Top 10 Central Government Schemes Every Indian Should Know in 2025

India is a nation of more than 1.4 billion people, with a population that is diverse in income levels, occupations, education, and social needs. To support different sections of society and to promote inclusive development, the Central Government launches and updates several welfare schemes every year. These schemes aim to reduce poverty, create employment, improve healthcare, support farmers, strengthen education, empower women, and ensure that every citizen receives basic facilities for a dignified life.

In 2025, many of these schemes continue to play a crucial role in improving the lives of ordinary people. Some schemes provide financial assistance directly into bank accounts, while others offer social security benefits, subsidised resources, housing support, or free essential services. However, many people either do not know about these schemes or are unsure how to apply for them.

This article explains the Top 10 Central Government Schemes that every Indian should know in 2025, presented in clear and simple language. Each scheme section includes:

✅ Overview of the scheme
✅ Main objectives
✅ Key benefits
✅ Who is eligible
✅ How to apply
✅ Latest updates for 2025
✅ Why the scheme is important for citizens

This guide will help individuals, families, students, workers, farmers, senior citizens, and homemakers understand how these programs can support their financial security, livelihood, and quality of life.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Overview

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is one of the largest financial inclusion programs in the world. Launched to ensure that every household in India has access to a bank account, the scheme provides a no-frills savings account with several financial benefits. In 2025, PMJDY continues to play a key role in making banking accessible to rural and low-income citizens.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To ensure universal access to banking services

• To reduce dependence on informal moneylenders

• To enable direct transfer of government benefits

• To promote financial literacy

• To empower economically weaker families

Key Benefits

PMJDY account holders receive multiple advantages, including:

✅ Zero-balance savings account
✅ RuPay Debit Card
✅ Accidental insurance cover up to ₹2 lakh
✅ Life insurance cover (for eligible account holders)
✅ Access to overdraft facility up to ₹10,000
✅ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for government subsidies
✅ Mobile banking support

These benefits help families secure their savings, make digital payments, and receive government funds without intermediaries.

Eligibility Criteria

To open a PMJDY account, the applicant must:

✅ Be an Indian citizen
✅ Be 10 years of age or older
✅ Provide valid identity proof such as:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID

• PAN Card

• Driving License

• NREGA Job Card

There is no income requirement, and even people without formal documents can open an account under simplified guidelines.

How to Apply

Opening a PMJDY account is simple. Individuals can follow these steps:

✅ Visit any nationalized bank, cooperative bank, or regional rural bank
✅ Request the PMJDY account opening form
✅ Submit identity and address proof
✅ Provide passport-size photos (if requested)
✅ Complete biometric verification (if needed)

Many banks also allow online initiation of the process.

Latest Updates for 2025

In 2025, the government has strengthened PMJDY through:

⭐ Increased use of digital transactions in rural areas
⭐ Faster DBT transfers for subsidies and welfare funds
⭐ Improved coverage under insurance benefits
⭐ Simplified KYC norms for marginalized communities

The scheme continues to support pension schemes, insurance enrollment, and micro-credit services.

Why This Scheme Matters

PMJDY is important because millions of Indians still do not have stable financial access. With a bank account, families can:

✅ Save money safely
✅ Avoid high-interest informal loans
✅ Receive government benefits directly
✅ Build financial identity
✅ Access future credit and welfare schemes

For daily wage earners, small shop owners, domestic workers, farm labourers, and low-income households, PMJDY remains a gateway to economic empowerment.

Link of: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

2. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

Overview

Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY is one of the world’s largest government-funded health insurance programs. It provides free medical treatment for economically vulnerable families. The scheme covers hospitalization costs in both government and empanelled private hospitals. In 2025, the program continues to expand its network and increase cashless treatment accessibility.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To provide free healthcare to poor and low-income families

• To reduce medical expenses and prevent financial burden

• To expand access to quality hospital services

• To support rural and underserved regions

• To protect families from emergency medical costs

Key Benefits

Under PMJAY, eligible beneficiaries receive:

✅ Free health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year
✅ Cashless treatment in listed hospitals
✅ Coverage for surgeries, therapies, and hospitalization
✅ Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses
✅ No age limit or family size restriction
✅ Treatment for major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney issues
✅ Access through Ayushman Golden Card

These benefits help families avoid high medical bills and receive timely treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

PMJAY eligibility is based on the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) database. Beneficiaries include:

✅ Families listed under SECC
✅ Low-income rural households
✅ Urban workers in informal sectors
✅ Homeless, labourers, domestic workers, ragpickers, drivers, masons, etc.

