If you have recently started your first formal job, there is a government scheme you should know about. Under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), eligible first-time employees can receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000.

The scheme is designed to encourage young people to enter the formal workforce while also encouraging companies to create additional jobs. The government has set aside ₹99,446 crore for the programme and aims to support the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years.

Who can receive ₹15,000?

The employee component of PM-VBRY is aimed at people entering the formal workforce for the first time.

Eligible first-time employees can receive an incentive equivalent to one month's EPF wage, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000. The benefit is linked to employment covered under EPFO and the scheme's other eligibility conditions.

The scheme applies to eligible jobs created between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.

The money is not simply paid all at once

The incentive is structured to encourage employees to remain in formal employment.

According to government information, the benefit of up to ₹15,000 is paid in two instalments. The first instalment is linked to completing six months of continuous service, while the second is linked to completing 12 months and meeting the prescribed conditions, including financial-literacy requirements.

Employers can also get an incentive

PM-VBRY is not limited to employees.

Eligible employers that create additional jobs can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each additional employee, subject to the scheme's conditions. The incentive is generally available for two years, while eligible manufacturing establishments can receive it for a longer period.

This is intended to encourage companies to expand their workforce and create more formal employment opportunities.

Aadhaar and UAN verification is important

First-time employees should pay attention to their EPFO records. Government guidance has included Aadhaar-based verification and authentication requirements for eligible new employees.

In particular, EPFO-related instructions have required new members to verify their UAN using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in the applicable process.

Therefore, employees should ensure that their personal, Aadhaar and EPFO details are correctly linked and updated.

What is the government trying to achieve?

The scheme is intended to increase formal employment, expand social-security coverage and encourage companies to hire more workers.

The government says PM-VBRY has already supported employment opportunities for around 15 lakh beneficiaries, with incentives worth around ₹2,400 crore scheduled for disbursement in June 2026.

What should you do if you have recently joined your first job?

If this is your first formal job and your employer is covered under EPFO, check whether your employment falls within the PM-VBRY eligibility period and whether your UAN and Aadhaar-related requirements have been completed.

Don't rely on messages or agents promising to "activate" the benefit for a fee. Verify your eligibility through your employer, EPFO or official government channels.

For eligible first-time employees, the scheme can provide a useful financial incentive while also bringing them into the formal social-security system.