If you’re a farmer, or you have a farm connection with home, and you’ve been hearing the words “PM Kusum subsidy” thrown around again in 2026, you’re not alone.
Every year, the same questions come back. How much subsidy is there, who can apply, what is the last date, and most importantly… where exactly do I apply online without falling into some random fake website?
So let’s keep this simple, but complete. This post covers what PM Kusum is, what’s expected in 2026, the components (A, B, C), subsidy structure, eligibility, documents, and the step-by-step application process, plus the real-life gotchas that usually waste people’s time.
What is PM Kusum Yojana (in plain words)
The Pradhanmantri Kusum Yojana is a central government scheme aimed at promoting solar energy in agriculture.
It mainly supports three things:
- Solar pumps for irrigation (so farmers depend less on diesel and less on unstable power supply).
- Solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps (so the pump runs on solar and the grid becomes backup).
- Small solar power plants on barren or unused land (and selling power to DISCOM).
The official name is long: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan. Most people just call it PM Kusum.
PM Kusum Yojana 2026: what’s new and what to expect
A lot of people search “PM Kusum Yojana 2026 new rules” and expect one single nationwide update. But PM Kusum runs through states, DISCOMs, and state nodal agencies (SNAs). So, the core scheme stays similar, but the real application windows, vendor lists, prices, and targets change from state to state.
In 2026, you should expect:
- Fresh or continued state-wise targets for solar pumps and solarisation.
- New application windows are opening in phases (and closing fast if targets get filled).
- Slight changes in benchmark cost and beneficiary share depending on state policy.
- More pressure on online application and Aadhaar-based verification in many states.
- Vendor empanelment updates (some vendors get removed, new ones added).
So yes, the scheme is real. But your “apply now” button depends on your state portal and the current active window.
PM Kusum Components (A, B, C) explained quickly
This part matters because the subsidy and process changes based on the component.
Component A: Solar power plant on your land (up to 2 MW, typically)
- You set up a small grid-connected solar plant on barren or unused agricultural land.
- You sell electricity to DISCOM at a pre-decided tariff (as per state guidelines).
- Higher effort, higher paperwork, and usually more suitable for groups, FPOs, or farmers with larger land parcels and grid access nearby.
Component B: Standalone solar pumps (off-grid)
- You get a solar water pump for irrigation.
- Mostly for areas where grid supply is weak or not available.
- This is what most farmers mean when they say “Kusum solar pump subsidy”.
Component C: Solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps
- If you already have a grid-connected pump, it can be solarised.
- The pump uses solar first, grid as backup.
- In some models, surplus power can be fed back, but implementation varies widely by state.
If you’re unsure which one applies to you, just remember this:
- Need a new solar pump: usually Component B.
- Already have a grid pump: usually Component C.
- Want to sell solar electricity: Component A.
PM Kusum Yojana 2026 subsidy (how much you actually get)
Subsidy is the main reason people apply. But the amount is not one flat number across India.
Still, the typical structure under PM Kusum for pumps has been along these lines in many states:
- Central subsidy + State subsidy (together often covering a big portion)
- Farmer contribution (you pay this part)
In many states, the farmer’s share usually ranges between 10% to 40%, depending on various factors. Similar to schemes such as the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Utthan Scheme, the final subsidy depends on category, eligibility, and state-specific rules rather than on a fixed percentage.
- Category (General, SC, ST, small and marginal farmers, etc.)
- Pump capacity (HP)
- Type of pump (surface/submersible)
- Controller and structure costs
- State top-up subsidy rules
- Whether it’s Component B or C, and the exact model
Practical way to think about it
Instead of trusting “90% subsidy” posters, do this:
- Check your state PM Kusum portal notification (or DISCOM notice).
- Look for the benchmark cost or approved cost for the pump size and the beneficiary share percentage.
- Then calculate your payable amount using this formula: Approved cost × beneficiary share.
Because the biggest confusion happens here. Some people hear “60% subsidy” and assume the vendor will give a pump almost free. Then they see the final payable amount and feel cheated. It’s usually not cheating; it’s just cost structure plus state rules.
