The Government of India has launched the PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme 2025 to empower farmers by providing easy access to low-interest agricultural loans. Through this initiative, farmers can avail up to ₹3 lakh in loan assistance for cultivation, allied activities like dairy or fisheries, and other farm-related needs.
Introduced under the broader umbrella of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), this scheme aims to ensure that no farmer faces financial hardship due to lack of funds during crop seasons. In 2025, the government has further simplified the application process and expanded eligibility to cover more rural families involved in agriculture and allied sectors.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) 2025, including its purpose, benefits, eligibility, required documents, online and offline application process, and how farmers can check their loan status.
Overview of PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme 2025
The PM Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC) was first introduced in 1998 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to provide short-term credit support to farmers. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the scheme was restructured and integrated with the PM-Kisan Yojana, ensuring that every PM-Kisan beneficiary could easily access KCC benefits.
In 2025, the KCC program continues to be one of the most successful agricultural loan initiatives in India, helping millions of farmers secure low-interest loans and avoid dependence on moneylenders.
Key Highlights (2025 Update):
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) 2025 |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Department | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Beneficiaries | Small and Marginal Farmers, Tenant Farmers, Sharecroppers, Dairy & Fishery Farmers |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹3 lakh |
| Interest Rate | 9% (with 2% government subsidy + 3% prompt repayment rebate = effective 4%) |
| Repayment Period | 12 months (can be extended) |
| Collateral-Free Loan Limit | Up to ₹1.6 lakh |
| Linked Scheme | PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi |
| Official Website | https://pmkisan.gov.in |
Objectives of the PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
The primary goal of the KCC scheme is to offer timely and affordable credit to farmers for agricultural and allied needs. The government recognized that many farmers fall into debt traps due to high-interest private loans, and hence this scheme was designed to end such exploitation.
Major Objectives Include:
- Provide easy and quick access to credit for farmers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other inputs.
- Reduce farmer dependence on private lenders and promote institutional credit culture.
- Encourage allied agricultural activities like dairy, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, etc.
- Enable smooth cash flow throughout the cropping cycle.
- Offer financial protection during emergencies or natural calamities.
Benefits of the PM Kisan Credit Card Scheme 2025
The KCC scheme is one of the most beneficial financial tools for farmers in India. It not only supports them during cultivation but also acts as a long-term financial instrument for their livelihood and economic growth.
Top Benefits:
1. Easy and Flexible Loan Facility
Farmers can get up to ₹3 lakh in loan assistance without a complicated process. This amount can be used for cultivation, equipment purchase, or other agricultural needs.
2. Low-Interest Rate
The standard interest rate is 9%, but the government provides 2% subsidy and 3% additional rebate for timely repayment, making the effective interest rate just 4%.
3. Collateral-Free Loans
Farmers can get loans up to ₹1.6 lakh without any collateral or security, which is extremely beneficial for small and marginal farmers.
4. Simplified Renewal
Once issued, the KCC remains valid for five years and can be renewed easily without submitting fresh documents each year.
5. Coverage for Allied Activities
The scheme not only covers crop cultivation but also dairy, poultry, fisheries, sericulture, and horticulture activities, encouraging rural entrepreneurship.
6. Insurance Coverage
KCC cardholders are covered under Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS), offering ₹50,000 coverage for accidental death and ₹25,000 for permanent disability.
7. Digital Access
Farmers can now manage their KCC accounts through mobile banking and online portals. Digital cards and online payments simplify transactions.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Credit Card 2025
Before applying for a KCC loan, farmers must ensure they meet the eligibility conditions. The government has widened eligibility in 2025 to include almost every individual engaged in agricultural or allied activities.
Eligible Applicants:
- Small and Marginal Farmers
- Tenant Farmers
- Sharecroppers
- Oral Lessees
- Self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in agriculture
- Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of farmers
- Dairy, Poultry, and Fishery farmers
Basic Eligibility Conditions:
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Applicant must be engaged in agricultural or allied activities.
- Must possess agricultural land records or relevant lease agreements.
- Applicant’s age should be between 18 to 75 years.
- Senior citizens must have a co-applicant (legal heir).
