If you are starting your first formal job, a government scheme could provide you with an incentive of up to ₹15,000. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), the government's employment-linked incentive programme, is aimed at encouraging young people to enter the organised workforce while also encouraging companies to create new jobs.

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore and is intended to support more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years. It applies to eligible jobs created between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.

Who can get up to ₹15,000?

The first part of PM-VBRY is specifically designed for first-time employees.

A person entering formal employment for the first time and getting registered with EPFO can receive an incentive equivalent to one month's EPF wage, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000. The employee's monthly salary must be up to ₹1 lakh to qualify under this component.

The benefit is not paid as one immediate lump sum.

How will the ₹15,000 be paid?

The incentive is divided into two instalments.

The first instalment, up to ₹7,500, becomes payable after the employee completes six months of continuous service.

The second instalment becomes payable after completing 12 months of continuous employment and completing the prescribed financial literacy programme. A portion of this second instalment is placed in a designated savings instrument or account for a specified period.

This structure is intended to encourage new employees to remain in formal employment and develop a habit of saving.

Employers can also receive an incentive

PM-VBRY is not only designed to benefit employees. Companies that create additional jobs can also receive financial incentives.

Eligible employers can receive up to ₹3,000 per month for each additional employee who remains employed for at least six months. The incentive is available for two years, while eligible manufacturing-sector employers can receive support for an additional two years.

The employer incentive varies according to the EPF wage of the additional employee.

Why was this scheme introduced?

The government aims to encourage the creation of formal employment and expand social-security coverage through EPFO registration.

According to the government, more than 72 lakh first-time employees had entered the formal workforce through PM-VBRY within its first year of implementation, while more than 15 lakh beneficiaries had already received employment-linked incentives.

The scheme also places particular emphasis on manufacturing, where employers can receive extended incentives.

What should first-time job seekers know?

If you are joining your first formal job, don't assume that simply getting a salary makes you eligible for the ₹15,000 incentive. The scheme has specific requirements relating to first-time EPFO registration, wages and continued employment.

Employees should ensure that their EPFO and employment details are correctly recorded and should check their eligibility through official channels rather than relying on messages or social-media claims.

The scheme is currently active

PM-VBRY came into effect on August 1, 2025, and its eligible employment window runs until July 31, 2027. The government has already begun distributing benefits under the scheme.

So, if you are about to start your first formal job, this is one government employment scheme worth knowing about. The maximum benefit is ₹15,000, but the exact amount and eligibility depend on your EPF wage and other conditions under the scheme.