Use this free library to revise what a scheme does, who can use it, its benefits and how to apply. Each card links to the official scheme page.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Central schemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
What the scheme does
A credit-support fund for eligible investment in animal-husbandry and allied processing or infrastructure activities.
Who it is for
Individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSMEs, FPOs, Section 8 companies and dairy cooperatives proposing eligible animal-husbandry infrastructure can seek support through the prescribed lender and scheme route.
Current benefit
AHIDF supports investment in dairy and meat processing, animal feed plants, breed-improvement technology and multiplication farms, veterinary vaccines and drugs, animal-waste-to-wealth and primary wool-processing infrastructure. Support is credit-linked and subject to project appraisal; it is not a flat grant to every applicant.
How to access it
Use the official AHIDF route and participating financial-institution process. Prepare a viable project report, land or infrastructure details, cost estimates and the documents required for lender appraisal.
Conditions to know
Project viability, promoter identity, entity registration, land or lease details, statutory approvals, cost estimates and lender requirements are central. The proposed activity must be on the current eligible list.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: AHIDF is credit-linked infrastructure support for dairy, meat, feed, breed improvement, veterinary and waste-to-wealth projects; entrepreneurs, MSMEs, FPOs and dairy cooperatives are key beneficiaries.
AgricultureMSMEsInfrastructure
Science, IT & Communications
Central schemeNITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission
What the scheme does
A national innovation initiative that supports an innovation culture, problem solving and entrepreneurship through its notified programmes.
Who it is for
Schools, higher-education institutions, innovators, start-ups, mentors and incubation ecosystems can participate through the relevant AIM programme. Each initiative, such as Atal Tinkering Labs or Atal Incubation Centres, has its own call and selection rules.
Current benefit
AIM builds innovation capacity through school tinkering labs, incubation, challenges, mentor networks and innovation programmes. Support takes the form of selected institutional grants, mentoring, ecosystem access and challenge-based opportunities rather than a universal individual payment.
How to access it
Apply only through the specific official AIM call, challenge or institutional application window. Schools, colleges, incubators and innovators must follow the criteria published for that programme.
Conditions to know
Selection is competitive and programme-specific. A school or institution must meet the published call requirements; an individual should not assume automatic funding simply by registering interest.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: NITI Aayog; innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem; Atal Tinkering Labs, incubation and challenges; programme-specific selection.
InnovationGovernanceEducation
Transport & Infrastructure
Central schemeMinistry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
What the scheme does
An urban-development mission focused on water supply, sewerage and septage management, green spaces and urban transport planning.
Who it is for
Cities and Urban Local Bodies are the direct implementing units. Residents benefit through approved urban water, sewerage, green-space and service-delivery projects rather than a single personal application form.
Current benefit
AMRUT 2.0 focuses on universal water supply, sewerage and septage management, water-body rejuvenation, green spaces and urban reforms. Benefits reach residents through approved city projects and municipal service improvements.
How to access it
There is no universal household application. Use the city or Urban Local Body’s service and grievance channels for local water, sanitation or public-space issues.
Conditions to know
Remember the urban focus and municipal implementation. It is distinct from rural water and sanitation missions such as Jal Jeevan Mission and SBM-G.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: AMRUT is urban; water supply, sewerage and septage, water bodies, green spaces and reforms; Urban Local Bodies implement projects.
Urban developmentGovernanceInfrastructure
Health & Wellness
Central schemeNational Health Authority
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
What the scheme does
A public health-assurance scheme implemented through the National Health Authority framework.
Who it is for
Families covered under the scheme’s official beneficiary database and current state implementation. Eligibility is checked through the official beneficiary-identification route; it is not a universal health-insurance enrolment.
Current benefit
Health cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible hospitalisation under the scheme framework, usable at empanelled hospitals. The official beneficiary portal determines coverage and current state implementation.
How to access it
Check eligibility through the official PM-JAY beneficiary route or authorised facilitation channel. Eligible beneficiaries use their verified scheme identity at an empanelled hospital; do not rely on unofficial enrolment agents.