Citizens can check eligibility using:

• Ayushman Bharat website

• Mobile app

• Common Service Centres (CSC)

How to Apply

Steps to avail the scheme:

✅ Visit nearest CSC or Ayushman enrolment centre
✅ Verify eligibility with Aadhaar
✅ Submit identification documents
✅ Receive Ayushman Golden Card
✅ Use card for treatment at empanelled hospitals

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Increased number of empanelled hospitals
⭐ Expanded treatment packages
⭐ Faster verification system
⭐ Improved digital claim processing
⭐ Integration with telemedicine services

Why This Scheme Matters

Medical expenses are one of the biggest causes of financial stress in India. With this scheme, families can:

✅ Avoid selling assets for medical bills
✅ Access better hospital care
✅ Receive treatment without advance payment
✅ Improve long-term health security

PMJAY remains a vital safety net for millions.

Link of: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

Overview

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide affordable housing to all eligible citizens. The scheme includes two major components:

🏡 PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U)
🏡 PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G)

The mission supports home construction, renovation, and subsidized housing loans. In 2025, PMAY continues to help families secure permanent homes with essential amenities.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To ensure “Housing for All”

• To replace temporary and kutcha houses

• To support low-income and economically weaker households

• To increase home ownership

• To improve living standards in rural and urban areas

Key Benefits

PMAY beneficiaries receive:

✅ Financial assistance for house construction
✅ Interest subsidy on home loans under CLSS (Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme)
✅ Support for renovation and upgradation
✅ Priority for women applicants
✅ Mandatory basic facilities such as water, electricity, sanitation

Benefit amount examples:

🏠 PMAY-G: Up to ₹1.3 lakh assistance in plain areas
🏠 Higher assistance in hilly and difficult regions

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies based on income group:

✅ Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
✅ Lower Income Group (LIG)
✅ Middle Income Group (for subsidy under earlier phase)
✅ Families without pucca house

Documents commonly required:

• Aadhaar

• Address proof

• Income proof

• Land ownership papers (for PMAY-G)

How to Apply

Application methods include:

✅ Online application on PMAY portal
✅ Bank-assisted submission for home loans
✅ Gram Panchayat verification for rural housing
✅ Urban local body facilitation centres

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Continued support for unfinished housing beneficiaries
⭐ Faster subsidy disbursement
⭐ Focus on disaster-resilient construction
⭐ Improved tracking through mobile app

Why This Scheme Matters

Owning a home provides:

✅ Stability and security
✅ Improved living conditions
✅ Social dignity
✅ Better health, sanitation, and safety

For low-income households, PMAY makes home ownership achievable.

Link of: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

4. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Overview

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Government income support scheme for farmers across India. The program provides direct financial assistance to help farmers manage agricultural expenses, seeds, fertilizers, and household needs. Launched to strengthen rural income and improve farm sustainability, the scheme continues in 2025 with regular installments deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To provide financial support to small and marginal farmers

• To ensure stable income for agricultural households

• To reduce dependence on loans for basic farming needs

• To encourage continuous cultivation and productivity

• To support rural economic stability

Key Benefits

Eligible farmers receive:

✅ Annual financial assistance of ₹6,000
✅ Amount released in three installments of ₹2,000 each
✅ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account
✅ No middlemen or application fees
✅ Support for both agricultural and household needs

The scheme benefits millions of farming families, including small landholders and low-income cultivators.

Eligibility Criteria

Beneficiaries must:

✅ Be Indian citizens engaged in farming
✅ Own cultivable land recorded in official land records

Ineligible categories include:

❌ Institutional landholders
❌ Income tax payers
❌ Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers (if paying tax)
❌ Retired government officers above specified ranks

How to Apply

Farmers can enroll through:

✅ Local agriculture offices
✅ Common Service Centres (CSC)
✅ PM-KISAN online portal

Documents required:

• Aadhaar card

• Bank passbook

• Land ownership documents

• Address details

How to Check Status

Beneficiaries can verify:

✅ Installment status
✅ Name in beneficiary list
✅ Aadhaar correction

Using:

• PM-KISAN website

• Mobile app

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Faster Aadhaar–bank linking verification
⭐ Improved farmer database accuracy
⭐ SMS alerts for installment releases
⭐ Better support for small and marginal farmers

Why This Scheme Matters

Most Indian farmers have small landholdings and limited income. PM-KISAN helps them:

✅ Manage seasonal expenses
✅ Reduce debt pressure
✅ Support family needs
✅ Maintain stable livelihood

The scheme strengthens rural income security and supports national food production.

