ELI Scheme 2025: Government to Give ₹15,000 for Your First Job – Check Eligibility, Benefits, and Payment Timeline
In a major move to boost youth employment, the Central Government has launched the ELI Scheme (Employment Linked Incentive Scheme), offering ₹15,000 cash incentive to those joining a job for the first time. But what are the conditions? Who is eligible? When will the money be credited to your account? Here’s everything you need to know:
🔹 What is the ELI Scheme?
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme is designed to:
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Encourage first-time job seekers
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Support employers hiring fresh employees
Under this scheme:
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First-time employees will receive a ₹15,000 bonus from the government.
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Employers will receive ₹3,000 per employee per month (conditions apply).
🗓️ Who is eligible? From what date?
The scheme officially begins on August 1, 2025, and applies to:
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All employees who join a job for the first time between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.
❗If you're planning to start a job in July, consider delaying your joining until August 1 to become eligible.
Simplified Process. Greater Access.
— Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) July 4, 2025
In an exclusive interaction, Ms. Vandana Gurnani, Secretary, @LabourMinistry, highlights how digital reforms & the UMANG app will make ELI Scheme benefits easily accessible to Employers and Employees.#ELI4ViksitBharat pic.twitter.com/N7BVWSQwdu
📅 When will the ₹15,000 be credited?
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The money will not be given with your first salary.
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It will be disbursed in two equal installments:
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First Installment: After 6 months of continuous employment.
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Second Installment: After completing 12 months of employment.
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🧾 Who qualifies as a ‘first-time’ employee?
To qualify as a first-time employee:
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You must not have a PF (Provident Fund) account prior to this job.
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Your first PF registration after August 1, 2025, will make you eligible.
If you've worked earlier without PF deduction, you are still considered ineligible.
💰 Is there a salary cap?
Yes. Only those with a monthly salary up to ₹1,00,000 will be eligible for the ₹15,000 benefit.
❌ Those receiving a salary above ₹1 lakh in their offer letter will not get this benefit.
🏢 Benefits for Companies: A Win-Win
This scheme is not just for employees — employers also benefit:
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Companies hiring new employees will receive:
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₹3,000/month for 2 years (non-manufacturing sector)
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₹3,000/month for 4 years (manufacturing sector)
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Example:
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A company hires 50 new employees.
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It will receive ₹3,000 × 50 = ₹1,50,000/month.
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That’s ₹36 lakh over 2 years or ₹72 lakh over 4 years in incentives.
🔧 Ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to scale.
📝 Do you need to fill out a form?
While a detailed application process hasn’t been released yet, the following are expected:
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PF registration after August 1, 2025
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Employment proof
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Likely automated tracking via EPFO and company compliance systems
More details will be available on official government portals post-launch.
✅ Quick Summary:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Launch Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Eligible Joining Period | Aug 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 |
| Incentive Amount | ₹15,000 (to employee) |
| Payment Mode | In 2 installments (6 and 12 months) |
| Employer Incentive | ₹3,000/month per employee |
| Salary Eligibility | Up to ₹1,00,000/month only |
| First Job Definition | First PF account created post-Aug 1 |
🛡️ Final Note:
If you’re a fresh graduate or first-time job seeker, this scheme could add real value to your earnings. Make sure:
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You join after August 1, 2025
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Your employer complies with PF registration
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Your salary does not exceed ₹1 lakh/month
Stay tuned for official updates and registration links. Want a reminder when the scheme opens officially? Just let me know!