Documents Required for PM KCC Application
The following documents are necessary for both online and offline applications:
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License |
| Address Proof | Ration Card, Electricity Bill, Passport |
| Land Ownership Proof | RTC/Mutation Extract/Lease Agreement |
| Bank Account Details | Passbook or Statement |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photos |
| PM-Kisan Beneficiary ID | (if applicable) |
How to Apply for PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) 2025
Farmers can apply for the PM KCC scheme online or offline through several channels including banks, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and official government portals.
A. Online Application Process
Follow these steps to apply online for the PM Kisan KCC:
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in. - Select ‘Download KCC Form’:
Scroll to the “Farmer’s Corner” section and click on Download Kisan Credit Card Form. - Fill in the Application Details:
Enter personal, farming, and bank details accurately. - Attach Required Documents:
Upload scanned copies of Aadhaar, land proof, and other documents. - Submit the Form:
Submit the completed form to the respective bank branch online or take a printout and visit the nearest branch. - Verification and Approval:
The bank will verify the details and issue the KCC card within 7–15 working days.
B. Offline Application Process
- Visit your nearest bank branch (SBI, Canara Bank, HDFC, Axis Bank, etc.).
- Ask for the PM Kisan Credit Card application form.
- Fill out the form carefully with all required information.
- Attach photocopies of the necessary documents.
- Submit the application to the agricultural loan officer.
- After verification, you’ll receive your KCC and passbook.
List of Banks Offering PM Kisan Credit Card 2025
Almost all nationalized, private, regional rural, and cooperative banks are authorized to issue KCCs. Here are some key banks:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Canara Bank
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda (BoB)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Cooperative and Gramin Banks
Interest Rate and Repayment Terms
The PM KCC Scheme 2025 offers one of the lowest agricultural loan interest rates in India.
| Loan Amount | Base Interest Rate | Effective Interest (with subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹3 lakh | 9% | 4% (after subsidy + prompt repayment benefit) |
| Above ₹3 lakh | As per bank norms | Varies |
Repayment Duration: Generally 12 months or aligned with the crop season. It can be extended or renewed every year.
Subsidy Details:
- 2% interest subvention by the Government of India.
- 3% additional benefit for timely repayment.
How to Check KCC Application Status Online
You can easily check your PM KCC loan application status through the official portal:
- Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in
- Go to “Farmers Corner”
- Click on “Beneficiary Status”
- Enter your Aadhaar number or account number
- The portal will display your KCC loan status and approval details.
Integration with PM-Kisan Yojana
Every PM-Kisan beneficiary is automatically eligible for a Kisan Credit Card. The government has streamlined the process by linking PM-Kisan data with KCC banks. Beneficiaries can apply with minimal documentation, making the loan approval faster.
Farmers under PM-Kisan can now:
- Apply for KCC directly from the PM-Kisan portal.
- Receive credit limits based on their PM-Kisan beneficiary data.
- Get faster approval with Aadhaar-linked verification.
Common Uses of KCC Loan
The loan amount under KCC can be used for:
- Purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Renting or purchasing farm machinery.
- Paying labor charges.
- Fishery and dairy activities.
- Buying animal feed or constructing sheds.
- Household emergencies related to agriculture.
Latest 2025 Updates and Government Initiatives
In 2025, the government announced several new features for KCC:
- Digital KCC Cards: Farmers can now access their cards digitally through bank apps.
- Auto Renewal: Validity extended automatically for compliant users.
- Women Farmers Priority: Female farmers get faster loan approval.
- Financial Literacy Drives: Awareness programs launched across rural India.
Challenges and Government Efforts
Despite its success, challenges remain:
- Limited awareness in remote areas.
- Documentation issues among small farmers.
- Delay in bank processing.
To solve this, the government has directed banks and CSCs to conduct rural campaigns and help farmers apply easily.
Helpline and Contact Information
For any assistance:
- PM-Kisan Helpline: 155261 / 011-24300606
- Email: pmkisan-ict@gov.in
- Official Website: https://pmkisan.gov.in
Farmers can also visit the nearest bank branch or CSC center for in-person help.
Apply Now
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme 2025 continues to be a lifeline for India’s farming community. By offering easy access to low-interest credit, the government ensures that farmers can cultivate with dignity, confidence, and financial security.
If you’re a farmer, applying for the KCC loan today could be your first step toward sustainable agricultural growth and financial freedom.
Apply now at: https://pmkisan.gov.in