Link of: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

         

5. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Overview

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides LPG connections to women belonging to low-income households, replacing unsafe traditional cooking methods such as firewood, kerosene, and coal. The scheme promotes cleaner cooking, better health, and safer homes. In 2025, PMUY continues to expand refill affordability and coverage across rural and urban areas.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To reduce indoor air pollution caused by traditional fuels

• To improve women’s health and safety

• To provide smoke-free kitchens

• To reduce environmental damage from biomass burning

• To promote dignity and convenience for women

Key Benefits

PMUY beneficiaries receive:

✅ Free LPG connection in the name of a woman in the household
✅ First refill support (as per phase guidelines)
✅ Stove assistance in eligible cases
✅ Affordable refill options under subsidy support
✅ Priority to low-income and rural households

Health benefits include:

✅ Reduced respiratory illnesses
✅ Cleaner indoor air
✅ Safer cooking environment

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible households include:

✅ Families listed under SECC data
✅ BPL card holders
✅ Women above 18 years
✅ Households without existing LPG connection

Other qualifying groups may include:

• SC / ST households

• Forest dwellers

• Tea garden workers

• Tribal communities

• Most vulnerable rural families

How to Apply

Application channels:

✅ Nearest LPG distributor
✅ Online LPG company portals

Required documents:

• Aadhaar

• Address proof

• Income certificate / eligibility proof

• Bank account details

How Refills Work

Beneficiaries may receive:

✅ Subsidized cylinders
✅ Digital tracking through LPG apps
✅ SMS alerts for booking and delivery

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Expanded subsidy relief for refills
⭐ Faster delivery services in rural areas
⭐ Improved safety checks and awareness
⭐ Digital booking support through mobile apps

Why This Scheme Matters

Traditional cooking fuels cause harmful smoke leading to:

❌ Lung diseases
❌ Eye irritation
❌ Long cooking hours
❌ Fire hazards

PMUY benefits women and families by providing:

✅ Health protection
✅ Time savings
✅ Cleaner homes
✅ Empowerment through name-based ownership

The scheme supports women’s welfare and promotes modern living standards.

Link of: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

6. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Overview

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a national pension scheme designed to provide financial security to workers in the unorganized sector after the age of 60. Many Indian workers such as labourers, domestic helpers, drivers, small vendors, farmers, and self-employed individuals do not receive pensions from employers. APY helps them save gradually throughout their working years and receive a fixed monthly pension later in life. In 2025, the scheme continues to grow through banks, post offices, and digital enrollment channels.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To ensure a guaranteed pension for senior citizens

• To support workers without formal retirement benefits

• To encourage systematic long-term savings

• To prevent old-age poverty and dependency

• To strengthen India’s social welfare framework

Key Benefits

APY offers the following major advantages:

✅ Guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000–₹5,000 after age 60
✅ Lifetime pension for the subscriber
✅ Spouse continues to receive pension after subscriber’s death
✅ Nominee receives accumulated amount
✅ Auto-debit from bank account ensures hassle-free contributions
✅ Available through all banks and post offices

The monthly contribution depends on:

✅ Age at enrollment
✅ Desired pension amount

Contribution Examples

• Joining at age 18 requires the lowest monthly contribution

• Joining at age 40 requires higher contributions to receive the same pension

Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in APY, individuals must:

✅ Be an Indian citizen
✅ Be aged between 18 and 40
✅ Have a savings bank account
✅ Preferably link Aadhaar and mobile number

Common eligible groups include:

• Construction workers

• Drivers and delivery workers

• Domestic helpers

• Shop assistants

• Agricultural labourers

• Self-employed artisans

How to Apply

Enrollment methods:

✅ Visit any bank branch
✅ Apply through post offices
✅ Use banking correspondents

Steps:

