The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) 2025, launched with a ₹1 lakh crore outlay, is a central government scheme to boost formal job creation and social security through EPFO.

It provides financial incentives to first-time employees who join the organized sector between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027, with conditions like no prior EPFO membership, a monthly wage cap of ₹1 lakh, UAN generation, and financial literacy training. Employers benefit by hiring additional staff, ensuring EPFO compliance, and registering on official portals, with the manufacturing sector enjoying extended incentives for four years.

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria for PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)

The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), launched on August 1, 2025, is a transformative employment initiative with a staggering financial outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme is designed to stimulate formal job creation, enhance workforce participation, and expand social security across India’s diverse economic sectors. Administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), PMVBRY directly benefits both employees and employers by offering structured incentives.

What makes PMVBRY unique is its dual focus: while first-time employees receive financial assistance to transition smoothly into the organized sector, employers are rewarded for expanding their workforce and ensuring compliance. Special emphasis on the manufacturing sector underscores India’s vision of becoming a global production hub under Make in India.

Let’s explore the detailed eligibility criteria for both employees and employers under this landmark scheme.

Part A: Eligibility Criteria for First-Time Employees

For employees, PMVBRY acts as a launchpad into the formal workforce. The scheme provides financial assistance while ensuring that individuals gain job security, financial literacy, and access to social benefits. To qualify, employees must meet several clearly defined conditions.

First-Time Employment Requirement

The first and foremost condition is that the applicant must be entering the formal workforce for the very first time. This ensures the scheme is not misused by individuals switching jobs within the formal sector. By focusing on genuine first-time entrants, the government aims to widen the pool of formally employed workers, empowering fresh graduates, young professionals, and those transitioning from informal employment to organized roles.

Mandatory EPFO Registration

Eligibility hinges on the employee joining a workplace that is registered under EPFO or classified as an exempted establishment under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. This requirement ensures that employees are securely linked to India’s social security network from day one. Being under EPFO means access to provident fund, pension, and insurance benefits, which safeguard workers against uncertainties while strengthening long-term financial stability.

Specified Joining Period

The employee must officially join an EPFO-covered establishment between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. This operational period ensures structured execution of the scheme, allowing the government to track participation and progress in a defined time frame. Missing this joining window would mean missing out on financial incentives. Hence, both employees and employers need to act promptly to leverage the benefits.

No Prior EPFO Membership

A crucial eligibility factor is that the employee must not have been an EPFO member before August 1, 2025. This prevents duplication of benefits and ensures fair allocation. It also safeguards the scheme’s intent: to encourage only new workforce additions rather than those with prior employment records. For individuals who previously worked in informal or unorganized setups, this clause offers a golden opportunity to secure formal employment benefits.

Monthly Wage Cap for Employees

To ensure inclusivity, employees must earn a monthly gross wage of up to ₹1 lakh. This wage ceiling prioritizes support for middle-income and lower-income earners, ensuring that financial assistance goes to those who need it the most. By setting this cap, the scheme prevents high-income individuals from accessing incentives meant for the broader workforce.

UAN Generation through Face Authentication

The employer must generate a Universal Account Number (UAN) for eligible employees using Face Authentication Technology (FAT) on the UMANG App. This mandatory step ensures digital verification, prevents duplication, and creates a unique identity for each worker under EPFO. UAN acts as a lifelong identification number, securing access to benefits even if the employee switches jobs in the future.

Sustained Employment Requirement

For employees to receive the first installment of financial assistance, they must remain in continuous employment with the same employer for at least six months. This condition discourages short-term, unstable hiring practices and promotes long-term job retention, which benefits both employees and organizations by building stable careers and productive workforces.

Financial Literacy Course Completion

To access the second and final installment, employees must complete a financial literacy course prescribed by EPFO. This provision is forward-looking: it ensures that employees not only earn but also learn how to manage their finances effectively. By promoting financial awareness, PMVBRY builds a generation of workers who are better prepared for investments, savings, and retirement planning.

Part B: Eligibility Criteria for Employers

Employers are the backbone of the PMVBRY scheme. Their participation ensures wider job creation, formalization of workforce, and compliance with labor laws. Incentives are structured to reward genuine expansion of workforce capacity, particularly benefiting businesses looking to scale operations responsibly.

EPFO Registration for Establishments

Employers must have an active EPFO code and be registered on the EPFO employer portal. Exempted establishments are equally eligible. This mandatory registration ensures that only businesses within the legal and regulatory framework can avail incentives, thereby strengthening the culture of compliance in India’s labor ecosystem.

