New Delhi, India – January 28, 2026 – The Government of India’s Department of Telecommunications has launched a reimbursement programme to lessen the financial impact of testing and certification for telecommunications product developers, particularly start-ups and Telecom Micro-Small Businesses (MSEs). The reimbursement programme is intended to provide greater competitiveness for these companies, as well as earlier market entry for their new telecommunications and ICT offerings.
Under the scheme to reimburse testing and certification charges an eligible entity is permitted to claim a partial reimbursement of testing and certification costs for telecom equipment that were incurred by either the mandatory or voluntary testing process. This initiative is intended to encourage innovation and provide smaller operators with funding support to help them achieve the requirements associated with certification at a lower initial cost.
The amount of funding assistance available under the scheme is tier-based depending on the type of applicant, which reflects the Indian Government's commitment to providing greater support to early stage/small businesses. Reimbursement will only be given for testing performed at designated labs including TEC and NCCS and if required at NABL-accredited labs..
Key Scheme Details
To be eligible for reimbursement, you must meet the legal registration requirement and have met the specified financial criteria. The government agency that provides annual funding to Indian start-ups is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), while MSEs must obtain registration through the Ministry of MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). In addition, the company needs to be incorporated, have revenue below 5 crores (₹5 Crore) and any start-up must not have received total funding over 10 crores (₹10 Crore).

Reimbursement level varies for different categories. For this category, the maximum reimbursement is 75% of your expenses associated with testing and certification, while it is 60% for micro enterprises and 50% for small enterprises. To be eligible for the reimbursement, the products tested must have gone through Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment, or have received Voluntary Certification.

The expected time frame for this scheme is from the date of launch on March 5, 2025 until the fund of 25 crores (₹25 crores) has been entirely disbursed or 2 year term has been reached, whichever occurs first). The maximum reimbursement a single applicant may receive is ₹50 lakh (₹50 lakh).

Online applications opened on March 10, 2025 where you can submit digitally (all requirements will be accepted) for consideration for reimbursement monthly basis review process.

Supporting Information
The Reimbursement Initiative was developed to help the Telecom Product Ecosystem (TPE) in India by reducing compliance costs and improving product competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. By reducing the financial burden of certification, this initiative allows innovators the opportunity to concentrate their time and effort on actual product development and preparing products for sale to the market, rather than worrying about meeting regulatory requirements.
Reimbursement support is also consistent with the Government of India’s broader objectives to promote technology-based innovation, facilitate access to markets for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), and develop an environment conducive for Telecom Products developed in India to compete effectively with Telecom Products manufactured by companies from other countries.
Interested individuals are encouraged to refer to the official scheme guidelines and portal resources for complete information on eligibility criteria, application procedure and documentation requirements.
Readers are encouraged to visit the official website for complete and detailed guidance.

About SS Global Services
SS Global Services provides updates on regulatory compliance issues and developments. SS Global Services monitors compliance development,the Indian Telecoms Industry, the MSME support schemes and technology sector policies. SS Global Services also tracks, monitors and provides information on any initiative that affects small businesses and startup ecosystems.