The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmer families across the country. This initiative aims to supplement the income of cultivators and enable them to meet various agricultural and allied expenses. By understanding the eligibility criteria for PM-KISAN, farmers can ensure they receive the intended benefits and support from the government.
Comprehending the eligibility requirements is crucial for farmers to avail themselves of the scheme's advantages effectively. Failure to meet the criteria may result in rejection or delay in receiving the financial aid, potentially hindering their agricultural activities and livelihood. By familiarizing themselves with the eligibility guidelines, farmers can take proactive steps to fulfill the necessary conditions and seamlessly access the benefits offered by PM-KISAN.
The PM Kisan Yojana, or the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), is a central government scheme aimed at providing financial support to small and marginal farmer families across India. The primary objective of this scheme is to supplement the income of these farmers and alleviate their financial burdens.
Under the PM Kisan Yojana, eligible farmer families receive a financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. The disbursement typically occurs every four months, ensuring a steady stream of financial support throughout the year.
Small and marginal farmer families with cultivable land.
Families with landholding up to 2 hectares.
Farmers from both rural and urban areas.
Institutional landholders.
Individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year.
Professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers.
Retired pensioners with a monthly pension exceeding ₹10,000.
Former or current holders of constitutional posts.
The PM Kisan Yojana has undergone several significant updates in 2025 to streamline the registration process, enhance transparency, and prevent fraudulent claims. These updates are crucial for farmers to understand and comply with to continue receiving benefits under the scheme.
Mandatory Ration Card: As of November 2021, a ration card has become compulsory for registration and benefit disbursement under the PM Kisan Yojana. Farmers must upload a soft copy of their ration card during the registration process. If they are already registered, they must update their details with the ration card information. This measure aims to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive the financial support.
Farmer Registration Requirement: Starting December 2024, all farmers are required to complete the Farmer Registration process to continue receiving benefits under the PM Kisan Yojana. The last date for registration is 31st January 2025. This registration process is mandatory and will help the government maintain an accurate database of beneficiaries and prevent duplication or misuse of funds.
e-KYC Mandate: To further enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent claims, the government has made e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) mandatory for all beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Yojana. Farmers can complete the e-KYC process online or at designated Common Service Centres (CSCs). This step involves biometric authentication and verification of the farmer's identity, ensuring that only genuine and eligible farmers receive the financial assistance.
To successfully register for the PM Kisan Yojana, farmers are required to provide the following documents:
Aadhaar Card: An Aadhaar card is a mandatory requirement for registration. It serves as a unique identification document and is used for authentication purposes.
Bank Account Details: Farmers must provide their bank account details, which should be linked to their Aadhaar card. This is necessary for the direct transfer of benefits under the scheme.
Land Ownership Documents: Proof of land ownership is essential to establish eligibility. Farmers can submit documents such as land records, patta, chitta, or any other relevant document issued by the revenue authorities.
Ration Card Number: As per the latest updates, a ration card is now compulsory for registration and benefit disbursement. Farmers must upload a soft copy of their ration card during the registration process or update their existing details if already registered.
Mobile Number: A valid and active mobile number is required for registration and communication purposes. Farmers should provide their personal mobile number to receive important updates and notifications related to the scheme.
Address Proof: Farmers need to submit a valid address proof document, such as a utility bill, voter ID card, or any other government-issued document, to verify their residential address.
It is crucial for farmers to ensure that all the required documents are accurate, up-to-date, and readily available during the registration process. Providing complete and correct information will streamline the verification process and ensure timely disbursement of benefits under the PM Kisan Yojana.
Online Registration: To register online for the PM Kisan Yojana, visit the official website pmkisan.gov.in. Once on the homepage, navigate to the 'Farmer Corner' section and select the 'New Farmer Registration' option. This will guide you through a step-by-step process to complete your registration.
Offline Registration: If you prefer to register offline, you can approach your local revenue officers or visit an authorized Common Service Centre (CSC) in your area. The officials at these centers will assist you with the registration process and guide you through the necessary documentation.
