Complete guide to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana -- how to check your beneficiary status, 18th installment date, eKYC update process, eligibility, and what to do if payment is stuck.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is the Indian government's flagship direct benefit transfer scheme for farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each, deposited directly into their bank accounts.
With over 11 crore registered beneficiaries, PM-KISAN is one of the largest cash transfer programs in the world. This guide covers everything you need to know in 2026 -- checking your payment status, the 18th installment timeline, eKYC updates, and troubleshooting common issues.
PM Kisan Yojana: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information | |---|---| | Launched | February 2019 | | Benefit | Rs 6,000/year (3 installments of Rs 2,000) | | Frequency | Every 4 months | | Payment mode | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) | | Funded by | Central Government (100%) | | Beneficiaries | ~11 crore farmer families | | Total disbursed (till 2026) | Over Rs 3.24 lakh crore |
### Installment Schedule
| Installment | Period | Usual Release | |---|---|---| | 1st (Apr--Jul) | April to July | April--June | | 2nd (Aug--Nov) | August to November | August--October | | 3rd (Dec--Mar) | December to March | December--February |
18th Installment: Expected Date
The 18th installment covers the August--November 2026 period. Based on past patterns:
- Expected release: September--October 2026. - Amount: Rs 2,000 per eligible beneficiary. - Singling event: The government typically announces the release date a few days in advance. The Prime Minister often triggers the transfer at a public event.
To receive this installment, your eKYC must be up to date, your land records must be verified, and your bank account and Aadhaar must be correctly linked.
How to Check PM Kisan Beneficiary Status
### Method 1: Official Website
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in. 2. Click on "Beneficiary Status" or "Know Your Status." 3. Enter your registered mobile number or registration number. 4. Enter the CAPTCHA and click "Get Data." 5. The page displays your payment history, including all installments received with dates and amounts.
### Method 2: PM Kisan Mobile App
1. Download the "PM Kisan" app from Google Play Store. 2. Open the app and tap "Beneficiary Status." 3. Enter your Aadhaar number, account number, or mobile number. 4. View your payment status and installment details.
### Method 3: Through CSC (Common Service Centre)
Visit your nearest CSC with your Aadhaar card. The operator can check your status and help resolve issues.
How to Complete eKYC for PM Kisan
eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) is mandatory to continue receiving installments. Without updated eKYC, your payments will be blocked.
### Online eKYC (OTP-Based)
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in. 2. Click on "eKYC" in the top menu. 3. Enter your Aadhaar number linked to PM Kisan. 4. Click "Search." Your name and registered details will appear. 5. Click "Get OTP." An OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. 6. Enter the OTP and submit. 7. A confirmation message appears: "eKYC is successfully submitted."
### Biometric eKYC (at CSC)
If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, or if OTP-based eKYC fails:
1. Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Agriculture Office. 2. Carry your Aadhaar card. 3. The operator authenticates your identity using fingerprint or iris scan. 4. eKYC is completed instantly.
### eKYC Through PM Kisan App
1. Open the PM Kisan app. 2. Tap "eKYC." 3. Enter Aadhaar number. 4. Authenticate via OTP. 5. eKYC status updates within 24--48 hours.
Eligibility Criteria
### Who Is Eligible?
- All landholding farmer families across India. - A "farmer family" is defined as husband, wife, and minor children who own cultivable land as per land records of the state/UT. - No minimum land holding requirement. Small and marginal farmers are the primary beneficiaries.
### Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Institutional landholders: Farms registered under institutional names. - Current or former holders of constitutional posts: MPs, MLAs, Ministers, Mayors. - Government employees: Serving or retired officers/employees of central or state government, PSUs, and autonomous bodies (except Multi-Tasking Staff, Class IV, and Group D employees). - Income tax payers: Individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year. - Professionals: Doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies. - Pension recipients: Those receiving Rs 10,000+ per month in pension (excluding MTS/Group D).
