Yuva Nidhi is a flagship unemployment allowance programme launched by the Government of Karnataka on January 12, 2024 . The scheme provides monthly financial assistance to educated unemployed youth who are residents of Karnataka and have completed their graduation or diploma but remain without a job . It is one of the five pre-poll guarantee schemes of the Congress government in the state .
The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Shivamogga on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda . Under this programme, graduates receive ₹3,000 per month while diploma holders receive ₹1,500 per month as unemployment allowance . The allowance is provided for a maximum period of two years or until the beneficiary finds employment, whichever occurs first .
The scheme aims to provide temporary financial stability to young people so they can focus on searching for jobs and developing their skills . As of January 2026, approximately 2.98 lakh beneficiaries were receiving financial assistance under the scheme . The total expenditure for the financial year 2025-26 has reached ₹874.17 crore .
PM MITRA Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Apply Online, Application Status & Important Dates
Yuva Nidhi Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Yuva Nidhi Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of Karnataka |
| Launch Date | January 12, 2024 |
| Monthly Allowance (Graduates) | ₹3,000 |
| Monthly Allowance (Diploma Holders) | ₹1,500 |
| Duration | Maximum 2 years or until employment |
| Total Beneficiaries | 2,98,316 (eligible, receiving DBT) |
| Total Registrations | 3,79,080 |
| Engineering Graduates | 43,529 (13% of total) |
| Non-Engineering Graduates | 3,00,214 |
| Expenditure (FY 2025-26) | ₹874.17 crore |
| Implementing Department | Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department |
| Official Portal | Seva Sindhu (sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in) |
| Age Group | 18-25 years |
Eligibility Criteria for Yuva Nidhi Scheme
To be eligible for the Yuva Nidhi Scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Residential Requirement
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka
- Must have valid domicile proof
Educational Qualification
- Must have completed graduation or diploma in the academic year 2022-23 or later
- Engineering graduates: 43,529 registered under the scheme
- Non-engineering graduates from Arts, Science, Commerce, Management: 3,00,214 registered
Unemployment Requirement
- Must remain unemployed for at least 180 days (six months) after completing education
- Should not be employed in any government, semi-government, or private organisation
- Should not be enrolled in higher education
Age Requirement
- Beneficiaries must be in the age group of 18-25 years
Exclusions
- Those receiving Apprentice wages are not eligible
- Self-employed individuals (even with bank loans) are not eligible
- Those enrolled in any other similar scheme are not eligible
Benefits of Yuva Nidhi Scheme
Monthly Financial Assistance
- Graduates receive ₹3,000 per month
- Diploma holders receive ₹1,500 per month
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Duration of Benefit
- Maximum two years from the date of commencement of allowance
- Benefit stops immediately upon finding employment
- Whichever is earlier: two years or employment
Skill Development Component
- Yuva Nidhi Plus scheme offers free skill-based training
- Training at various institutions to make beneficiaries employable
- Training cost borne by the government
Coverage
- Available across all 29 districts of Karnataka
- Highest beneficiaries in North Karnataka: Belagavi (14,717), Bengaluru Urban (11,638), Kalaburagi (11,528)
Distribution by Category
- OBC beneficiaries: 77,550
- Dalit beneficiaries: 20,485
- Adivasi beneficiaries: 8,435
- General category: 14,134
Required Documents for Application
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
Identity and Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Domicile/Residence Certificate of Karnataka
- Ration Card
Educational Documents
- SSLC Marksheet
- PUC Marksheet
- Degree/Diploma Certificate
- NAD portal academic documents (used for verification)
Financial Documents
- Bank Account Passbook with Aadhaar-linked account
- Income Certificate
Other Documents
- Passport Size Photograph
- Active Mobile Number
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply Online for Yuva Nidhi Scheme
Follow these steps to apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal:
Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Seva Sindhu Guarantee Schemes Portal at sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
Step 2 – Register as New User
- Click on “Yuva Nidhi Scheme” option
- Register as new user by entering Aadhaar number through the Meri Pehchan Portal
- Complete the registration with OTP verification
Step 3 – Login
Log in with your registered mobile number and OTP
Step 4 – Access Application
- Go to “Apply for Services” section
- Search for “Yuva Nidhi Yojana”
- Click on the application link
Step 5 – Fill Application Form
- Fill in personal details (name, address, contact)
- Enter educational qualification details
- Provide bank account details
- Upload required documents
Step 6 – Submit Application
- Review all information carefully
- Click submit
- Note down the application number for future reference
How to Apply Offline for Yuva Nidhi Scheme
Eligible candidates can also apply offline through designated centres:
Application Centres
- Karnataka One centres
- Grama One centres
- Bangalore One centres
- Bapuji Seva Kendras
- Nada Kacheris
Process
- Visit any of the designated centres
- Collect the Yuva Nidhi application form
- Fill the form with accurate details
- Submit the form along with required documents
- Get acknowledgment receipt
Special Registration Drives
- The government conducts special registration drives periodically
- Candidates from 2022-23 and 2023-24 batches can register during these drives
Self-Declaration Process – Monthly Mandatory Submission
The self-declaration is a critical requirement for receiving the monthly allowance:
What is Self-Declaration?
