Table of Contents
Government schemes for women in India — complete list (2026)
Quick answer: India has 40+ central schemes for women spanning education (Beti Bachao), health (PMMVY maternity benefit), financial inclusion (Sukanya Samriddhi, Mahila Samman), safety (One-Stop Centre), entrepreneurship (Stand-Up India, Mahila E-Haat), and pension (Vandana Yojana). State schemes add another 100+. Most are fully online + free. Aadhaar + bank account in own name is the gateway to all DBT-based women's schemes.
Who is eligible
Women, generally Indian citizens. Some schemes age-specific (girl child <18 for SSY, expectant mothers for PMMVY). EWS/SC/ST often have higher subsidies.
Top 10 schemes
1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Tax-free savings for girl child (<10 years). 8.2% interest (FY 2025-26). Open at any bank/post office. Min Rs 250/yr, max Rs 1.5L/yr.
- Where to apply: India Post / banks
- Official portal: https://www.indiapost.gov.in/Financial/Pages/Content/SSA.aspx
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Rs 5,000 for first child (Rs 5,000 in 2 instalments) + Rs 6,000 if 2nd child is girl. Pregnant + lactating mothers. Apply at Anganwadi.
- Where to apply: Anganwadi / pmmvy.wcd.gov.in
- Official portal: https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana
3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Free LPG connection for women in BPL families. Refill subsidy Rs 200/cylinder for 12 cylinders/year. Apply at LPG distributor.
- Where to apply: LPG distributor / pmuy.gov.in
- Official portal: https://www.pmuy.gov.in
4. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Awareness + scholarship + financial literacy for girl child. State-implemented. Linked to SSY + PMMVY + scholarships.
- Where to apply: District Collector office
- Official portal: https://wcd.nic.in/bbbp-schemes
5. Stand-Up India
Loan Rs 10L–Rs 1Cr for women entrepreneur for greenfield enterprise. 75% loan + 25% margin. SC/ST entrepreneurs also eligible. Banks via standupmitra.in.
- Where to apply: Standup Mitra / banks
- Official portal: https://www.standupmitra.in
6. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC)
Tax-free savings for women. 7.5% interest. Tenure 2 years. Min Rs 1,000, max Rs 2L. Closed for new from March 2025 — check status.
- Where to apply: India Post
7. One-Stop Centre (Sakhi)
Integrated support for women affected by violence — medical, legal, psychological, shelter. Free. 24×7. 700+ centres.
- Where to apply: Helpline 181 / nearest OSC
- Official portal: https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/one-stop-centre-scheme
8. Mahila Shakti Kendra
Block-level women empowerment + legal aid + skill training. State-implemented. Free.
- Where to apply: District Women & Child Development
- Official portal: https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/mahila-shakti-kendra
9. Working Women Hostel
Subsidised hostel + day care for working women in cities. State + central scheme.
- Where to apply: State Women & Child Development
- Official portal: https://wcd.nic.in/schemes/working-women-hostel
10. Vandana Yojana
Pension for elderly women — state + central versions. NSAP-IGNWPS Rs 300-500/month for widows + 60+.
- Where to apply: Block Development Office
- Official portal: https://nsap.nic.in
How to apply (general process)
Most schemes apply via state e-District portal OR sector-specific portal (PMMVY, Standup Mitra, Ujjwala). Common: Aadhaar + bank account in own name + ID + photograph.
Helplines
- Women Helpline 181 — 24×7 free counselling + connect to schemes
- OSC / Sakhi — visit nearest One-Stop Centre
- National Commission for Women (NCW) — ncw.nic.in / 7827-170-170
Common issues + how to handle
- Bank account in husband's name only — open own account first; most DBT schemes fail without it.
- Aadhaar address ≠ current — update Aadhaar to current; many schemes verify.
- Multiple PMMVY claims — only first child eligible (with 2nd-girl bonus). Don't double-apply.
- Stand-Up India loan rejection — bank flexibility low; try multiple banks; SLBC coordinator.
If a scheme is delayed or rejected — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Which schemes can a woman apply on her own (without male guardian)?
All — Aadhaar + own bank account is sufficient. SSY for girl child requires guardian, but funds in girl's name.
PMMVY only for first child? What if second is girl?
First child: Rs 5,000. Second child if girl: additional Rs 6,000.
Mahila Samman Savings closed — alternatives?
SSY (8.2%) for girl child; PPF (7.1%) for own. Both tax-free.
I lost my Ujjwala connection card. Re-issue?
Free re-issue at LPG distributor with Aadhaar + UCN.
Scheme delayed beyond timeline?
File RTI to scheme nodal officer + State Women & Child Development. Use RTI Playbook.
Summary + what to do next
Bottom line: 10 central + state schemes available. Aadhaar + bank account in own name + community/income certificate (if applicable) is the gateway. If a scheme is delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI.
- Browse all 10 audience hubs: All audience hubs
- How to apply step-by-step: 25 application guides
- Track applications: 25 status-check guides
- If stuck — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Talk to other citizens: AwaazRTI community
Related reading
Sources
- Each scheme's official portal (linked above).
- Ministry budget documents + scheme operational guidelines.
- Citizen feedback via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.