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Overview:

Published on: January 21, 2026 | Category: TEC/MTCTE Certification

Testing and certification of telecom equipment are key enablers for Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), as they ensure product acceptance in both national and international markets. Certified telecom products help build consumer confidence, improve regulatory compliance, and support business growth by enabling wider adoption across domestic and global markets.

To support innovation and reduce the financial burden on Start-ups and MSEs, the competent authority has introduced a reimbursement scheme for telecom testing and certification. Under this scheme, a portion of the costs incurred for mandatory or voluntary testing and certification of telecom products will be reimbursed, helping small enterprises bring quality and compliant products to market.

Through this initiative, implemented with effect from 05 March 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will reimburse part of the testing charges incurred by eligible Start-ups and MSEs at Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) designated or recognized laboratories. In cases where a TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is not available for a specific test facility, testing conducted at NABL-accredited laboratories will also be eligible. Certification charges under mandatory and voluntary testing schemes are also covered under this scheme.

TEC reimbursement scheme for testing and certification charges for start-ups and telecom MSEs

Key Highlights of the Reimbursement Scheme for Start-ups & Telecom MSEs

  • Issued by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • Implemented by: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
  • Scheme Name: Reimbursement of Testing & Certification Charges
  • Effective Date: 05 March 2025
  • Scheme Duration: 2 years or until ₹25 crore fund utilization (whichever is earlier)
  • Applicable To: Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom & ICT sector
  • Eligible Testing Labs:
    • TEC / NCCS designated or recognized labs
    • NABL-accredited labs (where TEC-designated CAB is not available)
  • Reimbursement Amount:
    • Start-ups – up to 75%
    • Micro Enterprises – up to 60%
    • Small Enterprises – up to 50%
  • Application Mode:
    • Online submission through TEC portal
    • Applications accepted up to the 20th of the last month of each quarter
  • Maximum Cap: ₹50 lakh per Start-up or MSE (entire scheme period)
  • Claim Timeline: Within 3 months from the date of issue of product certificate by TEC

Scheme Goals and Benefits

The main goal of this scheme is to provide financial support to Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the telecom and ICT sector. Eligible companies can get a partial reimbursement of the costs they incur for testing and certification of their products at TEC/NCCS designated or recognized laboratories. In cases where a TEC-designated lab is not available, testing at NABL-accredited labs will also qualify. This applies to both mandatory and voluntary certification processes, helping small businesses reduce their financial burden while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Beyond financial support, the scheme aims to strengthen the capabilities of Start-ups and MSEs and foster a supportive ecosystem for telecom product development. By encouraging quality testing and certification, it helps these enterprises build competitive and trustworthy products that can succeed in both domestic and international markets, promoting innovation and growth in the telecom sector.

Eligibility Criteria for Reimbursement

For Start-ups:
  • Must be registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, under the Start-Up category.
  • Annual revenue should not exceed INR 5 crores in any financial year since incorporation.
  • Should not have raised more than INR 10 crores in funding.
For Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs):
  • Must have valid registration with the Ministry of MSME, either in the Micro or Small category.
  • Annual revenue should not exceed INR 5 crores in any financial year since incorporation.
Common condition:
  • The scheme is applicable only for entities incorporated within Indian territory, ensuring that the benefits are available to domestic Start-ups and MSEs.

Duration of the Scheme

  • The scheme is designed to boost the telecom and ICT ecosystem for Start-ups and MSEs.
  • Operational period: 2 years from the date of implementation (from 05 March 2025).
  • The scheme will end earlier if the allocated funds of Rs. 25 crores are fully utilized.

