If you’ve been hearing about PM KUSUM again and again and still feel like, ok but what exactly is it, and how do I apply. You’re not alone.
The scheme has been around for a while, but in 2026, interest is high for one simple reason. Electricity bills. Also, unreliable supply in rural areas. – Also, the whole diesel pump situation, which honestly is just expensive pain at this point.
PM KUSUM is essentially the government’s push to get farmers and rural communities onto solar. Solar pumps, solar on barren land, and even solarising existing grid-connected pumps.
But the details matter. The component you choose matters. The documents matter. And the application link you click matters, because every state runs it slightly differently.
What is PM KUSUM Yojana?
PM KUSUM Yojana stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana. It is a government scheme designed to connect farmers with solar energy, so they can reduce their dependence on diesel for irrigation and lower farming costs.
In some cases, farmers can also generate extra solar power and sell it, creating an additional source of income. The scheme also helps improve electricity supply in rural areas by promoting small-scale solar power. In simple terms, it supports farmers in installing solar pumps or solar power systems with the help of subsidies, depending on the component they choose.
What’s New or Relevant in PM KUSUM Yojana 2026?
A small but important point first. PM Kusum Solar Yojana is implemented through states and DISCOMs, so timelines and portals differ. In 2026, many states will continue or reopen application windows in phases, often district-wise, target-wise, or vendor-wise.
So what’s “new” is not always a brand-new scheme rule. It’s usually:
- Fresh state-wise targets and new beneficiary lists
- New empanelled vendor lists
- Updated subsidy structures or farmer contribution rules based on state guidelines
- Improved online application workflows in some states
This is why you’ll see 10 different YouTube videos claiming 10 different “last dates”. The real last date is whatever your state portal says.
PM KUSUM Yojana Components Explained
PM KUSUM is usually divided into components. Names can look confusing, but stick with this.
Component A: Grid Connected Solar Power Plants (On Land)
This is for setting up small grid-connected solar plants, typically on barren or cultivable land (subject to rules). Farmers, groups of farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, and FPOs can be eligible depending on the state.
- Usually meant for selling power to DISCOM
- Useful if you have land and want a long-term income-style setup
- Not the same as a pump subsidy. This is more like a power generation project.
In many states, this component is handled more like a project tender than a simple individual farmer application. So expect more paperwork and approvals.
Component B: Standalone Solar Pumps
This is the one most farmers talk about.
If you have a farm and need irrigation, and either:
- There is no grid supply, or
- The grid is unreliable, or
- You want to avoid diesel costs
Then, standalone solar pumps can make sense.
You usually get subsidy support in the PM KUSUM Yojana, and you pay the remaining amount (farmer contribution). Pump capacity options commonly include 2 HP, 3 HP, 5 HP, 7.5 HP, 10 HP, etc., but exact options depend on the state and vendor list.
Component C: Solarisation of Existing Grid-Connected Pumps
This is for farmers who already have a grid-connected pump and want to solarise it.
The big idea is:
- Your pump runs on solar during the day
- In some models, surplus power can be fed back (depending on feeder setup and state rules)
This component is also used for feeder solarisation, where entire agricultural feeders get solar power.
If your state is actively implementing Component C, it can be a big deal because it improves daytime supply and reduces load on DISCOM.
Who is Eligible for the PM KUSUM Yojana?
Eligibility varies by component and state, but generally, these are common requirements.
For the solar pump (Component B / C), typical eligibility
- The applicant should be a farmer.
- Should have land ownership or valid land-related documents (in some cases, tenant farmer rules exist but are stricter)
- Should have a water source (borewell, open well, pond, canal connection, etc., as accepted by the state)
- Should meet pump capacity suitability (water table, discharge needs, area irrigated)
- Should not have already taken a subsidy for the same purpose under a similar scheme.
Some states also prioritise:
- SC/ST farmers
- Small and marginal farmers
- Farmers in dark zones or water-stressed regions (sometimes restrictions also apply)
- Remote or unelectrified areas for standalone pumps
For Component A (solar plant), typical eligibility
- Farmer or group entity with land and the ability to sign PPA / meet DISCOM requirements
- Clear land title and land use compliance
- Technical and financial capability (often needed if it’s a project style)
Again, check your state’s detailed notification. That’s the real source of truth.
👉 If you are exploring other government schemes along with PM KUSUM, you can also check PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports traditional artisans and self-employed workers with financial and skill-based assistance.
Subsidy and Cost: How Much Do You Pay?
This is where most confusion is happening, because people want one fixed number.
Reality is messy. Subsidy is usually shared between:
- Central Government
- State Government
- Farmer contribution
But the final amount you pay depends on:
- Pump capacity (HP)
- Category (general, SC, ST, etc., depending on state)
- Type (surface pump vs submersible)
- Vendor quoted price / discovered price
- Whether you choose additional structures like fencing, tracking, extra panel load, etc., if allowed
In many states, farmers pay a percentage as an upfront contribution, and the subsidy covers the rest. But the split can change.
My suggestion. Don’t trust random charts forwarded on WhatsApp. Go to your state’s official portal, select your pump category, and see the beneficiary contribution shown in the application.
