Gruha Jyothi is Karnataka’s free electricity scheme that gives up to 200 units of free power every month to eligible households. To apply online, visit sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in, click “Gruha Jyothi,” enter your Aadhaar number and RR number (from your electricity bill), select your ESCOM, and verify with OTP. To check your application status, go to sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in and enter your acknowledgement or RR number. There is no application fee and no last date.
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ToggleGruha Jyoti Scheme 2026: Overview
| Point | Detail |
| Scheme Name | Gruha Jyothi (Gruha Jyoti) Scheme |
| State | Karnataka |
| Run By | Government of Karnataka |
| Launched | 1 August 2023 |
| Benefit | Up to 200 units free electricity per month |
| Who Can Apply | Karnataka residents with domestic connection (owners & tenants) |
| Apply Online | sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in |
| Check Status | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in |
| Application Fee | Free (no fee) |
| Helpline | 1800-425-9339 |
What is the Gruha Jyothi Scheme in Karnataka?
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme was introduced by the Karnataka government to provide free electricity to households. Its main goal is to reduce the financial burden of electricity bills on families.
Eligible households can get up to 200 units of free power every month. If electricity consumption remains within the allowed limit, the bill amount becomes zero.
The scheme is available across Karnataka and covers consumers served by various electricity companies such as BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, and CESC. It also combines earlier electricity support schemes into a single program, making the benefit easier to access. Millions of families across the state are currently benefiting from this scheme.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme 2026 Latest Update
There are a few important updates for 2026 that every applicant should know.
In June 2026, the Karnataka Chief Minister ordered a statewide review of Gruha Jyothi beneficiaries. The government made it clear that the scheme will not be stopped, but it wants to remove people who are not truly eligible. So your details may be checked more carefully than before.
Two more key points for 2026:
- Voter list link: The state has linked guarantee scheme benefits to the electoral roll. This means your name should be in the Karnataka voter list to keep getting the benefit.
- Tenant verification: Tenant applications are now being checked more strictly, and a self-declaration or affidavit may be required.
Why Was the Gruha Jyothi Scheme Started?
Understanding the goals of the scheme helps you see why it has become so popular.
- To reduce the electricity bill burden: Power bills are a big monthly cost for poor and middle-class families. This scheme removes that worry for households that use power carefully.
- To support weaker families: By making the basic electricity bill zero, the scheme gives real financial relief to families struggling with rising prices.
- To promote energy saving: Because the free benefit has a limit, families try to use power wisely and stay within their free units, which also helps the environment.
- To bring old schemes together: It merged three older electricity subsidy schemes into one simple system, making it easier for people to understand and use.
- To reach every household: With no income limit and coverage for both owners and tenants, the scheme aims to help as many families as possible.
Together, these goals make Gruha Jyothi both a money-saving scheme for families and a step towards smarter power use across the state.
Gruha Jyothi Free Units: How 200 Units Are Calculated
The scheme does not give a fixed 200 free units to everyone. Free units are based on past electricity usage, with 200 units as the maximum limit.
Here is the simple formula the government uses:
Free (Entitlement) Units = Your average monthly units used in 2022-23 + about 10% extra (maximum 200 units)
Let us understand this with easy examples:
- If your average monthly use in 2022-23 was 100 units, you get around 110 units free.
- If your average was 180 units, you get around 198 units free.
- If your average was 250 units, you are not eligible, because it crossed the 200-unit limit.
For new homes where there is no past record, the government has fixed an average of around 58-59 units as the free limit until your own usage history is built up.
Important: If your monthly usage goes above 200 units even once, you lose the free benefit for that billing month and must pay the full bill for that month.
Gruha Jyothi Eligibility 2026: Who Can Apply?
It is important to verify all eligibility conditions before applying. If any condition is not fulfilled, your application may be rejected.
- You must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
- You must have a domestic (residential) electricity connection.
- Your average monthly consumption in 2022-23 must be 200 units or less.
- Both APL and BPL ration card holders are eligible — there is no income limit.
- Tenants are eligible, using the RR number of the connection along with their own Aadhaar.
- Only one connection per person is allowed under the scheme.
- For 2026, your name should be in the Karnataka electoral roll.
Who is NOT Eligible for Gruha Jyothi Scheme?
You will not be able to get the benefit if:
- You have a commercial or industrial connection (shops, offices, businesses).
