Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana — zero-balance bank account
Government of India (Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services)
Overview
A financial inclusion programme launched in 2014 to give everyone access to banking — savings accounts, credit, insurance and pension — especially people who are still unbanked.
It offers a basic savings account with no minimum balance, a RuPay debit card, accident insurance typically up to Rs 2 lakh (subject to conditions) and an overdraft of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible account holders. Government subsidies and scheme payments (DBT) are credited directly to the account.
Any Indian citizen aged 10 or above (minors with a guardian) can open an account at the nearest bank branch or with a Bank Mitra. Without KYC documents, a Small Account can be opened with simplified documentation.
At a glance
- Administering authority
- Government of India (Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services)
- Scheme type
- Social Security, Business & Finance
- Place of posting / area
- All India
- Application mode
- Offline
- Important dates
- Applications accepted year-round
Benefits
- Basic savings account with no minimum balance
- RuPay debit card for withdrawals and digital payments
- Accident insurance typically up to Rs 2 lakh (subject to conditions)
- Overdraft of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible account holders
- Direct Benefit Transfer of subsidies and scheme payments
- Access to micro-credit, pension and insurance products
Eligibility
- Indian citizen
- Minimum age 10 years (minors can open accounts with a guardian)
- Must not already have a basic savings bank account (or can convert an existing account into a PMJDY account)
- KYC documents (Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, etc.); without them, a Small Account with simplified KYC
- Priority to unbanked people, especially in rural areas
Required documents
- KYC documents — Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, etc. (or a Small Account without them)
- Passport-size photograph (if not linked with Aadhaar)
- PMJDY account opening form
How to apply
- Visit the nearest bank branch or a Bank Mitra (Business Correspondent) outlet
- Fill in the PMJDY account opening form (available at banks or online)
- Submit KYC documents (Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, etc.) or choose a Small Account with simplified KYC
- Provide a photograph if not linked with Aadhaar
- After verification the account is opened; you receive account details, a passbook and a RuPay card
- Activate the account with a first transaction if required
Last updated: 1 Nov 2026
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