Jan Aushadhi Encyclopedia Part 5: Opening a Kendra — Eligibility & Space

Opening a Jan Aushadhi Kendra is one of the most stable and socially impactful entrepreneurship opportunities in India today. Whether you are a fresh pharmacy graduate or a registered NGO, the government has created a clear path for you to join the network.

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1. Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to three primary categories of applicants:

• Category 1 (Individual Entrepreneurs): Pharmacists, doctors, or individuals with a business background.
• Category 2 (Organizations): NGOs, charitable trusts, hospitals, and cooperative societies.
• Category 3 (Government Nominated): State government agencies or district administrations in government hospital premises.

The Golden Rule: Every Jan Aushadhi Kendra must employ a registered pharmacist (B.Pharma or D.Pharma). If the owner isn't a pharmacist, they must hire one and provide their registration certificate.

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2. Infrastructure Requirements: The 120 Sq. Ft. Rule

You don't need a massive showroom. The minimum physical requirements are:

1. Space: Minimum of 120 square feet of carpet area.
2. Ownership/Lease: The space must be either owned by you or held on a legal lease/rental agreement for at least 3 years.
3. Location: While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to be near a hospital, a busy market, or a high-density residential area to ensure footfall.

3. Mandatory Documentation

Before you apply, ensure you have the following scanned and ready:

• Aadhaar Card & PAN Card: For identity verification.
• Pharmacist Registration: Valid certificate from the State Pharmacy Council.
• Proof of Space: Sale deed, rent agreement, or an allotment letter if in a government hospital.
• Bank Details: Cancelled cheque or passbook copy for incentive payouts.
• Category Certificate: If applying under SC/ST, Divyang (disabled), or as a Woman Entrepreneur (for fee exemptions).

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4. The Application Fee (2026 Update)

• Standard Fee: ₹5,000 (Non-refundable).
• Exemptions: The fee is ₹0 (FREE) for:
  • Women entrepreneurs.
  • SC/ST candidates.
  • Divyang (differently-abled) applicants.
  • Applicants from Aspirational Districts, North-East states, and Himalayan regions.

5. The Application Steps

1. Apply Online: Visit the official portal janaushadhi.gov.in and register as a new user.
2. Fill Details: Enter your personal, pharmacist, and store location details.
3. Upload & Pay: Upload your documents and pay the ₹5,000 fee (if applicable).
4. Verification: A District Manager from PMBI will visit your site to verify the 120 sq. ft. space and location.
5. In-Principle Approval: Once verified, you receive an "In-Principle Approval" letter.
6. Drug License: Use this letter to apply for a Retail Drug License from your local State Drug Controller.
7. Final Agreement: Sign the agreement with PMBI, and your store is ready to order its first batch of stock!

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Summary

Opening a Kendra is a process that takes roughly 30-45 days from application to launch. It requires minimal space but high dedication to the cause of affordable medicine.

In Part 6, we discuss the money: the ₹5 Lakh incentive scheme and how much profit you can actually make.

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Next: Part 6 - The Incentive Scheme: Financial Support & Profit Margins