Special Incentive Allowance Scheme (Goa IT Policy)
Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa · Central government
Goa's Department of Information Technology offers up to ₹2 crore to new and existing IT units under a special incentive allowance based on growth, employment and other criteria.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- ₹50,00,000 – ₹2,00,00,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Disbursement
- Reimbursed after spend
About this scheme
## Special Incentive Allowance Scheme
The Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa introduced the Special Incentive Allowance Scheme in 2018. It sits within the state's Information Technology Policy Schemes.
The scheme works towards positioning Goa as a leading location for IT Units, both in terms of geography and available manpower. It seeks to draw fresh investment into the state and to support IT businesses already operating there as they grow.
Eligible units receive a sizeable allowance. Payment is made as a lump sum once every three years, and release of the amount depends on the unit satisfying defined performance and employment conditions.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Sole proprietorship, Private limited company, Partnership firm, Limited liability partnership
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Not specified
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not specified
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Where the business may be based
- Goa
- The unit may be new or existing, and must operate within Goa. - The entity must be constituted as one of the following: a proprietorship firm, a private limited company, a public limited company, a registered partnership firm, or a limited liability partnership. - Aadhaar linkage is required for the bank accounts of the unit and/or those of its partner(s)/director(s). - Over a 3-year period, the following thresholds must be satisfied: annual growth of 20% or more; Goan employees making up at least 75% of staff; female employees at least 60%; 100% certification of Goan employees; and holding no fewer than one quality certification.
How to apply
- Go to the Goa Online official web portal at https://goaonline.gov.in/. - Select "Register" in the top right corner. - Authenticate your Email ID and Mobile Number through OTP. The Registration Page will open. - Complete every mandatory field on the Registration Page. Choose a Login Name and a strong Password. Read the Declaration and Terms & Conditions, then tick both checkboxes. Enter the Captcha Code and select "Register/Signup". - Sign in to the website with your Login Name and Password. Enter the Captcha Code and select "Login". - From the top ribbon, select "Services", followed by "IT Services" (https://goaonline.gov.in/AllServices?cat=IT). - Select the scheme name. The application form will open. - Complete every mandatory field and upload all mandatory documents. - Submit the application. A unique registration number will be generated for future reference. - Note: After incurring the relevant expenditure, an applicant may apply under this scheme on a quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis.
How applications are assessed
Within 30 days of an application being received, it is checked against a fixed checklist. Those that clear this screening go to an Empowered Committee, which normally reaches a decision within 60 days of the application date. Once approved, either a sanction order or a regret letter follows, and the incentive allowance is paid out within 90 days.
Every unit also undergoes an annual evaluation at the close of each Fiscal Year. This review confirms whether the unit still qualifies for the subsidy and continues to meet the scheme's prescribed criteria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the Special Incentive Allowance Scheme?
Launched in 2018 under Goa's IT Policy, the scheme supports new and existing IT units in the state and seeks to draw IT investment and expansion to Goa.
What are the different allowance amounts available?
Smaller Business Units may qualify for up to ₹50 lakh, Other Business Units for up to ₹1 crore, and Mega Business Units for up to ₹2 crore, with the amount determined by the unit's size and performance.
How often is the allowance disbursed?
The allowance is paid once every three years. After incurring the relevant expenditure, applicants may apply on a quarterly, half-yearly, or annual basis.
What are the key eligibility criteria for IT units?
To qualify, a unit must be a legally registered entity (proprietorship, private or public limited company, partnership or LLP) operating in Goa, hold an Aadhaar-linked bank account, and satisfy criteria including 20% annual growth, 75% Goan employees and 60% female employees.
How is eligibility verified for continuing benefits?
Each fiscal year-end, units undergo an assessment against criteria including annual growth, employee headcount and quality certifications to confirm they remain eligible for the allowance.
What is the application process?
Apply through the Goa Online portal: register as a user, fill in the application form for the relevant scheme, and upload every mandatory document. A unique registration number is issued once the application is submitted.
Sectors
- Ai Saas Enterprise
- Deeptech Electronics Robotics
- Gaming Media Web3
- It Policy
- Goa Startups
- Incentive Scheme
- Business Growth
- Subsidy
Details last verified on 14 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.