- Your average monthly usage in 2022-23 was above 200 units.
- You use a home connection for commercial purposes (for example, running a shop inside the house).
- You have multiple electricity meters under your single name.
- You are not a resident of Karnataka.
During the 2026 verification drive, people in these groups may be removed from the list, so make sure your connection is genuinely residential and single.
Documents Required for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
The good news is that the documents needed are very few and simple. Keep these ready before you apply:
- Aadhaar card (compulsory)
- RR number / Account ID / Consumer ID (found on your monthly electricity bill)
- Mobile number linked with your Aadhaar (for OTP)
- Address details of the home
- Self-declaration form (mainly for tenants)
Note: Make sure the details you enter match your electricity bill and Aadhaar exactly. Most rejections happen because of a mismatch in name, number, or ESCOM selection.
How to Apply Online for Gruha Jyothi Scheme (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to complete the application process from home.
Step 1 — Open the official portal Go to sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in . Always use only the official website.
Step 2 — Select Gruha Jyothi On the home page, find and click the “Gruha Jyothi” option.
Step 3 — Choose your language Select your preferred language (English or Kannada) and start the form.
Step 4 — Enter your details Enter your Aadhaar number, your RR number / Consumer ID from the electricity bill, and select your ESCOM (such as BESCOM, MESCOM, GESCOM, HESCOM, or CESC). Choose your occupancy type — owner, family member, or tenant.
Step 5 — Verify with OTP An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
Step 6 — Check and submit Review all your details once more, then click Submit. After submitting, you will get an acknowledgement number on your mobile and email.
Step 7 — Save the acknowledgement Note down or download the acknowledgement number. You will need it later to check your status.
That’s it. There is no fee and no last date to apply. Once approved, the benefit shows automatically in your electricity bill there is no manual activation needed.
How to Apply Offline for Gruha Jyothi Scheme
If you cannot apply online, you can apply offline very easily. Visit any of these government service centres:
- Karnataka One
- Grama One
- Bangalore One
- Nadakacheri centres
Carry your Aadhaar card and a copy of your electricity bill (for the RR number). The staff there will help you fill the form and give you an acknowledgement slip to track your application later.
How to Check Gruha Jyothi Application Status Online
After applying, you will want to know whether your application is approved. Here is how to check your status.
Step 1 — Open the status page Go to sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in (or the application portal sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in) and look for the “Gruha Jyothi Application Status” option.
Step 2 — Enter your details Enter your acknowledgement number or RR number, and select your ESCOM if asked.
Step 3 — View your status Your application status will be shown — whether it is approved, under process, or rejected.
Step 4 — Confirm in your bill Once approved, your monthly electricity bill will show a separate Gruha Jyothi section with your free units and the registration date. If your usage is within the free limit, the amount payable shows as ₹0.
You can also download or reprint your acknowledgement from the portal if you lost it.
How to Reapply for Gruha Jyothi if Application is Rejected
Do not worry if your application is rejected — you can apply again. There is no limit on the number of times you can reapply.
- Log in to the Seva Sindhu portal and check your rejection reason.
- Common reasons include wrong RR number, Aadhaar mismatch, wrong ESCOM selection, multiple meters, or usage above 200 units.
- Fix the specific problem (for example, correct the RR number or de-link an extra connection).
- Submit a fresh application with the correct details.
How to De-link or Shift House Under Gruha Jyothi
If you move to a new home, the old connection must be handled first. You cannot directly apply for the new home while the old one is still linked to your Aadhaar.
- Go to the Gruha Jyothi de-link page on the portal.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and fetch the consumer details.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- Select the reason for de-linking and submit the request.
- Save the acknowledgement. De-linking usually reflects instantly.
After de-linking, you can apply fresh for the new home’s connection. Remember, if the bill is in a late family member’s name, you must first transfer the connection to your own name at the electricity service counter.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme for Tenants
Many renters think this scheme is only for house owners. That is not true tenants are also eligible.
If you live in a rented home, you can apply using the RR number of that electricity connection along with your own Aadhaar card. While applying, select the occupancy type as tenant or family member. In most cases, you do not need the owner’s signature, but a self-declaration form confirming you live there may be required, especially under the 2026 verification rules. This makes the scheme open to lakhs of renters across Karnataka.
Benefits of Gruha Jyothi Scheme for Families
The main benefit of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme is that eligible families can get free electricity within their approved unit limit. If your usage stays within that limit, you do not have to pay an electricity bill.
