The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana is a central government scheme that provides financial assistance to small and marginal farmers in India. Launched in February 2019, the scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of farmers by providing them with ₹6,000 per year, disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The money is directly transferred to the farmers' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the PM-Kisan Yojana, farmers must meet certain criteria. The updated eligibility guidelines for 2025 include:

• Must be an Indian farmer engaged in cultivation or allied activities.
• Ownership of cultivable land as per state revenue records.
• Must be 18 years of age or above.
• Aadhaar and mobile number linked to the bank account.

Certain categories of individuals are excluded from the scheme, including:

• Those who pay income tax or hold high-ranking government positions.
• Government employees and high-income taxpayers.
• Institutional landholders.
• Farmers whose family member is already getting PM Kisan benefits.
• Farmers who do not own cultivable land.
• Applicants below 18 years of age (as on 01.02.2019).
• Applicants or family members who are NRIs.
• Families where members hold constitutional posts.
• Families with members who are current or former ministers (Centre/State).
• Families with members who are MPs, MLAs, MLCs, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons, or Mayors.
• Autonomous institutions (except Class IV/multi-tasking staff).

Key Updates and Requirements

Several new measures have been introduced to streamline the scheme and ensure that the benefits reach genuine farmers:

• Mandatory eKYC Completion: Farmers must complete Aadhaar-based eKYC before receiving payments.
• Land Record Verification: Only farmers with verified cultivable land records are eligible.
• Aadhaar-linked Bank Accounts: Aadhaar-linked bank accounts are compulsory for DBT transfers.

How to Check Eligibility and Beneficiary Status

To check if you are eligible for the next installment and to verify your beneficiary status, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official PM Kisan Portal: Go to the official PM Kisan website: https://pmkisan.gov.in/">https://pmkisan.gov.in/.
2. Navigate to the 'Farmers Corner' Section: On the homepage, locate the 'Farmers Corner' section.
3. Check Beneficiary List: Click on 'Beneficiary List' to proceed.
4. Enter Required Details: Select your State, District, Sub-District, Block, and Village from the dropdown lists.
5. Get Report: Click 'Get Report' to view the list of beneficiaries in your area.
6. Check Your Name: Look for your name and verify your details on the list.

You can also check your payment status by clicking on 'Beneficiary Status' under the 'Farmers Corner' section and entering your Aadhaar Number, Account Number, or Mobile Number.

PM Kisan 20th Installment

The 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was released on August 2, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed the payments directly to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore eligible farmers during an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The total payout for this installment was ₹20,500 crore.

PM Kisan 21st Installment

The 21st installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is anticipated to be announced soon. As per media reports, the 21st instalment may arrive in November or December 2025.

What to Do If Your Name Is Not on the List or Payment Is Delayed

If your name is not on the beneficiary list or your payment is delayed, here are the steps you can take:

1. Update Your Details Online: Visit the PM Kisan portal and update any incorrect details such as Aadhaar number, bank account, or land records.
2. Visit Your Nearest CSC (Common Service Center): Get assistance in updating your information.
3. Contact PM Kisan Helpline: Call PM Kisan Helpline Number – 155261 / 1800 115 526 / 011-23381092 for support.

AI Chatbot for PM-KISAN

An AI Chatbot was launched for the PM-KISAN scheme in 2023. The AI Chatbot provides farmers with prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries.