High-value central schemes, eligibility rules, documents, and practical application flow in one place.
PM-KISAN is one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in the world, providing income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments to all landholding farmer families across India. It was launched on 24th February 2019.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Landholding Farmer | Any farmer family with cultivable land, irrespective of land size |
| Family Definition | Husband + wife + minor children (combined as one unit) |
| Excluded — Institutional Landholders | Farmers holding land in institutional capacity (panchayat, govt body, trusts) |
| Excluded — Higher Income | Families where any member is a former or current MLA, MP, MLC, minister, or holds constitutional post |
| Excluded — Professionals | Families where any member is a doctor, engineer, lawyer, CA, architect, or tax-paying professional (income > ₹10L) |
| Excluded — Govt Employees | Retired or serving central/state govt employees (Group A, B, C) and pensioners with ₹10,000+ monthly pension |
| Excluded — Large Farmers | Farmers paying income tax in the last assessment year |
| Installment | Period | Typical Release Month | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dec 2018 – Mar 2019 | February 2019 | ₹2,000 |
| 14th | Apr – Jun 2024 | June 2024 | ₹2,000 |
| 15th | Jul – Sep 2024 | September 2024 | ₹2,000 |
| 16th | Oct – Dec 2024 | February 2025 | ₹2,000 |
| 17th | Jan – Mar 2025 | June 2025 | ₹2,000 |
| 18th | Apr – Jun 2025 | September 2025 | ₹2,000 |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Official Portal | pmkisan.gov.in or mobile app (PM-KISAN GoI) |
| 2 | New Farmer Registration | Click "New Farmer Registration" → Fill Aadhaar, bank account, land details |
| 3 | Aadhaar Verification | Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is mandatory |
| 4 | Bank Account Linkage | Bank account must be linked with Aadhaar and active |
| 5 | eKYC (Mandatory) | Complete eKYC on PM-KISAN portal (face authentication via mobile) |
| 6 | Check Beneficiary Status | pmkisan.gov.in → "Beneficiary Status" → Enter Aadhaar/Account/Mobile |
| 7 | Grievance Redressal | pmkisan.gov.in → "Raise Grievance" or call helpline 1800-180-1551 |
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest government-funded healthcare program, providing health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Launched on 23rd September 2018, it covers over 50 crore beneficiaries (bottom 40% of India's population).
| Category | Coverage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre & Post Hospitalization | Up to 3 days pre + 15 days post | Medicines, diagnostics, investigations related to the episode |
| Daycare Procedures | 353+ procedures covered | Cataract, angioplasty, dialysis, radiotherapy, etc. without 24hr admission |
| Pre-existing Diseases | Covered from Day 1 | Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer — no waiting period |
| Newborn Coverage | Up to ₹50,000 | For newborns (first 90 days) of eligible mother |
| Transport Allowance | ₹500 per visit | For to-and-fro travel to hospital (max ₹1,000 per episode) |
| Follow-up Treatment | Covered | Post-discharge medicines, consultations, diagnostics |
| Organ Donor Expenses | Covered | Treatment costs for organ donor during transplant |
| Step | Action | How To |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Eligibility | Visit pmjay.gov.in → "Am I Eligible" → Enter Aadhaar or Ration Card number or Mobile |
| 2 | Verify SECC Status | Check if your family is in the SECC 2011 database or has AAY ration card |
| 3 | Visit CSC / Hospital | Go to nearest CSC center or empaneled hospital for e-KYC verification |
| 4 | Get PM-JAY e-Card | e-Card is generated with family member details — can be printed or saved on mobile |
| 5 | Use at Hospital | Show e-Card at any empaneled hospital → Cashless treatment (no payment needed) |
| 6 | SMS Verification | SMS <Ration Card No.> to 56677 to check eligibility |
| Exclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| OPD Consultations | Only covered during pre/post hospitalization period |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Unless reconstructive surgery after accident/burns |
| Infertility Treatment | IVF, IUI, and related fertility treatments not covered |
| Dental Treatment | Routine dental work not covered (only if related to hospitalization) |
| Spectacles / Hearing Aids | Unless part of a covered surgical procedure |
| Drug Rehabilitation | De-addiction and rehabilitation services not covered |
| Maternal Expenses | Normal delivery is covered; maternity benefits are separate under other schemes |
| Self-inflicted Injuries | Injuries from suicide attempt, substance abuse not covered |
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide "Housing for All" by 2024 (extended). The scheme has two verticals — PMAY-Urban (for urban areas) and PMAY-Gramin (for rural areas). It provides interest subsidy on home loans and direct financial assistance for house construction.
