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:

• Encourage first-time job seekers

• Support employers hiring fresh employees

Under this scheme:

• First-time employees will receive a ₹15,000 bonus from the government.

• 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:

• 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.
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

— Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) July 4, 2025

📅 When will the ₹15,000 be credited?

• The money will not be given with your first salary.

• It will be disbursed in two equal installments:

  • First Installment: After 6 months of continuous employment.

  • Second Installment: After completing 12 months of employment.

🧾 Who qualifies as a ‘first-time’ employee?

To qualify as a first-time employee:

• You must not have a PF (Provident Fund) account prior to this job.

• 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:

• Companies hiring new employees will receive:

  • ₹3,000/month for 2 years (non-manufacturing sector)

  • ₹3,000/month for 4 years (manufacturing sector)

Example:

• A company hires 50 new employees.

• It will receive ₹3,000 × 50 = ₹1,50,000/month.

• 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:

• PF registration after August 1, 2025

• Employment proof

• 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:

• You join after August 1, 2025

• Your employer complies with PF registration

• 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!