Completing PM Kisan eKYC is compulsory to keep receiving ₹6,000 a year under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The amount is paid in three instalments of ₹2,000 directly to farmers’ bank accounts. If your eKYC, land seeding or Aadhaar-bank linking is incomplete, your next instalment can be held back.
This guide explains the three ways to finish eKYC, how to check beneficiary status, who is eligible, who is excluded and what Kerala farmers should do if payments stop.
PM-KISAN at a Glance
| Benefit | ₹6,000 per year in three instalments of ₹2,000 |
| Who gets it | Landholding farmer families, subject to exclusions |
| Payment mode | Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar-seeded bank account |
| Mandatory | eKYC, land seeding and Aadhaar-bank seeding |
| Website | pmkisan.gov.in |
| Helpline | 155261 / 1800-115-526 |
Three Ways to Complete PM Kisan eKYC
1. OTP-based eKYC (online)
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in and open the eKYC option under Farmers Corner.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and search.
- Enter the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar and get an OTP.
- Submit the OTP to complete eKYC.
2. Face authentication (mobile app)
Download the official PM-KISAN app and the Aadhaar Face RD app from the Play Store. Log in with your registration details and complete eKYC by scanning your face. This is useful if your Aadhaar mobile number is not active.
3. Biometric eKYC at a CSC
Visit a Common Service Centre or Akshaya centre with your Aadhaar. The operator will complete eKYC using your fingerprint. A small service fee may be charged.
How to Check PM-KISAN Beneficiary Status
- Go to pmkisan.gov.in and click “Know Your Status” or “Beneficiary Status” under Farmers Corner.
- Enter your registration number, or use your Aadhaar/mobile number as allowed.
- Enter the captcha and get the OTP.
- Check the status of eKYC, land seeding and Aadhaar-bank seeding. All three should show “Yes”.
- See the list of instalments paid and any pending reasons.
If any of the three shows “No”, your next instalment may be stopped until it is corrected. Fixing your PM Kisan eKYC is usually the quickest step.
Who Is Eligible?
All landholding farmer families who own cultivable land in their names, as per land records, are eligible, subject to exclusion criteria. A family means husband, wife and minor children.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Institutional landholders
- Present or former holders of constitutional posts, ministers, MPs, MLAs, mayors and district panchayat chairpersons
- Serving or retired government employees (except multi-tasking staff, Class IV and Group D)
- Pensioners getting ₹10,000 or more per month (except MTS, Class IV and Group D)
- Persons who paid income tax in the last assessment year
- Registered professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants and architects
Why Your Instalment May Be Stopped
- eKYC pending: The most common reason. Complete PM Kisan eKYC using any of the three methods.
- Land seeding “No”: Your land records are not verified or linked. Contact the Krishi Bhavan or agriculture office.
- Aadhaar not seeded with bank: Your bank account is not linked to Aadhaar or not DBT-enabled. Visit your bank or India Post Payments Bank.
- Name mismatch: The name in Aadhaar differs from the name in land records or bank account. Get it corrected.
- Ineligibility found: If you pay income tax or fall under an exclusion category, payments stop and recovery may be ordered.
How to Link Aadhaar With Your Bank Account
For DBT, your bank account must be seeded with Aadhaar and enabled for direct benefit transfer. Visit your bank branch with Aadhaar and passbook and request Aadhaar seeding and DBT (NPCI mapping). Alternatively, open an account with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), which links Aadhaar instantly through the postman. Once seeded, update the status on the portal after a few days.
Kerala Farmers: What to Do
In Kerala, PM-KISAN registrations and land verification are handled with the help of the Agriculture Department and Krishi Bhavans. If your land seeding is pending, visit your local Krishi Bhavan with your land tax receipt (Bhoonikuthi), Aadhaar and bank passbook. Ask the Agricultural Officer to verify and update your land details. After that, complete your PM Kisan eKYC if it is still pending.
How to Register as a New Farmer
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in and click “New Farmer Registration”.
- Choose rural or urban farmer, enter your Aadhaar and mobile number, and select your state.
- Fill in personal, bank and land details.
- Submit. Your application goes for verification by the state government.
- After approval, complete eKYC to start receiving instalments.
You can also register through a CSC, Akshaya centre or the Krishi Bhavan.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-seeded)
- Land records: land tax receipt, possession certificate or ownership documents
Why PM Kisan eKYC Was Made Compulsory
When PM-KISAN started in 2019, many payments went to ineligible people, duplicate accounts and even deceased persons. To stop this, the government made PM Kisan eKYC compulsory, along with land seeding and Aadhaar-bank linking. eKYC confirms that the person receiving the money is the real farmer whose name appears in land records. As a result, payments now reach genuine farmers more reliably, but farmers who have not completed the process may see their instalments held back.
