The PM Kisan Yojana continues to be one of India’s most impactful initiatives for supporting small and marginal farmers. Launched in 2019, it provides direct income support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments. In 2025, the scheme has undergone significant changes in eligibility criteria and the payment process to improve transparency, ensure that benefits reach genuine farmers, and reduce the risk of fraud.
Below, we break down the new updates, explain their importance, and outline how farmers can adapt to these changes.
Understanding PM Kisan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Government scheme aimed at providing income support to landholding farmer families. Farmers receive ₹2,000 per installment, directly transferred into their bank accounts three times a year. The scheme’s objective is to help farmers meet their agricultural and household needs, reducing financial stress and encouraging productivity.
Key Eligibility Changes in 2025
The government has revised the eligibility rules to make the scheme more targeted. Here’s what’s new:
1. Mandatory e-KYC and Land Verification
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Every beneficiary must complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC through the official PM Kisan portal or Common Service Centres (CSCs).
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Physical verification of land records is now compulsory, ensuring that only actual landholders receive benefits. This step aims to prevent payments to ineligible individuals using outdated or false land records.
2. Updated Landholding Criteria
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Previously, any landholding farmer family, irrespective of the land size, could apply. In 2025, the focus is on small and marginal farmers with cultivable land up to 5 hectares.
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Large-scale landowners and corporate farming entities are excluded to prioritize smaller farms.
3. Stricter Exclusion of Taxpayers
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Farmers or family members who paid income tax in the previous assessment year will not be eligible.
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This also applies to professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and government employees with higher income sources.
4. Inclusion of Tenant Farmers in Certain States
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Some states have amended their local rules to include verified tenant farmers, provided they have official lease documents registered with local authorities.
Updated Payment Process in 2025
The payment process has been streamlined to ensure timely disbursement and better tracking.
1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) with Real-Time Tracking
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Payments are still made under the DBT system, but farmers can now track the status of their installment in real time through the PM Kisan mobile app or web portal.
2. Quarterly Disbursement Instead of Triannual
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Instead of three installments of ₹2,000 each, the government will now release four installments of ₹1,500 every quarter. This change provides more frequent cash flow for farmers to manage seasonal expenses.
3. Integration with Jan Dhan Accounts
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Farmers are encouraged to link their Jan Dhan accounts for quicker and error-free transfers, minimizing payment rejections due to inactive or mismatched accounts.
4. OTP-Based Payment Confirmation
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Before each installment is credited, beneficiaries will receive a one-time password (OTP) on their registered mobile number to confirm the transaction. This adds a layer of security and prevents wrong transfers.
How Farmers Can Apply Under the New Rules
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Visit the Official Portal: Go to pmkisan.gov.in.
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Register or Update Details: Use Aadhaar for verification and update bank account details.
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Complete e-KYC: This can be done online or at a CSC.
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Submit Land Records: Upload digital land documents as per state requirements.
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Track Application Status: Use the “Beneficiary Status” feature on the portal.
Why These Changes Matter
The modifications in eligibility and payment processes address key issues like duplicate beneficiaries, delayed payments, and misuse of funds. By tightening rules, the scheme ensures that genuine, needy farmers—especially small and marginal ones—receive uninterrupted support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the annual benefit under PM Kisan Yojana 2025?
Under the revised system, farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, split into four installments of ₹1,500 each.
Q2: Is e-KYC mandatory for all beneficiaries?
Yes. Without Aadhaar-based e-KYC, payments will be withheld.
Q3: Can tenant farmers apply?
Only in states where tenant farmers are officially recognized and have valid lease documentation.
Q4: How can I check my payment status?
You can track it via the PM Kisan portal or mobile app using your Aadhaar or bank account number.
Q5: Will large landowners still be eligible?
No. The focus is on farmers with up to 5 hectares of cultivable land.
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