PM Kisan eKYC 2026: Mandatory Update for 22nd Installment, Deadline and Step-by-Step Guide

The Government of India has issued a critical reminder for all beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. To maintain the seamless transfer of financial aid, completing the PM Kisan eKYC has been made mandatory for the upcoming 2026 installments. With the 22nd installment expected to be released in February 2026, millions of farmers must ensure their biometric or Aadhaar-based authentication is updated to avoid their names being excluded from the beneficiary list.

As a part of the government’s digital push, eKYC is designed to eliminate middleman interference and ensure that the annual benefit of ₹6,000 reaches the right bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Why PM Kisan eKYC is Mandatory in 2026

The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector initiative that provides income support to all landholding farmer families across the country. However, to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure transparency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare requires periodic identity verification.

If your eKYC is not complete, your payment status will likely show “eKYC Required,” and the upcoming credit of ₹2,000 will be paused. For the 2026 cycle, many reports suggest a deadline around March 2026 for ongoing verification, but experts suggest completing it before the 22nd installment release, which is widely anticipated around February 8, 2026.

Three Simple Ways to Complete PM Kisan eKYC

The government has introduced multiple methods to make the process accessible for everyone, from tech-savvy youth to elderly farmers in remote areas.

1. Online (OTP-Based) Method

This is the fastest method if your Aadhaar is linked to your current mobile number.

• Visit the official website: pmkisan.gov.in.
• Click on the ‘eKYC’ link under the ‘Farmers Corner’ section.
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click ‘Search’.
• Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile phone and submit.

2. Face Authentication (Mobile App)

For farmers who face issues with fingerprint scanning or do not have an Aadhaar-linked mobile, the PM-Kisan Mobile App now offers face authentication. This allows you to complete the process simply by scanning your face through your smartphone camera. This feature is highly beneficial for senior citizens whose fingerprints may have faded over time.

3. Offline (Biometric-Based) via CSC

If you are unable to use the online methods, you can visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC). Here, an operator will use your thumb impression or iris scan to authenticate your identity. Note that while online methods are free, CSCs may charge a nominal service fee of approximately ₹15 to ₹30.

How to Check Your eKYC Status Online

If you are unsure whether your verification is complete, you can check it in seconds:

• Go to the ‘Know Your Status’ section on the PM Kisan portal.
• Enter your registration number and the captcha code.
• The dashboard will display your “Eligibility Status.” Look for a green checkmark next to “e-KYC Status.” If it says “No,” you must follow the steps mentioned above immediately.

What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?

Failure to complete the eKYC will result in the suspension of future installments. The government uses this data to verify that the landholding records still match the beneficiary. Furthermore, it helps in updating the “Land Seeding” status, which is another requirement for receiving the 22nd installment.

If your payment has stopped despite completing eKYC, you should also check if your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar (Aadhaar Seeding) and if your DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) option is enabled at your bank branch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)