This helps families save money every month and reduces the burden of household expenses.
Other benefits include:
- Relief for poor and middle-class families from rising power costs.
- Equal access for both APL and BPL card holders, with no income limit.
- Coverage for tenants, not just owners.
- Encourages saving power, since people try to stay within the free limit, which is also good for the environment.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme Helpline Number
If you face any problem while applying, checking status, or with your bill, you can get help through these official channels:
- Helpline: 1800-425-9339
- Seva Sindhu support: 080-22279954 / 8792662814 / 8792662816
- You can also visit your nearest ESCOM office or a Karnataka One / Grama One centre.
Always use only official numbers and the official portal, and never share your Aadhaar OTP with strangers or agents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Many applications get delayed or rejected for small reasons. Avoid these common errors:
- Wrong ESCOM selection: Choosing the wrong electricity company is a top reason for rejection. Pick the exact ESCOM shown on your bill.
- Wrong RR number: Enter the RR number / Consumer ID exactly as printed on your electricity bill.
- Aadhaar name mismatch: The name on your Aadhaar should match the records. Even small spelling differences cause problems.
- Inactive mobile number: The mobile linked to your Aadhaar must work, because the OTP is sent there.
- Multiple meters: Trying to claim the benefit on more than one connection in your name leads to rejection.
- Using fake websites: Apply only on the official Seva Sindhu portal and never pay an agent or share your OTP.
Tips for Fast Approval of Gruha Jyothi Application
To make sure your application is approved quickly and smoothly, keep these points in mind:
- Match all details on your Aadhaar and electricity bill before submitting.
- Select the correct ESCOM and occupancy type (owner, family member, or tenant).
- Keep your acknowledgement number safe so you can track your status easily.
- Check your name in the voter list, since the 2026 rules link benefits to the electoral roll.
- Stay within your free unit limit each month to keep your bill at zero.
- Check your status after a few days so you can fix any issue early if it is rejected.
Conclusion
Gruha Jyothi is a simple and helpful scheme that can bring your monthly electricity bill down to zero if you use power within your free limit. With free electricity of up to 200 units a month, it gives real relief to crores of families across Karnataka, including both homeowners and tenants.
If you have a residential electricity connection in Karnataka, keep your Aadhaar and electricity details updated, apply through the official Seva Sindhu portal, and track your application status regularly. Accurate information helps ensure uninterrupted benefits and monthly savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the Gruha Jyothi scheme in Karnataka?
It is a free electricity scheme launched by the Karnataka government in August 2023. It gives eligible households up to 200 units of free electricity every month, based on their past average consumption.
Q2. How do I apply online for Gruha Jyothi?
Visit sevasindhugs.karnataka.gov.in, click “Gruha Jyothi,” enter your Aadhaar number and RR number from your electricity bill, select your ESCOM, verify with OTP, and submit. You will get an acknowledgement number.
Q3. How can I check my Gruha Jyothi application status?
Go to sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in , open the Gruha Jyothi Application Status option, and enter your acknowledgement number or RR number to see whether your application is approved, in process, or rejected.
Q4. How many free units do I get?
You get free units equal to your average monthly usage in 2022-23 plus about 10% extra, up to a maximum of 200 units. It is not always a flat 200 units for everyone.
Q5. Who is eligible for the scheme?
Permanent residents of Karnataka with a domestic electricity connection and an average monthly usage of 200 units or less are eligible. Both APL and BPL card holders, and tenants, can apply.
Q6. Can tenants apply for Gruha Jyothi?
Yes. Tenants can apply using the RR number of the rented home’s connection along with their own Aadhaar. A self-declaration form may be needed under the 2026 rules.
Q7. Is there any application fee or last date?
No. Applying for the Gruha Jyothi scheme is completely free, and there is no specific last date to apply.
Q8. What happens if my usage crosses 200 units?
If your usage goes above 200 units in any month, you lose the free benefit for that month only and must pay the full electricity bill for that billing cycle.
Q9. Why was my application rejected, and can I reapply?
Common reasons are wrong RR number, Aadhaar mismatch, wrong ESCOM, multiple meters, or usage above 200 units. You can reapply any number of times after fixing the problem.
Q10. What should I do if I shift to a new house?
You must first de-link your old connection on the portal using your Aadhaar and OTP, then apply fresh for the new home’s connection.
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