- The PM KUSUM DCR ALMM requirement splits by component — read each one separately.
- ALMM List-I (the module model) usually applies across A, B and C.
- DCR (Indian module + cells) is the norm for Component B pumps and most of C; often for A by tender.
- List-I is not the same as DCR — a List-I module may still fail a DCR clause.
- The controller and pump-set follow KUSUM specs, not ALMM.
- Verify everything: Phase II timing and component DCR rules are in flux post-March 2026 — confirm against the latest MNRE KUSUM guidelines, your state nodal circular, the live ALMM list and NISE.
The PM KUSUM DCR ALMM requirement is one of the most misread rules in agri-solar. PM-KUSUM runs as three components — A, B and C — and each can carry a different module rule. Get the wrong module on a KUSUM line and the project can be rejected at inspection. This guide is for EPCs and procurement leads, not homeowners.
Does PM-KUSUM require ALMM and DCR?
Yes — PM-KUSUM is a government scheme, so both ALMM List-I and DCR usually come into play, but they are two different rules. ALMM List-I is the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers: the module model you use must be enlisted. DCR is the Domestic Content Requirement: the module and its cells must be made in India.
The two rules are not the same
A module can sit on List-I and still not be DCR. List-I checks the model is approved; DCR checks where the module and cells were made. A KUSUM line that asks for domestic content needs a DCR certificate, not just List-I enlistment. You may need to satisfy both at once. Our applicability guide covers where each rule bites.
Why the component matters
PM-KUSUM does not apply one rule to every job. The component decides the rule. So before you order, you must know which component your line belongs to, then read the rule for that component in the current order. The next sections take A, B and C in turn.
What is Component A and its module rules?
Component A is grid-connected solar power plants — usually up to about 2 MW each — built on farmland and feeding power into the DISCOM grid. A farmer, group or developer sets up the plant, and the DISCOM buys the power. Treat Component A like any grid-connected ground plant for compliance.
ALMM List-I for Component A
Because Component A is a government-linked grid plant, the module model normally has to be on ALMM List-I. Match the exact model number, not just the brand. Confirm this in the current MNRE KUSUM order and the tender, because rules and capacity limits change.
DCR for Component A
Whether Component A needs DCR depends on the tender and the order. Many Component A tenders ask for domestic content, which means a DCR module with Indian cells. Some do not. Read the DCR clause in your specific tender, because this is a place where state nodal agencies differ. Verify against the latest MNRE KUSUM guidelines.
What is Component B (solar pumps) and its DCR rule?
Component B is standalone, off-grid solar water pumps for farmers who have no grid connection. The farmer gets a complete solar pump-set — module array, controller and pump — sized to their need. There is no grid export; the power runs the pump directly.
DCR is generally the norm for Component B
Component B pumps generally require a DCR module: module and cells made in India, proven by a NISE DCR certificate. This has long been the pattern for standalone KUSUM pumps. The pump-set and controller also follow KUSUM technical specs. Confirm the current DCR wording, because component-level rules are in flux.
ALMM List-I still applies to the module
On top of DCR, the module model in a Component B pump usually has to be on ALMM List-I. So a compliant Component B pump can need both: a List-I model and a DCR certificate proving Indian module and cells. Plan for both at order time, not at inspection.
What is Component C (feeder + pump solarisation)?
Component C solarises pumps that are already grid-connected. It runs in two modes. In individual pump solarisation, a solar system is added to a single grid-connected pump. In feeder-level solarisation, a solar plant powers a whole agriculture feeder, so many pumps run on solar through the grid.
Module rules across the two modes
Both modes use solar modules, so ALMM List-I normally applies to the module model. On DCR, feeder-level plants and individual pump systems are often expected to use DCR modules, but the wording can differ by sub-mode and by state nodal agency. Check each line item against the current order.
