AI SummaryPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a national financial inclusion scheme launched on 28th August 2014 to make sure every unbanked adult in India gets access to basic banking services, insurance, and credit without any minimum balance. The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance through banks and Bank Mitras.
As of 15th July 2026, more than 58.77 crore PMJDY accounts have been opened across the country, with total deposits crossing ₹3.12 lakh crore. Around 32.75 crore account holders are women, and over 45.73 crore accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas. More than 40.94 crore RuPay debit cards have been issued under the scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana - Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is the national mission for financial inclusion that helps every unbanked adult in India join the formal banking system. Since its launch on 28th August 2014, the scheme has focused on opening savings accounts, giving access to credit, and providing insurance cover to people who were earlier left out of the banking network.
The scheme works on the basic idea of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded. Over the years the focus has moved from household coverage to full coverage of every unbanked adult. This makes banking simple, inclusive, and useful for every citizen, especially for poor families and low-income groups.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana also acts as the base for many other government welfare schemes. Subsidies and benefits under PM-KISAN, LPG subsidy, MGNREGA wages, and several pension and scholarship schemes are credited directly into these accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Banking, Financial Services and Insurance |
| Target Beneficiaries | Unbanked Indian Citizens |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Finance |
| Implementing Department | Department of Financial Services |
| Implementing Agency | Banks and Bank Mitras |
| Open Date | 28-08-2014 |
| Minimum Balance | Zero Balance |
| Official Website | pmjdy.gov.in |
Benefits
Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account
You can open a Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana without worrying about maintaining any minimum balance. You may deposit or withdraw cash at bank branches, ATMs, or through Banking Correspondents. Cash withdrawals are normally limited to four times in a month.
Small Account or Chota Khata
If you do not have the standard legal documents, you can still open a small account known as a Chota Khata. These accounts are valid for twelve months. You should submit proof that you have applied for an officially valid document within this period to continue the account for another twelve months.
RuPay Debit Card
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana provides a free RuPay debit card to eligible account holders. The card comes with an inbuilt accident insurance cover of ₹2 Lakhs for accounts opened after 28th August 2018. For accounts opened earlier, the cover is ₹1 Lakh.
Overdraft Facility
You may get an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 after maintaining a satisfactory account record for six months, subject to the bank's eligibility norms.
Business Correspondents and Bank Mitras
Bank Mitras act as your local banking support in remote areas where physical bank branches are scarce. They help you with deposits, withdrawals, and account statements, so you get banking services close to your home.
Access to Insurance and Pension
PMJDY account holders can easily join schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana from the same account.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you are an Indian citizen. If you are a minor above ten years of age, you may open an account under the supervision of a legal guardian who will help manage it. You should also meet the bank's Know Your Customer requirements and carry valid identity and address proof.
Application Process
You can open a PMJDY account offline by visiting your nearest bank branch or an authorized Bank Mitra outlet. There is no online registration portal for this scheme, and the account opening is done directly at the bank. Visit the official PMJDY website to download the account opening form and check the latest guidelines.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest participating bank branch or a Bank Mitra (Business Correspondent) outlet near your home.
STEP 2 - Ask for the PM Jan Dhan Account Opening Form and download it from the official website if you want to fill it at home first.
STEP 3 - Fill in your personal details, including your Aadhaar number, profession, and annual income, and sign the form.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed form along with the required KYC documents at the bank branch or Bank Mitra outlet.
STEP 5 - Complete the identity verification process. After approval, the account is activated and a passbook is issued. Eligible account holders receive the RuPay debit card separately.
Remember to provide your active mobile number and email ID during the submission process.
Documents
You should carry the following documents for your application:
- Aadhaar Card, which is the preferred KYC document
- Government identity proof such as a Voter Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, or Passport
- Permanent address proof like an electricity bill, water bill, or NREGA job card
- Passport-size photographs
- Fully filled and manually signed application form
- Any other officially valid document accepted by the bank as per RBI KYC guidelines
References
For more detailed information, you can check the following official resources:
FAQ's
Can I open a joint account under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?
Yes, you can open a joint account under this scheme.
Where do I open a bank account under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?
You may visit any core banking-enabled bank branch or a Bank Mitra outlet to open your account.
Can I link my mobile number with my bank account?
Yes, you should contact your home branch to link your mobile number to your account for updates.
What is a Small Account or Chota Khata?
A Small Account is for those who do not have standard identity documents. It is valid for one year, and you may extend it by submitting proof of application for an officially valid document.
Does Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana offer accidental insurance?
Yes, you receive a free RuPay card with accident insurance of ₹2 Lakhs for new accounts.
Is an overdraft facility available?
Yes, eligible account holders can access an overdraft of up to ₹10,000 after six months of maintaining the account properly.
Are there any processing fees for the loan?
No, there are zero processing fees for loans taken under this scheme.
Can a minor open an account?
Yes, minors can open an account under the guidance of a legal guardian.
How much interest will I receive?
The interest rate is the same as the rates offered on standard savings accounts by the bank.
Is the account transferable?
Yes, you can transfer your account between cities or states through your bank's core banking system.
Is there a minimum balance requirement?
No, this scheme is a zero-balance account facility.
Can I have more than one account?
No, one person should have only one account. If you open a new one, your old one must be closed within 30 days.