- Integrated Child Development Scheme was launched on 2 October 1975.
- Anganwadi Services are currently delivered under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0.
- Children, pregnant women and lactating mothers are major beneficiary groups.
- Eligible adolescent girls aged 14–18 years are covered in specified areas.
- Supplementary nutrition is provided through Take-Home Ration and Hot Cooked Meals, as applicable.
- Preschool education and Early Childhood Care and Education are provided to eligible children.
- Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- Phone: 011-26773706
- Email: dh1-anganwadi.mwcd@gov.in
|
Summary of the Scheme
|
|
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) / Anganwadi Services under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 |
| Launch Year | 1975 |
| Benefits | Supplementary nutrition, preschool education, health and nutrition education, immunization, health check-ups, and referral services |
| Beneficiary | Children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and eligible adolescent girls |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Register through the nearest Anganwadi Centre |
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Nutrition, Early Learning and Health Support Through Anganwadi Centres
The first few years of a child’s life shape health, learning and growth. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), launched in 1975, supports children, pregnant women and lactating mothers with nutrition, preschool education and health services, delivered through the local Anganwadi Centre. There is no central application form. You simply register at your nearest centre.
Is ICDS still available? Yes, but under a new framework. Anganwadi Services are now delivered under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0. ICDS is the historical name, and the services continue through the same Anganwadi network.
What is the scheme?
ICDS was launched on 2 October 1975. Over the years it was expanded and restructured, and today its services run under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0. The Ministry of Women and Child Development administers it, while States and UTs handle implementation. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers register beneficiaries and deliver services locally.
The current framework also focuses on:
- Saksham Anganwadi: upgrading centres with better learning facilities
- Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi: strengthening early childhood learning
- Poshan Tracker: digital records and monitoring of services
Scheme at a glance
| Launched | 2 October 1975 |
| Current framework | Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 |
| Who benefits | Children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and eligible adolescent girls |
| Nodal agency | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| How to register | At the nearest Anganwadi Centre |
| Caste, religion or income condition | None |
| Ministry phone | 011-26773706 |
| POSHAN helpline | 1515 |
The six services
| Service | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Supplementary nutrition | Take-Home Ration, Hot Cooked Meals and other nutrition support |
| Preschool education | Early learning and preschool activities for children aged 3 to 6 |
| Nutrition and health education | Guidance on nutrition, breastfeeding, child feeding, health and childcare |
| Immunization | Facilitates immunization for eligible children and women through the public health system |
| Health check-ups | Regular check-ups to spot health or nutrition concerns early |
| Referral services | Referral to health facilities for further examination or treatment |
Key benefits
- Supplementary nutrition for children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers
- Take-Home Ration for eligible children aged 6 months to 3 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers
- Hot cooked meals and morning snacks for eligible children aged 3 to 6 at the centre
- Preschool education and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Early stimulation support for parents and caregivers
- Growth monitoring of children
- Home-based counselling and visits on maternal nutrition, child feeding, early stimulation and childcare
- Support for adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 in Aspirational Districts and the North-Eastern Region
- Digital tracking of services through the Poshan Tracker
Who is eligible?
- Children from birth up to 6 years can receive the applicable services
- Children aged 6 months to 6 years are eligible for supplementary nutrition
- Children aged 3 to 6 years can receive preschool education and ECCE
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are eligible for nutrition and health support
- Adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 are covered in Aspirational Districts and the North-Eastern Region
- Services are open irrespective of caste, religion or income, on demand
- Temporary residents can also register, and records can be transferred through the Poshan Tracker if a family migrates
Coverage varies by age and category, so check with your Anganwadi Worker.
Documents to keep ready
- Aadhaar card or Aadhaar details of the beneficiary, for identification
- For children, the mother’s or guardian’s Aadhaar details can be used. A child’s own Aadhaar is not mandatory.
- Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card, where available
- Birth certificate or other age proof, where required
- Mobile number, where available
Requirements vary locally, so confirm with the Anganwadi Worker first.
How to register
- Find the Anganwadi Centre serving your locality and contact the Anganwadi Worker or Helper.
- Say which service you need: nutrition, preschool education, health support or maternal nutrition.
- Give the beneficiary details and Aadhaar information for identification.
- Keep the child’s birth information or MCP Card handy.
- The Worker records your details through the Anganwadi registration and Poshan Tracker process.
- Once registered, you receive the services that match your age and category.
- If your family moves, tell the Anganwadi Worker so your record can be updated or transferred.
No need to look for an “ICDS Apply Online” form on a central website. States and UTs may have extra procedures or digital facilities, but the local centre is the main point of access.
ICDS vs POSHAN 2.0
| Point | ICDS | Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Historical name of the 1975 programme | Current framework for Anganwadi Services |
| Focus | Nutrition, health, preschool education, support for mothers | Same, with more emphasis on ECCE, better infrastructure and service delivery |
| Early education | Preschool through Anganwadi Centres | Greater emphasis on ECCE, including Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi |
| Monitoring | Largely programme-based and manual | Digital, through the Poshan Tracker |
| Infrastructure | Anganwadi Centres as the delivery network | Upgrading centres as Saksham Anganwadis |
Related schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): maternity-related financial assistance for eligible women
- PM POSHAN Scheme: hot cooked meals for eligible students in Government and Government-aided schools
Need help?
- Ministry of Women and Child Development: 011-26773706
- Email: dh1-anganwadi.mwcd@gov.in
- POSHAN toll-free helpline: 1515
- Address: Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001
- You can also ask your nearest Anganwadi Centre or your State/UT department.
Frequently asked questions
When was ICDS launched?
On 2 October 1975.
Is ICDS still available in 2026?
Yes. The services continue through Anganwadi Centres under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0.
How do I register?
At your nearest Anganwadi Centre, with the help of the Anganwadi Worker.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for children?
No. A child’s own Aadhaar is not mandatory.
What is the Poshan Tracker?
The digital system the Anganwadi network uses to keep beneficiary records and monitor nutrition, growth, preschool activities and Take-Home Ration.
What is the helpline?
1515 for POSHAN-related services and grievances.