Starting a business in India can mean applying to several departments at the central and state level. The National Single Window System, known as NSWS, is the government’s attempt to put those approvals in one place. This guide explains what NSWS is, what it offers startups and what you need before you start, using the details on the official NSWS portal.
Quick facts
- What it is: a digital platform that helps businesses identify and apply for the approvals they need
- Run by: the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry; the site is designed and owned by Invest India and DPIIT
- Scale: over 325 Central approvals and 2,364 State approvals, according to the portal
- Key features: one place for approvals, real-time status tracking, a secure document repository, and renewals
- Before you apply: PAN verification is mandatory
- Helpdesk: 1800-102-5841 (Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM)
- Last checked: 5 November 2026 against the NSWS portal; numbers change, so confirm on nsws.gov.in
What is NSWS?
The National Single Window System is described on its portal as a digital platform that helps businesses identify and apply for the approvals they need in India. It is run by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The portal says it is designed and owned by Invest India and DPIIT.
Which approvals does it cover?
The portal says it lists over 325 Central approvals and 2,364 State approvals. Central approvals come from ministries, and examples named on the portal include incorporation of a company, registration as a startup, Foreign Direct Investment and contract labour registration. The portal also lists government schemes.
How does the “Know Your Approvals” tool work?
The portal describes a Know Your Approvals (KYA) module that guides users across 32 Central ministries and departments and 34 States and Union Territories. You answer a guided questionnaire, the system identifies the approvals that apply to your business, and you can add them to a dashboard.
What do startups get from it?
According to the portal:
- All approvals in one place, so you do not have to visit each ministry or state separately
- Real-time status tracking of your applications
- A secure document repository, so you upload documents once and reuse them across applications
- Easy renewal of approvals
- Fast query management through a dedicated team
What do you need before you start?
The portal says PAN verification is mandatory before you can apply for approvals. It can be done through a Digital Signature Certificate for all entity types, or through DigiLocker for sole proprietors only. If your business is not yet registered, our guide to registering a Private Limited company is a good first step, and our DPIIT recognition guide explains recognition as a startup.
Where to get help
The helpdesk number on the portal is 1800-102-5841, open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. There is also an email address on the site for queries.
What NSWS does not do
NSWS helps you find and apply for approvals. It does not decide them. Each approval is still issued by the department that is responsible for it, and the rules and timelines depend on that department.
Frequently asked questions
Is NSWS a government portal?
Yes. It is run by DPIIT, and the site is designed and owned by Invest India and DPIIT, according to the portal.
Does NSWS replace the Startup India portal?
No. Registration as a startup is listed as one of the Central approvals that can be applied for through NSWS, but the two are separate portals.
Do I need a PAN?
Yes. PAN verification is mandatory before you apply for approvals.
Who can I call for help?
The portal gives 1800-102-5841, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM.
