Arundhati Gold Scheme Assam – Complete Guide 2026

What is the Arundhati Gold Scheme?

The Arundhati Gold Scheme is a unique welfare initiative by the Government of Assam launched in December 2019. Under this scheme, the state government provides 1 tola (10 grams) of gold to brides from economically weaker families at the time of their marriage. The gold is provided as a financial equivalent credited to the bride's bank account based on the prevailing market rate.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on families during marriages and empower brides by giving them an asset in their own name.

Who is Eligible?

The bride must meet all the following criteria:

• Residency: Both bride and groom must be permanent residents of Assam
• Age: Bride must be at least 18 years and groom at least 21 years (legal marriage age)
• Marriage Registration: The marriage must be registered under the Special Marriage Act or relevant personal law
• Family Income: Annual family income of the bride should not exceed ₹5 lakh
• Education: The bride must have passed at least Class 10 (HSLC) examination
• First Marriage: The scheme applies to first marriages only

Who is NOT Eligible?

• Brides who have not completed Class 10
• Families with income above ₹5 lakh per year
• Second or subsequent marriages
• Marriages not registered with the government
• Child marriages (below legal age)

Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

• Aadhaar Card of the bride
• Aadhaar Card of the groom
• Marriage registration certificate (Court marriage certificate)
• Class 10 (HSLC) pass certificate of the bride
• Age proof of both bride and groom
• Income certificate of the bride's family (from Circle Officer)
• Bank passbook of the bride (Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photographs of bride and groom

Supporting Documents

• Residential proof (voter ID / domicile certificate)
• Self-declaration form (provided with application)
• Marriage invitation card (optional supporting document)

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Offline Application (Primary Method)

1. Register your marriage at the Sub-Registrar's office or through the court
2. Obtain the Marriage Registration Certificate
3. Collect the Arundhati Gold Scheme application form from the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Circle Office
4. Fill in all required details including bride's education, family income, and bank details
5. Attach all required documents (self-attested photocopies)
6. Submit the application at the Circle Office or designated centre
7. The Circle Officer verifies the application and documents
8. After approval, the gold equivalent amount is credited to the bride's bank account via DBT

Timeline for Application

• Apply within 90 days of marriage registration
• Late applications may not be accepted

Benefit Amount

Note: The exact amount varies based on the market gold rate on the date of processing.

Processing Time

• Document verification: 2-4 weeks
• Approval: 1-2 months
• DBT credit: Within 1-2 months of approval
• Total timeline: Approximately 2-4 months

Important Tips

1. Register your marriage first — without a marriage certificate, you cannot apply
2. Apply within 90 days of marriage registration to avoid rejection
3. Ensure the bride has a Class 10 certificate — this is a mandatory requirement
4. Link Aadhaar to bank account before applying for seamless DBT transfer
5. Keep originals ready for verification — the Circle Officer may ask to see them

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I get actual gold or cash?

A: The government credits the cash equivalent of 1 tola gold to the bride's bank account. You do not receive physical gold.

Q2: What if the bride has not passed Class 10?

A: Unfortunately, Class 10 pass is a mandatory requirement. Brides without HSLC certification are not eligible.

Q3: Can the groom apply on behalf of the bride?

A: The application must be in the bride's name. However, the groom's documents (age proof, Aadhaar) are required as supporting documents.

Q4: Is the scheme applicable for court marriages?

A: Yes, both court marriages and marriages registered under personal laws are eligible, as long as the marriage is officially registered.

Q5: What is the income limit?

A: The bride's family annual income should not exceed ₹5 lakh.

Q6: Can I apply if my marriage was registered in another state?

A: Both bride and groom must be permanent residents of Assam and the marriage should ideally be registered in Assam.

Q7: How do I check my application status?

A: Contact the Circle Office where you submitted the application or visit the Women & Child Development Department office.

Disclaimer: This guide is published by CitizenNest for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Government of Assam. For official details, visit wcd.assam.gov.in. Information is current as of March 2026.