Conditions to know
Beneficiary identity and eligibility are verified through the official system; accepted documents and state processes can differ. Check the official portal before visiting a hospital.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: National Health Authority; eligible-family hospitalisation cover; ₹5 lakh per family per year; empanelled hospitals; beneficiary identification—not universal enrolment.
HealthSocial justicePublic policy
Women & Child
Central schemeMinistry of Women & Child Development
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
What the scheme does
A national initiative addressing gender bias and supporting the value, protection and education of the girl child.
Who it is for
The initiative works through communities, schools, local administrations and public institutions. It is not an individual cash-benefit or scholarship application scheme.
Current benefit
The programme focuses on preventing gender-biased sex selection, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child, and promoting her education and participation. It does not provide a standard direct deposit into an individual girl’s bank account.
How to access it
There is no central individual application form. Access related local awareness, school, protection and convergence services through district administration and the relevant women-and-child, education and health systems.
Conditions to know
Do not confuse BBBP with Sukanya Samriddhi Account, Ladli-type state schemes or a scholarship. Questions often test its three objectives and its awareness-and-convergence nature.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: launched 2015; prevent gender-biased sex selection, ensure survival and protection, and promote education and participation of the girl child; no standard direct cash transfer.
Women and childSocial justiceGovernance
Skills & Employment
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
What the scheme does
A placement-linked skill-development programme for rural youth under the rural development framework.
Who it is for
Rural youth from poor households aged 15–35 years are the core group. The upper age limit is relaxed to 45 years for women and specified vulnerable groups under current programme rules.
Current benefit
Eligible candidates receive placement-linked skill training. Official programme material also lists training and assessment support, post-placement support, retention support and career-progression support under applicable rules.
How to access it
Register through the current DDU-GKY or state skill-mission candidate route, including the official Kaushal platform where available. Select an approved training programme and complete the prescribed verification and enrolment process.
Conditions to know
Age, rural-household and poor-household eligibility must be verified. Category documents, identity, education or course prerequisites may be required by the approved training provider.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: placement-linked skilling under NRLM; rural poor youth aged 15–35; training, placement and post-placement support; priority for disadvantaged groups.
SkillsEmploymentRural development
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission
What the scheme does
A rural-livelihoods mission that works through community institutions, especially self-help groups.
Who it is for
The mission works with rural poor households, especially women organised into self-help groups and their federations through State Rural Livelihood Missions.
Current benefit
Support includes mobilisation into self-help groups, Revolving Fund and Community Investment Fund support for community institutions, bank linkage, livelihoods and financial-inclusion pathways. The amount is not one fixed individual entitlement.
How to access it
Approach the local self-help group, Village Organisation, Cluster Level Federation or State Rural Livelihood Mission. The mission is implemented through state and community institutions rather than one central individual application form.
Conditions to know
Participation is routed through local community institutions and state mission processes. Benefits depend on the SHG, livelihood activity, bank linkage and current state implementation norms.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Ministry of Rural Development; rural poor women, SHGs and federations; livelihoods, financial inclusion and community institutions.
Rural developmentWomen and childFinancial inclusion
Science, IT & Communications
Central schemeMinistry of Electronics & Information Technology
Digital India
What the scheme does
A flagship programme for digital infrastructure, digital delivery of services and digital empowerment.
Who it is for
Digital India is a national umbrella programme delivered through central ministries, states, Common Service Centres and public digital platforms. Citizens, businesses and government institutions use its component services through their relevant portals.
Current benefit
Digital India is built around nine pillars, including broadband highways, mobile connectivity, public internet access, e-governance, electronic service delivery, information access, electronics manufacturing, IT for jobs and early-harvest programmes. It is an umbrella digital-transformation programme, not one cash scheme.
How to access it
Use the relevant service portal or authorised Common Service Centre. Digital India itself is the umbrella; the correct application path depends on the particular service, such as certificates, payments, skilling or digital access.
Conditions to know
Do not call Digital India a scholarship, loan or direct-benefit scheme. Questions usually test its digital-governance architecture and nine pillars.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: MeitY-led umbrella programme; nine pillars; broadband, mobile connectivity, CSCs, e-governance, electronic delivery and IT for jobs.