- Beneficiaries must confirm their unemployment status every month
- This ensures they remain eligible for the unemployment allowance
- The government relies entirely on beneficiaries to report their current employment status
Submission Schedule
- Self-declaration must be submitted between the 1st and 25th of every month
- After November 2025, submission reverted from quarterly to monthly basis
- Declarations submitted after the 25th will not be considered for payment
How to Submit
- Visit the Seva Sindhu Services portal
- Navigate to Yuva Nidhi Self-Declaration section
- Confirm your unemployment status
- Submit the declaration
Important Notes
- Only after submission, the amount is processed through DBT
- Beneficiaries are notified via WhatsApp before the deadline
- Receiving WhatsApp message is not mandatory – submit as usual
Yuva Nidhi Plus – Skill Development Component
Yuva Nidhi Plus is the skill development component launched to make beneficiaries employable:
Purpose
- Provide free skill-based training to Yuva Nidhi beneficiaries
- Make graduates and diploma holders job-ready
- Bridge the skill gap identified among beneficiaries
Low Registration Issue
- Despite reaching out through calls and SMS, 90% of beneficiaries have not registered for Yuva Nidhi Plus
- Many beneficiaries fear the government will stop Yuva Nidhi allowance during training
- The minister clarified that training does not stop the allowance
Budget Allocation
- ₹27 crore set aside for Yuva Nidhi Plus
- Funds not utilised during 2025
- Department decided to consolidate 2025 and 2026 funds and increase training target
Training Model
- Government proposes tripartite model: college campuses host training centres, government bears cost, companies provide training and placement
- Successful model at PES University with Bajaj company
Kaushalkar Portal Integration
- Beneficiaries must register on Karnataka Kaushalkar website for skill training
- URL: https://www.kaushalkar.com/app/registration_verify
- Mandatory to continue receiving allowance
Yuva Nidhi Data and Statistics
**Registration and Beneficiary Data **
- Total Registered: 3,79,080
- Eligible Beneficiaries (DBT): 2,98,316
- Non-Engineering Graduates: 3,00,214
- Non-Engineering Postgraduates: 27,843
- Engineering Graduates: 43,529
- Engineering Postgraduates: 374
- Diploma in Engineering: 4,250
- Diploma/Others: 2,870
Financial Data
- Expenditure FY 2025-26: ₹874.17 crore
- First installment (Jan 2024): ₹35.67 lakh disbursed to 1,189 beneficiaries
**District-wise Beneficiaries **
- Belagavi: 14,717 (highest)
- Bengaluru Urban: 11,638
- Kalaburagi: 11,528
- Raichur: 10,512
- Vijayapura: 7,965
- Lowest: Kodagu, Ramanagara, Udupi, Chamarajanagar, Bengaluru Rural
Payment Delays and Beneficiary Hardships
Payment delays have been a significant issue affecting beneficiaries:
Tumakuru District Example
- Payments not released for four months
- Beneficiaries received only January 2026 allowance, no funds since
- 12,089 youth registered, 9,973 received assistance till Jan 2026 (₹29.64 crore total)
Reason for Delays
- Beneficiaries must submit monthly self-declaration through Seva Sindhu portal
- Only after declaration is submitted, the monthly assistance is credited
Government Response
- Payment delays due to beneficiary verification issues
- Fresh application and verification process being implemented
- Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) for accuracy
- Government streamlining beneficiary data
Impact of Yuva Nidhi Scheme
**Labour Force Participation Study **
- Study by Mumbai-based XKDR Forum covering 12,000+ respondents across 29 districts
- Karnataka saw slight decline in LFPR among graduates/diploma holders after scheme launch
- LFPR in Karnataka: 65.9% (2022) → 65% (2023) → 63.6% (2024)
- Study disproves hypothesis that allowance lowers incentive to find work
