There is no scheme that gives a solar pump completely free anywhere in India. Under PM-KUSUM, the central government pays 30% of the benchmark or tender cost and the state pays at least another 30%, so a farmer pays up to 40%, and can cut the upfront amount to 10% if a bank finances the other 30%. Some states give more: Maharashtra's Magel Tyala scheme asks only 10% from general farmers and 5% from SC/ST farmers. That is where the "90-95% subsidy" headlines come from.
Before you apply, know that PM-KUSUM's first phase was due to end on 31 March 2026 and a successor, PM-KUSUM 2.0, had not been formally notified when this article was updated (1 October 2026). New central sanctions are therefore limited, and what you can actually get depends on your state agency. Read the status section below first. For how solar pumps work and what they cost, see our solar pump page.
Who pays what under PM-KUSUM Component B (stand-alone pumps)
| Who | Most states | NE states, Sikkim, J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep, A&N |
|---|---|---|
| Central assistance (of benchmark or tender cost, whichever is lower) | 30% | 50% |
| State subsidy | At least 30% | At least 30% |
| Farmer | Up to 40% | Up to 20% |
| With bank finance | Pay 10% at first, up to 30% as a bank loan | As per bank terms |
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The scheme covers stand-alone pumps of up to 7.5 HP. If a state is not able to give its share, farmers may install pumps with the central assistance alone, but then pay more. Component C lets a farmer with a grid-connected pump solarise it, with the same 30% central, 30% state and up to 40% farmer pattern, and surplus power can be sold to the DISCOM.
Example (assumed cost): if the approved cost of a pump system is ₹2,50,000, Component B in a general state means ₹75,000 central, ₹75,000 state, and ₹1,00,000 from you. With a bank loan you pay ₹25,000 upfront and borrow ₹75,000. In a Himalayan state the farmer share would be ₹50,000. The actual benchmark cost varies by pump capacity and type (AC or DC, surface or submersible) and by year, so use your state agency's price list.
A key eligibility rule many farmers miss
MNRE states that Component B is for farmers in off-grid areas where grid supply is not available. If your farm already has an electric agricultural connection, you may fit Component C (solarising the existing pump) or a state scheme, rather than B. MSEDCL's beneficiary selection criteria for Maharashtra's solar pump scheme likewise ask for farmland with an assured water source and no existing electricity connection, and restrict 7.5 HP pumps to wells and tube-wells with water source depth not more than 60 metres, in areas not classed as over-exploited by the groundwater survey.
Current status: what can you apply for now?
- The MNRE page lists PM-KUSUM's period as "till 31.03.2026". MNRE has since given extra time, reported as commissioning by 30 September 2026 for Component B and individual pump solarisation, but only for projects where work orders or notices to proceed were issued on or before 31 December 2025. Further extension is considered case by case.
- PM-KUSUM 2.0 has been discussed for some time, with reports of an expenditure finance committee nod and a larger outlay. A December 2025 report says Component B would "continue as a targeted intervention". No official notification of new rates was found in the sources used here; treat any website quoting "KUSUM 2.0 subsidy" as unverified.
- Practical meaning: if your state agency already opened applications or sanctioned pumps, follow them. Pay your share only through the official portal or bank challan named by the state agency, and be wary of agents who charge a "registration fee" for new pumps.
State examples: do not assume your state is the same
| State and scheme | Farmer pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra: Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump (MSEDCL) | 10% general, 5% SC/ST | Pump size by land holding is reported as up to 2.5 acres 3 HP, above 2.5 to 5 acres 5 HP, above 5 acres 7.5 HP (MSEDCL's older criteria page gives a different split, so confirm). 5 years repair and insurance. Aim: 10 lakh pumps. Apply on MSEDCL's portal; helpline numbers 1800-212-3435 and 1800-233-3435 appear on its scheme page |
| Haryana: HAREDA solar pump scheme | Reported 75% subsidy for 3 to 10 HP pumps | Reported figure only; applications via the state portal (saralharyana.gov.in) and HAREDA. Check current notice |
| Other states | Varies | Contact the state renewable energy or agriculture department and the DISCOM; some states have their own higher subsidies and their own empanelled vendor lists |
Step by step: how to apply
- Confirm your state agency and whether applications are open. Ask at your block agriculture office or your state renewable energy agency (for example MSEDCL in Maharashtra, HAREDA in Haryana). Central PM-KUSUM is implemented through state nodal agencies.
- Register on the state portal with Aadhaar, mobile number and bank details.
- Documents (typical): Aadhaar; land record (7/12, khatauni, jamabandi); bank passbook; proof of water source (well, tube-well, borewell) and a photograph of it; caste certificate for SC/ST rates; a self-declaration that you have no existing agricultural electricity connection or solar pump; passport photo; other papers as the state asks.
- Pay your share only through the official portal or bank challan named in the sanction message. Applications are often prioritised for farmers on the pending-connection list or in areas without electrification.
- Vendor and installation: the vendor is allotted by the state agency or chosen from its empanelled list. Do not hire an outside dealer for a subsidised pump unless the agency says you can.
- Inspection and handover: verify the pump capacity, panel wattage, controller and warranty against the sanction. Keep the warranty card and the vendor's service contact; Maharashtra's scheme includes 5 years of repair and insurance.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- You already have an electric agricultural connection (for off-grid schemes).
- Water source not assured, or the area is classified over-exploited by the groundwater authority.
- Land record name mismatch, or joint land without a no-objection letter from co-owners.
- Farmer share not paid within the time given in the sanction.
- State budget or allotted quota exhausted; you are placed on a waiting list.
Solar pumps pair well with drip irrigation, since lower pumping needs let you use a smaller system, and with a KCC or agri loan for your share.
Sources
- MNRE: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM)
- Renewable Watch: MNRE extends timelines for projects under PM KUSUM (31 March 2026)
- SolarQuarter: PM KUSUM deadlines extended, transition to KUSUM 2.0 planned (6 April 2026)
- Down To Earth: Centre readies PM-KUSUM 2.0 (30 December 2025)
- MSEDCL: Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana beneficiary selection criteria
- Energy Department, Maharashtra: Magel Tyala Saur Krishi Pump Yojana
- CMV360: Haryana 75% subsidy on solar pumps (2025 report, secondary)