Step-by-Step: PM Kisan eKYC Through the Website
- Open pmkisan.gov.in on your phone or computer.
- In the Farmers Corner section, click the eKYC option.
- Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click Search.
- Enter the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar and click Get OTP.
- Enter the OTP you receive and click Submit for Auth.
- A message confirms that your PM Kisan eKYC has been completed successfully.
If the website shows “eKYC is already done”, you do not need to do it again. Check your beneficiary status to make sure land and bank seeding are also complete.
Step-by-Step: PM Kisan eKYC Through Face Authentication
- Install the PM-KISAN mobile app and the Aadhaar Face RD app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the PM-KISAN app and log in as a beneficiary using your registration details.
- Choose the eKYC option and allow camera access.
- Look into the camera in good light and keep your face steady while the app captures it.
- Once authentication succeeds, your PM Kisan eKYC status is updated.
The face method works without a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, which helps many elderly farmers. A family member can help on their phone, but the farmer must be present for the face scan.
Step-by-Step: PM Kisan eKYC at an Akshaya Centre
Carry your Aadhaar card to the nearest Akshaya or Common Service Centre. Tell the operator you want to complete PM-KISAN eKYC. The operator scans your fingerprint on a biometric device and completes the process. Ask for a printout or screenshot as proof. This option is useful if your fingerprints are clear and you do not have a smartphone.
After Completing PM Kisan eKYC
Wait a few days and then check your beneficiary status. The eKYC field should show “Yes”. If land seeding or Aadhaar-bank seeding still shows “No”, follow the steps above to fix them. Instalments are released only when all three conditions are satisfied.
Common Errors During PM Kisan eKYC and Solutions
| Error | What it means | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Record not found | Aadhaar not linked to a PM-KISAN registration | Register as a new farmer or correct Aadhaar in your registration |
| Invalid OTP | Wrong or expired OTP | Request a new OTP and enter it quickly |
| Mobile not linked | Aadhaar has no mobile number | Use face authentication or biometric eKYC |
| Biometric mismatch | Fingerprint not recognised | Try face authentication or update biometrics at an Aadhaar centre |
| Name mismatch | Aadhaar name differs from records | Correct Aadhaar or registration details |
PM-KISAN Instalment Schedule
PM-KISAN instalments are usually released three times a year, roughly every four months. The exact date of each instalment is announced by the government. Instead of trusting rumours on social media, check the official portal and your bank SMS. If an instalment is released and you do not receive it, check your beneficiary status for any pending PM Kisan eKYC or seeding issue.
Tips for Kerala Farmers
- Keep your land tax receipt updated every year at the Village Office.
- Make sure the name on Aadhaar, bank account and land records is spelled the same way.
- Link Aadhaar to an active mobile number for easy OTP-based PM Kisan eKYC.
- Visit your Krishi Bhavan if your status shows land seeding “No”.
- Check your status after every instalment release date.
Beware of Fake Calls and Links
Fraudsters send messages claiming that your PM-KISAN money will stop unless you click a link or share an OTP. The government never asks for your bank PIN, password or OTP over the phone. Complete PM Kisan eKYC only on pmkisan.gov.in, the official app or at a CSC. Do not share your Aadhaar OTP with strangers.
Other Schemes for Farmers
Farmers can also benefit from the Kisan Credit Card for low-interest crop loans, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance and the PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana for a pension after 60. Small farmers and agricultural workers can register on the e-Shram portal for an identity card and accident insurance. Ask your Krishi Bhavan about state schemes under the Kerala Agriculture Department as well.
Real-Life Examples
Ravi from Palakkad
Ravi’s last PM-KISAN instalment did not arrive. When he checked his beneficiary status, eKYC showed “No”. His Aadhaar was linked to an old mobile number he no longer used. He installed the PM-KISAN app and the Face RD app on his son’s phone, completed PM Kisan eKYC with face authentication in five minutes, and received the next instalment on time.
Sumathi from Alappuzha
Sumathi had completed eKYC, but land seeding showed “No”. She visited the Krishi Bhavan with her land tax receipt. The Agricultural Officer verified her land details and updated the records. After a few weeks, her status turned “Yes” for all three conditions.
Joseph from Idukki
Joseph’s bank account was not seeded with Aadhaar for DBT. He opened an IPPB account through the postman, which linked Aadhaar instantly. After his PM Kisan eKYC and land seeding were already done, the next instalment came into his new account.
