How to Apply for a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) — A simple, step-by-step guide
Opening a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) is a great way.
You provide affordable, quality generic medicines to your community while running a viable business.
This guide walks you — step by step — through eligibility, documents, the online application.
Along with approvals, obligations, incentives and practical tips so you can apply confidently.
All procedural facts below come from the official Janaushadhi website and downloadable guideline documents.
Quick checklist (print or copy before you start)
- Aadhaar & PAN of applicant (mandatory).
- Pharmacist (D.Pharm / B.Pharm) on payroll or hired (registration certificate).
- Proof of shop space (ownership or lease) — minimum 120 sq. ft. recommended.
- Drug sale license (to be in the name of the PMBJK when required).
- Scanned copies (PDF, <5 MB each) of all documents.
- Application fee ₹5,000 (online) unless you qualify for exemption.
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First we need to understand…
What is a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)?
A PMBJK (also called Janaushadhi Kendra) is a government-supported retail outlet.
It sells quality generic medicines at prices lower than branded medicines.
PMBJKs are promoted and monitored by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
PMBI runs under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.
The objective is to improve access to affordable medicines for all.
Next..
Who can apply to open a Janaushadhi Kendra? (Eligibility)
You can apply if you are an individual, entrepreneur, pharmacist, NGO/charity, hospital or government-nominated agency.
You have to follow these important conditions:
- Pharmacist qualification requirement:– Individual applicants must hold a D.Pharm or B.Pharm or must employ a pharmacist with D.Pharm/B.Pharm and provide proof. This is mandatory at the time of application or final approval.
- NGOs, charitable institutions or hospitals must also employ a qualified pharmacist.
(If you are unsure whether your case fits, collect the pharmacist’s degree and registration certificate before starting the application.)
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Documents you must arrange before applying
Below is the usual, official document list.
Keep scanned, self-attested PDFs ready (file size guidance: each < 5 MB when uploading).
Exact document names/requirements appear on the portal and in the guideline PDFs.
Common required documents
- Aadhaar card (applications without Aadhaar are rejected for individuals).
- PAN card.
- Proof of shop premises: lease / ownership / allotment letter or sanction (if government premises).
- Pharmacist’s degree (D.Pharm/B.Pharm) and state council registration certificate (or proof that you will employ one).
- Drug sale license (to be submitted before final approval / issued in the name of the Kendra).
- Bank passbook / cancelled cheque for NEFT/RTGS.
- Photographs of the shop and equipment (computer, internet, furniture).
- Category certificates (SC/ST / Divyang / Ex-servicemen / woman entrepreneur) if claiming exemption or special incentive.
There are additional forms such as self-undertakings for distance policy and special incentive claims — the portal or the “Apply for Kendra” PDF lists them.
Shop & operational requirements (space, distance policy, inventory)
Minimum area
The agreement suggests a minimum 120 sq. ft. space for a PMBJK.
PMBI prefers shops with proper storage and temperature control (air-conditioning is preferred for some medicines).
Distance policy
While applying, you must respect the distance policy (generally a minimum 1.00 KM distance between two Kendras in a district) — the portal will check this.
Inventory & sourcing
PMBJKs must purchase medicines only from PMBI’s Central/Regional warehouse or authorized distributors.
Selling medicines not supplied by PMBI (except certain allied items allowed by PMBI) is prohibited.
Billing & software
All billing should be done using PMBI’s software; you cannot sell PMBJP medicines without using the official system.
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Application fee and exemptions
Fee: A non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000 is payable online with the application.
Exemptions: The following categories are exempt from the fee when proof is submitted:
- Women entrepreneurs,
- Divyang (persons with disability),
- SC, ST, ex-servicemen,
- Entrepreneurs from aspirational districts notified by NITI Aayog,
- Himalayan/island territories
- And North-Eastern States.
Step-by-step online application
Follow these steps exactly on the official Janaushadhi portal. I’m paraphrasing the portal instructions so you can prepare before you open the website.
Step 1 — Prepare documents & shop details
Collect the documents listed earlier.
