Government Launches 'Startup India 2.0' with ₹10,000 Crore Fund
The Union Government has launched 'Startup India 2.0' to provide enhanced funding and mentorship to deep-tech and rural startups.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- Startup India 2.0 launched with a ₹10,000 crore dedicated fund.
- Focus on deep-tech, biotech, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Tax holiday extended to 7 years for eligible startups.
- Launch of 'MAARG' platform for mentorship and guidance.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Scheme: full name, ministry, launch date, objective
- Financial figures: allocation, beneficiaries reached so far
- Eligibility: who can benefit (age, income, gender, area)
- Implementing agency: central, state, or both
- Related amendments or extensions: any recent modifications to the scheme
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the total corpus of the 'Fund of Funds' under Startup India 2.0?
- ₹5,000 crore
- ₹10,000 crore
- ₹15,000 crore
- ₹20,000 crore
Explanation: The government has allocated ₹10,000 crore for the Fund of Funds under Startup India 2.0.
Q2. Which platform has been launched for mentorship under Startup India 2.0?
- UDYAM
- MAARG
- ASPIRE
- SPARK
Explanation: MAARG (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth) is the platform for mentorship.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.