Checklist to Keep Your PM-KISAN Active
- PM Kisan eKYC status: Yes
- Land seeding status: Yes
- Aadhaar-bank seeding (DBT): Yes
- Name same in Aadhaar, bank and land records
- Active mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Not in any exclusion category (no income tax, no government job or high pension)
Where to Get Help
If problems continue, contact the PM-KISAN helpline at 155261 or 1800-115-526, email the official support address listed on the portal, or visit your Krishi Bhavan. Keep your registration number, Aadhaar and bank details ready when you call.
How PM-KISAN Helps Kerala Farmers
Most Kerala farmers own small plots, often less than one acre, growing coconut, rubber, banana, pepper, vegetables or paddy. Costs of fertiliser, labour and pest control keep rising, while prices fluctuate. The ₹6,000 a year from PM-KISAN may look small, but it helps with seeds, fertiliser and other farm inputs at the right time. For many elderly farmers, it is a steady and dependable support.
Updating Mobile Number in PM-KISAN
If you change your phone number, update it in your PM-KISAN profile through the portal’s “Update Mobile Number” option, if available, or through a CSC. Also update the number in Aadhaar at an Aadhaar centre, because OTP-based PM Kisan eKYC depends on the Aadhaar-linked mobile.
What Happens if a Farmer Dies?
PM-KISAN benefits stop after the death of the registered farmer. The legal heir who inherits the land can apply as a new beneficiary after the land records are mutated in their name. They will need to complete registration, land seeding and PM Kisan eKYC afresh.
Selling or Transferring Land
If you sell all your farmland, you are no longer eligible. Inform the agriculture office so your name can be removed. Continuing to receive instalments after selling land can lead to recovery. If you inherit or buy land, register as a new farmer after updating land records.
Keep Proof of Every Step
Take screenshots or printouts whenever you complete PM Kisan eKYC, update bank details or correct land records. If there is a dispute later, these records help officials resolve it quickly.
Understanding Land Seeding
Land seeding means linking your PM-KISAN registration with verified land records maintained by the state. In Kerala, revenue land records are managed through the Village Office, and the Agriculture Department verifies farmer land details for central schemes. If your land is jointly owned, recently inherited or not updated after a sale, verification can be delayed. Keep your possession certificate and land tax receipts ready, and request the Krishi Bhavan to complete verification.
DBT and NPCI Mapping Explained
Direct Benefit Transfer uses the NPCI mapper to send money to the bank account linked with your Aadhaar. If you have several bank accounts, the money goes to the one mapped last in the NPCI system. If you want PM-KISAN money in a specific account, ask that bank to map it with Aadhaar for DBT. You can check which bank is mapped using the Aadhaar seeding status option on the UIDAI website.
Tenant Farmers and Landless Workers
PM-KISAN generally requires land in the farmer’s name. Tenant farmers and landless agricultural workers are usually not eligible. They can look at other schemes such as e-Shram registration, state welfare boards and crop insurance where applicable.
Final Tip
Treat your PM-KISAN profile like a bank account. Check it after every instalment, keep your details updated and fix problems immediately. A few minutes every few months can ensure that every ₹2,000 instalment reaches you on time.
Important Links
- Official portal: pmkisan.gov.in
- All schemes: Government Schemes 2026
- Other help: e-Shram card guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PM Kisan eKYC mandatory?
Yes. Without eKYC, instalments can be held back.
How much money does PM-KISAN give?
₹6,000 per year in three instalments of ₹2,000.
Can I do eKYC without an Aadhaar-linked mobile?
Yes. Use face authentication in the PM-KISAN app or biometric eKYC at a CSC.
What is the helpline number?
155261 or 1800-115-526.
Can both husband and wife get PM-KISAN?
No. The benefit is per farmer family, which includes husband, wife and minor children.
What if I receive a recovery notice?
It means you were found ineligible. Contact your Krishi Bhavan or agriculture office to understand the reason and the refund process.
How long does PM Kisan eKYC take to update?
OTP-based eKYC usually updates immediately or within a day. Biometric and face eKYC may take a little longer. Check your beneficiary status after a few days.
Do I need to do eKYC every year?
Normally, eKYC is a one-time process. However, if your details change or the system asks for re-verification, complete it again.
Can I complete eKYC for my parents?
You can help them, but the OTP must come to their Aadhaar-linked mobile, or they must be present for face or fingerprint authentication.
Will I get missed instalments after fixing problems?
In many cases, pending instalments are released after the issue is resolved, but this depends on the reason and government rules.
Disclaimer: Details on PM Kisan eKYC and PM-KISAN rules are based on official guidelines. Always verify on pmkisan.gov.in.