| Category | Income Range | Max Loan (₹) | Subsidy Rate | Max Subsidy (₹) | House Size (sqm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | Up to ₹3L | 6,00,000 | 6.5% | 2,67,280 | 30 (enhanceable to 39) |
| LIG (Lower Income Group) | ₹3L – ₹6L | 6,00,000 | 6.5% | 2,67,280 | 30 (enhanceable to 39) |
| MIG-I (Middle Income Group I) | ₹6L – ₹12L | 9,00,000 | 4.0% | 2,35,068 | 60 (enhanceable to 120) |
| MIG-II (Middle Income Group II) | ₹12L – ₹18L | 12,00,000 | 3.0% | 2,30,156 | 60 (enhanceable to 120) |
| Parameter | Plains Area | Hilly/NE States / IAP Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Central Assistance per Unit | ₹1,20,000 | ₹1,30,000 |
| MGNREGA Convergence (90 days labor) | Additional ~₹60,000 | Additional ~₹60,000 |
| Total Available per Unit | ₹1,80,000+ | ₹1,90,000+ |
| Additional Room (₹15K) | ₹15,000 for existing pucca house owners | ₹15,000 for existing pucca house owners |
| Minimum House Size | 25 sqm (including hygienic toilet) | 25 sqm (including hygienic toilet) |
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides loans up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises. Launched on 8th April 2015, it has disbursed over ₹25 lakh crore to 40+ crore borrowers.
| Category | Loan Range | Purpose | Collateral Required | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shishu (Child) | Up to ₹50,000 | Starting a micro business, working capital, small shop | No collateral | 8-12% (bank-specific) |
| Kishore (Youth) | ₹50,001 – ₹5,00,000 | Business expansion, equipment purchase, working capital | No collateral | 9-13% (bank-specific) |
| Tarun (Growth) | ₹5,00,001 – ₹10,00,000 | Larger business expansion, machinery, commercial vehicle | No collateral | 10-14% (bank-specific) |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Borrowers | Any Indian citizen who runs or wants to start a non-farm micro/small enterprise |
| Business Types | Trading, manufacturing, services, food processing, tailoring, beauty parlour, repair shops, vendors, artisans |
| Not Eligible | Farmers (use KCC), large corporates, existing NPA accounts, already availed ₹10L Mudra |
| Document Requirements | Aadhaar, PAN, business address proof, bank statement (6 months), business plan/voucher |
| Application Portal | mudra.org.in or directly at any bank branch (public/private) |
| Processing Time | Usually 7-15 working days for Shishu; 15-30 days for Kishore/Tarun |
| Repayment Tenure | Up to 5 years (moratorium of 6-12 months available for Kishore/Tarun) |
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed small deposit scheme for the girl child. It offers 8.2% interest per annum (FY 2025-26), the highest among all small savings schemes. Deposits qualify for Section 80C tax deduction and the maturity amount is completely tax-free (EEE).