Why Component C needs line-by-line checking
Component C mixes plant-style work (the feeder plant) with pump-style work (individual pumps). That means one Component C tender can carry more than one module rule. Do not assume the feeder rule covers the pumps, or vice versa. Confirm each part. Our cross-hub guide on DCR and ALMM in PM-KUSUM goes deeper on the scheme side.
Which components need DCR, and which need ALMM List-I?
The table below compares Component A, B and C at a glance. Every cell is point-in-time and tender-dependent, so use it as a starting map, not a final ruling. Verify each line against the live order before you place a BOM.
Table: SuryaHub summary of PM-KUSUM module rules by component. Source: MNRE PM-KUSUM guidelines and ALMM orders — point-in-time, verify against the current MNRE order and your state nodal circular.
Which components need a DCR certificate?
Any KUSUM line that requires domestic content needs a DCR certificate from the NISE DCR portal. In practice that means Component B pumps and most Component C lines generally need one, and Component A needs one where its tender asks for domestic content.
What a DCR certificate proves
A DCR certificate proves the module and its cells were made in India. A made-in-India module with imported cells is not DCR. So the certificate covers the cell origin too, not just final assembly. Keep the certificate with the module serials for your project file.
Match the certificate to the supplied module
The certificate must match the exact module you supply — model and maker. A certificate for a different model does not cover your order. Tie each DCR certificate to the module serials or RFID records you install, so an auditor can trace it. Our compliant BOM guide shows how to lock this into the order.
How do you prove ALMM List-I for a KUSUM pump?
To prove ALMM List-I, match the exact module model number on the live ALMM List-I — not just the brand. ALMM enlists models by exact model number, so a near-identical variant may not be listed even if the brand is.
The evidence to keep
- Maker invoice naming the exact model number you bought.
- Model datasheet matching that model number.
- Module serials or RFID/QR records for the units installed.
- A dated check of the model against List-I at the time of supply.
The ALMM list changes over time. A model enlisted last year may be off the list now. Always check the model on the MNRE portal at the time you supply, and save a dated record of that check. This is your defence if a line is questioned later.
What about the universal solar pump controller?
ALMM covers the solar module model, not the pump controller. The universal controller and the pump-set follow their own KUSUM technical specification and test standards, set in the scheme guidelines and any BIS rule — separate from the ALMM list.
Check two rule-sets, not one
So a compliant Component B or C pump has two rule-sets in play. For the module, check ALMM List-I and any DCR clause. For the controller and pump-set, check the KUSUM specification, the protection rating and any test certificate the tender asks for. Confirm both in the current order before you quote.
How does the List-II cell mandate affect KUSUM?
ALMM List-II would require the cells inside the module to come from an enlisted Indian maker. For KUSUM, that would tighten supply, because DCR pumps and plants would then need both an Indian module and an enlisted Indian cell — a smaller pool to buy from.
The date is not settled
The List-II effective date — around 1 June 2026 — faced deferment requests and court proceedings. Do not plan as if it is fixed. Confirm whether it was deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 Jun 2026. Check the live position before you commit a long-lead KUSUM order, because a delay or a confirmation both change your sourcing.
What changes in KUSUM Phase II (2026)?
KUSUM Phase II timing and the component-level DCR rules are in flux post-March 2026. The scheme has been extended and reworked over time, and targets, slabs and content rules can move with each revision. So Phase I tender wording may not match the current order.
What to re-check for every Phase II bid
- The current MNRE KUSUM guideline version and its date.
- Your state nodal agency circular, which can add or vary rules.
- The DCR clause in the specific tender, component by component.
- The live ALMM List-I for each module model at supply time.
- The List-II status and any deferment in the latest MNRE order.
For the scheme-level picture across the three components, see the cross-hub guide on PM-KUSUM components A, B and C.
Common KUSUM compliance mistakes
Most KUSUM module problems come from a few repeat errors. Avoid these and your line survives inspection.
List-I but not DCR
A module can sit on ALMM List-I and still not be DCR. KUSUM lines that need domestic content need a DCR certificate, not just List-I enlistment.