- Decline in LFPR also seen in Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
**Beneficiary Perspectives **
- Prasanna Kumar from Davanagere: “Covers my travel expenses to Bengaluru, allowing me to attend job interviews at least twice a month”
- Nithin K.S. from Bengaluru: Allowance insufficient for skill development courses costing ₹10,000/month
- Many find ₹3,000 insufficient given current inflation rates
Support for Lower Middle Class Families
- Helps reduce burden on parents while searching for jobs
- Provides temporary financial stability
- Covers interview travel expenses
Important Links and Notifications
Official Portals
- Seva Sindhu Guarantee Schemes Portal: sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in
- Karnataka Kaushalkar Portal: https://www.kaushalkar.com/app/registration_verify
- Seva Sindhu Services Portal: sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in
Department Contact
- Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka
Application Centres
- Karnataka One, Grama One, Bangalore One centres
- Bapuji Seva Kendras and Nada Kacheris
Helpline Numbers
- Helpline: 1800 599 7154
- Additional contacts: 08473253718, 87489-84360, 90363-56862, 91139-82513, 82174-85689
Key Notifications
- Fresh registrations invited from 2022-23 and 2023-24 batches (January 2025)
- Self-declaration reverted to monthly basis from November 2025
- Mandatory Kaushalkar portal registration for skill training
FAQ Reference
- For any queries, contact helpline number 1800 599 7154 or visit designated centres
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Yuva Nidhi Scheme?
Yuva Nidhi is a Karnataka government scheme launched on January 12, 2024, providing monthly unemployment allowance of ₹3,000 to graduates and ₹1,500 to diploma holders who remain unemployed six months after completing their education .
Who is eligible for the Yuva Nidhi Scheme?
Applicants must be Karnataka residents, have completed graduation or diploma in 2022-23 or later, remain unemployed for at least 180 days after education, not be pursuing higher education, and be aged 18-25 years .
How do I apply for Yuva Nidhi Scheme?
Apply online through Seva Sindhu portal (sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in) or offline at Karnataka One, Grama One, Bangalore One centres, Bapuji Seva Kendras, or Nada Kacheris .
What documents are required for application?
Aadhaar Card, domicile proof of Karnataka, educational certificates, bank account passbook, income certificate, passport size photo, and active mobile number .
What is the self-declaration process?
Beneficiaries must submit a monthly self-declaration between the 1st and 25th of every month confirming their unemployment status. Only after submission, the monthly allowance is credited to their bank accounts .
What happens if I don’t submit self-declaration?
Declarations submitted after the 25th of any month will not be considered for DBT payment disbursement. You will not receive the allowance for that month .
What is Yuva Nidhi Plus?
Yuva Nidhi Plus is a free skill-based training programme for beneficiaries. However, 90% of beneficiaries have not registered despite government outreach through calls and SMS .
Is skill training mandatory to continue receiving allowance?
Yes, beneficiaries must register on the Karnataka Kaushalkar portal for skill training to continue receiving the monthly unemployment allowance .
How many beneficiaries are currently under the scheme?
As of January 2026, approximately 2,98,316 eligible beneficiaries are receiving financial assistance. Total registrations stand at 3,79,080 .
How long can I receive the allowance?
The allowance is provided for a maximum of two years or until the beneficiary gets a job, whichever occurs first. The benefit stops immediately upon finding employment .