The central government is focusing heavily on employment generation and encouraging young people to enter the formal workforce. Under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, first-time employees can receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000, while employers can also receive financial support for creating additional jobs.

The scheme is particularly relevant for young people getting their first formal job, as the government wants to encourage employment as well as expand social-security coverage.

Who Can Get the ₹15,000 Benefit?

Under the employee-focused part of the scheme, eligible first-time employees can receive an incentive equivalent to one month's EPF wage, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000.

The payment is structured in two instalments. The scheme guidelines provide for the first instalment after six months of service, while the second is linked to completing 12 months of service and a financial-literacy programme.

The benefit is aimed at people entering formal employment for the first time and meeting the scheme's eligibility conditions.

Employers Can Also Get Incentives

The scheme is not limited to employees. Companies that create additional employment can also receive incentives.

Eligible employers can receive up to ₹3,000 per month for each additional employee, depending on the employee's EPF wage and other conditions. For the manufacturing sector, the incentive support can continue for a longer period under the scheme.

The government expects this employer incentive to encourage companies to hire more workers and retain them for a sustained period.

Scheme Targets More Than 3.5 Crore Jobs

The government has allocated ₹99,446 crore for the scheme and aims to incentivise the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years.

Of these, around 1.92 crore beneficiaries are expected to be first-time employees entering the workforce. The scheme covers eligible jobs created between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.

How Will Employees Receive the Money?

The incentive for eligible first-time employees is designed to be transferred directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer system using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System.

Employer incentives, meanwhile, are transferred to PAN-linked accounts, subject to the applicable scheme requirements.

What Should Job Seekers Keep in Mind?

If you are joining the formal workforce for the first time, it is important to check whether your employer and employment details meet the scheme's eligibility requirements.

The benefit is not an automatic ₹15,000 payment for every new employee. Eligibility depends on the scheme's conditions, including EPFO-related requirements and the nature of the employment.

For job seekers, however, the scheme is significant because it combines an incentive for first-time workers with incentives for companies to create additional formal jobs.

As the government continues pushing formal employment and social-security coverage, schemes such as this could provide additional support to both young workers and employers.