If you’re starting your very first job, there’s some good news from the central government that might be worth your attention.
On July 1, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a new employment incentive aimed directly at India’s youth. And yes—this time, it’s more than just policy talk. Under the new Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, first-time salaried individuals could receive up to ₹15,000 directly from the government, along with additional benefits for the companies that hire them.
Sounds promising? Let’s walk through exactly what this scheme is, who can benefit, and how the money will actually reach your account.
Key Features of the ELI Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | First-time salaried employees |
| Direct Benefit | ₹15,000 paid in 2 instalments |
| Employer Incentive | ₹1,000–₹3,000 per employee monthly |
| Target Employers | Companies registered under EPFO |
| Payment Timeline | After 6 months + 12 months of employment |
What Is the ELI Scheme?
The ELI Scheme—short for Employment Linked Incentive—was officially launched on July 1, 2025, after being proposed in the previous Union Budget. It’s part of a broader youth employment push led by the government, aimed at helping first-time job seekers and encouraging companies to hire fresh talent.
Think of it as a welcome bonus—not just for the employee, but for the employer too.
The scheme is part of a larger package that plans to support over 4.1 crore youth through employment, skill development, and social protection. A whopping ₹2 lakh crore has been allocated for the entire initiative.
What’s the Goal of ELI Scheme ?
- To boost youth employment in both formal and semi-formal sectors
- To support first-time salaried workers with a financial incentive
- To help companies absorb hiring costs for new employees
- To create a future-ready, skilled workforce
ELI Scheme Who Will Get ₹15,000?
- If you’re joining a formal job for the very first time, you could receive up to ₹15,000 from the government.
- This isn’t a lump sum—it’s paid in two instalments over a year.
- Your employer also gets benefits if they meet eligibility norms (more on that below).
How Much Will the Company Receive?
Companies also benefit under this scheme if they hire eligible candidates. Based on employee salary slabs, companies will get a monthly incentive:
| Monthly Salary Slab | Incentive per Employee |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹10,000 | ₹1,000/month |
| ₹10,001–₹20,000 | ₹2,000/month |
| ₹20,001–₹1,00,000 | ₹3,000/month |
Eli scheme eligibility Who’s Eligible for the ₹15,000?
- To receive the benefit, you must:
- Be joining your first salaried job
- Not have been registered with EPFO before
- Be earning less than ₹1 lakh/month
- Work for a company that’s registered with EPFO
- Stay in the job for at least 6 months
Employer Eligibility – What Companies Need to Meet
- For employers to qualify for benefits under this scheme:
- The company must be EPFO-registered
- Must hire at least 2 new employees (if <50 workers)
- Must hire at least 5 new employees (if >50 workers)
- New employees must stay for minimum 6 months
When Will You Get the ₹15,000? Eli scheme benefits
- The incentive isn’t paid all at once. It’s split into two phases:
- First Instalment: After 6 months of continuous employment
- Second Instalment: After 12 months and completion of a financial literacy program
- Some part of the benefit will be transferred to your EPF account, which you can withdraw later as per rules.
Eli scheme What Documents Will Be Required?
You don’t need to fill out a separate application, but these documents are essential:
- Your joining letter
- UAN number from EPFO
- Aadhaar card
- A bank account linked to your Aadhaar
How Will the Money Reach Your Bank Account?
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to apply manually. As soon as you’re registered under EPFO by your employer and meet the scheme’s conditions, the system will automatically track your status.
After 6 months, the first instalment will be released to your Aadhaar-linked bank account. The second will follow after a year.
Where to ELI Scheme Check Status?
Log in to the EPFO portal → Member e‑Seva → Online Services, and you’ll see your EPF contributions as well as incentive payouts when they’re processed. There’s no separate ‘ELI scheme’ tab.
ELI Scheme 2025 apply Online ELI scheme Registration
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the ELI Scheme Online
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme application process is integrated directly with the EPFO portalno separate registration needed.
- Complete Your EPFO Registration
- Make sure your Universal Account Number (UAN) is activated.
- Link your Aadhaar and bank details to your UAN on the EPFO website.
- This step confirms your eligibility under Part A of the scheme
ELI Scheme FAQs – What You Might Be Wondering
- What exactly is the ELI scheme?
It’s a government-backed employment incentive for first-time workers and companies hiring them. The employee gets ₹15,000 in two parts, and the company also receives support per eligible hire. - Is every new employee eligible?
No. Only those who have never been part of EPFO before and whose salary is under ₹1 lakh/month can benefit. - I had a part-time job years ago. Do I qualify?
If you’ve already been part of the EPFO system—even once—you won’t qualify. The scheme strictly supports first-time salaried workers. - Can I apply online?
No need. The scheme uses your EPFO registration data. Once your employer adds you, the system tracks your progress automatically.