I recently heard from a farmer in my village, that he got some money through DBT. and i become curious What is DBT? and how is it used in banking? I also wanted to know how to activate DBT in my bank account, how to check the DBT linked account, and how to check DBT status with my mobile number. I was very confused, but when I learned more about it, I realized that DBT is a very good scheme, which the government has started to provide direct assistance to the needy. Today, I will tell you in detail about DBT – its meaning, benefits, and how you can activate DBT in your account, as well as how to check the status. So, let’s find out!
What is DBT in Banking?
The full form of DBT is Direct Benefit Transfer. It means direct benefit transfer. It is a scheme of the Government of India, which was started on 1 January 2013. The main objective of this scheme is to transfer benefits from various welfare schemes of the government – like subsidies, scholarships, or other financial assistance – directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. I like this a lot, because it reduces the chances of middlemen or corruption, and the money reaches the needy directly.
For example, if you are taking subsidy for gas cylinder (LPG subsidy), the amount is directly deposited in your Aadhaar-linked bank account. A neighbor of mine said that he got his daughter’s scholarship money through DBT, and he did not have to visit any office for it. The government claims that DBT increases transparency, and reduces fraud. By 2025, 317 schemes across 53 ministries have been implemented through DBT, and this has saved the government about 1.14% of GDP, according to a report.
Benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
DBT has many benefits, which I found very important. Let’s look at some of the main benefits:
- Transparency and reduced fraud: Due to DBT, the money comes directly to your bank account, so the chances of middlemen or corruption are reduced. A friend of mine told me that earlier it used to take a long time for him to get gas subsidy, but after DBT, the amount comes to his account immediately.
- Fast and easy: Earlier, to get subsidy or scholarship, you had to make many rounds of offices. But with DBT, everything is online and fast. I remember, my aunt got her Janani Suraksha Yojana money through DBT, and she didn’t have to go anywhere for it.
- Direct help to the needy: Due to DBT, it has become easier for the government to reach the people who really need it. For example, farmers get money directly into their accounts under the PM-KISAN scheme.
- Financial inclusion: Due to DBT, many people had to open bank accounts, due to which they are now part of the banking system. I think this is a very good thing, because it makes people accustomed to saving and managing their finances.
How to activate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in a bank account?
Activating DBT in your bank account is very easy, but you have to follow a few steps. I got this information from my bank, and I will tell you in simple terms:
- Step 1: Link Aadhaar Card
First of all, your Aadhaar card should be linked to your bank account. For this, you go to your bank, and fill out a form for Aadhaar linking. Some banks – like HDFC, ICICI – allow you to do this through an online app or through net banking. My friend linked his Aadhaar to his SBI account online, and he only had to enter his Aadhaar number and OTP. - Step 2: Fill out a mandate form in the bank
After linking Aadhaar, you will have to fill out a mandate and consent form in the bank. In this form, you give permission to the bank that your account can be used for DBT. The bank links your account to the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) mapper, which allows DBT payments to be made to your account. - Step 3: Register for the scheme
You need to register for the government scheme for which you want to avail DBT – such as LPG subsidy, PM-KISAN, or scholarship. For this, you will need to provide your Aadhaar number and bank account details. My neighbour went to his gas dealer and provided his Aadhaar and account details, and his LPG subsidy started via DBT. - Step 4: Get confirmation from the bank
Once your account is linked for DBT, the bank sends you a confirmation via message or email. My friend received the message that his account was linked within 10-15 days, and asked him to set an alert on his mobile.
How to check Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) linked account?
It is very easy to check which bank account you have linked for DBT. I will tell you the steps that my bank told me:
- Go to UIDAI website
Go to the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) website – https://uidai.gov.in – and select the option ‘Bank Linking Status’ or ‘Bank Seeding Status’. - Enter Aadhaar number
Enter your Aadhaar number, and an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Login by entering that OTP. - Check bank details
After logging in, you will see the information about which bank account your Aadhaar is linked to. One of my aunts checked this, and she found that her account is linked to HDFC. - Ask the bank
If you do not get the information on the website, you can go to your bank or call the customer care and ask. My friend called SBI’s customer care, and he got the information immediately.
How to check DBT status using mobile number?
Checking DBT status using your mobile number is also very easy. Here are the steps that my bank told me:
- Activate SMS alerts
First of all, your mobile number should be registered with your bank, and SMS alerts should be activated. My bank told me that I will get an SMS immediately after the DBT payments arrive. For example, if Rs. 1,000 is credited to your account via DBT, you will get a message – “Your account has been credited with Rs. 1,000 via DBT.” - Go to PFMS website
Go to the website of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) – https://pfms.nic.in – and select the option ‘Payment Status’, and click on ‘DBT Status Tracker’. - Select Scheme and Details
Select the scheme for which you want to check DBT – like PM-KISAN, LPG Subsidy – then enter your bank name, account number, or application ID. Enter a captcha code and click on ‘Search’. You will see the status of your DBT payments. - Enquire at the bank
If you don’t get the information on the website, you can check the status by visiting your bank or calling the customer care. My neighbor checked the status of his LPG subsidy by visiting the bank, and he found that his money had already been deposited.
Few Things to Remember!
- Keep Aadhaar and mobile number updated: Always keep your Aadhaar and mobile number updated, so that you get alerts about DBT payments.
- Check the bank service: Check if your bank has a good service for DBT. I find the online service of ICICI and HDFC very good.
- Get information about the schemes: Check which schemes are under DBT, and whether you are eligible for it. You can see the list of all the schemes by visiting https://dbtbharat.gov.in.
DBT is a very good scheme, which directly reaches the needy people. I find this scheme very beneficial, as it increases transparency and reduces corruption. If you want to take advantage of DBT, then link your Aadhaar with your bank account, and register for your scheme. If you want to check your DBT linked account and status, then follow the steps mentioned above. If you have any more questions, then definitely ask me. I will tell you in simple language! Now activate your DBT and take advantage of government schemes!
FAQ for Direct Benefit Transfer (DTB):
1. What is DBT in banking?
DBT stands for Direct Benefit Transfer, a scheme launched in 2013 to transfer government subsidies, like LPG or PM-KISAN funds, directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
2. How do I activate DBT in my bank account?
Link your Aadhaar to your bank account, fill a mandate form in the bank to enable DBT, register for the scheme (e.g., LPG subsidy), and get confirmation from the bank.
3. How can I check my DBT linked account?
Visit the UIDAI website, enter your Aadhaar number, verify with OTP, and check the linked bank account. Alternatively, ask your bank or call their customer care.
4. How do I check DBT status with my mobile number?
Ensure SMS alerts are active with your bank for DBT updates. Or, visit the PFMS website, select ‘Payment Status’, enter scheme details, and check your DBT payment status.
5. What are the benefits of DBT in banking?
DBT ensures transparency, reduces fraud, speeds up subsidy transfers (like LPG, scholarships), and promotes financial inclusion by directly crediting funds to your account.