✅ Fill the APY registration form
✅ Submit Aadhaar and bank details
✅ Select pension amount
✅ Enable automatic monthly deduction

Digital enrollment options:

✅ Net banking
✅ Mobile banking app

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Faster digital onboarding using Aadhaar verification
⭐ SMS alerts for contributions and pension tracking
⭐ Strengthened customer support helpline
⭐ Awareness programs for rural and low-income workers

Why This Scheme Matters

A large percentage of Indians reach retirement age without income or savings. APY provides:

✅ Financial dignity in old age
✅ Reduced dependence on children
✅ Support for widows and dependents
✅ Stable monthly income for life

The scheme plays an essential role in protecting vulnerable senior citizens.

Link of: Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

7. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY / Mudra Loans)

Overview

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana provides collateral-free loans to individuals who wish to start or expand small businesses. Many Indians depend on micro-enterprises such as tailoring, food stalls, beauty parlours, handicrafts, repair shops, and home-based work. Mudra loans empower such individuals by offering financial support without requiring property or assets as security. In 2025, the scheme continues to promote entrepreneurship, especially among youth, women, and rural populations.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To encourage self-employment and small business development

• To reduce dependence on informal high-interest lenders

• To support income generation and local economic growth

• To empower first-time entrepreneurs

• To promote women-led and socially disadvantaged enterprises

Key Benefits

Mudra loans provide:

✅ Collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh
✅ Low or zero processing charges
✅ Flexible repayment periods
✅ Support for working capital and business expansion
✅ Special encouragement for women applicants

Loan Categories

Mudra loans are divided into three levels:

1. Shishu (up to ₹50,000)

For new and small business activities such as:

• Tea or snack stalls

• Home-based products

• Street vendors

• Small service units

2. Kishore (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh)

For growing businesses that need more funding.

3. Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh)

For expanding and established micro-enterprises.

Eligible Business Types

✅ Tailoring and boutique units
✅ Beauty and grooming services
✅ Mobile and electronics repair
✅ Small manufacturing activities
✅ Handicrafts and artisans
✅ Local delivery services
✅ Small online businesses

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

✅ Be Indian citizens
✅ Own or plan to start a micro-business
✅ Have basic identity and residence proof

A business plan may be needed for higher loan amounts.

How to Apply

Application methods:

✅ Visit any nationalized bank, private bank, RRB, or NBFC
✅ Submit required documents
✅ Fill Mudra loan application form

Documents usually needed:

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Bank account details

• Proof of business activity

• Financial estimates (for larger loans)

Digital application options:

✅ Jan Samarth Portal
✅ Bank websites

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Faster loan approvals via digital verification
⭐ Increased support for women entrepreneurs
⭐ Technology-based application processing
⭐ Higher allocation for rural enterprise development

Why This Scheme Matters

Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy. Mudra loans help:

✅ Reduce unemployment
✅ Improve household income
✅ Encourage self-reliance
✅ Create local jobs
✅ Promote grassroots innovation

The scheme supports millions who lack financial backing or collateral.

Link of: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY / Mudra Loans)

8. Digital India Initiatives

Overview

Digital India is a flagship initiative of the Central Government aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-driven economy. The mission promotes digital access, online public services, internet connectivity, digital payments, and technology-based governance. In 2025, Digital India continues to expand its reach through improved infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and digital inclusion programs.

Objectives of the Initiative

• To provide universal access to digital services

• To promote transparency and efficiency in governance

• To increase digital literacy across urban and rural populations

• To strengthen digital payments and online financial systems

• To support innovation, startups, and technological advancements

Key Benefits

Citizens benefit from:

✅ Online access to government services
✅ Digital identity through Aadhaar
✅ Faster document processing and verification
✅ Online education and e-learning resources
✅ Expansion of UPI and cashless payment systems
✅ Better access to information and communication

Businesses and students benefit from:

✅ Digital startup support
✅ Skill enhancement through online training
✅ Increased employment opportunities in IT sectors

Major Components

1. Digital Infrastructure

• Broadband connectivity in rural areas

• Public Wi-Fi access points

• Secure cloud storage systems

2. Digital Services Delivery

• Online certificates and applications

• e-governance portals

• Digital grievance systems

3. Digital Literacy

• Training programs for rural households

• Support for elderly and first-time digital users

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Expansion of 5G internet coverage
⭐ Strengthened cybersecurity framework
⭐ Increased digital payment adoption in villages
⭐ Growth in online health consultations and e-learning

Why This Initiative Matters

Digital empowerment helps citizens:

✅ Save time and travel costs
✅ Access welfare benefits easily
✅ Participate in a modern economy
✅ Improve education and employment opportunities

Digital India bridges the gap between rural and urban access to technology.