How to Register for PM Kisan
If you are a farmer who has not yet registered:
### Online Self-Registration
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in. 2. Click on "New Farmer Registration." 3. Select "Rural" or "Urban" farmer. 4. Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and state. 5. If your Aadhaar is not already registered, you can proceed with registration. 6. Fill in personal details, bank account details, and land details. 7. Upload required documents. 8. Submit the application.
### Through CSC or Agriculture Office
Visit with Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and land documents. The operator completes the registration on your behalf.
### Documents Required
- Aadhaar card - Bank account passbook (account must be in the farmer's name) - Land ownership documents (khasra, khatauni, or equivalent) - Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
Common Problems and Solutions
### Payment Not Received
Possible reasons and fixes:
1. eKYC not updated: Complete eKYC as described above. 2. Aadhaar not linked to bank account: Visit your bank and link Aadhaar to your account. Also enable Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS). 3. Name mismatch: Your name in Aadhaar, bank account, and PM Kisan registration must match exactly. Correct any discrepancies. 4. Land record verification pending: Your state agriculture department verifies land records. Contact your local Patwari or Agriculture Officer if verification is stuck. 5. Bank account inactive: If your bank account is dormant (no transactions for 24 months), the transfer fails. Make a small deposit to reactivate. 6. PFMS rejection: The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) may reject the transfer due to invalid IFSC code or closed account. Check your bank details on the PM Kisan portal and correct if needed.
### How to Update Bank Account Details
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in. 2. Click on "Updation of Self-Registered Farmer." 3. Enter your Aadhaar number. 4. Edit bank account number and IFSC code. 5. Submit. Changes are verified and updated within 15--30 days.
### How to Check Rejection Reason
1. Visit pmkisan.gov.in. 2. Go to "Beneficiary Status." 3. If a payment is rejected, the status page shows the reason (e.g., "Aadhaar not seeded," "KYC not done," "Land verification pending").
PM Kisan: Key Updates in 2026
- Mandatory eKYC renewal: eKYC must be updated periodically. If your last eKYC is older than one year, renew it to continue receiving payments. - Land verification digitization: Several states have digitized land records, speeding up verification. Check with your state's revenue department. - Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS): All new payments are routed through ABPS. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your primary bank account.
How PM Kisan Money Can Work Harder
Rs 6,000 per year may seem modest, but invested wisely, it compounds significantly over time:
- Deposit Rs 2,000 from each installment into a recurring deposit or a SIP calculator to see how small monthly investments grow. - At 12% annual returns, investing Rs 6,000/year for 10 years grows to approximately Rs 1.17 lakh. - Use an FD calculator to compare fixed deposit returns if you prefer guaranteed growth.
FAQ
Q: How do I check if my PM Kisan 18th installment has been credited? A: Visit pmkisan.gov.in, click "Beneficiary Status," and enter your registered mobile number or registration number. The page shows all installment details including dates and amounts. You can also check your bank statement or passbook.
Q: What should I do if my PM Kisan eKYC fails? A: If OTP-based eKYC fails, ensure your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar. If it is not, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your mobile number, then retry. Alternatively, complete biometric eKYC at your nearest Common Service Centre.
Q: Can a tenant farmer (who does not own land) get PM Kisan benefits? A: No. PM Kisan benefits are only for landholding farmer families. Tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and agricultural labourers who do not own land are not eligible under the current scheme rules.
Q: Is PM Kisan money taxable? A: The Rs 6,000 received under PM-KISAN is income in the hands of the farmer. However, agricultural income is exempt from income tax under Section 10(1) of the Income Tax Act. Since PM Kisan benefits are linked to farming, they are generally treated as agricultural income and not taxed, though interpretations may vary.
Q: Can both husband and wife apply for PM Kisan separately? A: No. PM Kisan is a family-based scheme. Only one member of a farmer family (husband, wife, or minor children) can be a beneficiary. If both apply, only one registration will be accepted.
This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.