PLI-PHARMA

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals

6.9/10

The scheme provides financial incentives on the incremental sales (over Base Year) of pharmaceutical goods and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices to selected applicants based on pre-defined selection criteria. The applicant must be a manufacturer of pharmaceutical goods.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Chemicals And Fertilizers

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship

Target beneficiaries: Business Entity

Tags: Manufacturer, Entrepreneur, Company, Incentive, Investment, Production, Pharmaceutical

Details

The scheme "Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals" was launched by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Pharmaceuticals. The scheme aims to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and contributing to product diversification to high-value goods in the pharmaceutical sector. The scheme provides financial incentives on the incremental sales (over Base Year) of pharmaceutical goods and in-vitro diagnostic medical devices to selected applicants based on pre-defined selection criteria. The scheme is implemented by the Small Industries Development Bank of India. The applications for this scheme are accepted online through the dedicated Project Management Agency portal.

Benefits

  • - The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹1,50,00,00,00,000/-
  • The incentive is provided on the net incremental sales of eligible products over a period of 6 years (Financial Year 2022-23 to Financial Year 2027-28)
  • The rate of incentive for Category 1 and Category 2 products is 10% for the first four years (Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26), 8% for the fifth year (Financial Year 2026-27), and 6% for the sixth year (Financial Year 2027-28)
  • The rate of incentive for Category 3 products is 5% for the first four years (Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26), 4% for the fifth year (Financial Year 2026-27), and 3% for the sixth year (Financial Year 2027-28)
  • The incentive allocation ceiling is ₹1,10,00,00,00,000/- for Group A, ₹22,50,00,00,000/- for Group B, and ₹17,50,00,00,000/- for Group C
  • The maximum incentive per applicant is capped at ₹10,00,00,00,000/- for Group A, ₹2,50,00,00,000/- for Group B, and ₹50,00,00,000/- for Group C. Applicants must submit a claim for disbursement of incentive online on an annual basis within one month of the closure of the financial year. 75% of the claim amount is released immediately upon order, and the remaining 25% is released after the submission of final audited accounts. Selected applicants must furnish a self-certified quarterly review report within 30 days from the end of each quarter
  • The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹1,50,00,00,00,000/-.
  • The incentive is provided on the net incremental sales of eligible products over a period of 6 years (Financial Year 2022-23 to Financial Year 2027-28).
  • The rate of incentive for Category 1 and Category 2 products is 10% for the first four years (Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26), 8% for the fifth year (Financial Year 2026-27), and 6% for the sixth year (Financial Year 2027-28).
  • The rate of incentive for Category 3 products is 5% for the first four years (Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26), 4% for the fifth year (Financial Year 2026-27), and 3% for the sixth year (Financial Year 2027-28).
  • The incentive allocation ceiling is ₹1,10,00,00,00,000/- for Group A, ₹22,50,00,00,000/- for Group B, and ₹17,50,00,00,000/- for Group C.
  • The maximum incentive per applicant is capped at ₹10,00,00,00,000/- for Group A, ₹2,50,00,00,000/- for Group B, and ₹50,00,00,000/- for Group C.

*Applicants must submit a claim for disbursement of incentive online on an annual basis within one month of the closure of the financial year.
*75% of the claim amount is released immediately upon order, and the remaining 25% is released after the submission of final audited accounts.
*Selected applicants must furnish a self-certified quarterly review report within 30 days from the end of each quarter.

Eligibility

Common Eligibility
  • The applicant must be a manufacturer of pharmaceutical goods registered in India.
  • The applicant must be engaged in the manufacturing of eligible pharmaceutical products covered under the three defined categories.
  • The applicant must not claim incentives for the same product under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Bulk Drugs or any other Production Linked Incentive Scheme.
Group A Applicants
  • The applicant must have a Global Manufacturing Revenue of pharmaceutical goods or in-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices greater than or equal to ₹50,00,00,00,000/- (₹5,000 crores) in the Financial Year 2019-20.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum cumulative investment of ₹10,00,00,00,000/- (₹1,000 crores) over a period of 5 years.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum turnover of eligible products of ₹50,00,00,000/- (₹50 crores) in the first year (Financial Year 2022-23).
Group B Applicants
  • The applicant must have a Global Manufacturing Revenue of pharmaceutical goods or in-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices between ₹5,00,00,00,000/- (₹500 crores) and ₹50,00,00,00,000/- (₹5,000 crores) in the Financial Year 2019-20.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum cumulative investment of ₹2,50,00,00,000/- (₹250 crores) over a period of 5 years.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum turnover of eligible products of ₹10,00,00,000/- (₹10 crores) in the first year (Financial Year 2022-23).
Group C Applicants
  • The applicant must have a Global Manufacturing Revenue of pharmaceutical goods or in-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices less than ₹5,00,00,00,000/- (₹500 crores) in the Financial Year 2019-20.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum cumulative investment of ₹50,00,00,000/- (₹50 crores) over a period of 5 years.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum turnover of eligible products of ₹1,00,00,000/- (₹1 crore) in the first year (Financial Year 2022-23).
Group C (MSME) Applicants
  • The applicant must fall under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) category within Group C.
  • The applicant must achieve the Committed Investment (total eligible investment committed by the applicant) over a period of 5 years.
  • The applicant must achieve a minimum turnover of eligible products of ₹50,00,000/- (₹50 lakhs) in the first year (Financial Year 2022-23).
Continuation Criteria
  • The applicant must achieve a 7% growth in sales over the previous Financial Year for subsequent years (Financial Year 2023-24 onwards) to claim incentives.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 3.0/10 Good
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 5.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity7.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides significant financial incentives for pharmaceutical manufacturers, aiming to boost production and investment in the sector.

