India’s government just announced one of its biggest moves to encourage private sector employment: starting August 2025, freshers taking up their first private job can claim a Rs 15,000 incentive through the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).
This isn’t just a monetary boost—it marks a transformative step for youth entering India’s formal job market.
Unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech, the Rs 1 lakh crore PM-VBRY scheme aims to create over 3.5 crore jobs in two years by directly supporting first-time employees and incentivizing private firms to hire more staff.
Eligible first-time employees get up to Rs 15,000 from the government when they join a private company.
Employers receive extra incentives for expanding their workforce.
Centre Rs 15,000 first private job
The initiative is managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), ensuring that payments and eligibility checks are securely handled.
Whether you’re a student just graduating or someone about to switch from informal work to a formal private company, eligibility means you can confidently plan to avail the cash benefit:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Fresh registration | You must be a first-time employee, newly registered with EPFO |
| Salary threshold | Monthly salary up to ₹ 1 lakh |
| Formal private job | Only private sector jobs count (government jobs excluded) |
| No prior EPFO enrollment | Should not have worked in a registered EPFO job before |
This focus ensures that new entrants to the formal job market—those who have never drawn an EPFO salary—are the biggest beneficiaries.
The payment isn’t instant. Here’s a breakdown of how you secure your benefits:
Get Your First Private Job
Find a formal private-sector job where your employer registers you with EPFO.
Confirm your monthly salary is up to ₹1 lakh.
Complete Six Months of Service
Stay employed uninterrupted for six months.
After this period, the government will release the first instalment of the incentive.
Continue Working for One Year
Remain employed for a full 12 months.
Complete a government-backed financial literacy programme.
Receive Second Instalment
After one year and upon successful completion of the financial literacy module, the second instalment is credited.
Part of this second instalment is earmarked for a fixed savings instrument, promoting long-term financial health.
Direct Benefit Transfers
All payments are made via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to your linked bank account.
“A ₹15,000 incentive will be provided to individuals joining private jobs for the first time. The scheme will be implemented from August 1, 2025.”
Promotes youth employment: With rising graduate numbers and competition, this scheme helps students confidently enter the private job market.
Reduces migration: States with high out-migration, like Bihar, get a boost in local employment.
Encourages formal jobs: Incentivizes workers to choose formal, regulated employment, helping India’s labour market modernize.
Improves employer hiring: Companies receive up to ₹3,000/month for every eligible fresh hire, motivating them to expand teams quickly.
Q: Is it only for fresh graduates?
No. Anyone joining a formal EPFO-registered private job for the first time is eligible, regardless of academic status, age, or previous informal work experience.
Q: Does salary above ₹1 lakh qualify?
No. The scheme only covers employees with up to ₹1 lakh monthly salary upon first joining.
Q: How is the payment disbursed?
In two instalments: after 6 months and after 12 months + financial literacy module completion.
Q: Do contract workers qualify?
Only if the contract is within a formal, EPFO-registered private organization.
Employers benefit too:
EPFO-registered companies can claim up to ₹3,000 per new hire for 2 years (4 years for manufacturing).
Must hire at least two extra people (small firms) or five (larger firms) to qualify for incentives.
It’s a win-win: youth gain valuable incentives, and companies are rewarded for expanding their workforce.
Double-check EPFO registration: Before joining, confirm your employer will register you with EPFO.
Maintain steady employment: Changing jobs or facing a break-in-service could make you lose eligibility for the instalments.
Keep your bank account and documents updated: Accurate Aadhaar, PAN, and bank linkage cuts delays in DBT payments.
The Centre’s Rs 15,000 incentive under PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana could change how young Indians approach the private job market this year. If you or someone you know is about to start their first private job, make sure to follow the eligibility steps and prepare the required documentation.
With government backing and a huge financial outlay, this scheme promises not just transformative growth for job-seekers but faster expansion for emerging and established businesses alike.