Digital governanceScience and technologyGovernance
Education & Learning
Central schemeMinistry of Minority Affairs
Free Coaching and Allied Scheme
What the scheme does
A support scheme intended to help eligible minority-community candidates prepare for competitive examinations and admissions.
Who it is for
Economically disadvantaged eligible SC and OBC candidates can seek coaching through empanelled or notified institutions under the current Ministry of Social Justice rules. Income, category, selection and examination conditions apply.
Current benefit
The scheme provides good-quality coaching support for eligible candidates preparing for UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Board, State PSC, bank, insurance, PSU and selected premier entrance examinations. The exact institute, seat, allowance and support conditions follow the current official guidelines.
How to access it
Watch the Ministry or notified implementing institution for the current application notice. Submit category, income, identity, education and competitive-exam documents through the required portal or institution route.
Conditions to know
The scheme is targeted assistance, not open coaching for every candidate. Category, economic and course or exam requirements must be verified from the live notice before applying.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Ministry of Social Justice support for eligible economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates; coaching for UPSC, SSC, RRB, State PSC, banks and selected entrance examinations.
EducationSocial justiceEmployment
Utility & Sanitation
Central schemeDepartment of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Jal Jeevan Mission
What the scheme does
A mission focused on household drinking-water service delivery and related local infrastructure.
Who it is for
Rural households are the intended beneficiaries. Service delivery is planned and implemented through state and local water-supply institutions, rather than by an individual cash-benefit application.
Current benefit
Functional household tap-water service in rural areas is the core service objective. It is infrastructure and service delivery, not a fixed direct-cash transfer to every household.
How to access it
There is no standard individual online application. Use the village/Gram Panchayat, state water-supply department or local implementing authority for a service or grievance request.
Conditions to know
Conditions are determined by the relevant state, village water committee and implementing authority; it is a public-service mission rather than a personal grant form.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: rural functional household tap connection and drinking-water service; infrastructure plus local service delivery; not a direct cash transfer.
Water resourcesPublic healthRural development
Skills & Employment
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
What the scheme does
A legal employment-guarantee programme for rural households under the MGNREGA framework.
Who it is for
Any rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work can seek a job card and demand work through the local Gram Panchayat.
Current benefit
A legal guarantee of at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year for each rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work. Wages are notified by the relevant government.
How to access it
Apply for a job card through the Gram Panchayat, then submit a written or recorded demand for work. The local programme system records the demand, work allocation and wage payment.
Conditions to know
Job-card registration, household details and a work demand through the Gram Panchayat are key. Keep the job-card and work-demand record for follow-up.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: rights-based law, not a discretionary subsidy; 100 days; rural household; adult volunteers for unskilled manual work; Gram Panchayat and job card.
Rural developmentEmploymentGovernance
Health & Wellness
Central schemeMinistry of Health & Family Welfare
Mission Indradhanush
What the scheme does
An immunisation initiative focused on reaching children and pregnant women who are missed or partially covered by routine immunisation.
Who it is for
It focuses on children below two years and pregnant women who are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated, especially in low-coverage and hard-to-reach areas.
Current benefit
Vaccines under the Universal Immunisation Programme are provided free at government health facilities, sub-centres and outreach sessions. Mission Indradhanush is a catch-up drive to reach people who missed routine immunisation.
How to access it
No separate benefit form is required. Check the routine immunisation schedule with an ASHA, Anganwadi worker, ANM, PHC, CHC or government hospital and attend the listed session with the available vaccination record.
Conditions to know
Carry the child’s or beneficiary’s available immunisation record when possible. Eligibility comes from the vaccination schedule and missed-dose status; vaccines are given through government service points.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: catch-up immunisation under UIP; children below two and pregnant women; launched in December 2014; free vaccines through public health delivery.
HealthChildrenPublic policy
Skills & Employment
Central schemeMinistry of Labour & Employment
National Career Service
What the scheme does
A national digital career-service platform for job search, counselling, job fairs and career information.
Who it is for
Jobseekers, employers, career counsellors and training providers can register on the National Career Service portal. Services are free; jobseekers should never pay a person claiming to arrange an NCS job.