Key challenges addressed

  • Encourages domestic manufacturing in pharmaceuticals
  • Increases investment in high-value pharmaceutical goods

Most beneficial for

  • Large pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Companies looking to expand production capabilities

Likely challenges

  • High eligibility criteria may exclude smaller manufacturers
  • Complex application process may deter first-time applicants

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical for established manufacturers but may be challenging for smaller or first-time applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to online resources
  • Higher barriers for small rural manufacturers

Digital challenges

  • High reliance on digital platforms
  • Limited internet access in rural areas

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complex eligibility and application process
  • Potential delays in approval and disbursement

Awareness challenges

  • Limited outreach to smaller manufacturers
  • Need for better communication of benefits

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate, requires financial and business documentation
Verification complexity
High, involves multiple criteria and approvals
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited, primarily online application
Estimated citizen effort
High, due to documentation and online processes

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Urban-only
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Target income group High-income business entities
  • Occupation reach Manufacturers and entrepreneurs

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Annual claims based on incremental sales
Benefit practicality
High for eligible manufacturers but complex for smaller entities
Financial meaningfulness
High, with substantial potential incentives based on sales
Long-term impact
Positive impact on domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and investment

Plain-language guidance

The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals offers cash incentives to manufacturers based on their sales growth. It aims to boost India's pharmaceutical production and investment.

Who should apply
Large pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to expand their production.
Who may struggle
Small manufacturers and first-time applicants due to high eligibility criteria and complex application process.
Best application route
Apply via the official online portal with all required financial documentation.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

The scheme is implemented through a Project Management Agency, which is the Small Industries Development Bank of India. Applicants must apply online through the designated portal.
Step 1: Access the official online portal at https://pli-pharma.udyamimitra.in.
Step 2: Register on the portal and fill out the application form with all required details regarding Global Manufacturing Revenue, investment commitments, and product categories.
Step 3: Submit the non-refundable application fee as prescribed in the guidelines.
Step 4: The Project Management Agency will process the applications and select applicants based on the ranking methodology within 90 days of the application window closure.
Step 5: Receive the approval letter from the Project Management Agency if selected. Step 6: Submit a Bank Guarantee of the prescribed amount and an Undertaking in favor of the Department of Pharmaceuticals within two weeks of the issuance of the approval letter.
Step 7: Submit claims for incentive disbursement annually through the online portal along with supporting documents within one month of the financial year's closure.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

If an applicant is considering applying for the incentive program based on their Global Manufacturing Revenue, what is the specific revenue threshold required to be categorized under Group A?

Applicants must have a Global Manufacturing Revenue of pharmaceutical goods or in-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices of ₹50,00,00,00,000/- or more in the Financial Year 2019-20 to qualify for this category.

Which specific financial year serves as the reference point for calculating the incremental sales of eligible products and determining the pre-qualification eligibility criteria for applicants?

The Financial Year 2019-20 is designated as the base year for the computation of incremental sales as well as for establishing the pre-qualification criteria for all applicants.

Can the capital expenditure incurred by the company towards the acquisition of land for setting up the manufacturing unit be considered as part of the eligible investment?

No, any investment made towards the acquisition of land required for the project or unit is explicitly excluded from the calculation of eligible investment under this initiative.

What is the mandatory sales growth percentage that applicants must strictly achieve in subsequent years to ensure they continue receiving the financial incentives?

For the Financial Year 2023-24 and onwards, the applicant is required to achieve a growth of 7% in sales over the sales of the previous financial year to claim incentives.

What is the specific timeline for submitting the required bank guarantee after an applicant receives the official approval letter from the Project Management Agency?

The selected applicant is required to submit the bank guarantee of the prescribed amount along with an undertaking within two weeks from the date of issuance of the approval letter.

References

Scheme Guidelines [Department Of Pharmaceuticals]
https://pharma-dept.gov.in/schemes/production-linked-incentive-pli-scheme-promotion-domestic-manufacturing-critical-key
PIB Press Release [19th August 2025]
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2158120&reg=3&lang=2#:~:text=Production%20Linked%20Incentive%20(PLI)%20Scheme,June%202025%2C%20include%20the%20following:

Apply

Apply now

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Business Entity through benefits related to Business & Entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Eligibility for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Benefits under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals is managed by Ministry Of Chemicals And Fertilizers and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Applications for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals a central government scheme?
Yes, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Does Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals provide healthcare or insurance support?
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
Can beneficiaries use Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals at government hospitals?
Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
Does Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals provide business loan or startup assistance?
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.