| Year | Annual Deposit (₹) | Cumulative Deposit (₹) | Interest Earned (₹) | Total Balance (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,50,000 | 1,50,000 | 12,300 | 1,62,300 |
| 5 | 1,50,000 | 7,50,000 | 2,43,100 | 9,93,100 |
| 10 | 1,50,000 | 15,00,000 | 7,32,400 | 22,32,400 |
| 14 | 1,50,000 | 21,00,000 | 14,12,300 | 35,12,300 |
| 15 (last deposit) | 0 | 21,00,000 | 15,15,600 | 36,15,600 |
| 21 (maturity) | 0 | 21,00,000 | 42,78,500 | 63,78,500 |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Post Office or Bank | Any India Post office or authorized bank (SBI, PNB, BoB, Canara Bank, etc.) |
| 2 | Fill Form SSA-1 | Available at post office/bank or download from india.gov.in |
| 3 | Documents Required | Girl child birth certificate, parent/guardian Aadhaar, ID proof, address proof, photo |
| 4 | Deposit Minimum ₹250 | Initial deposit to activate the account (can deposit more up to ₹1.5L in FY) |
| 5 | Receive Passbook | Passbook issued with account number — keep safely, serves as KYC proof |
| 6 | Annual Deposits | Make at least one deposit per year before 31 March to keep account active |
| 7 | Online Access | Link account with internet banking for online deposits (if bank account) |
PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana) is the flagship scheme of the Skill India Mission. It provides free skill training with certification to youth across India. Under PMKVY 4.0 (2022-2026), the focus is on industry-relevant skills, digital literacy, and emerging technologies.
| Component | Description | Beneficiaries | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Training (STT) | 100-600 hours of skill training at TCs | School dropouts, unemployed youth | Free training + ₹500 placement reward + ₹2,500 certification reward |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Assessment & certification of existing skills | Workers with experience but no certificate | Free assessment + certification + bridge training if needed |
| Special Projects | Customized training for specific groups | Women, SC/ST, differently-abled, minorities | Sector-specific, geographically targeted |
| Kaushal Acharya (Trainer) | Train-the-trainer program | Aspiring skill trainers | Become certified trainers under PMKVY ecosystem |
| Apprenticeship Training | On-the-job training under NAPS | Fresh graduates and diploma holders | Stipend ₹5,000-9,000/month from government + employer contribution |
| Job Role | Sector | Duration | Avg Salary After Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator | IT/ITeS | 120 hours | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000/month |
| Domestic Data Entry Operator | IT/ITeS | 120 hours | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000/month |
| Electrician (Domestic) | Construction | 200 hours | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month |
| Plumber (General) | Construction | 200 hours | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month |
| Welder (Arc) | Manufacturing | 150 hours | ₹15,000 – ₹22,000/month |
| General Duty Assistant (Healthcare) | Healthcare | 400 hours | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000/month |
| Retail Sales Associate | Retail | 120 hours | ₹10,000 – ₹16,000/month |
| Baker / Confectioner | Food Processing | 150 hours | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month |
| Solar PV Installer | Green Energy | 200 hours | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000/month |
| Field Technician (Computers) | Electronics | 200 hours | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit PMKVY Portal | pmkvyofficial.org or skillindia.gov.in |
| 2 | Find Training Centers | Search by state/district/skill, then select nearest approved Training Center (TC) |
| 3 | Enroll Online/Offline | Visit TC or register online with Aadhaar, mobile, and education details |
| 4 | Attend Training | Free classes (theory + practical) as per NSDC curriculum |
| 5 | Assessment | Appear for assessment by Sector Skill Council (SSC) after training completion |
| 6 | Get Certificate | Nationally recognized PMKVY certificate upon passing assessment |
| 7 | Placement | Training center provides job placement assistance and connects with employers |
The Government of India and state governments offer numerous scholarships for students from economically weaker sections, SC/ST/OBC/minority communities, and meritorious students. Below is a comprehensive list of the most important schemes.
