- This page serves farmers checking if they qualify and EPCs pre-qualifying leads.
- PM-KUSUM has three parts: A (ground plants), B (off-grid pumps), C (solarise grid pumps).
- Core documents: Aadhaar, land record, bank proof, photo, mobile; Component C adds pump proof.
- Most rejections come from a name mismatch or a missing document — fix that first.
- All eligibility rules, shares and formats vary by state — verify with the state nodal agency.
A PM-KUSUM job starts with one question: does the farmer qualify? Get the eligibility and document check right early and the application moves fast. This guide covers PM KUSUM eligibility documents for both readers — a farmer checking their own case, and an EPC using the same list to pre-qualify a lead before any field visit.
Farmers: use the checklist below to see if you qualify and what to collect. EPCs: use the same list as a fast lead pre-qualification gate, so a weak file never eats your team's time.
Who is eligible for PM-KUSUM?
PM-KUSUM is open to individual farmers, groups of farmers, cooperatives, panchayats, farmer producer organisations and water-user associations. The exact list and any size limits are set per component and revised by each state. Treat the categories below as the common pattern, then confirm the current rule with the state nodal agency.
The applicant is always a farmer or farmer body
PM-KUSUM is an agriculture scheme, so the beneficiary is a farmer or a farmer group, not a business. An EPC does not "apply" as the farmer. The EPC wins work through empanelment and tenders, then installs for eligible farmers. The farmer remains the named applicant on the portal.
Why the farmer's profile still matters to an EPC
Even though the EPC bids for the work, a weak farmer file can sink a job at verification. That is why an EPC checks the farmer's eligibility and documents as part of lead pre-qualification, well before installation. A clean file means faster approval and faster payment.
Who is eligible under Components A, B and C?
Eligibility differs by component, because each part of PM-KUSUM solves a different problem. Match the farmer to the right component first; the document list flows from that choice.
Component A — ground-mounted solar plants
Component A suits a farmer or farmer group with land — owned, leased or barren — near a substation. The plant is typically 0.5 to 2 MW and sells power to the DISCOM at a fixed tariff. The applicant needs clear land proof and the land must fit the tender's distance and size rules, which vary by state and tender.
Component B — standalone off-grid solar pumps
Component B suits a farmer without a grid connection who needs water. The farmer gets a standalone solar pump, sized by horsepower. Common sizes are 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 HP. The Component B EPC guide covers sizing, the controller and the install in detail.
Component C — solarising existing grid pumps
Component C suits a farmer who already has a grid-connected agricultural pump. Component C1 solarises an individual pump; Component C2 solarises a whole feeder. The key eligibility test is proof of that existing connection, which we cover in the pump-proof section.
What are the land ownership and lease rules?
For most PM-KUSUM work the farmer must show a clear right to the land, by ownership or a valid lease. The exact proof and any minimum or maximum land size vary by state and component, so this is an area to verify with the state nodal agency.
Ownership proof
Owned land is usually shown by a state land record such as the 7/12 extract in Maharashtra and Gujarat, or a Record of Rights (RoR) in other states. The name on the record should match the applicant's Aadhaar and bank account. A mismatch is a common cause of delay.
Leased land
Component A often allows leased or barren land, shown by a registered lease deed for the project term. Lease rules, the minimum lease period and who can lease vary widely by state and tender. Confirm the current requirement with the live tender or the state nodal agency before promising a farmer anything.
Joint or family-held land
When land is jointly held, the application may need a no-objection from co-owners. Sort this out during pre-qualification, not at submission. A missing co-owner consent can stall an otherwise strong file.
What is the PM-KUSUM document checklist?
Here is the core document set a farmer needs. Collect every item in one pass before applying, and keep each scan clear and current. The table is the same checklist an EPC uses to pre-qualify a lead. Figures and category rules below are estimates to confirm with the state nodal agency.
Checklist: common PM-KUSUM farmer documents. The exact set, formats and any category benefit are an estimate — verify the current list with the state nodal agency, the live tender, or the latest MNRE order. Source: MNRE and the PM-KUSUM National Portal.
Use our farmer document pack template to turn this into a ready handout your field team can give every prospect.
What KYC, bank and Aadhaar details are needed?
PM-KUSUM ties identity, land and money to one name, so the KYC must line up. The farmer needs an Aadhaar card, a bank account in the same name, and a mobile number linked to that Aadhaar for OTP. Any difference between these three causes the most avoidable rejections.
Aadhaar and the linked mobile
The Aadhaar card proves identity and supports any direct benefit transfer. The mobile number must be active and Aadhaar-linked, because the portal sends a one-time password to it during the application. A farmer with an old or unlinked number cannot complete the online steps.
Bank account and payout proof
A bank passbook or a cancelled cheque shows the account that will receive any subsidy or refund. The account name should match the Aadhaar and the land record exactly. The subsidy split itself — central, state and farmer share — varies by component and state; see the subsidy structure guide, and verify the current share with the state nodal agency.
Category certificate, if claimed
Some states give a different share to certain categories of farmers. If a farmer claims such a benefit, a valid caste or category certificate is needed. Whether this applies, and the size of any extra share, is a state-level estimate to confirm with the state nodal agency.
What pump and connection proof does Component C need?
Component C solarises an existing grid pump, so the single most important document is proof of that connection. Without a valid agricultural connection, a farmer is not eligible for Component C and should be routed to Component B instead.