Benefits of PM KUSUM Yojana
A lot of scheme articles write generic benefits like “helps farmers” and stop there.
Here’s what actually matters on the ground.
1) Diesel cost goes down, basically to zero
If you’re running a diesel pump even a few hours a week, you already know the math is ugly.
Solar pumps cut that recurring cost. Maintenance exists, yes, but it’s nothing like diesel expense.
2) You get irrigation independence
When the grid supply is at night or randomly available, irrigation becomes stressful. Solar gives a predictable daytime window.
3) Better farm planning
This is underrated. When you know you can irrigate during the day, you plan sowing, fertigation, and watering cycles better.
4) In some models, extra power can become income
This depends on Component A or certain Component C setups. Not universal. But where it works, it’s meaningful.
Documents Required for PM KUSUM Application
The exact list varies state-wise, but these are usually needed:
- Aadhaar card
- Farmer ID / Samagra ID (in some states)
- Mobile number linked for OTP
- Passport-size photo
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque (account details)
- Land ownership documents (Khasra, Khatauni, 7/12, Patta, RTC, etc depending on state)
- Consent or affidavit format for joint land ownership
- Borewell permission/water source proof, if required by the state
- Electricity bill or pump connection details (especially for Component C)
- Caste certificate (if applying under the reserved category)
- Income certificate (only if the state asks, not always)
- NOC or declaration forms as per the portal
Keep clear scans or photos ready. And keep the file size small because some portals fail uploads constantly.
How to Apply For PM KUSUM Yojana
Because portals are different in interface, we’ll give you the general flow that matches most states. You’ll still need to follow your state portal screens.
Step 1: Identify your component
Step 2: Go to your state’s official PM KUSUM portal
Step 3: Register / Login
Step 4: Fill in all the details in the application form
Step 5: Upload documents
Step 6: Pay beneficiary contribution (if required at application stage)
Step 7: Track status
Step 8: Site inspection and installation
And yes, delays happen. Keep screenshots of your application and payment receipts.
How to Check Application Status
Most portals provide a “Track Application” button.
Common methods:
- Application number + mobile number
- Aadhaar number + OTP
- Registered mobile login and dashboard status
If the portal doesn’t show a clear status, check your SMS inbox. Many states send status updates via SMS.
Vendor Selection: How It Usually Works
In most states, you cannot just buy any solar pump from the market and claim a subsidy later. The system works through empanelled vendors.
So you typically:
- Apply
- Get approved
- Select vendor from approved list (or vendor is assigned)
- Vendor installs the pump as per the specification
- Subsidy is released to the vendor as per the process
A tip that saves time. Before paying anything big, verify the vendor is actually empanelled on the current list. Not last year’s PDF.
Common Problems People Face (And How to Avoid Them)
1) Portal not opening or payment failing
Try early morning hours. Use a laptop if possible. Clear cache. Keep payment proof screenshots.
2) Land record mismatch
If your name spelling differs between Aadhaar and the land record, it can trigger rejection. Same with father name variations. Get an affidavit or correct records if your state allows.
3) Joint land ownership confusion
Many applications get stuck here. If land is in multiple names, you may need a consent letter or NOC from other co-owners.
4) Wrong pump capacity selection
People select bigger HP, thinking bigger is better. But it can get rejected in feasibility or become too expensive. Choose based on:
- water depth
- discharge requirement
- area irrigated
- vendor feasibility survey
5) Expecting instant installation
Even after approval, installation can take weeks or months, depending on the target, stock, inspection schedules, and vendor backlog.
PM KUSUM Yojana 2026: Important Tips Before You Apply
- Keep documents ready and clean scans.
- Use your own mobile number that stays active.
- Don’t pay money to random agents promising “guaranteed approval”. If your state allows CSC help, use CSC only.
- Check whether your district is currently open for applications. Some states open district-wise.
- Read the beneficiary contribution and refund rules carefully. If you withdraw later, you might lose part of it.
Final Thoughts
PM KUSUM sounds simple when you hear it in one line. Solar pump subsidy. But the experience depends on your state portal, your documents, and how carefully you apply.
Use the official MNRE schemes page as your starting point: https://mnre.gov.in/solar/schemes/
And if you want, tell me your state and district, and which component you want (B or C usually). I’ll point you to the most accurate direct apply link and also tell you what that specific portal asks for, because that’s where most people get stuck.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the PM KUSUM Yojana open in 2026?
In many states, yes, but openings are usually phase-wise and target-based. Check your state portal or the MNRE page.
Can tenant farmers apply for the PM KUSUM Yojana?
In some states, tenant farmers or leaseholders may apply with additional documents, but many portals prioritise landowners. This is state-specific.
How long does installation take after the approval in the PM KUSUM Yojana?
It varies. It can be a few weeks after approval in smooth cases, or longer, where inspections and vendor allocation are slow.
Do I need net metering?
For standalone pumps, usually no. For grid-connected solarisation or surplus export models, net metering or related metering setup may be part of the process.
Can I choose any Other company pump?
Typically no. You must choose from the empanelled vendors.