Reimbursement Criterion

  • Eligible Labs: Reimbursement applies to testing done at TEC/NCCS designated or recognized labs in India. If no TEC-designated Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is available, testing at NABL-accredited labs is also eligible.
  • Reimbursement Percentage:
    • Start-ups: Up to 75% of testing and certification charges
    • Micro Enterprises: Up to 60%
    • Small Enterprises: Up to 50%
  • Eligible Certificates: Only MTCTE or Voluntary certification certificates issued by TEC after the scheme implementation date are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Claim Timeline: Reimbursement must be claimed within 3 months from the date of issue of the product certificate by TEC.
  • Maximum Reimbursement: The cap is INR 50 lakhs per Start-up or MSE for the entire duration of the scheme.
  • Exclusions: Reimbursement will not cover control tests related to product R&D. Only testing and certification charges for MTCTE or Voluntary Certification prescribed by TEC/NCCS are eligible.
  • Application Deadline in the portal: Applications submitted through the portal on or before the 20th of the last month of the quarter will be considered for reimbursement.

Application Procedure for Reimbursement

Step 1: Access the Online Portal

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Step 3: Follow the Defined Application Format

  • Applications must be submitted as per the process on the portal.
  • Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly and all fields in the application form are filled accurately.

Step 4: Submit before the deadline of the quarter

  • Apply before the 20th of the last month of the quarter to be considered for reimbursement.

Checklist of Documents to be Attached

  • Duly filled application in the prescribed format (submitted through the portal)
  • Certificate of Incorporation of the Start-up or MSE
  • Audited Financial Statements (since incorporation)
  • DPIIT Registration Certificate (for Start-ups)
  • Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSEs)
  • TEC/NCCS Designation Certificate or NABL Accreditation Certificate of the testing lab
  • Test Reports conducted at the lab
  • Test Fee Invoice/Receipt, along with supporting documents such as Purchase Order, quotations, etc.
  • Product Certificate (MTCTE or Voluntary Certification, as applicable)
  • Receipt of Payment made for certification fees
  • PAN Card Copy
  • Bank Account Details, along with a cancelled cheque

Conclusion

The Reimbursement Scheme for Testing and Certification provides a significant boost for Start-ups and MSEs in the telecom and ICT sector. By covering a portion of the testing and certification charges, it reduces financial barriers and encourages small businesses to develop high-quality, compliant products. Certified products not only build trust among consumers and partners but also increase the chances of success in both domestic and international markets.

By following the eligibility criteria and submitting applications through the TEC online portal, Start-ups and MSEs can take full advantage of this scheme. Timely testing, proper documentation, and adherence to the guidelines ensure smooth reimbursement, helping small enterprises focus on innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the telecom ecosystem.

Read the Official TEC Notification on Reimbursement of Testing & Certification Charges

This is the official notification issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and implemented through the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) regarding the Reimbursement Scheme for Testing and Certification Charges for Start-ups and Telecom Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). The document outlines eligibility criteria, reimbursement percentages, applicable certifications, eligible laboratories, claim timelines, and the application process to be followed through the TEC portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Based on The Scheme and Eligibility Criteria

It is a government scheme under which the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reimburses part of the testing and certification charges incurred by Start-ups and Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) for telecom products tested under mandatory or voluntary certification schemes at TEC-designated or NABL-accredited laboratories.

Start-ups registered with DPIIT and Micro or Small Enterprises registered with the Ministry of MSME can apply. The entity must be incorporated in India, have annual revenue not exceeding INR 5 crores, and Start-ups must not have raised more than INR 10 crores in funding.

Only MTCTE or Voluntary Certification certificates issued after the official notification date of the scheme are eligible for reimbursement.

The scheme covers testing and certification charges for telecom equipment to ensure compliance with national and international standards, helping Start-ups and MSEs achieve market acceptance and regulatory compliance.

Start-ups can receive reimbursement of up to 75%, Micro Enterprises up to 60%, and Small Enterprises up to 50% of eligible testing and certification charges, subject to a maximum cap of INR 50 lakhs per entity during the scheme period.

Based on The Application Process

The application submission is completely online, and no physical submission of documents is required.

There are no application fees for the scheme.

Application of each startup will be reviewed by the Technical Expert committee (TEC). The committee will also be responsible for evaluation of the application and providing recommendations for the acceptance of application.

The applications from the startups/MSE shall be evaluated through an open and transparent process.

Once the startup has submitted its application, a dashboard can be accessed using their login credential to check.

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