Karnataka IT Policy 2020 - 2025 - Quality Certification Cost Reimbursement
This incentive is administered by the Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology & Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka. It forms part of the Karnataka IT Policy 2020-25 and is intended to help IT/ITeS units reduce their cost of obtaining industry‐standard quality certifications. For your business, as an IT/ITeS entity in Karnataka, the benefit is that you can claim reimbursement of part of the cost incurred for quality certification, thereby improving your competitiveness and reducing cost of compliance.
Key Features
- Reimbursement of 50% of the cost of quality certification fees: If your entity incurs cost for obtaining recognized quality certification (such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001, CMMI, etc.), you can claim back half of the fee paid.
- Overall ceiling of ₹ 6 lakh per entity: No matter how many eligible certifications you obtain , your total reimbursement claim under this incentive cannot exceed ₹ 6 lakh.
- Maximum number of certifications eligible: up to 3 industry-standard quality certifications: You may claim for up to three different recognized certifications under this incentive. Beyond three, additional certifications may not be eligible for reimbursement under this particular incentive.
- Applicable for IT/ITeS entities under policy, especially outside Zone 3: The policy emphasises incentives to encourage IT/ITeS entities located outside the more developed Zone 3; many references indicate such incentives apply for entities beyond Zone 3.
- Requires registration under the policy and submission of proof of cost & certification: To claim, you must be registered under the policy with KITS, and you must submit the certification fee invoice, certification award/recognition, proof of payment, etc.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- The entity must be registered as an IT/ITeS company under the Karnataka IT Policy 2020-25 with KITS.
- The certification must be an “industry-standard quality certification” recognized under the policy.
- The cost must have been incurred for the certification and entity must submit proof as per policy guidelines.
Who cannot apply:
- Entities not registered under the policy do not qualify for this incentive.
- If the certification cost is for non-recognized certification or beyond the scope of policy definition, it may not be eligible.
- If the reimbursement for more than three certifications is sought, only up to three will be eligible under this incentive.
- The total reimbursement cannot exceed ₹ 6 lakh per entity under this incentive.
- Verification and approval by KITS / nodal agency required; claims without proper proof/documentation may be rejected.
Documents Required
- Registration certificate under the Karnataka IT Policy 2020-2025 for the IT/ITeS entity.
- Receipt / invoice for the quality certification fee paid, with details of the certification body and standard obtained.
- Copy of the certification obtained .
- Completed application form for reimbursement under the “Quality Certification Cost Reimbursement” head of the policy.
- Bank account details for disbursement of reimbursement.
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit
Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: IT/ITeS entities aiming for hassle-free claim submission and expert guidance.
Option 2: Via DEITBT Karnataka Portal
- Register your IT/ITeS entity under the Karnataka IT Policy 2020-2025 via the IT/BT department’s portal.
- Secure the quality certification you intend to claim . Keep receipts and documentation of fees paid.
- Complete the claim application for “Quality Certification Cost Reimbursement” under the policy along with required attachments: certification fee receipts, certification body details, entity registration etc.
- Submit the application via the departmental Single Window or specified portal. Upon verification, reimbursement (50% of cost, up to ₹ 6 lakh) is approved and disbursed.
Option 3: Through Ecosystem / Incubator Partner
- If you are a startup or MSME-IT entity working with an incubator or ecosystem partner, leverage their support to identify eligible certifications and compile documentation.
- The ecosystem partner may assist in application submission and follow-up for the reimbursement claim.
- After policy registration and certification expense, apply as per Option 2.