This guide is for farmers and landholders checking PM-KUSUM eligibility, current state application windows, pump size and their own payment.
PM-KUSUM has three different routes that are easy to mix up. Component B supports stand-alone pumps. Component C covers solarisation of grid-connected pumps and agriculture feeders. Component A concerns small grid-connected solar plants.
This guide separates those routes and explains the published central structure. State allocations, application windows, rate cards and beneficiary conditions can change.
Is PM-KUSUM open now?
The MNRE scheme page lists the PM-KUSUM period up to 31 March 2026. It does not show a later general extension at the time of this review. The central PM-KUSUM portal was still reporting progress on 31 July 2026 for projects and pumps that had been sanctioned.
Sanctioned work can continue even when a state has no fresh application window. Check the implementing agency for your state before filling a form or paying a fee.
PM-KUSUM Components A, B and C
| Component | Who or what it supports | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Component A | Farmers, groups, cooperatives, panchayats, FPOs, Water User Associations or developers setting up 500 kW to 2 MW plants | Sell power to the DISCOM near a notified substation |
| Component B | Eligible stand-alone solar agriculture pumps in off-grid areas | Replace diesel pumping or serve sites without grid supply |
| Component C, individual pump solarisation | Existing grid-connected agriculture pumps | Use solar for irrigation and sell eligible surplus power |
| Component C, feeder solarisation | Agriculture feeders managed through the state or DISCOM | Provide daytime power to a group of farm connections |
If you want a solar water pump for one off-grid farm, Component B is the usual part to study. If your agriculture pump already has a grid connection, check Component C. Component A is a power project and land-income route, not a pump purchase.
How the solar pump subsidy is calculated
For Component B in standard states, the published structure provides central financial assistance equal to 30 percent of the benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower. The state government provides at least 30 percent. The farmer pays up to 40 percent.
Bank finance can cover part of the farmer share. Under the scheme design, this can reduce the farmer’s initial payment to 10 percent, with up to 30 percent financed as a loan. A loan is not another subsidy and must be repaid.
In the North Eastern states, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, central support is 50 percent of the lower eligible cost. The state provides at least 30 percent and the farmer share is up to 20 percent.
| Illustrative eligible cost | Central share at 30% | State share at 30% | Farmer share up to 40% |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹3,00,000 | ₹90,000 | ₹90,000 | Up to ₹1,20,000 |
This example explains the percentage only. Your state tender rate, category, pump and approved eligible cost determine the real amount. If the selected system costs more than the eligible tender or benchmark amount, ask who pays the difference.
What does a PM-KUSUM solar pump cost?
There is no fixed India-wide price. A pump is sized from the water job, not only from land area or horsepower. Cost changes with pump type, head, discharge, motor, solar array, controller, mounting structure, cable, pipe work, transport and site conditions.
The central portal publishes state-wise vendor lists and rate cards where available. Use the current state tender rate for a subsidy calculation. Do not compare a bare pump price with a scheme package that includes panels, structure, controller, installation, insurance and maintenance.
Items to confirm in the rate
- AC or DC motor and surface or submersible pump
- Rated horsepower and tested water output at the required head
- Solar module capacity, make and model
- Controller and any Universal Solar Pump Controller function
- Mounting structure and theft-resistant fasteners
- Cable, earthing, pipe work and civil work included
- Remote monitoring where required
- Insurance, warranty and five-year maintenance responsibility
The borewell is not normally supplied by the pump installer under the scheme. Include borewell readiness and water availability in the farm plan.
Who can apply for a stand-alone solar pump?
The published Component B guidance includes individual farmers and can cover Water User Associations, Farmer Producer Organisations, Primary Agriculture Credit Societies and community or cluster irrigation systems. The state notice decides the final applicant category, land proof, water-source condition and selection method.
Component B is intended for off-grid areas where grid supply is not available. A farmer with an existing grid-connected agriculture pump should check Component C instead. State priorities can consider diesel replacement, water-stressed areas, farmer categories or available sanction.
Do not buy and install a pump first expecting a later subsidy. Beneficiary selection, vendor allocation and installation must follow the official state process.
How to apply for PM-KUSUM
- Find the official state agency. Use the implementation-agency list linked by MNRE or the central PM-KUSUM portal.
- Check whether applications are open. Read the current component, district, pump size, farmer category and closing date.
- Register through the stated route. Some states use their own portal. Others use a nodal agency, DISCOM or department process.
- Submit the required records. These may include identity, land or lease details, bank account, water source, existing pump and category certificates.
