Complete Guide to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana 2026
Everything you need to know about PM-KISAN Yojana including eligibility, benefits, registration process, installment status check, and common issues with solutions.
What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a landmark central government scheme launched on 1st February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this scheme, eligible farmer families across India receive direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year, transferred in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each, directly into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields. Since its inception, PM-KISAN has benefited over 11 crore farmer families across the country, making it one of the largest direct benefit transfer programs in the world.
Who is Eligible for PM Kisan Yojana?
Eligibility Criteria
All landholding farmer families across the country are eligible for the scheme, subject to certain exclusion criteria. A farmer family is defined as a family comprising husband, wife, and minor children who own cultivable land as per the land records of the respective state or union territory.
Exclusion Categories
The following categories of beneficiaries are NOT eligible for benefits under PM-KISAN:
- Institutional Land Holders: Farmers who hold institutional land are excluded
- Former and Present Government Employees: Serving or retired officers and employees of central/state government ministries, departments, and offices, along with their family members. Multi-tasking staff and Group D employees are exempted from this exclusion
- Income Tax Payers: Farmer families in which one or more members are income tax payers (for the last assessment year)
- Constitutional Post Holders: Former and present holders of constitutional posts
- Professionals: Registered doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects with professional bodies who practice their profession
- Pensioners: Retired pensioners receiving monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 or more (excluding MTS/Group D employees)
How Much Money Do Beneficiaries Receive?
Under PM-KISAN, each eligible farmer family receives Rs. 6,000 per year in three installments:
- Installment 1 (April to July): Rs. 2,000
- Installment 2 (August to November): Rs. 2,000
- Installment 3 (December to March): Rs. 2,000
The amount is transferred directly to the bank account of the beneficiary through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.
How to Register for PM Kisan Yojana
Online Registration (Self-Registration)
You can register yourself for PM-KISAN through the official portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official PM-KISAN website at pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on "New Farmer Registration" on the homepage
- Select your registration type - Rural or Urban farmer
- Enter your Aadhaar number and select your state
- Enter the CAPTCHA and click on "Get OTP" sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Fill in the registration form with your personal details including name, gender, category (SC/ST/General), bank account details, and IFSC code
- Enter your land details including survey number, Khata number, and area of land
- Upload required documents
- Submit the form and note down the registration number for future reference
Offline Registration (Through CSC or Local Office)
If you prefer offline registration or face difficulties with online registration:
- Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Contact your Lekhpal/Patwari or Village Level Worker (VLW)
- Visit the local Agriculture Department office in your block or district
- Carry all required documents (Aadhaar card, land records, bank passbook, mobile number)
- The officer will help you fill out the registration form and submit it on your behalf
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for all beneficiaries)
- Land Ownership Documents (Khatauni, Khasra, or equivalent land records)
- Bank Account Passbook (first page with account number and IFSC code)
- Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification
How to Check PM Kisan Installment Status
Method 1: Through the Official Website
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on "Beneficiary Status" in the menu
- Enter your Aadhaar Number, Account Number, or Mobile Number
- Click "Get Data" to view your payment history and installment status
Method 2: Through the PM-KISAN Mobile App
- Download the PM-KISAN app from Google Play Store
- Open the app and tap on "Check Beneficiary Status"
- Enter your details to view your installment information
Method 3: Check via Helpline
Call the PM-KISAN helpline at 155261 or 011-24300606 during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM) to inquire about your installment status.
PM Kisan eKYC - Why It's Important
The government has made eKYC mandatory for all PM-KISAN beneficiaries. Without completing eKYC, your installments may be held. Here is how to complete it:
Online eKYC
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in and click on "eKYC"
- Enter your Aadhaar number linked with PM-KISAN
- Click "Search" and verify your details
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Submit to complete eKYC
Biometric eKYC at CSC
If OTP-based eKYC fails or your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, visit a CSC center for biometric-based eKYC using fingerprint verification.
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue 1: Installment Not Received
- Check if your eKYC is completed
- Verify your Aadhaar is seeded with your bank account
- Check if your land records are verified by the state government
- Ensure your name in Aadhaar matches the name in bank records
Issue 2: Registration Rejected
- Ensure you do not fall under any exclusion category
- Verify your land records are up to date
- Check if another family member is already registered (only one registration per family)
- Contact your local agriculture office for specific rejection reasons
Issue 3: Name Correction or Update
- Visit the PM-KISAN portal and click on "Updation of Self Registered Farmer"
- Enter your Aadhaar number to access your profile
- Update the necessary details and submit supporting documents
- Alternatively, visit your local CSC or agriculture office for assistance
PM KISAN Installment Schedule 2026
Here is the expected installment schedule for 2026:
- 17th Installment: Expected in April-May 2026
- 18th Installment: Expected in August-September 2026
- 19th Installment: Expected in December 2026-January 2027
Note that exact dates are announced by the government and may vary. Keep checking the official portal for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tenant farmers apply for PM-KISAN?
Yes, tenant farmers can also apply, but their state must have provisions for identifying tenant farmers and sharing their data with the central government. Currently, many states have included tenant farmers in their beneficiary lists.
Is the scheme only for small and marginal farmers?
Initially, PM-KISAN was limited to small and marginal farmers (owning up to 2 hectares), but from June 2019, the scheme was extended to cover all landholding farmer families, irrespective of their landholding size, subject to exclusion criteria.
Can both husband and wife register separately?
No. Only one member per farmer family (husband, wife, and minor children) can register for PM-KISAN benefits. If both apply, the duplicate application will be rejected, and recovery proceedings may be initiated.
PM-KISAN remains one of the most impactful welfare schemes for the farming community. If you are an eligible farmer, register at the earliest to avail the benefits. For any assistance, call the helpline or visit your nearest agriculture office.