Eligibility for PM Kusum Yojana 2026
Again, state rules can add extra conditions, but common eligibility points include:
- Applicant is a farmer (individual or group) with required proof.
- Land ownership or valid land-related documents (or lease documents in some cases, if allowed by the state).
- Applicant should not have already taken a similar subsidy for the same purpose (varies, but double benefits are generally restricted).
For pumps, you usually need:
- A viable water source (borewell/open well/canal, as per pump type).
- The Pump installed Land.
For Component C (solarisation), you typically need:
- An existing grid-connected agricultural pump connection in your name (or transfer process).
Some states prioritise:
- SC/ST farmers
- Small and marginal farmers
- Farmers in feeder separation areas
- Areas with high diesel pump usage
If you’re part of an FPO or a cooperative, you may have special routes, especially under Component A, sometimes even for collective pump installations. But that depends a lot on state guidelines.
Documents required (common list)
Keep these ready. If you apply online without these, your application sits in “pending” forever.
Usually required:
- Aadhaar card
- Mobile number linked for OTP
- Farmer ID / Kisan card (if your state uses it)
- Land documents: Khatauni / Jamabandi / 7/12 / RoR (state-specific)
- Bank account details: Passbook / cancelled cheque (for verification)
- Passport-size photo
- Caste certificate (if applying under the reserved category)
- Existing electricity connection details (for Component C): Consumer number/account ID/pump connection details
- Borewell details or water source proof (sometimes asked)
- NOC or declaration formats (as per portal)
Small tip. Scan documents clearly. Not just “photo from phone in low light”. Many rejections happen because uploads are unreadable.
PM Kusum Yojana 2026: Apply Online (step by step)
There is no single national “one portal for everyone” that works the same for every state. Most applications happen on:
- Your State Nodal Agency’s renewable energy portal (often the state’s solar portal), or
- DISCOM agriculture solar scheme portal, or
- A dedicated PM Kusum state website.
So the step-by-step below is the real workflow, even if the buttons look different.
Step 1: Find the official portal for your state
Search like this (seriously, this works better than generic searches):
- “PM Kusum [Your State] official portal”
- “PM Kusum solar pump [Your State] apply online”
- “SNA renewable energy [Your State] KUSUM”
Then double check:
- The site should usually be a .gov.in domain or an official state agency domain.
- It should be linked from the DISCOM/SNA official page.
- Avoid clicking sponsored ads that look like government forms.
Step 2: Choose the component (B or C for pumps, A for plants)
Most farmers choose:
- Component B: if they want a new standalone solar pump.
- Component C: if they already have an electricity-connected pump and want solarisation.
Pick correctly, because if you apply under the wrong component, you may not be able to edit later.
Step 3: Register with your mobile number and OTP
You’ll usually create:
- Applicant profile
- Basic details: name, father/husband name, address, district, block, village
Step 4: Fill in the farmer and land details
This is the part where mismatches happen.
Match your entries with the land record spelling as closely as possible.
- Name spellings
- Village name
- Khasra/Gata number
- Area of land
Some portals auto-fetch land data based on an ID. If it doesn’t fetch, manual entry is needed.
Step 5: Select pump type and capacity (for Component B)
You will pick:
- Pump type: surface/submersible
- Capacity: HP/kW options available
- Water source type
Don’t blindly choose higher capacity, thinking “bigger is better”. Higher capacity means higher cost and sometimes higher beneficiary share amount. Also, your borewell yield matters. A big pump on a weak borehole is just wasted money.
Step 6: Upload documents
Upload in the required format:
- PDF/JPG
- File size limits
If the portal asks for a specific declaration, download it, sign it, and upload it.
Step 7: Pay application fee or token amount (if applicable)
Some states take:
- A small registration fee, or
- A token amount that later becomes part of your contribution
Keep the receipt. Always.
Step 8: Submit and note down the application number
Take a screenshot. Save the PDF acknowledgement if available.
Step 9: Verification and site inspection
After submission, the process usually includes:
- Document verification
- Field inspection (by DISCOM/department or vendor team)
- Feasibility check (especially if it’s grid-connected or there are technical constraints)
Step 10: Vendor selection and work order
In many states, you choose from empanelled vendors. In some cases, the department allots the vendor.
