PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) — Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026)

Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is the world's largest financial-inclusion programme. It gives every Indian — including those with no address proof and zero balance — access to a bank account, debit card, insurance cover and an overdraft facility. As of 2026, over 53 crore accounts have been opened with total deposits of over ₹2.4 lakh crore.

Launched: 2014 For: Unbanked Indian citizens 10+

Key Benefits

• Zero-balance basic savings account (no minimum balance penalty).
• Free RuPay debit card with built-in ₹2 lakh accident insurance (for accounts opened after Aug 2018).
• Up to ₹10,000 overdraft to Aadhaar-seeded account holders after 6 months of satisfactory operation.
• DBT-ready: receive LPG subsidy, PM Kisan, scholarship, pension, maternity benefit etc. directly.
• Interest on deposits as per normal savings account rate.
• Life cover of ₹30,000 to eligible accounts opened between 15 Aug 2014 – 31 Jan 2015.

Eligibility

• Any Indian citizen aged 10 years and above.
• Can be opened without any minimum balance or proof of income.
• Only one Jan Dhan account per person.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar (preferred) OR Voter ID / PAN / passport / driving licence
• Recent passport-size photo
• If no valid document → 'small account' can be opened with self-attested photo and signature/thumb impression

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit any public sector bank, private bank or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) in your village/ward.
2. Fill the PMJDY account-opening form.
3. Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC (instant) or submit documents.
4. Receive RuPay debit card and passbook.
5. Link Aadhaar + mobile for DBT and overdraft eligibility.

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