Current benefit
NCS offers free job matching, career counselling, job fairs, information on skills and careers, and employer and jobseeker services through its portal and career centres. It does not guarantee a job or charge jobseekers for placement.
How to access it
Create a free jobseeker or employer profile on the official NCS portal, complete the profile and use verified vacancies, counsellors, job fairs and career-centre services. Report any request for payment as suspicious.
Conditions to know
Use only the official portal and recognised career centres. NCS states that its services are free; payment demands or unofficial job guarantees are warning signs.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Ministry of Labour and Employment; free national employment and career platform; job matching, counselling and job fairs; no fee to jobseekers.
EmploymentLabourDigital governance
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeDepartment of Food & Public Distribution
National Food Security Act and Targeted Public Distribution System
What the scheme does
A rights-based food-security framework implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System.
Who it is for
States and Union Territories identify Priority Households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana households within their allotted coverage. Eligibility, ration cards and grievance handling are administered by the state or UT.
Current benefit
Priority Households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month. Antyodaya Anna Yojana households are entitled to 35 kg per family per month. Pregnant women, lactating mothers and children have separate nutrition entitlements under the Act.
How to access it
Apply for or update a ration card through the relevant state or UT food and civil-supplies system. The state identifies eligible households and distributes foodgrains through Fair Price Shops.
Conditions to know
Keep the state-issued ration card and any identity or family documents required by the state. Household identification and Priority/AAY classification are state responsibilities under the Act.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: NFSA 2013; rights-based food security; up to 75% rural and 50% urban coverage; 5 kg per Priority Household person and 35 kg per AAY household per month.
PolitySocial welfareEconomy
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
National Livestock Mission
What the scheme does
A livestock-sector programme that supports entrepreneurship, productivity and development of selected livestock value chains.
Who it is for
Eligible farmers, entrepreneurs, institutions, universities and organisations can participate under the relevant sub-mission or activity. Conditions differ for feed and fodder, livestock entrepreneurship, research, insurance and extension activities.
Current benefit
NLM operates through sub-missions on livestock development, feed and fodder development, and research, extension, livestock insurance and innovation. It can support entrepreneurship and capacity building in sheep, goat, pig, poultry, fodder and related value chains according to the active guideline.
How to access it
Use the official NLM or state animal-husbandry department route for the relevant activity. Choose the correct sub-mission first, then follow the current portal, subsidy or loan instructions for that activity.
Conditions to know
Documents and financial conditions depend on the selected activity. Applicants should check the current state portal and guidelines before investing because subsidy ceilings and selection rules differ by component.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: three sub-missions; livestock development, feed and fodder, and research/extension/insurance/innovation; supports livestock entrepreneurship and value chains.
AgricultureEmploymentAnimal husbandry
Education & Learning
Central schemeDepartment of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme
What the scheme does
A merit-based scholarship scheme listed on the National Scholarship Portal for eligible school students.
Who it is for
Students studying in Class VIII in government, government-aided and local-body schools can sit the state or UT selection test, subject to parental-income and marks conditions. Students in certain residential and private-school categories are excluded under the scheme rules.
Current benefit
The scholarship amount is ₹12,000 a year for selected students from Class IX through Class XII, subject to renewal conditions. Selection is through the state or UT Mental Ability Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test under the current rules.
How to access it
Watch the state or UT education department’s Class VIII NMMS notice, register for the selection test, appear for MAT and SAT, and use the National Scholarship Portal for verified scholarship processing and renewal where applicable.
Conditions to know
Parental annual income must not exceed ₹3.5 lakh under the scheme rules. Renewal requires the prescribed academic progression and marks conditions; always check the current state notice.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Class VIII selection; MAT and SAT; ₹12,000 per year from Class IX–XII; government, aided and local-body school students; family-income limit.
EducationSocial welfareChildren
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
National Mission for a Green India
What the scheme does
A climate-action mission focused on enhancing forest and tree cover, ecosystem services and climate resilience.
Who it is for
The mission is implemented through states, landscape-level plans and forest or community institutions. It is a public ecological-restoration mission rather than an individual benefit application.
Current benefit
Green India Mission aims to increase and improve forest and tree cover, restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem services and strengthen climate resilience through landscape-level action.
How to access it
Implementation is routed through state forest departments and approved landscape or ecosystem plans. Community participation is organised locally; there is no nationwide personal-benefit form.
Conditions to know
Remember that the mission links climate-change response with forests, ecosystem services and community or state implementation. It should not be confused with a single tree-planting giveaway.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: part of India’s climate-change action; forest and tree cover, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, services and climate resilience.
EnvironmentClimate changeForests
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
National Programme for Dairy Development
What the scheme does
A dairy-sector programme for strengthening milk procurement, processing, testing and producer-oriented infrastructure.
Who it is for
State cooperative dairy federations, district milk unions, eligible producer institutions, FPOs, SHG-run private dairies and state implementing agencies are covered under the appropriate NPDD component. It is primarily an infrastructure and institution-strengthening programme.
Current benefit
NPDD strengthens organised milk procurement, village-level milk testing and chilling, processing and value-addition infrastructure, clean-milk practices and dairy institutional capacity. Official guidelines specify the applicable Centre–State or project funding pattern by component.
How to access it
Individual farmers generally access benefits through dairy cooperatives, producer organisations or state dairy systems. Implementing institutions submit approved infrastructure proposals under the applicable component.
Conditions to know
Do not describe NPDD as a direct milk-price subsidy to every farmer. It works through approved dairy infrastructure and institutions, with component-specific conditions.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: organised milk procurement, testing, chilling, processing, value addition and clean-milk capacity; implemented through dairy institutions and state systems.
AgricultureCooperativesRural development
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
National Social Assistance Programme
What the scheme does
A social-assistance framework supporting eligible vulnerable people through pension and related assistance components.
Who it is for
The programme covers vulnerable people in Below Poverty Line households identified by states and UTs. Age, disability, widowhood, household and state conditions differ across its five components.
Current benefit
NSAP has five components: old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, National Family Benefit Scheme and Annapurna. Central assistance includes ₹200 a month for eligible old-age beneficiaries aged 60–79 and ₹500 at age 80+, while states may add their own top-up; other component amounts follow their current rules.
How to access it
Apply through the state or UT social-welfare, panchayat, municipal or designated pension portal or office. The state verifies BPL and component eligibility, then processes payment through its implementation system.
Conditions to know
Keep BPL or state-identified household records, age, widowhood or disability documents, bank details and other state-required proof. State top-ups and actual disbursement can be higher than the Central share.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: launched 15 August 1995; five components; BPL social assistance; Central pension share plus possible state top-up; Ministry of Rural Development.
Social welfareRural developmentGovernance
Education & Learning
Central schemeMinistry of Education
PM POSHAN
What the scheme does
A school-meal programme under the Ministry of Education.
Who it is for
Children enrolled in covered government and government-aided schools, including Bal Vatika and Classes I–VIII under the programme framework. It is delivered through schools, not by an individual application.
Current benefit
A cooked midday meal with programme nutrition norms for children in covered schools. The benefit is in-kind nutrition and attendance support, not a direct household cash payment.
How to access it
No individual application is required. The meal is delivered through the child’s covered school according to the programme’s school-level implementation.
Conditions to know
The child must be enrolled in a covered school. School and state implementation determines meal delivery and menus.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: school nutrition; cooked meals; Bal Vatika and Classes I–VIII in covered schools; education, nutrition and attendance outcomes.
EducationNutritionChild development
Utility & Sanitation
Central schemeMinistry of New and Renewable Energy
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
What the scheme does
A rooftop-solar programme that provides a national framework for household rooftop solar adoption.
Who it is for
Residential consumers with a suitable rooftop and a valid electricity connection can apply through the official portal, subject to DISCOM technical approval and the programme’s current state implementation conditions.
Current benefit
The programme supports household rooftop solar. The current central financial assistance is ₹30,000 for the first kW, ₹18,000 for the second kW and ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW or more, subject to programme conditions; actual savings depend on generation, consumption, DISCOM rules and installation quality.
