PM-KISAN Yojana: Check Features, Eligibility Criteria, Registration Process, and More

Agriculture is one of the major contributors to the Indian economy, and farmers are the backbone of the country. A major portion of India’s population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. However, many farmers are still facing financial challenges due to increasing cultivation costs, uncertain weather conditions, and market fluctuations. To provide financial support to farmers, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana.

PM-KISAN is a major welfare scheme launched by the government to support farmers by providing regular income support. With the help of this scheme, eligible farmers receive financial assistance directly into their bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

On March 13, 2026, the government released the 22nd instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana and disbursed ₹18,640 crore directly to over 9.32 crore farmer families through DBT.

What is PM-KISAN Yojana?

Launched by the Government of India on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The scheme aims to provide financial aid to eligible landholding farmers across the country. The scheme was initially launched for small and marginal farmers but later extended to all eligible farmers.

Under the scheme, the government provides financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually to the eligible farmers in three instalments of ₹2,000 every four months. Through the DBT system, the amount gets credited directly to the bank account of the farmers, ensuring transparency and reducing delays. The Government of India has disbursed over ₹4 lakh crore to eligible farmers via 22 instalments since the launch of the scheme.

It is important to note that the government has made e-KYC mandatory for all beneficiaries. Farmers without completed e-KYC may face payment delays or removal from the beneficiary list.

Features of PM-KISAN Yojana

The PM-KISAN scheme includes various features that make it beneficial and accessible for farmers:

• Direct Financial Assistance: The government provides ₹6,000 annually directly into eligible farmers’ bank accounts in 3 installments via the DBT system.
• Nationwide Coverage: The scheme is implemented across all the states and union territories of India. Farmers from rural as well as urban areas can take advantage of the scheme.
• Online Registration: Eligible farmers can register online through the official website of PM-KISAN or through Common Service Centers (CSCs).
• Aadhaar-Based Verification: Aadhaar linkage and e-KYC verification are mandatory for the beneficiaries, helping the government to identify genuine farmers and avoid fraudulent claims.
• Transparency and Monitoring: The government maintains digital records of beneficiaries and land ownership details. This improves transparency and ensures that benefits reach eligible farmers only.

How to Register for PM-KISAN?

The farmers can follow these simple steps to apply online for the PM-KISAN yojana:

Step 1: Go to the official PM-KISAN portal.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “New Farmer Registration” option.

Step 3: Enter basic information:

• Aadhaar Number
• Mobile Number
• State
• Captcha Code

Step 4: Fill out the application form by entering personal details, bank account information, and land ownership details carefully.

Step 5: Upload all the required documents, if required for verification.

Step 6: After reviewing all the details, submit the application form.

Step 7: The application is verified by state government authorities. Once it is verified and approved, the farmer starts receiving benefits under the scheme.

Note: If farmers face any challenge in applying online, they can register for PM-KISAN by visiting the nearby Common Service Centre (CSC).

Eligibility Criteria for PM-KISAN Yojana

• Landholding: The farmer must own cultivable agricultural land as recorded in the State/UT land records. Husband, wife, and minor children are included under the farmer family definition.
• Indian Citizen: The beneficiary should be a resident of India.
• Aadhaar & eKYC: The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar, and it is mandatory to complete e-KYC to receive PM-KISAN financial assistance.
• Bank Details: The applicant farmer should have a bank account mapped with Aadhaar to receive instalments via DBT.

Who is not Eligible for PM-KISAN Yojana?

The following applicants are excluded from the eligibility criteria of the PM-KISAN Yojana:

• Institutional Landholders: Organisations, institutions and companies owning agricultural land are not eligible for benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme.
• Income Tax Payers: If you have paid income tax in the previous assessment year, then you are not eligible for the scheme as it targets economically weaker farmer families.
• Government Employees: Serving or retired officers and employees of the central or state government are excluded. However, Class IV employees, such as peons, sweepers and helpers are eligible.
• Professionals: Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and carrying out their professions are not eligible for the scheme.
• Pensioners: Retired individuals receiving a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more, excluding Multi Tasking Staff, / Class IV, and Group D employees, are not eligible for the scheme.
• Constitutional Post Holders: Former and present holders of constitutional posts such as MPs, MLAs, and mayors are not eligible for the scheme.

What Documents are Required for PM-KISAN Registration?

The following documents are generally required for PM-KISAN registration:

• Aadhaar Card
• Identity Proof
• Address Proof
• Land Ownership Documents
• Bank Account Details
• Mobile Number
• Passport-size photographs

FAQs

What is the PM-KISAN Yojana?

A central government scheme that provides ₹6,000 yearly financial support to eligible farmer families. The amount is paid in 3 installments directly to bank accounts.

Who is eligible for PM-KISAN?

Eligible landholding farmer families with cultivable land records are generally eligible. Institutional landholders and income-tax payers are excluded.

How much money do farmers receive?

Beneficiaries receive ₹2,000 every four months, totalling ₹6,000 annually through DBT.

Is e-KYC mandatory for PM-KISAN?

Yes, e-KYC is compulsory to continue receiving instalments. Without it, payments may stop.

How can farmers check their PM-KISAN status?

Farmers can visit the official PM-KISAN portal and use their Aadhaar or registration number to check payment and beneficiary status.

What documents are needed for registration?

Aadhaar card, bank account details, land ownership documents, and mobile number are commonly required.

Why do some farmers not receive installments?

Common reasons include incomplete e-KYC, Aadhaar mismatch, wrong bank details, or invalid land records.

Can farmers update their PM-KISAN details online?

Yes, details like Aadhaar correction, bank information, and e-KYC can be updated through the PM-KISAN portal or CSC centres.