In shortPradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is a government scheme offering free zero balance bank accounts to Indian residents aged 10 and above. You get a RuPay debit card with Rs 2 lakh accident insurance (for accounts opened after 28 August 2018) and overdraft facility up to Rs 10,000 after satisfactory account operation.
Key facts
- Nodal ministry
- Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
- Level
- Central
- Launched
- 2014
- Last date
- Open all year
- Helpline
- 1800 11 0001
Jan Dhan was launched on 28 August 2014 to give every Indian household a bank account. The account needs no minimum balance, so you will never be penalised for keeping it near empty, and opening it is free.
What makes it more than an ordinary account is what comes attached. You get a RuPay debit card at no cost, and that card carries accidental death and disability insurance of Rs 2 lakh for accounts opened after August 2018. If you run the account properly for a few months, you can also draw an overdraft of up to Rs 10,000, which acts as a small emergency loan without any paperwork drama.
The account is also the pipe through which government money reaches you. Pensions, scholarships, LPG subsidy, PM-KISAN instalments and wages all land directly in it, provided your Aadhaar is linked.
What you get
A zero balance basic savings bank account with no minimum balance requirement, a free RuPay debit card carrying accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018 and Rs 1 lakh for earlier accounts, and an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible account holders after satisfactory operation of the account.
Who is eligible
- Any Indian resident aged 10 years or above can open a Jan Dhan account
- The scheme is aimed at people who do not already have a bank account
- A minor above 10 years may open the account through a guardian
- For the overdraft facility the account must have been operated satisfactorily, usually for at least six months, and the holder should be between 18 and 65 years
- Aadhaar seeding and completed KYC are needed to receive Direct Benefit Transfer payments
- Only one member of a household is normally granted the overdraft, preferably the woman of the house
Documents you need
- Aadhaar card, which alone is sufficient to open the account
- If Aadhaar is unavailable, any officially valid document such as voter ID, driving licence, PAN, passport or MGNREGA job card
- Passport size photograph
- Self attested address declaration where the address has changed
- For small accounts with no valid document, a self attested photograph and signature before a bank official
How to apply
- Go to any bank branch, or to a Bank Mitra or business correspondent outlet in your area
- Fill the PMJDY account opening form and give your Aadhaar or another officially valid document
- Complete KYC and biometric verification at the branch or with the business correspondent
- Collect your passbook and free RuPay debit card, and activate the card by using it at least once
- Seed your Aadhaar and mobile number with the account so subsidies and benefits reach you directly
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana?
Any Indian resident aged 10 years or above without an existing bank account can open a Jan Dhan account. Minors above 10 years may open through a guardian. The scheme targets people who do not already have a bank account.
What documents are needed to open a Jan Dhan account?
Aadhaar card alone is sufficient. If Aadhaar is unavailable, use voter ID, driving licence, PAN, passport or MGNREGA job card. Passport size photograph and self-attested address declaration are required if address has changed.
How much accident insurance does the RuPay debit card cover?
The free RuPay debit card carries accidental death and disability insurance of Rs 2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018 and Rs 1 lakh for accounts opened before that date.
What is the overdraft limit under Jan Dhan Yojana?
Eligible account holders can draw an overdraft of up to Rs 10,000. The account must have been operated satisfactorily for at least six months, and the holder should be between 18 and 65 years old.
Is there any minimum balance requirement for Jan Dhan account?
No. Jan Dhan account requires zero minimum balance. You will never be penalised for keeping the account near empty, and opening it is completely free.
How do government benefits reach Jan Dhan account holders?
Pensions, scholarships, LPG subsidy, PM-KISAN instalments and wages are transferred directly into your account as Direct Benefit Transfer. Aadhaar seeding and completed KYC are required to receive these payments.
Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.
