Complete guide to PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2026 - eligibility criteria, list of 18 trades, financial benefits, skill training details and step-by-step online application process.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a central government scheme launched on 17 September 2023 to support traditional artisans and craftspeople across India. Named after Vishwakarma, the divine architect in Hindu mythology, the scheme provides financial assistance, skill training, modern tools, digital access and market linkage to workers in 18 identified trades.
With a total budget outlay of Rs 13,000 crore over five years (2023-2028), PM Vishwakarma aims to uplift the economic condition of artisans who have been practising their family trades for generations but have been left behind by modernisation.
Who is eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The eligibility criteria are specific and clearly defined by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Basic eligibility requirements:
- The applicant must be an artisan or craftsperson working with hands and tools in one of the 18 notified trades.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age on the date of registration.
- The applicant must have been engaged in the concerned trade in an unorganised sector as a self-employed worker on the date of registration.
- The applicant should not have availed loans under similar central or state government credit-based schemes like PM Mudra Yojana, PM SVANidhi or PMEGP in the past five years.
- Only one member of a family (defined as husband, wife and unmarried children) is eligible for the scheme.
- Government employees and their family members are not eligible.
Who is NOT eligible:
- Workers employed in the organised sector or in registered factories.
- Persons already receiving benefits under PM Mudra, PM SVANidhi or PMEGP.
- More than one member from the same family.
List of 18 eligible trades
PM Vishwakarma covers artisans working in the following 18 traditional trades:
| S.No. | Trade | S.No. | Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carpenter (Suthar) | 10 | Fishing Net Maker |
| 2 | Boat Maker | 11 | Blacksmith (Lohar) |
| 3 | Armourer | 12 | Hammer and Tool Kit Maker |
| 4 | Bell Maker | 13 | Locksmith |
| 5 | Goldsmith (Sonar) | 14 | Stone Carver / Stone Breaker |
| 6 | Potter (Kumhaar) | 15 | Cobbler / Shoe Smith (Chamarkhani) |
| 7 | Sculptor (Moortikar) / Stone Carver | 16 | Mason (Rajmistri) |
| 8 | Basket / Mat / Broom Maker / Coir Weaver | 17 | Doll and Toy Maker (Traditional) |
| 9 | Washerman (Dhobi) | 18 | Barber (Nai) |
Benefits under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme provides a comprehensive package of five types of support:
1. Recognition and PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card
Every registered artisan receives a PM Vishwakarma certificate and digital ID card. This formal recognition helps artisans access government benefits and creates an official identity for their trade.
2. Skill upgradation (training)
- Basic training: 5 to 7 days of skills verification and training.
- Advanced training: 15 days of advanced skill training.
- Training stipend: Rs 500 per day during the training period.
- Training is provided at authorised training centres identified by the government.
3. Toolkit incentive
- A one-time grant of Rs 15,000 is provided to purchase modern tools relevant to the artisan's trade.
- The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account (DBT) after completion of skill training.
4. Collateral-free credit support
This is the biggest financial benefit of the scheme:
| Loan stage | Maximum amount | Interest rate | Repayment period |
|---|---|---|---|
| First tranche | Rs 1,00,000 | 5% (govt. subsidised) | 18 months |
| Second tranche | Rs 2,00,000 | 5% (govt. subsidised) | 30 months |
- The interest subvention is provided by the government, meaning the artisan pays only 5 percent interest per annum.
- The actual bank interest rate is 8 percent, with the government covering the remaining 3 percent.
- No collateral or guarantor is required.
- The second tranche is available only after successful repayment of the first.
5. Digital empowerment and market linkage
- Free digital payment training and incentives for digital transactions.
- Support for onboarding onto e-commerce platforms like GeM (Government e-Marketplace) and Amazon Karigar.
- Quality certification and branding support.
How to apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana online
The application process is entirely online through the PM Vishwakarma portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to pmvishwakarma.gov.in. The portal is available in Hindi, English and several regional languages.
Step 2: Mobile number verification
Click on "Register" and enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. You will receive an OTP for verification.
Step 3: Aadhaar verification
Enter your Aadhaar number and verify it through biometric authentication (fingerprint or iris scan) at a Common Service Centre (CSC) or through Aadhaar e-KYC online.
Step 4: Fill the registration form
Provide the following details: - Personal information (name, date of birth, gender, caste category) - Trade details (select from the list of 18 trades) - Bank account details (must be linked to Aadhaar) - Address and contact information - Family declaration (confirming no other family member has applied)
Step 5: Gram Panchayat / ULB verification
For rural applicants, the Gram Panchayat verifies the application. For urban applicants, the Urban Local Body (ULB) or Ward performs verification. This step confirms that the applicant is genuinely practising the declared trade.
Step 6: Screening by District Implementation Committee (DIC)
The District Implementation Committee reviews the verified applications and recommends eligible candidates.
