What is PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi?
PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKSN) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in February 2019 by the Government of India. It provides direct cash transfer of ₹6,000 per year to all eligible farmer families owning cultivable land. The amount is paid in 3 equal installments of ₹2,000 every 4 months (April-July, August-November, December-March).
As of May 2026, more than 16 crore farmers have registered, and over ₹3.5 lakh crore has been disbursed across 19+ installments.
Who is eligible
### Eligible - Indian farmer family (husband + wife + minor children) - Owns cultivable land (recorded in land records as on Feb 1, 2019) - Land size: no minimum or maximum (originally there was a ₹2 hectare cap; removed in June 2019)
### Not eligible (excluded) - Income tax payers in the previous assessment year - Government employees (Central, State, PSU, autonomous body) - Pensioners drawing ₹10,000+/month (excluding multi-tasking staff/Class IV/Group D) - Constitutional position holders: Former and present MPs/MLAs/Mayors/ZP Chairperson - Doctors, engineers, lawyers, CAs, architects (registered under their professional body) - Beneficiaries of higher pension schemes (other than disability pension) - Tenant farmers, sharecroppers (don't own land)
How to register
### Online registration via pmkisan.gov.in
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in 2. Click "New Farmer Registration" 3. Enter Aadhaar number + state + captcha 4. Fill personal details (name as per Aadhaar, parent's name, gender, category) 5. Fill bank details (account number, IFSC, bank name) 6. Fill land details (Khasra/khatauni number, village, district, state) 7. Upload documents: Aadhaar, bank passbook, land record 8. Submit 9. Local revenue official verifies; you'll get an SMS once approved
### Offline registration
Visit local Common Service Centre (CSC) or village-level operator. Carry: - Aadhaar card - Bank passbook (account in farmer's name) - Land ownership document (RoR / Khasra / Khatauni / Pahani) - Mobile number
CSC registration fee: ₹35 (govt-mandated, not extra).
Mandatory e-KYC
From August 2022 onwards, e-KYC is mandatory to receive subsequent installments. If your e-KYC is pending, your installments will be on hold.
### How to do e-KYC
1. Aadhaar OTP method (online, fastest): - Visit pmkisan.gov.in - Click "e-KYC" - Enter Aadhaar number → OTP → submit 2. Biometric method: - Visit nearest CSC - Aadhaar fingerprint scan 3. Face authentication: - Use PMKisan mobile app - Selfie-based verification
How to check installment status
Status check at pmkisan.gov.in/Beneficiary_Status.aspx:
1. Visit the page 2. Enter Aadhaar number / mobile number / bank account number 3. Captcha → submit 4. View payment history with bank reference numbers
Each installment shows: - Date credited - Bank name + account - Amount (₹2,000) - Status (Success, Failed, FTO Generated, Pending)
Common reasons for non-receipt
1. e-KYC pending: Most common. Complete it. 2. Aadhaar not linked to bank account: Visit your bank with Aadhaar to link. 3. Bank account inactive / dormant: Activate by visiting branch. 4. Land record mismatch: Name on Aadhaar doesn't match name on land record. 5. Income tax payer flag: If you filed ITR in any year (even with zero tax), you may be flagged. Submit declaration via Lekhpal/Patwari. 6. Multi-state holder: If your records show land in 2 states, scrutiny delays.
How to file a complaint
If you're eligible but not receiving installments:
- Call: 155261 (PM-Kisan helpline) or 011-24300606
- Email: pmkisan-ict@gov.in
- Tweet: @AgriGoI tagged with #PMKisan
- Visit: Local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or Block Agriculture Office
- Last resort: District Magistrate's office formal complaint
Tax treatment of PM-Kisan amount
PM-Kisan ₹6,000/year is fully tax-exempt under Section 10(1) (agricultural income) of the Income-tax Act. You don't need to declare it separately in your ITR. However, if you file ITR for other reasons, mention it as agricultural income in the appropriate schedule.
Other related schemes for farmers
While you're at it, check eligibility for:
- PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana): Crop insurance subsidized by govt
- KCC (Kisan Credit Card): Credit access at 7% interest, with 3% interest subvention if paid on time
- PM-KMY (Kisan Mandhan Yojana): Pension scheme for farmers (₹3,000/month at 60+)
- PM-AASHA (Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan): Minimum support price assurance
Common mistakes / scams
1. Paying for registration: It's free at gram panchayat / online; ₹35 cap at CSC. Anyone charging more is a scammer. 2. Sharing OTP / Aadhaar: PM-Kisan staff never call asking for OTP or PIN. 3. Fake apps: Only use the official "PMKISAN" app from Play Store / App Store. 4. Forgetting to update mobile number: Number changes need formal update at CSC. 5. Multiple registrations across states: Banned. Keep records in one state only.