- Wait for selection. Registration alone does not guarantee a pump. Selection is tied to state sanction and scheme rules.
- Pay only the official beneficiary amount. Use the payment route in the state notice and keep the receipt.
- Complete survey and installation. The approved vendor checks the site, pump duty and solar location before installation.
- Keep inspection and service records. Save equipment details, commissioning papers, warranty and service contacts.
For status, use the same state portal or agency that accepted the application. The central portal can show beneficiary and progress information, but the state controls selection and field work.
Choose pump size from water need and head
Horsepower alone does not tell you whether the pump will irrigate the field. The designer needs the water source, static water level, drawdown, delivery height, pipe length, pipe diameter, daily water need, crop cycle and irrigation method.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Surface or submersible? | Depends on the water source and suction condition |
| AC or DC? | Changes motor and controller design |
| What is the total head? | Higher lift and pipe loss reduce water output |
| How many litres are needed daily? | Connects crop demand with pump output |
| Is drip irrigation possible? | Efficient irrigation can reduce water and pump demand |
| Is clear land available for panels? | Shade reduces pump output |
Ask for tested water output at the stated head, not only the HP label. A larger pump can waste money and water if the borewell yield or irrigation network cannot use it safely.
Maintenance, security and water use
Keep the vendor service-centre details and the complaint route. Check who maintains the controller, motor, modules, structure and remote monitor. Record serial numbers and photograph the installation at handover.
Protect cables and panels from animals, farm machinery, standing water and theft. Keep vegetation from shading the array. Clean modules only with safe access and the maker’s method.
Solar removes diesel use but does not create water. Match pumping hours with groundwater limits, crop need and local water rules. Drip or sprinkler irrigation and storage tanks can help use daytime solar more carefully.
How to avoid fake registration and payment demands
- Open the state agency from the MNRE or PM-KUSUM official portal.
- Check the domain before entering Aadhaar, bank or land details.
- Do not pay a personal UPI ID for registration, selection or subsidy release.
- Compare the vendor with the official state allotment or list.
- Save the application, receipt, selection letter and complaint number.
- Reject claims that every applicant gets a free pump immediately.
If a caller asks for an OTP or remote access to your phone, stop. Contact the state agency using the number on its official website.
Frequently asked questions
Is PM-KUSUM still active in 2026?
The MNRE scheme page lists the central scheme period up to 31 March 2026. The central portal was still reporting progress on sanctioned work as of 31 July 2026. Check your state implementing agency for a current application window. Do not assume that a past registration form is open for new applications.
How much subsidy is available for a PM-KUSUM solar pump?
For Components B and C individual pump solarisation, the published structure provides central assistance of 30 percent of the lower of benchmark or tender cost, with at least 30 percent from the state and up to 40 percent from the farmer. Higher central support applies in listed special category areas. State implementation can differ.
How much does a PM-KUSUM solar pump cost?
There is no single national price. Pump power, type, water head, solar array, controller, installation and the state tender rate decide the eligible cost. Check the current state rate card before calculating your contribution.
Can I apply for PM-KUSUM on the central portal?
Farmers normally apply through the state implementing agency or the state portal when a window is open. The central PM-KUSUM portal provides agency details, vendor and rate information, progress and beneficiary references.
Which farmers can apply for a stand-alone solar pump?
Component B covers eligible farmers in off-grid areas and can also include groups such as Water User Associations, Farmer Producer Organisations, Primary Agriculture Credit Societies and community irrigation systems under the published guidance. The state notice sets the final applicant rules.
Is a borewell included with the solar pump?
No. The official PM-KUSUM FAQ says the installation firm is not responsible for providing the borewell. The farmer must confirm a suitable water source and site before choosing pump capacity.
Can I sell extra solar electricity from a pump?
Under Component C individual pump solarisation, the farmer can use solar for irrigation and sell eligible surplus to the DISCOM under the state arrangement. A stand-alone Component B pump is not a normal grid export system.
How do I check PM-KUSUM application status?
Use the state portal or agency named in the official application notice. Keep the application number and registered mobile. The central portal also publishes beneficiary and implementation information, but the state agency controls selection.
Official sources
Application windows, state tender rates and sanctioned capacity can change. Check the current official state notice before paying or uploading personal documents.
About the editorial team
The SolarCost.in Editorial Team checks official rules, public data, calculations, source dates and plain language. The team is independent of installers, vendors and lenders. It does not install solar or sell customer leads, and it does not provide engineering, legal or financial advice. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.