Ahead of Diwali, millions of farmers across the country were eagerly awaiting the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. They were hoping that the government would release the next instalment of Rs 2,000 before the festival, adding to the festive spirit in their homes.
However, it now appears that the government will not release the instalment on Diwali, and the next tranche is likely to be transferred in the first week of November.
Announcement may come before Bihar elections
According to reports, the central government may announce the 21st instalment in the first week of November. It is believed that this announcement could come a few days before the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.
The dates for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have been set for November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes taking place on November 14.
Questions about releasing instalments amid the Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct is in effect in Bihar, raising questions about whether the government can release a new instalment of PM-KISAN during this period. According to experts, new schemes cannot be announced during the code of conduct, but payments for previously approved schemes can continue.
21st instalment already released in several states
It is noteworthy that the central government has already released the 21st instalment in some states. On September 26, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the instalment for farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Advance relief was provided to farmers in these states in light of the recent floods and landslides.
Following this, on October 7, farmers in Jammu and Kashmir also received the benefit of the instalment.
What is the PM Kisan Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was launched in February 2019. Under this scheme, eligible farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually — transferred directly to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000.
It aims to support small and marginal farmers with their farming needs and livelihoods. The 20th instalment was released in August 2025, benefiting over 85 million farmers.
These farmers will not receive the benefit
Big changes were made to the PM Kisan scheme in 2019 regarding who can get the benefit. The government set February 1, 2019, as the cutoff date. Farmers who bought or got new farmland after this date are not eligible for PM Kisan payments for the next five years. The only exception is when the land is received through inheritance after the death of the owner.
The government has also made it clear that farmers whose eKYC has not been completed, or whose bank accounts are not linked to Aadhaar, will not receive this instalment.
How to perform eKYC
Farmers can perform OTP-based eKYC by visiting the website pmkisan.gov.in.
Also, they can perform biometric eKYC by visiting the nearest Common Service Center (CSC).
eKYC is also possible through face authentication via the mobile app.
How to check your instalment status
Go to the official PM Kisan website.
Click on ‘Beneficiary Status’.
Enter your Aadhaar number or bank account number.
Click on ‘Get Data’.
The installment status will appear on the screen.