Note exact shop address, GPS location (you’ll tag the location on a map), phone, email and details of the pharmacist (name, registration number).
Step 2 — Visit the official portal > Apply For Kendra
Open janaushadhi.gov.in and click Apply For Kendra. (The portal provides PDF guidelines and forms on that page.)
Step 3 — Register on the portal
Click Register Now and enter your basic details (mobile number, email).
After successful registration you will receive a USER ID & PASSWORD via email — or use the Get OTP option to log in.
Step 4 — Fill the online form carefully
- Enter applicant details, proposed Kendra details, proposed shop address and other mandatory fields.
- Location tagging: drag-and-drop the location icon to the exact shop location within the blue radius (the portal uses this to enforce the distance policy).
Step 5 — Upload documents
Upload scanned, self-attested copies as PDF files (each file less than 5 MB).
Typical uploads: Aadhaar, PAN, pharmacist certificate, lease/ownership proof, bank details, shop photos and any category certificates.
Step 6 — Pay application fee (if applicable)
Pay ₹5,000 through the online payment gateway.
If you qualify for an exemption, upload the supporting proof so you are not charged.
Step 7 — Submit & note the reference number
After payment and submission the portal will send a confirmation to your registered email and mobile.
Save the application/reference number to track status.
You can also check status by logging into the portal.
Application Process for Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (Online)
You can apply for a Janaushadhi Kendra online (preferred) or through offline support in special cases. Below is the simple step-by-step online process:
Step 1: Go to the official website — janaushadhi.gov.in.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “APPLY FOR KENDRA” tab.
Step 3: Next, click “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” to open the application portal.
Step 4: Select “REGISTER NOW” and enter your details with a valid mobile number and email ID (both must be unique).
Step 5: Once registered, you will receive an email containing your USER ID and PASSWORD to log in to the portal.
Step 6: Log in using the USER ID and PASSWORD sent to your registered email.
Step 7: Pay the application processing fee of ₹5,000 (non-refundable). This amount must be deposited only into the PMBI virtual account.
Step 8: Carefully fill out the online application form. Enter basic applicant information, details of fee payment, and your proposed Kendra details.
Step 9: Upload the required documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, PACS ID (if applicable), Certificate of Incorporation (for companies/NGOs), and bank statement (last 6 months).
Step 10: Make sure each file is in PDF/JPEG/PNG/JPG format and less than 200 KB in size.
Step 11: Review all the details once again and then click on the Final Submit button.
✅ After submitting, you will receive a confirmation on your registered email ID. You can also check your application status anytime by logging into the portal. For assistance, you can call the helpline at 1800-180-8080.
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Application Process (Offline Method)
If you prefer to apply offline for opening a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the official application form (available from page 6 onwards in the guideline document).
Step 2: Fill in all the required details carefully and attach the signed self-declaration.
Step 3: Send or submit the completed application form to the following address:
Chief Executive Officer
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block E-1,
Jhandewalan Extension,
New Delhi – 110055
Telephone: 011-49431800
Application Fee:
- A non-refundable fee of ₹5,000 must be deposited along with the application form.
- However, this fee is waived for the following categories:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Divyang (persons with disability)
- SC / ST applicants
- Ex-servicemen
- Applicants from aspirational districts (as notified by NITI Aayog)
- Entrepreneurs from Himalayan, Island territories, and North-Eastern states
👉 This offline method is usually less preferred compared to the online route, but it can be useful if you face issues with the portal or want to submit physical documents directly.