Verification: Regardless of whether you register online or offline, you will be required to complete a verification process. This typically involves an OTP-based verification system, where a one-time password will be sent to your registered mobile number. You will need to enter this OTP to confirm your identity. Additionally, you will be asked to upload necessary documents, such as your Aadhaar card, land ownership documents, ration card, and address proof, to validate your eligibility for the scheme.
Ration Card Issues: One of the most common issues faced by farmers is related to their ration cards. If you encounter any problems with your ration card, such as incorrect details or missing information, it's crucial to address them promptly. You can visit your nearest ration card office or authorized Common Service Centre (CSC) to update or correct your ration card details. Ensure that you carry all the necessary documents, including address proof, to facilitate the process.
e-KYC Failures: The e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process is now mandatory for the PM Kisan Yojana. This step is crucial to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. If you face any issues during the e-KYC process, such as biometric authentication failures or document verification errors, you can seek assistance from the nearest CSC or contact the PM Kisan Yojana helpline for guidance.
Bank Account Linking: Another common issue arises when farmers encounter problems with linking their bank accounts to their Aadhaar numbers. This step is essential for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the PM Kisan Yojana installments. If you face any difficulties in this regard, you can visit your bank branch and request assistance in linking your Aadhaar and bank account details. Alternatively, you can also approach a CSC for guidance on the process.
The PM Kisan Yojana has undergone significant changes in its eligibility criteria to expand its reach and clarify the exclusion categories. One of the most notable updates is the expanded coverage, which now includes all eligible farmer families, irrespective of their landholding size, subject to certain exclusion criteria.
Previously, the scheme was limited to small and marginal farmer families with cultivable land holdings up to 2 hectares. However, recognizing the diverse needs of the agricultural community, the government has taken a progressive step by extending the benefits to all eligible farmer families, regardless of their landholding size.
Additionally, the exclusion criteria have been updated to provide more clarity and prevent confusion. The ineligible categories now explicitly include individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year, professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, retired pensioners with a monthly pension exceeding ₹10,000, and former or current holders of constitutional posts. This clarification aims to ensure that the scheme's benefits are directed towards those who genuinely require financial assistance for their agricultural activities.
What if I don't have a ration card?
If you don't have a ration card, you can still apply for PM Kisan Yojana. However, starting from November 2021, having a ration card is mandatory for registration and benefit disbursement. You must upload a soft copy of your ration card during the registration process. If you don't have a ration card, you should immediately apply for one at your local ration office or authorized center.
How can I check my PM Kisan status?
You can check your PM Kisan status by visiting the official website (pmkisan.gov.in) and navigating to the "Farmer Corner" section. Here, you can enter your details (such as Aadhaar number or bank account number) to check the status of your registration, installment payments, and other relevant information.
What to do if my name is not in the beneficiary list?
If your name is not in the beneficiary list, it could be due to various reasons, such as incorrect or incomplete information provided during registration, failure to meet the eligibility criteria, or technical issues. In such cases, you should first ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and have provided accurate information during registration. If everything seems correct, you can approach the local revenue officers or authorized Common Service Centers (CSCs) for assistance and clarification.
The PM Kisan Yojana is a flagship initiative by the Indian government to provide financial support to small and marginal farmer families. However, to avail the benefits of this scheme, it is crucial to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in this guide. Understanding and fulfilling these requirements is essential to ensure a smooth registration process and timely disbursement of funds.
As highlighted throughout this guide, recent updates have introduced mandatory requirements such as having a valid ration card, completing farmer registration, and undergoing e-KYC verification. These measures are in place to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
We encourage all eligible farmers to complete the registration process and comply with the e-KYC mandate by the stipulated deadlines. Doing so will not only enable you to receive the financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually but also contribute to the overall success of this farmer welfare scheme.
Remember, the PM Kisan Yojana is designed to support and uplift the agricultural community. By meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the necessary formalities, you can play your part in ensuring the scheme's effective implementation and reaping its intended benefits.