Real-World Scenarios & Access

Can I get a grant or funding before I graduate, without a registered company?

A starting point

For most government grants the honest answer is no, DPIIT recognition and schemes like SISFS require an incorporated entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or registered partnership). But student and idea-stage money is different: hackathon prizes, campus incubator pre-seed grants, and BIRAC E-YUVA fellowships fund individuals and teams, not companies. Win those first, then incorporate (Razorpay Rize or a CA does it in days) the moment a scheme demands an entity.

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India Free Intermediate

NIDHI, DST's Umbrella for Student & Early-Stage Grants (PRAYAS, Seed Support, EIR)

From NIDHI, DST (nidhi.dst.gov.in) by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India Programme directory

Why we picked it

NIDHI is the DST umbrella that funds ideas and prototypes through campus incubators, the most realistic path for student and pre-company founders to get non-dilutive money in India. PRAYAS in particular is designed for the awkward 'I have a prototype but no company yet' stage.

  • NIDHI-PRAYAS gives innovators up to INR 10 lakh for prototype development, often accessible to students and individuals via incubators.
  • NIDHI Seed Support Programme (NIDHI-SSP) provides seed grants to startups through DST-recognised incubators.
  • NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) offers a fellowship/stipend so you can pursue an idea before quitting or incorporating.
  • Everything routes through a DST-affiliated incubator, so your first move is finding and getting into one near you.
Open nidhi.dst.gov.in →
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India Freemium Beginner

Razorpay Rize, Incorporation & Early-Stage Founder Resources

From Razorpay (razorpay.com/rize) by Razorpay Rize Platform + resources

Why we picked it

Most government grants require an incorporated entity, and Rize makes getting one fast and low-friction, Pvt Ltd, LLP, or OPC without the usual CA runaround. It's a practical bridge for student and idea-stage founders who need an entity before a scheme will look at them.

  • Handles Pvt Ltd / LLP / OPC incorporation, the entity type most Indian schemes require before you can apply.
  • Choose Pvt Ltd if you plan to raise or apply to SISFS; LLP or OPC if you're solo and compliance-light.
  • Bundles a curated investor list, templates, and founder content useful once your grant PoC is validated.
  • Incorporation is a means to an end here, do it when a specific scheme demands an entity, not before you need it.
Open razorpay.com →
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India Free Intermediate

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Official Portal

From Seed Fund Portal (seedfund.startupindia.gov.in) by DPIIT, Government of India Application portal

Why we picked it

SISFS is the most accessible non-dilutive cheque for early Indian startups, and this is where you actually apply. It's genuinely founder-friendly: you apply through incubators, not a government office, and grant money for proof-of-concept has no equity strings.

  • Up to INR 20 lakh as a grant for proof-of-concept, prototype development, and product trials, this portion is truly non-dilutive.
  • Up to INR 50 lakh via convertible debentures / debt for market entry, commercialisation, and scaling.
  • Eligibility: DPIIT-recognised and incorporated not more than 2 years before applying; you can apply to up to 3 approved incubators.
  • Applications flow through the incubator, so choosing an active incubator with a strong track record is half the battle.
Open seedfund.startupindia.gov.in →

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