Application Process: Online vs Offline
| Online Process | Offline Process |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Visit the official website janaushadhi.gov.in | Step 1: Download the official application form (from page 6 onwards in the guideline document). |
| Step 2: Click on APPLY FOR KENDRA → CLICK HERE TO APPLY. | Step 2: Fill out all required details carefully and sign the self-declaration. |
| Step 3: Register using a unique mobile number & email ID. You will get a USER ID & PASSWORD on your email. | Step 3: Submit the completed form to: Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), 8th Floor, Videocon Tower, Block E-1, Jhandewalan Extension, New Delhi – 110055. |
| Step 4: Log in with your credentials and fill out the online application form with personal and Kendra details. | Telephone for assistance: 011-49431800. |
| Step 5: Pay the non-refundable fee of ₹5,000 through PMBI’s virtual account. (Fee exempted for women, Divyang, SC/ST, ex-servicemen, aspirational districts, Himalayan/Island territories, and North-Eastern states.) | Application fee: ₹5,000 (non-refundable). Fee exemption applies to the same categories as online. |
| Step 6: Upload documents (Aadhaar, PAN, bank statement, lease/ownership proof, pharmacist certificate, etc.) in PDF/JPEG/PNG/JPG format (max 200KB each). | Attach all required supporting documents (identity proof, financial documents, pharmacist qualification, etc.) with your offline form. |
| Step 7: Review and submit the form. Confirmation will be sent to your registered email. You can check status anytime on the portal or call helpline: 1800-180-8080. | Application status can be confirmed by contacting PMBI office directly. Keep acknowledgment safe after submission. |
What happens after you submit? (Approval flow)
1. Preliminary / in-principle approval
The PMBI reviews your application against eligibility, distance policy and document completeness.
In many cases an in-principle approval is issued subject to you furnishing final documents (like a drug license).
News reports and PMBI documentation show in-principle approvals are commonly used before final license steps.
2. Drug license
You may be asked to obtain the drug sale license (in the PMBJK name) from the state drug authority — obtain promptly and upload.
The agreement requires a valid drug sale license for ongoing operations.
3. Agreement & final approval
After document verification and site compliance, PMBI will issue final approval and provide the agreement/ MOU to sign.
The agreement sets operational terms, sourcing rules, software/billing rules and the tenure of the Kendra.
Key obligations in the agreement (what you must follow)
Designated shop manager
A full-time manager with D.Pharm/B.Pharm must be on roll and present at the Kendra.
Sourcing
Buy medicines only from PMBI’s warehouses or authorised distributors.
Billing & software
Use PMBI billing/point-of-sale software for invoicing.
Inventory & storage
Maintain adequate stock of PMBI listed medicines and comply with Drugs & Cosmetics Act storage rules (temperature, safety, hygiene).
Non-compliance
PMBI can suspend supply, withhold incentives or terminate the agreement for breaches (e.g., selling non-PMBI medicines).
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Margins, incentives and financial support
Operating margin
The operating agency receives a 20% margin on the MRP (excluding taxes) of each drug sold.
Special incentive
PMBI offers a one-time special incentive of ₹2.00 lakh for Kendras opened by the following members…
- Women entrepreneurs,
- Divyang, SC/ST,
- Ex-servicemen,
- And Kendras in aspirational districts / Himalayan / island / North-Eastern States.
Reimbursement requires submission of specific documents (utilization certificates, invoices, bank details, undertakings).
If you plan to claim incentives, keep original invoices, GFR-19A utilization certificate and category certificates, the reimbursement procedure PDF explains the exact forms to submit.
To understand the steps and documents required, please see the Reimbursement PDF explainer.
Stock ordering & payment terms (important practical points)
Advance & balance payment
Typically, 50% advance payment against the Proforma Invoice is required before dispatch; the balance is expected within 30 days (normal credit terms).
Outstanding behavior can change supply terms (e.g., 100% advance if overdue). Plan working capital accordingly.
Training, POS setup and shop equipment
- PMBI recommends or provides POS training (billing software and operations). Attend POS training early so billing and invoicing work from day one.
- Keep a basic equipment kit: computer, internet (dongle/router), printer/scanner, display racks, fridge if required for specific products, invoice book back-up. Photographs of these items are often required for incentive claims.
Opening-day checklist
- Ensure software & login to PMBI portal works.
- Display the Janaushadhi signage/logo exactly as approved by PMBI.
- Maintain records: invoices, inventory register, staff attendance, temperature logs if needed.