Acceptable connection proof
Useful proof includes a recent electricity bill, the consumer number, or the agricultural connection sanction letter. The bill confirms an active agricultural pump that can be solarised. The exact accepted format varies by DISCOM and state, so confirm with the live tender or the state nodal agency.
Why the pump size and load matter
The existing pump's horsepower and connected load decide the solar system size and the bill of materials. Capture the pump HP and load during pre-qualification so the design and the bid are right the first time. Net-metering rules for Component C2 feeders also differ by state.
How does an EPC pre-qualify a PM-KUSUM lead?
An EPC pre-qualifies a PM-KUSUM lead by running three quick checks before any site visit: is a tender or window open, is the land record clear, and does the connection fit the component. If all three pass, the lead is worth field time. The steps below show the flow.
Confirm the live tender or window
Check the state nodal agency portal for an open Component A, B or C window. PM-KUSUM is tender-driven, so a farmer can only apply when a window is open in that state.
Check land and connection fit
Confirm the farmer has a clear land record and, for Component C, an existing grid pump connection. A mismatch here is the most common reason an application is sent back.
Collect the document set
Gather every item from the checklist below in one pass. Scans must be clear and current — an expired or unreadable document stalls the file.
Verify Aadhaar, bank and mobile match
Make sure the name is identical across Aadhaar, bank and land record, and that the mobile is Aadhaar-linked for OTP. A name mismatch is a frequent rejection.
Submit and track on the portal
File the application on the PM-KUSUM or state portal, note the reference number, and track approval. Keep the farmer updated so the lead stays warm.
Pre-qualification is not about turning farmers away. It is about spending your scarce field and paperwork time on leads that can actually convert into approved, paid jobs. A two-minute check up front saves days of wasted effort later.
What are the common rejection reasons?
Most PM-KUSUM rejections are document or fit problems, not policy problems. Catch these during pre-qualification and the application moves smoothly.
- Name mismatch across Aadhaar, bank and land record — make the name identical everywhere.
- Missing or expired document — an unreadable scan or old proof sends the file back.
- No open window in that state — PM-KUSUM is tender-driven, so timing matters.
- Wrong component fit — pushing Component C with no grid connection, or B where C suits better.
- Unlinked mobile — an Aadhaar number not linked to an active phone blocks the OTP step.
- Land dispute or missing co-owner consent — sort joint-holding consent before submission.
Each of these is cheap to catch early and expensive to catch late. A standard pre-qualification checklist turns most of them into a quick yes or no.
How SuryaHub helps EPCs pre-qualify and collect documents
SuryaHub keeps lead pre-qualification and document collection in one place, so a weak PM-KUSUM file is caught before it costs you a field visit. Capture each lead in the CRM, run the three pre-qualification checks against it, and collect every farmer document through the government-workflow steps with reminders for what is missing. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; the only real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and the eligibility figures here are scheme guidance, not guarantees.
Pre-qualify every farmer lead
See how SuryaHub captures eligibility checks and farmer documents per lead.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for PM-KUSUM?+
PM-KUSUM is for farmers, groups of farmers, cooperatives, panchayats and water-user associations, with the exact eligibility set per component and per state. Component A suits land owners, Component B suits off-grid farmers, and Component C suits farmers with an existing grid pump. Verify current rules with the state nodal agency.
What documents does a farmer need for PM-KUSUM?+
A PM-KUSUM farmer typically needs an Aadhaar card, a land record such as the 7/12 extract or RoR, a bank passbook or cancelled cheque, a photograph, and an Aadhaar-linked mobile. Component C also needs proof of the existing pump connection. Always confirm the current list with the state nodal agency.
Do you need to own land for PM-KUSUM?+
For Component A, the applicant usually needs owned or leased land, shown by a 7/12 extract, RoR or a registered lease. Component B and Component C focus on the pump and connection rather than large land area. Land and lease rules vary by state, so verify with the state nodal agency.
What proof is needed for Component C?+
Component C solarises an existing grid-connected pump, so the farmer must show proof of that connection. Useful proof includes a recent electricity bill, the consumer number, or the agricultural connection document. Component C eligibility and the proof format vary by state, so confirm with the state nodal agency.
How does an EPC pre-qualify a PM-KUSUM lead?+
An EPC pre-qualifies a PM-KUSUM lead by checking three things early: an open tender or window in that state, a clear land record, and the right connection for the component. SuryaHub captures these checks against each lead so a weak file is caught before any time is spent on it.
Why are PM-KUSUM applications rejected?+
PM-KUSUM applications are often rejected for a name mismatch across Aadhaar, bank and land record, a missing or expired document, no open window in that state, or wrong component fit. SuryaHub flags these gaps during lead pre-qualification so the file is clean before submission. Verify rules with the state nodal agency.
Sources & references
Eligibility categories, the document list and component rules come from primary government sources. PM-KUSUM rules, shares and formats vary by state and are revised periodically, so always confirm the current process with the state nodal agency and the live tender before you apply.
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) ↗
Scheme guidelines and component-wise eligibility rules.
- PM-KUSUM National Portal ↗
Component A, B and C dashboard, applications and the live process.
- SECI ↗
Model tender documents and technical specifications for agri-solar.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MNRE, the PM-KUSUM National Portal & state nodal agency sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Eligibility categories and the document list are taken from the government sources above and re-checked every 30 days. All shares, formats and category rules are estimates to verify with the state nodal agency. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.