Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges faced by India’s youth. Despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, millions of young men and women remain unemployed due to lack of opportunities, skill gaps, or regional imbalances in job creation. To bridge this gap, the Government of India and various state governments have launched multiple schemes and initiatives to support unemployed people.These schemes provide financial help, skill training, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship support, ensuring that job seekers not only survive unemployment but also prepare for a sustainable future.In this blog, we’ll explore the top government schemes that support unemployed people in India, how they work, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
🌟 Why Government Schemes for the Unemployed Are Important
Unemployment doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts families, communities, and the economy as a whole. Government schemes are important because they:
- Provide financial relief to unemployed individuals
- Offer training programs to bridge the skill gap
- Create self-employment opportunities through loans and subsidies
- Encourage entrepreneurship among youth
- Ensure inclusive growth by covering rural, urban, male, and female candidates
🏆 Central Government Schemes for the Unemployed in India
Here are the key national-level schemes that unemployed youth across India can benefit from:
1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
- Objective: To provide free skill training to unemployed youth.
- Benefits:
- Free training in IT, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and more
- Certification recognized by industries
- Placement assistance after training
- Eligibility:
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35
- Basic educational qualification as required for each course
- How to Apply: Visit the PMKVY official portal and register for training centers in your area.
2. National Career Service (NCS) Portal
- Objective: To connect job seekers with employers through a digital platform.
- Benefits:
- Free registration for unemployed candidates
- Access to government and private job listings
- Career counseling and skill development resources
- Eligibility: Open to all job seekers in India.
- How to Apply: Visit NCS Portal, create an account, and apply for jobs directly.
3. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Objective: To provide guaranteed wage employment to rural households.
- Benefits:
- 100 days of guaranteed wage employment every year
- Daily wages based on state norms
- Priority to women and marginalized groups
- Eligibility:
- Rural households willing to do unskilled manual work
- How to Apply: Register at your Gram Panchayat to get a job card.
4. Prime Minister’s Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)
- Objective: To encourage employers to hire more workers by offering incentives.
- Benefits:
- Government pays part of the EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) contribution for new hires
- Creates more job opportunities for unemployed youth
- Eligibility:
- Job seekers who are fresh hires in companies covered under EPF
- How to Apply: Job seekers don’t apply directly; they benefit when recruited under eligible organizations.
5. Skill India Mission
- Objective: To train over 40 crore youth in various skills by 2025.
- Benefits:
- Free and subsidized training in vocational courses
- Certification recognized nationally and internationally
- Entrepreneurial support for those wanting to start small businesses
- Eligibility: Open to unemployed youth of India.
- How to Apply: Enroll at training centers or through Skill India Portal.
6. Startup India Scheme
- Objective: To support unemployed youth who want to become entrepreneurs.
- Benefits:
- Financial assistance, tax exemptions, and easier loan facilities
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Access to government tenders for startups
- Eligibility:
- Youth with innovative startup ideas
- Startups less than 10 years old with turnover under ₹100 crore
- How to Apply: Register at Startup India Portal.
7. Stand-Up India Scheme
- Objective: To promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST candidates and women.
- Benefits:
- Loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for setting up businesses
- Focus on manufacturing, services, and trading sectors
- Eligibility:
- SC/ST candidates or women above 18 years of age
- How to Apply: Apply through Stand-Up India Portal.
8. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)
- Objective: To support unemployed youth who lost jobs during COVID-19 and encourage new hiring.
- Benefits:
- Government contributes to EPF accounts of newly hired employees
- Increased formal sector jobs
- Eligibility:
- New employees joining EPF-registered organizations
- How to Apply: Through employers covered under EPF scheme.
🏛️ State Government Schemes for the Unemployed
Along with central schemes, many state governments also run unemployment support programs:
1. Rajasthan Berojgari Bhatta Yojana
- Benefit: Monthly allowance of ₹4,000 (male) and ₹4,500 (female) to unemployed graduates.
- Eligibility:
- Graduate unemployed youth in Rajasthan
- Age between 21–35 years
- How to Apply: Through the Rajasthan Employment Exchange portal.
2. Bihar Berojgari Bhatta Yojana
- Benefit: Financial support of ₹1,000 per month to unemployed graduates for 2 years.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a resident of Bihar
- Graduate and unemployed
- How to Apply: Register at the Bihar State Employment Portal.
3. Kerala Unemployment Allowance Scheme
- Benefit: ₹1,000 monthly allowance for unemployed youth registered at employment exchanges.
- Eligibility:
- Age between 21–35 years
- Family income under state guidelines
- How to Apply: Through the local employment exchange office.
4. Madhya Pradesh Berojgari Bhatta
- Benefit: Monthly financial aid for unemployed youth until they find a job.
- Eligibility:
- Age 21–35
- Must be unemployed and registered on the state portal
- How to Apply: Online through the MP Employment Portal.
5. Himachal Pradesh Unemployment Allowance Scheme
- Benefit: ₹1,000 per month for unemployed youth, and ₹1,500 for disabled unemployed youth.
- Eligibility: Youth registered in state employment offices.
- How to Apply: Through Himachal Pradesh State Employment Office.
📊 Comparison Table of Key Schemes
| Scheme | Type | Benefit | Eligibility |
| PMKVY | Skill Training | Free training + certification | 18–35 yrs, unemployed youth |
| MGNREGA | Employment | 100 days of paid work | Rural households |
| NCS Portal | Job Matching | Free job listings & career guidance | Open to all job seekers |
| Startup India | Entrepreneurship | Tax exemptions, funding, tenders | Startups under 10 yrs old |
| Rajasthan Berojgari Bhatta | State Scheme | ₹4,000–₹4,500 per month | Graduates in Rajasthan |
| Bihar Berojgari Bhatta | State Scheme | ₹1,000 per month for 2 years | Graduate residents of Bihar |
| Kerala Unemployment Allowance | State Scheme | ₹1,000 per month | Youth registered at exchanges |
| Himachal Pradesh Allowance | State Scheme | ₹1,000–₹1,500 per month | Unemployed in Himachal Pradesh |
💡 How to Make the Most of These Schemes
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official government websites.
- Register Early: Employment exchanges and portals often require early registration.
- Keep Documents Ready: Aadhaar, educational certificates, residence proof, and bank details.
- Skill Upgrade: Don’t just rely on allowances; use free training to improve your employability.
- Apply Consistently: Use multiple schemes if eligible – e.g., training + financial support.
🧠 FAQs on Government Schemes for Unemployed People
❓ Can a 12th pass student apply for these schemes?
👉 Yes, many schemes like PMKVY and NCS accept candidates with basic education.
❓ Are unemployment allowances permanent?
👉 No, they are usually temporary (6 months–2 years) to support you until you get a job.
❓ Do I need to pay money to register for these schemes?
👉 No. All government schemes are free. Beware of fraud.
❓ Can I apply for both central and state schemes?
👉 Yes, if you meet the eligibility, you can benefit from both.
✅ Conclusion
The Government of India, along with state governments, is taking multiple steps to reduce unemployment and support youth. From financial allowances like Rajasthan Berojgari Bhatta to skill-based schemes like PMKVY and entrepreneurship programs like Startup India, unemployed people have plenty of options to choose from.
👉 If you’re unemployed, don’t just wait. Explore these schemes, apply online or through your local employment exchange, and take charge of your career path.