Then:
- You pay your beneficiary share (as per instructions)
- Vendor installs the system
- Commissioning and net metering steps (for Component C, if applicable)
- After the final inspection, the system gets approved
How long does it take (realistic timeline)
Best case, when the PM Kusum Portal is active, and targets are open:
- Application to preliminary verification: 1 to 4 weeks
- Site survey and approval: 2 to 6 weeks
- Installation after payment: 2 to 8 weeks
So, it can be anywhere from 1 month to 4 months.
But delays happen. Common reasons:
- Vendor backlog
- Inspection pending
- Document mismatch
- Local DISCOM approvals
- Stock issues (panels/controllers)
Common mistakes people make (and then blame the scheme)
This part is worth reading, because it saves you weeks.
1) Applying to a fake “registration” website
If the site is asking you to pay a big amount just to “download a form”, that’s a red flag.
2) Wrong land record or name mismatch
Even a small mismatch (like a missing middle name) can put you into “rejected” or “clarification” status.
3) Choosing the wrong pump capacity
If your borewell is shallow, and you choose a high-capacity submersible, the vendor may later mark it unfeasible. Then you start over.
4) Not checking whether the application window is actually open
Some portals allow registration but not submission. Or they accept submission but later say “target full”.
5) Paying money to a random “agent”
Using help is fine. But money should go only through official payment gateways, and receipts should be from the portal or the authorised vendor channel as per instructions.
How to check application status
Most state portals have an option like:
- Track Application
- Application Status
- Know Your Status
You usually need:
- Application number, or
- Mobile number + OTP, or
- Aadhaar/ID
If it’s stuck at one stage for too long:
- Call the SNA helpline (if listed)
- Visit the local renewable energy office or DISCOM office with an acknowledgement
- Raise a grievance on the portal (some states have this)
PM Kusum Yojana benefits (beyond subsidy)
Yes, subsidy is the headline. But the real benefits are:
- Lower irrigation cost compared to diesel pumps
- Less dependence on power cuts and voltage issues (especially with standalone solar pumps)
- Potential income from selling power in Component A, and sometimes in Component C models
- Better predictability in farming operations, which is underrated
And also, in some regions, solar pumps reduce the constant fight with diesel availability during peak season.
A quick note on pricing, vendors, and quality
This is where people get burned.
Even with a subsidy, you are paying something. So check:
- Brand and model of pump (BIS/ISI where applicable)
- Panel wattage and structure quality
- Warranty terms (pump, controller, panels)
- Service network in your district
What exactly is included in the approved cost
- Transportation
- Installation
- Civil work (sometimes extra, sometimes included)
- Wiring length limits
Ask for everything in writing. Or at least in the portal-generated work order.
If a vendor promises something that is not shown on the portal, be cautious. Because later they will say “sir scheme mein itna hi allowed hai”.
Final thoughts
PM Kusum Yojana 2026 is one of those schemes that can genuinely help, but only if you approach it like a process, not like a lottery ticket.
Step one is finding the correct state portal. Step two is choosing the right component. Step three is getting your documents and land records clean and matching. After that, it’s mostly patience and follow-ups.
If you tell me your state and whether you want a new solar pump (B), solarisation (C) or a power plant (A), I can outline the exact portal route and what usually gets asked in your state application form.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is PM Kusum Yojana 2026 open now?
Depends on your state. The scheme continues, but application windows open based on state targets. Check your state SNA/DISCOM portal notifications.
Can I apply offline in PM Kusum?
Some states still allow offline facilitation through local offices, but almost all require final entry on the online portal. If someone says “offline only, give documents and cash”, don’t.
Who gets more subsidy, SC/ST or small farmers?
Many states provide higher subsidies or priority to SC/ST and small and marginal farmers. The exact percentage depends on your state guidelines.
Can I apply if I already have a pump?
Yes, for Component C (solarisation) if you have a grid-connected pump and meet your state criteria.
Is there a helpline number?
Most states publish a portal helpline or SNA contact. Look on the official portal footer or “Contact Us” page. Don’t trust random helpline numbers posted on social media.