Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), also called Employment Linked Incentive |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Up to Rs 15,000 for first-time employees, in two instalments; up to Rs 3,000 a month per extra job for employers |
| Who can apply | First-time EPF-registered employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh a month, and employers creating additional jobs |
| How it is paid | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to an Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Apply at | epfindia.gov.in through EPFO, via your employer and UAN |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- The scheme runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.
- Employees get the incentive in two instalments, after 6 and 12 months of service.
- You must complete the Financial Literacy Course on the EPFO portal for the second instalment.
- Your UAN must be authenticated with Aadhaar face authentication on the UMANG app.
So what exactly do you get?
A first-time employee can get a one-time incentive linked to one month's EPF wage. It is capped at Rs 15,000.
The money comes in two instalments. The first is paid after six months of service. The second is paid after 12 months of continuous service.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The second instalment comes only after you complete the Financial Literacy Course on the EPFO portal.
A part of the incentive is put into a designated savings instrument. You can withdraw that part later.
The money goes straight into your Aadhaar-linked bank account, within about 45 days of the conditions being met and the ECR being filed.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
You must be a first-time EPF-registered employee. Your date of joining must fall between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2027.
You must not have been an EPF contributing member before 1 August 2025, with EPFO or an exempted trust.
Your earnings must be up to Rs 1 lakh a month. Your EPF contribution must first come in for the wage month August 2025 or later.
Employers can also get support. For each eligible extra employee earning up to Rs 1 lakh a month, they can get up to Rs 3,000 a month for two years, if the employee is kept for at least six months.
Employers with fewer than 50 employees must add at least two new jobs. Those with 50 or more must add at least five. Manufacturing units can get support for the third and fourth years too.
Why was this scheme started, and what is new?
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 and launched in August 2025.
It is run by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with EPFO handling registration and payments.
Its aim is to encourage formal job creation and help young people enter the workforce for the first time.
The total outlay is about Rs 99,446 crore for the two-year period. Please confirm current rules on the official site, as details can change.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account ready.
Keep your Universal Account Number (UAN) and the mobile number linked with it.
Your employer's establishment details and your EPF records will also be needed, so check with your HR or payroll team.
How do you claim it, step by step?
First, make sure your UAN is active and linked with your Aadhaar on the EPFO portal.
Authenticate your UAN through Aadhaar-based face authentication on the UMANG app.
Complete the Financial Literacy Course on the EPFO portal before the second instalment is due.
Check that your employer files the ECR and EPF contributions every month. The incentive depends on these filings.
What if the money does not come?
First, check your status on the EPFO portal using your UAN.
Most delays happen when the UAN is not authenticated, the Aadhaar bank link is missing, the Financial Literacy Course is not done, or the employer has not filed the ECR.
For help, contact EPFO through its official website or your regional office. Do not pay any agent for help.
Watch out for fraud and useful tips
No genuine scheme asks you to pay money to get the incentive. Never share your OTP or UAN password with anyone.
EPFO held a live session on the scheme on 8 September 2026, shared on its official YouTube, Facebook and Instagram handles. Check EPFO's official channels for future sessions.
Always check official updates on the EPFO website before acting on any message.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a first-time employee get?
The incentive is linked to one month's EPF wage and is capped at Rs 15,000. It is paid in two instalments.
When is the second instalment paid?
It is paid after 12 months of continuous service, but only after you complete the Financial Literacy Course on the EPFO portal.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. The scheme is free. Never pay anyone who asks for money to help you claim it.
Does the scheme run forever?
No. It runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027, so check the official site for any changes.
Can an employer get support too?
Yes. Employers can get up to Rs 3,000 a month for each eligible extra employee, for two years, if the job is kept for at least six months.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