Link of: Digital India Initiatives

9. Skill India Mission

Overview

Skill India Mission focuses on improving employability by providing skill development and vocational training to youth, workers, and aspiring professionals. The initiative supports individuals seeking employment, self-employment, industry-based skills, and certification programs. In 2025, Skill India continues to expand training centres, digital learning modules, and job placement support.

Objectives of the Mission

• To equip citizens with practical and industry-ready skills

• To reduce unemployment and underemployment

• To align workforce skills with market needs

• To support entrepreneurship and self-reliance

• To strengthen India’s skilled labour pool

Key Benefits

Participants receive:

✅ Free or subsidized skill training
✅ Certification recognized by industries
✅ Hands-on practical learning
✅ Placement assistance for eligible programs
✅ Opportunities in both domestic and global markets

Popular Training Fields:

✅ Retail and customer service
✅ Healthcare assistance
✅ Hospitality and tourism
✅ Construction and technical trades
✅ IT and computer skills
✅ Beauty and wellness
✅ Electrical and plumbing skills

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Indian citizens aged 15 and above
✅ Students, job seekers, workers, homemakers

No specific educational qualification required for many courses.

How to Apply

Enrollment options:

✅ Online registration through Skill India portal
✅ Visit nearest training centre
✅ Apply through government-approved institutions

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Increased focus on digital and AI skills
⭐ Partnerships with private industries
⭐ Apprenticeship expansion programs
⭐ Certification verification via online platforms

Why This Mission Matters

Skill development helps individuals:

✅ Improve employability
✅ Increase income potential
✅ Explore self-employment opportunities
✅ Build confidence and independence

For India, it strengthens the economy and global competitiveness.

Link of: Skill India Mission

10. Jal Jeevan Mission

Overview

Jal Jeevan Mission is a major initiative aimed at providing safe and clean drinking water to every rural household in India through tap connections. Access to drinking water is essential for health, hygiene, and daily living. In 2025, the mission continues to expand water supply infrastructure, purification systems, and monitoring mechanisms.

Objectives of the Mission

• To ensure household tap water supply for all rural homes

• To reduce dependence on unsafe water sources

• To prevent waterborne diseases

• To promote hygiene and sanitation

• To improve quality of life in villages

Key Benefits

Beneficiaries receive:

✅ Functional household tap connections
✅ Clean and safe drinking water access
✅ Reduced time spent collecting water
✅ Better health and sanitation outcomes

Women especially benefit through:

✅ Reduced physical labour
✅ More time for work, education, and family

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Rural households without tap water supply
✅ Priority to water-scarce regions

How the Scheme Is Implemented

• Village water supply systems

• Water quality testing

• Pipeline installations

• Community monitoring committees

Latest Updates for 2025

⭐ Expansion in remote villages
⭐ Technological monitoring through digital dashboards
⭐ Improved water quality testing labs
⭐ Greater focus on sustainability and conservation

Why This Scheme Matters

Clean water is essential for:

✅ Disease prevention
✅ Children’s health
✅ Women’s empowerment
✅ Improved hygiene

The mission supports healthier and more resilient rural communities.

Link of: Jal Jeevan Mission

Conclusion

Government schemes play an important role in improving the lives of citizens across India. The ten major schemes discussed in this article support different needs—financial inclusion, healthcare, housing, farmer welfare, clean energy, retirement security, entrepreneurship, digital access, skill development, and safe drinking water.

In 2025, these schemes continue to create opportunities and strengthen the foundation for a more developed, equitable, and self-reliant nation. Understanding these programs helps citizens access benefits, improve living standards, and participate in national progress.

These schemes matter because they:

✅ Reduce poverty and vulnerability
✅ Empower women and rural populations
✅ Support youth and workforce development
✅ Improve quality of life across communities

By staying informed and utilizing available benefits, individuals and families can experience meaningful improvements in financial security, health, education, and social dignity.