Minimum New Hiring Threshold

Employers must demonstrate a sustained increase in workforce size for at least six months to qualify for incentives:

  • Establishments with fewer than 50 employees must hire at least two additional workers.

  • Establishments with 50 or more employees must hire a minimum of five new workers.

This condition ensures that the benefits of the scheme lead to genuine job creation, instead of rewarding existing employment numbers.

Employee Wage Condition

Employers can claim benefits for employees hired under PMVBRY if their monthly gross salary does not exceed ₹1 lakh. This ensures that incentives focus on hiring middle-class and entry-level workers rather than high-paid professionals who do not require additional government support.

Regular EPFO Compliance

Employers must ensure consistent submission of Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) and timely payment of PF contributions for all employees—both old and new. This creates a transparent, accountable framework where benefits reach employees without delays. Non-compliance disqualifies the employer from the scheme.

UAN Generation and Aadhaar Linking

Employers are responsible for ensuring UAN creation and Aadhaar linking for all new hires. This step ensures smooth benefit transfers directly into employees’ linked bank accounts. The Aadhaar authentication also helps in eliminating fraudulent entries, making the system secure and reliable.

One-Time Employer Registration

Eligible employers must complete a one-time registration on the official PMVBRY portals:

This streamlined process ensures that employers can easily claim incentives without being burdened by repetitive documentation or approvals.

Special Provisions for the Manufacturing Sector

Recognizing the manufacturing industry’s critical role in generating large-scale jobs, PMVBRY offers special benefits exclusively for this sector. By extending incentives, the government aims to attract more investments, promote industrial growth, and establish India as a global production hub.

Extended Incentive Period for Manufacturers

While employers in other sectors receive incentives for two years, those in the manufacturing sector enjoy benefits for four years. This extended incentive period motivates companies to expand their workforce with a long-term perspective, reducing attrition and creating more stable employment opportunities. It also aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, strengthening the nation’s industrial backbone.

Final Thoughts: Why PMVBRY Matters

The PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) is not just a financial incentive program—it is a visionary roadmap for India’s employment landscape. By supporting new employees and responsible employers, the scheme paves the way for inclusive growth, social security, and economic progress. With its special provisions for manufacturing, it also positions India as a competitive force in the global economy.

👉 If you are a job seeker, check your eligibility today and ensure your employer is EPFO-registered.
👉 If you are an employer, don’t delay—register your establishment and leverage government incentives to expand your workforce sustainably.

FAQs on PMVBRY 2025 Eligibility

What is the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)?
PMVBRY is a central government scheme launched on August 1, 2025, with a financial outlay of ₹1 lakh crore to promote formal job creation and social security through EPFO.

Who administers the PMVBRY scheme?
The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

What is the operational period of PMVBRY?
The scheme is applicable for employees joining between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.

Who is considered a first-time employee under PMVBRY?
A first-time employee is someone who has never been an EPFO or Exempted Trust member before August 1, 2025, and is joining the formal workforce for the first time.

What is the maximum wage limit for employees under PMVBRY?
Employees must have a monthly gross wage of up to ₹1 lakh to be eligible under the scheme.

Is EPFO registration mandatory for eligibility?
Yes, employees must join an establishment registered with EPFO or exempted under the EPF & MP Act, 1952.

What is UAN generation and why is it important?
UAN is a Universal Account Number generated for employees using Face Authentication Technology on the UMANG App. It is mandatory to access benefits.

How long must employees remain with the same employer to receive benefits?
Employees must work continuously for at least six months with the same employer to receive the first installment of the incentive.

Is there a financial literacy requirement under PMVBRY?
Yes, employees must complete a financial literacy course prescribed by EPFO to receive the second installment of the incentive.

What are the eligibility criteria for employers under PMVBRY?
Employers must be EPFO-registered, meet new hiring thresholds, generate Aadhaar-linked UANs for employees, and maintain compliance with EPFO.

What is the new hiring threshold for small employers?
Employers with fewer than 50 employees must hire at least two additional workers to qualify for incentives.

What is the new hiring threshold for large employers?
Employers with 50 or more employees must hire at least five additional workers to qualify for incentives.

How long must new hires be retained by employers?
Employers must retain the additional workforce for at least six months to be eligible for incentives.

Can exempted establishments participate in PMVBRY?
Yes, exempted establishments under EPF & MP Act, 1952, are also eligible.

What incentives are provided to employers?
Employers receive financial incentives for hiring new employees with a monthly wage of up to ₹1 lakh, provided all compliance conditions are met.

What are the compliance requirements for employers?
Employers must file monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR), pay provident fund contributions on time, and ensure Aadhaar-based UAN generation.