| Scheme | For Whom | Amount (₹/year) | Apply At | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | All categories (SC/ST/OBC/Minority) | Varies (₹5K – ₹1L) | scholarships.gov.in | Single portal for all central scholarships |
| Post-Matric SC Scholarship | SC students (class 11 onwards) | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 | scholarships.gov.in | Family income < ₹2.5L/year |
| Post-Matric ST Scholarship | ST students (class 11 onwards) | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 | scholarships.gov.in | Family income < ₹2.5L/year |
| Pre-Matric SC Scholarship | SC students (class 9-10) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | scholarships.gov.in | Family income < ₹2.5L/year |
| National Means-cum-Merit (NMMS) | EWS students (class 9) | ₹12,000 (₹1,000/month) | State govt portal | Income < ₹3.5L + merit test |
| Central Sector Scholarship | Class 12 toppers (college) | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | scholarships.gov.in | Top 80th percentile in 12th board |
| AICTE PG Scholarship (GATE) | GATE qualified (M.Tech/M.E.) | ₹12,400/month | aicte-india.org | GATE qualified, admitted to AICTE-approved college |
| Prime Minister Scholarship (PMSS) | Wards of ex-servicemen | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000/month | kendra.gov.in | Ward of ex-servicemen, min 60% marks |
| Swami Vivekananda (Minority) | Minority community students | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 | nsp.gov.in / minorityaffairs.gov.in | Min 50% marks + family income < ₹2.5L |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal (Minority Girls) | Minority girls (class 9-12) | ₹5,000 | maef.gov.in | Min 50% marks + income < ₹2L |
| Scheme/Reservation | Details | Income Limit | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| EWS Reservation (Admissions) | 10% reservation in central institutions | ₹8L/year family income | IITs, AIIMS, central universities, JEE/NEET reserved seats |
| EWS Scholarship (State) | Varies by state | State-specific | Tuition fee waiver, book allowance, living expenses |
| Post-Matric EWS Scholarship | EWS students (state-specific) | Usually ₹2-3L/year | Fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance |
| Central Sector EWS Hostel | EWS students in central institutions | ₹8L/year | Free hostel or hostel subsidy |
| Scholarship | Application Window | Typical Deadline | Document Checklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSP (All Central) | July – November | 31 October (usually extended to Dec) | Income certificate, caste certificate, marksheet, Aadhaar, bank passbook, fee receipt |
| State Scholarships | July – January | State-specific (varies) | Domicile certificate, income certificate, marksheet, Aadhaar |
| AICTE PG (GATE) | April – June | 31 May (for 1st year) | GATE scorecard, admission letter, bank details |
| NMMS | August – October | State-specific | Class 7 marksheet, income certificate, address proof |
Common Service Centers (CSCs) are digital access points that provide various government and non-government services to citizens, especially in rural and remote areas. India has over 5 lakh CSCs operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). If you do not have internet access or face difficulty applying online, a CSC can help.
| Category | Services | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Government Schemes | PM-KISAN registration, PMAY application, Mudra loan application, Ayushman Bharat card, pension registration | ₹20 – ₹100 |
| Certificates | Income certificate, caste certificate, domicile certificate, birth/death certificate, marriage certificate | ₹25 – ₹100 |
| Identity Documents | Aadhaar enrollment/update, PAN card application, voter ID (Form 6), passport application | ₹50 – ₹200 |
| Insurance | PMJJBY (₹330/yr), PMSBY (₹20/yr), APY (NPS), crop insurance (PMFBY) | ₹20 – ₹50 (service fee) |
| Education | Scholarship application, exam form submission, DTE counseling, result download | ₹20 – ₹60 |
| Banking & Finance | Bank account opening, money withdrawal/deposit (CSP), insurance premium, mutual fund | ₹10 – ₹50 |
| Utility Bills | Electricity, water, gas, phone bill payment, FASTag recharge | ₹5 – ₹20 |
| Land Records | Land record (7/12 extract), property tax, mutation application | ₹15 – ₹50 |
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Find Nearest CSC | Visit digitalseva.csc.gov.in → Click "Locate CSC" or call 1800-3000-3468 |
| 2 | Or Use CSC App | Download "CSC Digital Seva" app from Play Store → Enable location → Find nearest center |
| 3 | Carry Required Documents | Aadhaar card (mandatory for most services), old documents, passport photos, mobile number |
| 4 | Visit CSC with VLE | VLE (Village Level Entrepreneur) will process your application online |
| 5 | Pay Service Fee | Small fee (₹20-100) charged per service — no hidden charges (check official rates) |
| 6 | Get Acknowledgment | Collect acknowledgment receipt with application/reference number |
| 7 | Track Application | Track status online using acknowledgment number on respective portal |