Step 7: Approval and certificate issuance
Once approved, the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card are issued digitally. The artisan can then proceed to skill training and apply for the toolkit incentive and loan.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
- Mobile number (Aadhaar-linked)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of trade (self-declaration or verification by Gram Panchayat/ULB)
- Caste certificate (if applicable, for priority processing)
State-wise implementation status
PM Vishwakarma is being implemented across all states and union territories. As of mid-2026, over 85 lakh artisans have registered on the portal, with approximately 45 lakh certificates issued and Rs 8,500 crore disbursed in loans.
States with the highest registrations include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Common issues and troubleshooting
Aadhaar mismatch: If your name or date of birth in Aadhaar does not match your bank records, the application will be rejected. Update your Aadhaar details at the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra before applying.
Mobile number not linked to Aadhaar: Visit your nearest Aadhaar centre to link your current mobile number. This is mandatory for OTP verification.
Application stuck at verification: Gram Panchayat or ULB verification can take 15 to 30 days. Visit your local Panchayat office or ULB to follow up in person.
Loan application delayed: After certificate issuance, the bank has 30 days to process the loan application. If delayed, contact the District Implementation Committee helpline.
How to maximise the benefits
- Complete both training stages. The advanced training opens access to the second loan tranche of Rs 2,00,000.
- Use the toolkit incentive wisely. Invest in tools that increase productivity or quality, not in consumables.
- Repay the first loan on time. Timely repayment qualifies you for the second tranche at the same subsidised rate.
- Register on GeM and e-commerce platforms. The government provides handholding for this. Take advantage of it to reach customers beyond your local market.
- Save a portion of increased income. Even Rs 500 per month in a recurring deposit or SIP adds up over time. Use our SIP calculator to see how small monthly investments grow.
Comparison with other government schemes
| Feature | PM Vishwakarma | PM Mudra | PM SVANidhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target group | Traditional artisans | Micro entrepreneurs | Street vendors |
| Loan amount | Up to Rs 3,00,000 | Up to Rs 20,00,000 | Up to Rs 50,000 |
| Interest rate | 5% (subsidised) | Market rate (7-12%) | 7% subsidy |
| Collateral | Not required | Not required (up to Rs 10 lakh) | Not required |
| Training | Yes (with stipend) | No | No |
| Toolkit grant | Rs 15,000 | No | No |
PM Vishwakarma is uniquely designed for artisans and cannot be combined with PM Mudra or PM SVANidhi. If you are eligible for multiple schemes, choose the one that best fits your trade and financial needs.
Success stories and impact so far
Since its launch, PM Vishwakarma has transformed the livelihoods of many traditional artisans. Potters in Rajasthan have used the toolkit grant to purchase electric pottery wheels, reducing production time by 50 percent and increasing their monthly income from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000. Carpenters in Uttar Pradesh have invested in power tools that allow them to take on larger orders from furniture retailers rather than relying solely on local customers.
Blacksmiths in Tamil Nadu have leveraged the digital empowerment component to list their products on Amazon Karigar, reaching customers across India instead of being limited to their village market. The scheme's training component has also helped traditional artisans learn modern design techniques that appeal to urban consumers while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
The government reports that over 60 percent of beneficiaries have reported an increase in monthly income within the first year of availing benefits, with the average income increase being 35 to 40 percent. The second loan tranche has a lower default rate than many other government lending schemes, suggesting that the mandatory training and graduated disbursement model is working effectively.
*This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult the official PM Vishwakarma portal or your nearest Common Service Centre for the most up-to-date information.*
Frequently asked questions
What is PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a central government scheme launched in September 2023 with a budget of Rs 13,000 crore to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in 18 trades. It provides skill training, a Rs 15,000 toolkit grant, collateral-free loans up to Rs 3 lakh at 5 percent interest, and digital market linkage support.
Who is eligible for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2026?
Self-employed artisans aged 18 or above working in one of the 18 notified trades in the unorganised sector are eligible. Only one member per family can apply. Those already receiving benefits under PM Mudra, PM SVANidhi or PMEGP in the past five years are not eligible.
What is the loan amount under PM Vishwakarma?
The scheme provides collateral-free loans in two tranches: Rs 1,00,000 in the first tranche (18-month repayment) and Rs 2,00,000 in the second tranche (30-month repayment). Both are available at a subsidised interest rate of 5 percent per annum.
What are the 18 trades covered under PM Vishwakarma?
The 18 trades are: Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Bell Maker, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker, Washerman, Fishing Net Maker, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Stone Carver, Cobbler, Mason, Doll and Toy Maker, and Barber.
Is PM Vishwakarma only for SC/ST categories?
No, PM Vishwakarma is open to artisans of all categories: General, OBC, SC, ST and minorities. The only requirement is that the applicant must be practising one of the 18 notified trades as a self-employed worker in the unorganised sector.
Can I apply for PM Vishwakarma and PM Mudra together?
No, you cannot avail benefits under PM Vishwakarma if you have taken a loan under PM Mudra, PM SVANidhi or PMEGP in the past five years. You must choose one scheme based on your eligibility and needs.
What documents are required for PM Vishwakarma registration?
You need an Aadhaar card, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, bank account passbook (linked to Aadhaar), passport-size photograph, and proof of trade through self-declaration or Gram Panchayat/ULB verification. A caste certificate is optional but may help in priority processing.