Is there a one-time registration process for employers?
Yes, employers must complete a one-time registration on pmvbry.epfindia.gov.in or pmvbry.labour.gov.in to avail benefits.

What special provision is available for the manufacturing sector?
Employers in the manufacturing sector receive incentives for four years, compared to two years in other sectors.

Why is the manufacturing sector given special priority?
The manufacturing sector is prioritized due to its potential for large-scale job creation and contribution to the Make in India initiative.

Can employees with prior EPFO membership avail PMVBRY benefits?
No, only those who were not EPFO or Exempted Trust members before August 1, 2025, are eligible.

How are PMVBRY incentives disbursed to employees?
Incentives are directly transferred to employees’ bank accounts linked to their Aadhaar-authenticated UANs.

Do employers need to pay PF for new employees under PMVBRY?
Yes, employers must pay PF contributions for both new and existing employees as part of compliance.

What happens if employers fail to comply with EPFO regulations?
Non-compliance can result in disqualification from PMVBRY benefits for the employer.

Is the PMVBRY scheme limited to any particular sector?
No, it applies to all sectors, but the manufacturing sector receives extended incentives.

How does PMVBRY support employees apart from financial aid?
It ensures formal workforce entry, PF savings, job security, and financial literacy training.

Can contractual employees benefit from PMVBRY?
Yes, as long as they are registered under EPFO and meet wage and continuity requirements.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for PMVBRY?
Yes, Aadhaar authentication is required for UAN generation and incentive disbursement.

Can employers claim incentives for high-salaried employees?
No, incentives are only available for employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month.

Do employers need to show net workforce increase to qualify?
Yes, they must show a genuine increase in workforce strength as per hiring thresholds.

Can employees change jobs during the scheme period?
Employees must remain with the same employer for at least six months to receive the first installment. Job changes before this may affect eligibility.

Will employees continue to benefit after leaving the employer?
While incentives are tied to continued employment, EPFO membership and social security benefits remain active through UAN.

What long-term impact does PMVBRY aim to achieve?
The scheme aims to expand formal employment, strengthen social security, and boost India’s manufacturing and economic growth.

Is PMVBRY linked to other government employment schemes?
While distinct, PMVBRY complements other employment and social security schemes to create a more inclusive job ecosystem.

Can startups and small businesses register under PMVBRY?
Yes, as long as they are EPFO-registered and meet the minimum new hiring thresholds.

What is the role of EPFO in PMVBRY?
EPFO oversees registration, UAN generation, financial literacy programs, and ensures smooth incentive disbursement.

Is there a deadline for employer registration under PMVBRY?
Employers must register within the scheme’s operational period to claim benefits, i.e., before July 31, 2027.

Does PMVBRY cover gig and platform workers?
Currently, it applies only to formal sector employees under EPFO, not gig or platform workers.

How does PMVBRY promote financial literacy?
By making completion of an EPFO-prescribed financial literacy course mandatory for employees to access the second installment.

What kind of employees are excluded from PMVBRY benefits?
Employees earning above ₹1 lakh monthly and those with prior EPFO membership are excluded.

Can employers in the service sector benefit from PMVBRY?
Yes, employers across all sectors are eligible, but services receive incentives for two years, unlike four years in manufacturing.

Is PMVBRY available pan-India?
Yes, the scheme applies uniformly across all states and union territories in India.

How does PMVBRY ensure transparency?
Through Aadhaar-linked UANs, Face Authentication Technology, and direct bank transfers.

Can employers with fluctuating workforce size qualify?
Only if they maintain the minimum required workforce increase consistently for six months.

Are apprentices or interns covered under PMVBRY?
Apprentices and interns may not qualify unless formally employed and registered under EPFO.

What happens if an employee fails the financial literacy course?
They will not receive the second installment of the incentive until the course is successfully completed.

Does PMVBRY benefit existing EPFO members?
No, it is designed specifically for first-time employees entering the formal workforce.

Is there any sectoral cap on number of beneficiaries?
No, the scheme is open-ended across all eligible establishments, with no specific cap per sector.

How is the scheme funded?
PMVBRY is funded directly by the central government with a financial outlay of nearly ₹1 lakh crore.

Can employers with past compliance issues apply?
Only compliant employers actively filing EPFO returns and contributions are eligible to participate.

Does the scheme offer direct tax benefits to employers?
While no direct tax benefits are offered, employers gain financial incentives for workforce expansion.

How does PMVBRY align with Make in India?
By providing extended incentives to manufacturers, the scheme strengthens India’s industrial base and promotes local production.

What is the ultimate goal of PMVBRY?
The scheme aims to generate formal jobs, expand social security, and accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy.