PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended to 2028 with Enhanced Subsidies
The Union Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) until March 2028.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-KUSUM scheme extended until March 2028 by the Union Government.
- The extension aims to enhance energy security for farmers and de-dieselize the farm sector.
- A 10% increase in subsidies is provided for North-Eastern and Hilly states.
- The scheme was originally launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- PM-KUSUM supports solar plants on barren land, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of grid-connected pumps.
- The initiative aligns with India's goal of achieving 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- The announcement was made on May 7, 2026.
- The scheme empowers farmers to become energy producers ('kisan urja utpadaks').
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended to 2028 with Enhanced Subsidies
- PM-KUSUM scheme extended until March 2028 by the Union Government.
- The extension aims to enhance energy security for farmers and de-dieselize the farm sector.
- A 10% increase in subsidies is provided for North-Eastern and Hilly states.
- The scheme was originally launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- PM-KUSUM supports solar plants on barren land, standalone solar pumps, and solarization of grid-connected pumps.
- The initiative aligns with India's goal of achieving 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- The announcement was made on May 7, 2026.
- The scheme empowers farmers to become energy producers ('kisan urja utpadaks').
Practice Questions
Q1. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has been extended until which period?
- March 2026
- December 2027
- March 2028
- December 2028
Explanation: The Union Government, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), has extended the PM-KUSUM scheme until March 2028. This extension aims to further promote solar energy adoption in the agricultural sector.
Q2. Which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation and oversight of the PM-KUSUM scheme, focusing on leveraging solar energy for agricultural needs.
Q3. What is a key enhancement in the subsidy structure for the PM-KUSUM scheme's extension, as announced on May 7, 2026?
- A 5% increase for all states
- A 10% increase for North-Eastern and Hilly states
- A 15% increase for drought-prone regions
- A flat subsidy for all solar pumps
Explanation: The extension of the PM-KUSUM scheme includes a significant 10% increase in subsidies specifically targeted towards farmers in the North-Eastern and Hilly states, acknowledging their unique geographical challenges.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a component of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Installation of solar plants on barren or unculturable land
- Provision of standalone solar-powered irrigation pumps
- Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps
- Development of large-scale solar power parks
Explanation: The PM-KUSUM scheme focuses on three main components directly related to farmers: solar plants on their land, standalone solar pumps, and solarizing their grid-connected pumps. Large-scale solar power parks are typically part of other government initiatives.
Q5. The PM-KUSUM scheme aligns with India's national target of achieving a specific capacity of non-fossil fuel-based energy by which year?
- 2025
- 2030
- 2035
- 2040
Explanation: The scheme is a critical part of India's strategy to meet its climate commitments, including the ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by the year 2030.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams — PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended to 2028 with Enhanced Su…
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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