Brand instead of model
ALMM enlists an exact model number, not a brand. Ordering by brand alone risks a non-enlisted variant that fails inspection.
Ignoring the cell origin
DCR means module and cells made in India. A made-in-India module with imported cells is not DCR. Check the cell source, not just the module.
Assuming Phase I rules carry over
KUSUM Phase II timing and component DCR rules are in flux post-March 2026. Old tender wording may not match the current MNRE order.
One rule for all three components
Component A, B and C can carry different module rules. Read the rule for each component and each tender separately.
How SuryaHub helps agri-solar EPCs stay compliant
KUSUM compliance lives in the order. SuryaHub builds it into the procurement and BOM step, so the module model you order is checked against the rule for that component, and the DCR certificate and serials stay attached to the job. Its government workflows keep the scheme paperwork — certificates, tender clauses, nodal-agency steps — in one place per project, so nothing that gates approval is lost. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the only real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and every rule above is a scheme fact to verify, not a guarantee.
Lock KUSUM compliance into every BOM
See how SuryaHub ties the module model, DCR certificate and serials to each job.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does PM-KUSUM require ALMM and DCR?+
Yes. PM-KUSUM is a government scheme, so ALMM List-I enlistment usually applies to the module model, and the Domestic Content Requirement applies where the scheme or tender asks for domestic modules and cells. The exact rule varies by component and order, so verify against the current MNRE KUSUM guidelines.
Which PM-KUSUM components need a DCR certificate?+
PM-KUSUM Component B pumps and many Component C lines generally need DCR, and Component A often needs it where the tender says so. DCR means the module and cells are made in India, proven by a NISE DCR certificate. Component-level DCR rules are in flux, so confirm each tender.
Is ALMM List-I the same as DCR for PM-KUSUM?+
No. ALMM List-I enlistment and DCR are separate for PM-KUSUM. A module can be on List-I yet not be DCR, because DCR also needs Indian-made cells. A KUSUM line that requires domestic content needs a DCR certificate, not just List-I enlistment. Verify both for each order.
How do I prove ALMM List-I for a KUSUM solar pump?+
To prove ALMM List-I for a KUSUM solar pump, match the exact module model number on the live ALMM List-I, not just the brand. Keep the maker invoice, the model datasheet and the module serial or RFID records. Check the model on the MNRE portal at the time of supply, because the list changes.
Does the universal solar pump controller need ALMM?+
ALMM covers the solar module model, not the pump controller itself. The universal controller and the pump-set follow their own KUSUM specs and test standards. So for the controller, check the KUSUM technical specification and any BIS or test rule, and for the module, check ALMM List-I. Verify both in the current order.
Does the List-II cell mandate affect PM-KUSUM?+
ALMM List-II would require the cells inside the module to come from an enlisted Indian maker, which would tighten KUSUM supply. The List-II effective date around 1 June 2026 faced deferment requests and litigation. Confirm whether it was deferred in the latest MNRE order, status as of 20 Jun 2026, before you plan procurement.
Sources & references
The component rules, ALMM orders and DCR process come from primary government sources. Every date, slab and list is point-in-time — verify against the current MNRE order, the live ALMM list, your state nodal circular and NISE before you act.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
PM-KUSUM guidelines, Component A/B/C rules and ALMM orders. Verify the current version.
- PM-KUSUM portal (MNRE) ↗
Scheme details and state nodal links. Verify the live URL and your state portal.
- NISE DCR portal ↗
Where domestic-content (DCR) certificates are issued. Verify the URL before you rely on it.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE & NISE sources · updated 20 June 2026.
Method: Component rules and the ALMM/DCR distinction are taken from the MNRE PM-KUSUM guidelines, ALMM orders and the NISE DCR portal, and re-checked every 30 days. KUSUM Phase II timing, component DCR rules and the List-II cell date are in flux and litigated — treat them as point-in-time and verify. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 20 Jun 2026 — first published.