Ujala Scheme — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

What is the UJALA Scheme?

UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) is a government scheme launched on 5th January 2015 to promote energy-efficient lighting across India. Under this scheme, LED bulbs, tube lights, and energy-efficient fans are distributed to domestic consumers at highly subsidized prices.

The scheme is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power.

Key Highlights

• Launched: 5th January 2015
• Implementing agency: EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited)
• Objective: Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs
• Coverage: All states and Union Territories
• LED bulbs distributed: Over 36 crore bulbs (making it the world's largest LED distribution programme)
• Annual energy saving: Over 47 billion kWh
• CO2 reduction: Over 38 million tonnes per year

What Products Are Available?

LED Bulbs (7W, 9W, 12W)

• Subsidized price: ₹70 – ₹100 per bulb (market price ₹150-250)
• Equivalent to: 60-100W incandescent bulb
• Warranty: 3 years free replacement
• Max per household: 10 bulbs

LED Tube Lights (20W)

• Subsidized price: ₹220 – ₹250 (market price ₹400-500)
• Equivalent to: 40W fluorescent tube
• Warranty: 3 years
• Max per household: 5 tubes

Energy Efficient Fans (BLDC fans)

• Subsidized price: ₹1,100 – ₹1,300 (market price ₹2,000-3,000)
• Power consumption: 28-35W (regular fan uses 70-80W)
• Warranty: 3 years
• Max per household: 3-5 fans

Prices and availability may vary by city and phase of the scheme.

Who is Eligible?

• Any domestic electricity consumer with a valid electricity connection
• No income or caste restriction
• Both urban and rural consumers
• One purchase per electricity consumer number (up to the maximum limit)
• Not available for commercial or industrial connections

How to Buy — Step by Step

Step 1: Find Distribution Centre

Visit the UJALA website (ujala.gov.in) to find the nearest distribution centre. Distribution happens through:

• DISCOM offices and customer care centres
• Dedicated UJALA kiosks at prominent locations
• Mobile vans in some cities
• Special camps organized periodically

Step 2: Carry Required Documents

Take the following to the distribution centre:

1. Latest electricity bill — original or photocopy showing consumer number
2. Identity proof — Aadhaar card (recommended) or voter ID
3. Cash or digital payment — exact change helps

Step 3: Purchase LED Products

• Show your electricity bill at the counter
• Your consumer number is verified in the system
• Select the products you want (bulbs, tubes, fans)
• Pay the subsidized price
• Collect products with warranty card and receipt

Step 4: Register Warranty

Keep the receipt and warranty card safe. In case of failure within 3 years, you can get a free replacement at the same distribution centre.

Payment Options

• Upfront payment — pay full subsidized price at purchase
• On-bill financing (in some states) — cost added to monthly electricity bill in EMIs (₹10-15 per month per bulb)

On-bill financing was a major innovation of UJALA — even consumers who couldn't afford upfront payment could get LEDs through small additions to their electricity bill.

Energy and Cost Savings

Per Bulb Savings

If you replace 5 bulbs, you save approximately ₹365 per month or ₹4,380 per year on electricity bills.

Environmental Impact

• Each LED bulb reduces CO2 emissions by about 100 kg per year
• 36 crore bulbs = massive reduction in India's carbon footprint
• Reduced peak electricity demand by over 9,500 MW
• Equivalent to avoiding construction of several thermal power plants

Warranty and Replacement

• 3-year free replacement warranty on all UJALA products
• If a bulb/tube fails within 3 years, take it to the distribution centre
• Carry original receipt or warranty card
• Failed product is replaced immediately with a new one
• No questions asked — even if the box is damaged or lost, consumer number verification is sufficient

UJALA Scheme Phase 2 (Gram UJALA)

In March 2021, the government launched Gram UJALA for rural areas:

• LED bulbs at just ₹10 each (heavily subsidized)
• Available in select districts initially
• Funded through carbon credits
• Targets rural households to maximize energy savings

Tips for Consumers

• Buy maximum allowed — the savings far outweigh the cost
• Replace all old bulbs — even CFLs consume 3-4 times more than LEDs
• Check warranty card — ensure date and consumer number are stamped
• Store receipt safely — needed for warranty claims
• Spread awareness — tell neighbours and family about the scheme

Related Guides

• How to Get Duplicate Electricity Bill — you need electricity bill to buy under UJALA
• Jal Jeevan Mission — Tap Water Connection — another government utility scheme
• How to Apply for Gas Connection Online — save on cooking fuel too

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UJALA scheme still running?

Yes, the UJALA scheme continues to operate across India, though availability of products may vary by city. Check ujala.gov.in for current status in your area.

Can I buy LED bulbs without an electricity bill?

No, a valid domestic electricity bill with consumer number is mandatory. The scheme is linked to electricity consumer accounts to ensure fair distribution.

What if my LED bulb stops working after 1 year?

Take it to the nearest UJALA distribution centre with your receipt or warranty card. The bulb will be replaced free of charge under the 3-year warranty.

Are UJALA LED bulbs good quality?

Yes, UJALA LEDs meet BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) specifications and are supplied by reputed manufacturers. They undergo quality testing before distribution.

Can I buy for multiple electricity connections?

Yes, if you have multiple domestic electricity connections (different consumer numbers), you can buy the maximum allowed quantity for each connection.

How much money can I save per year?

A household replacing 5 incandescent bulbs with UJALA LEDs can save approximately ₹4,000-5,000 per year on electricity bills. The LED bulbs pay for themselves within 1-2 months.