Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP)

Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy scheme of the Maharashtra government that helps unemployed youth set up new micro and small enterprises. The scheme covers manufacturing, service and agro-based businesses in both rural and urban areas of the state, and it is accepting online applications on the official portal maha-cmegp.gov.in.

CMEGP was launched through the government resolution dated 01.08.2019 and is implemented by the Directorate of Industries (DOI) through District Industries Centres (DICs) and the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB). As of August 2026, the Industries Department dashboard shows more than 4.98 lakh online applications submitted under the scheme, so registration remains open for the current financial year 2026-27.

About Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP)

CMEGP gives a bank loan and a margin money subsidy for new projects, so a first-generation entrepreneur does not have to arrange the full project cost on their own. The beneficiary contribution stays between 5% and 10% of the project cost depending on the category, and the bank provides the remaining amount as a term loan.

The scheme is meant for educated unemployed youth aged 18 to 45 years. Special categories such as SC, ST, women, ex-servicemen, differently abled, VJNT, OBC and minorities get a 5-year age relaxation and a lower beneficiary contribution. The state government also plans to create around 10 lakh jobs through this scheme over five years, with 30% reservation for women entrepreneurs.

Highlights of CMEGP

Financial Support and Project Cost

The maximum project cost depends on the sector in which the new unit is being set up.

The subsidy rate now follows a graded structure. General category applicants get 15% subsidy in urban areas and 25% in rural areas. Special category applicants such as SC, ST, women, ex-servicemen, differently abled, VJNT, OBC and minorities get 25% subsidy in urban areas and 35% in rural areas.

Benefits

CMEGP is one of the main self-employment schemes of the Maharashtra government because it combines loan support with a direct subsidy. The main benefits are given below.

• High project cost support: Manufacturing units can get project support up to ₹50 lakh, while service and agro-based units can get up to ₹20 lakh.
• Subsidy on the loan: A back-ended margin money subsidy of 15% to 35% is credited after the unit completes three years with regular loan repayments.
• Low beneficiary contribution: Special category applicants need to bring only 5% of the project cost, while general category applicants bring 10%.
• Free EDP training: Eligible people get Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training, which helps them run the business properly.

Eligibility

Applicants need to meet these conditions before applying for CMEGP:

1. Age: Applicant should be between 18 and 45 years old. The age limit is relaxed by 5 years for SC, ST, women, ex-servicemen and differently abled applicants.
2. Residence: Applicant should be a domicile of Maharashtra state.
3. Education: For projects above ₹10 lakh, at least 7th standard pass is required. For projects above ₹25 lakh, at least 10th standard pass is required.
4. Employment status: Applicant should be an unemployed youth who wants to start a new business.
5. Family rule: Only one person from a family, which means husband and wife together, can get the benefit of this scheme.

Exclusions

Some applicants cannot get the benefit of CMEGP. Check these points before applying:

• Existing subsidy users: Applicants who have already taken subsidy under PMEGP, REGP or PMRY are not eligible for CMEGP.
• Existing businesses: The scheme supports only brand-new units, so an existing running business cannot be financed under CMEGP.
• More than one member: A second member from the same family cannot apply while the first application is active.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before starting the online application:

• Identity and address proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card and domicile certificate of Maharashtra.
• Education proof: Marksheets and certificates of 7th, 10th, 12th or higher education as per the project cost.
• Category proof: Caste certificate or special category certificate if the applicant belongs to SC, ST, OBC, VJNT, minority or other special category.
• Project details: Detailed Project Report (DPR) and undertaking form available on the portal.
• Other documents: Passport size photograph, population certificate for rural applicants, and bank clearance certificate if working capital is zero for projects above ₹5 lakh.

Application Process

CMEGP accepts applications only through the online mode. Physical forms are not accepted at DIC offices. The complete process is given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the official CMEGP portal at maha-cmegp.gov.in and click on the new registration option. Enter the Aadhaar number, mobile number and email id, verify the OTP, and create a user id and password. Registration on the portal is free.

STEP 2 - Log in and fill the online application form for individual or non-individual applicant as per the case. Enter personal details, educational qualification, type of business (manufacturing, service or agro-based), project cost and location (rural or urban).

STEP 3 - Upload the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and all required documents like Aadhaar, PAN, domicile certificate, education certificates and category certificates. Submit the form and note the application number.

STEP 4 - The District Industries Centre (DIC) or KVIB checks the application and project feasibility. The District Level Scrutiny and Coordination Sub-Committee (DLSCC) reviews eligibility, and the District Level Task Force Committee (DLTFC) approves the file.

STEP 5 - The approved file goes to the bank, which assesses the project and sanctions the loan. After the loan is sanctioned, the applicant has to complete the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training for one to two weeks and upload the EDP certificate on the portal.

STEP 6 - After the unit starts and completes three years with regular loan repayments, the bank claims the subsidy. The margin money subsidy is then credited as a grant-in-aid after verification.

References

Applicants can check the live status and district-wise data of the scheme on the official CMEGP dashboard of the Maharashtra Industries Department. The detailed guidelines and undertaking form are available on the official portal maha-cmegp.gov.in under the resources section.

FAQ's

What is the maximum project cost allowed under CMEGP?

The limit is ₹50 lakh for manufacturing units and ₹20 lakh for service, agro-based and other units.

Who are the eligible beneficiaries?

Individual entrepreneurs aged 18 to 45 years, self help groups, co-operative societies and other eligible non-individual groups can apply.

What is the age limit?

Applicants should be between 18 and 45 years old. A 5-year relaxation applies to SC, ST, women, ex-servicemen and differently abled applicants.

How much subsidy is given in 2026?

General category gets 15% subsidy in urban and 25% in rural areas. Special category gets 25% in urban and 35% in rural areas.

What is the definition of a family?

For this scheme, a family includes the applicant and the spouse. Only one person from such a family can get the benefit.

Can a unit be set up in an urban area?

Yes, units can be set up in urban areas also. The subsidy rate for urban areas is lower than the rural rate.

Is EDP training compulsory?

Yes, EDP training is compulsory after the loan is sanctioned, and the EDP certificate has to be uploaded on the portal before the subsidy is claimed.

Can a person who already took PMEGP subsidy apply?

No. Applicants who have already received subsidy under PMEGP, REGP or PMRY cannot get benefit under CMEGP.

Where should the application be submitted?

Application should be submitted online at maha-cmegp.gov.in. Offline or physical applications are not accepted.