
- Stage
- early-revenue, growth
- Sector
- Any sector
- Equity dilution
- none
- DPIIT recognition required
- Yes
- NRI / OCI eligibility
- Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.
Who is eligible
DPIIT-recognised, 12-month audited financials, not in default/NPA
How to apply
CGSS is administered by DPIIT / NCGTC. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries. Before applying, complete DPIIT Startup India Recognition — it is a prerequisite for this scheme.
Apply on the official portalRelated schemes
Other schemes that often pair with CGSS or apply to a similar profile.
DPIIT Startup India Recognition
The gateway credential. Itself free, but unlocks 80-IAC tax holiday, IP fee rebates, labour self-cert, GeM access, SISFS eligibility. First filing post-incorporation.
MUDRA — Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
Collateral-free working-capital ladder. 4 tiers from Shishu (≤₹50K) to Tarun Plus (₹10-20L). 8-12% p.a., 0.25% concession for women. ~67% of loans go to women.
CGTMSE — Credit Guarantee Trust
Collateral-free loan guarantee up to ₹10 Cr. AGF as low as 0.37% p.a. Cover 75-85% of bank's loss. Retail and services now eligible.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
Up to ₹20 L grant for PoC/prototype + up to ₹50 L convertible/debt for market entry. Apply to up to 3 incubators. ₹605+ Cr deployed to 3,400+ startups.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for CGSS?+
DPIIT-recognised, 12-month audited financials, not in default/NPA
What is the funding amount under CGSS?+
Up to ₹20 Cr. Up to ₹20 Cr per borrower
Can NRI or OCI founders apply for CGSS?+
Yes — NRI and OCI founders are eligible to apply.
Does CGSS require DPIIT recognition?+
Yes — DPIIT recognition is mandatory before applying for CGSS.
How do I apply for CGSS?+
Apply through the official portal at ncgtc.in. The scheme is administered by DPIIT / NCGTC.
Want to see what else you qualify for?
Take the 60-second finder. Get a ranked list of schemes matched to your profile.
Start the Finder