- Have contact details handy: PMBI helpline 1800-180-8080 and complaints email for support.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the form without Aadhaar (individuals’ applications without Aadhaar are rejected).
- Uploading low-quality scans or exceeding the portal file size limits (use compressed PDF <5 MB).
- Not hiring/arranging a qualified pharmacist before final approval.
Guideline for opening PMBJP Kendra
How to check application status and who to contact
- Check online: Log into the Janaushadhi portal with your USER ID or use the Get OTP option to view application status.
- Phone / Email support: PMBI’s portal lists the helpline 1800-180-8080 and the complaints email address for escalation. Use these if status doesn’t change or you need technical help.
Final tips on How to Apply for a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK)-(practical, from experienced operators)
- Prepare everything first: Scan and label documents clearly (e.g., Aadhaar_applicant.pdf, PAN_applicant.pdf, Lease_shop.pdf). It speeds up upload and verification.
- Keep working capital: Since 50% advance is often required for first orders, plan funds accordingly.
- Follow the branding & display rules: Use official signboards, packaging and billing formats asked by PMBI. This avoids compliance issues.
- Use the helpline early: If form fields are confusing or the mapping/location tool is tricky, call 1800-180-8080.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Summary — in plain steps
- Gather documents (Aadhaar, PAN, pharmacist cert, lease/ownership, bank passbook, photos).
- Register on janaushadhi.gov.in → Apply For Kendra and verify email/mobile.
- Fill the form, tag shop location, upload PDFs (<5 MB each).
- Pay ₹5,000 (if not exempt) and submit.
- Receive in-principle approval → obtain drug license → sign agreement → start ordering from PMBI warehouses.
Latest Developments in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (2025 Updates)
- International Expansion — India-Fiji Healthcare Partnership
- On August 25, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced collaboration to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Fiji.
- This step marks the global outreach of PMBJP, ensuring affordable, high-quality generic medicines for Fijian households.
- Alongside, India is supporting construction of a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva with medicine supply facilitated by HLL Lifecare Limited under Janaushadhi.
- International Delegations Visiting Janaushadhi Kendras
- On August 26, 2025, Fiji’s Prime Minister visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS, New Delhi.
- The visit showcased the functioning model of Janaushadhi Kendras and inspired discussions for replicating the scheme in Fiji.
- The delegation included Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, highlighting high-level interest in the scheme’s expansion.
- PMBJP as a Model for Global Healthcare Equity
- These developments signal that PMBJP is not only serving India domestically but also inspiring international adoption.
- The program is increasingly viewed as a replicable model of affordable medicine distribution.
Download Janaushadhi Kendra PDF Checklist
Get the official checklist + newsletter highlights to prepare your application with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
You can apply for a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) online by registering on the official portal janaushadhi.gov.in, filling out the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the ₹5,000 fee (if not exempt). After submission, you must obtain a drug license and sign the agreement with PMBI, and then you’ll receive approval to open and operate the Kendra.
What is the registration fee for Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
The registration fee for applying to open a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is ₹5,000, which is non-refundable. However, applicants from special categories such as women entrepreneurs, Divyang, SC/ST, ex-servicemen, and those from Northeastern states, Himalayan/island territories, or aspirational districts are exempt from paying this fee.
What is the salary of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra owners do not receive a fixed salary from the government; instead, they earn through a 20% margin on the sale of medicines supplied by PMBI. Additionally, eligible operators may receive a special incentive of up to ₹2 lakh as financial support for setting up the Kendra.
Can an existing private pharmacy operate a Janaushadhi Kendra in the same shop?
Yes, subject to meeting eligibility, pharmacist qualification and the PMBI agreement. However, PMBI rules about exclusive supply, invoicing and what you can stock must be followed.
How long before I get in-principle approval?
Timeframes vary; many applicants receive in-principle approvals on verification of initial documents, but you must complete licensing and final checks before opening. The portal and PMBI communicate status — keep your application reference handy.
Is the application refundable if rejected?
The application fee is non-refundable. If rejected, you may reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection.
