If your startup makes a physical product, you will probably need it tested and certified before you can sell it. Startup India publishes a directory of labs to help. This guide explains what the directory covers, how it is organised and how a founder can use it.
Quick facts
- What it is: a directory of laboratories accredited, recognised, regulated or operated by leading Indian institutions
- Total labs listed: 953
- Institutions covered: eight, including NABL (400 labs), BIS (391), CDSCO (79) and CIPET (42)
- How it is organised: by institution, with a separate page for each
- Who it is for: startups that need to validate products and meet standards
- Last checked: 5 November 2026 against the Startup India portal; numbers change, so confirm on startupindia.gov.in
What is the directory?
The Startup India page describes it as a comprehensive directory of laboratories accredited, recognised, regulated or operated by India’s leading institutions, and presents it as a practical reference for validating products and meeting standards.
Which institutions does it cover?
| Institution | Labs listed |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) | 400 |
| Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | 391 |
| Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) | 79 |
| Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) | 42 |
| Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) | 15 |
| Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) | 11 |
| National Test House (NTH) | 9 |
| Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) | 6 |
The page lists a total of 953 labs, and briefly explains each institution’s role, such as accreditation, standard-setting, regulatory recognition and government testing.
How is it organised?
Navigation is by institution, through linked category pages. The page we checked does not describe a search tool or filters, and the lab-level details sit on the separate category pages.
How can a startup use it?
- Identify which institution is relevant to your product, for example CDSCO for drugs and medical products or TEC for telecom equipment
- Open that institution’s page and look for labs that offer the test you need
- Contact the lab to confirm the test, the cost and the time needed
The page says startups that need help finding the right lab, or understanding certifications, can contact the Startup India team through the Contact Us page.
Related help for startups
Recognised startups also get other support, such as the relaxed norms for selling to the government covered in our GeM and Startup Runway guide, and the benefits listed in our DPIIT-recognised startup benefits guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many labs are in the directory?
953, according to the Startup India page.
Is there a search tool?
The page we checked does not describe one. You navigate by institution.
Does the directory list prices?
The page does not mention prices. Contact the lab you choose.
Who should use it?
Startups that make products that need testing, calibration or certification before they are sold.