How to access it
Register on the official PM Surya Ghar portal, select the DISCOM, submit the rooftop-solar application, obtain approval, install through an empanelled vendor, complete inspection or net-meter steps and submit bank details for subsidy processing.
Conditions to know
The system must be residential rooftop solar and must follow approved vendor, technical and DISCOM procedures. Do not treat the “free electricity” title as a guaranteed zero bill for every household.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: household rooftop solar; Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; ₹30,000 first kW, ₹18,000 second kW, ₹78,000 for 3 kW or more under current CFA; DISCOM and net-meter process.
EnvironmentEnergyEconomy
Business & Entrepreneurship
Central schemeMinistry of Housing and Urban Affairs
PM SVANidhi
What the scheme does
A working-capital support programme for eligible street vendors.
Who it is for
Eligible street vendors covered by the programme’s survey, certificate-of-vending or letter-of-recommendation route, subject to the current Urban Local Body and lending rules.
Current benefit
Collateral-free working-capital loan ladder: up to ₹10,000 in the first cycle, then up to ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 after timely repayment, with a 7% interest subsidy for eligible timely repayment and digital-transaction cashback under prevailing rules.
How to access it
Apply through the official PM SVANidhi process with the Urban Local Body, lending institution, digital portal or authorised facilitation route, as applicable in the city.
Conditions to know
Vendor identity or survey/vending documentation and current Urban Local Body or lending conditions are important. Repayment behaviour affects movement to the next loan cycle.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: street vendors; working-capital loan ladder ₹10,000 → ₹20,000 → ₹50,000; 7% interest subsidy for eligible timely repayment; urban-livelihoods and financial inclusion.
Urban developmentFinancial inclusionLivelihoods
Business & Entrepreneurship
Central schemeMinistry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
PM Vishwakarma
What the scheme does
A support scheme for recognised traditional artisans and craftspeople.
Who it is for
Adult traditional artisans and craftspeople in the notified trades who meet the current scheme conditions; eligibility is verified through the prescribed local and portal process.
Current benefit
Recognition and ID, skill training with ₹500 daily stipend, toolkit incentive of up to ₹15,000, and collateral-free enterprise-development credit: up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and up to ₹2 lakh in the second, at the notified concessional rate.
How to access it
Apply through the official PM Vishwakarma portal and the prescribed verification pathway. Follow the portal’s current instructions for trade selection, local verification and benefit access.
Conditions to know
The applicant must be in a notified traditional trade and meet the portal’s current identity, age, family and verification conditions. Check the official list before applying.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: 18 notified traditional trades; artisan recognition, training, toolkit incentive and concessional collateral-free credit; Ministry of MSME.
MSMEsLivelihoodsSkill development
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
PM-KISAN
What the scheme does
An income-support scheme for eligible farmer families, administered through the PM-KISAN portal.
Who it is for
Landholding farmer families recorded under the scheme, subject to the official exclusion categories. Institutional landholders and several higher-economic-status categories are excluded. The registered family is husband, wife and minor children.
Current benefit
₹6,000 a year in three equal instalments, transferred directly to the eligible landholding farmer family’s bank account. Amount and exclusions checked from the official PM-KISAN portal on 8 September 2026.
How to access it
Register or update details through the PM-KISAN portal/assisted channel, complete mandatory eKYC, and use the official “Know Your Status” tool to check eligibility or payment status.
Conditions to know
Land-record-based eligibility, Aadhaar-linked identity/eKYC and bank details are central to the official process. Exclusion categories must be checked before claiming benefit.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Central Sector income support; ₹6,000 annually in three instalments; landholding farmer family; DBT; eKYC; explicit exclusion categories.
AgricultureRural developmentDirect benefit transfer
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of New and Renewable Energy
PM-KUSUM
What the scheme does
A renewable-energy programme that includes components for decentralised solar generation, solar pumps and solarisation of eligible agricultural pumps.
Who it is for
Farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, Panchayats, FPOs and water-user associations may participate through the relevant PM-KUSUM component and state implementing agency. Eligibility depends on land, pump, feeder, grid and state-specific conditions.
Current benefit
PM-KUSUM has Component A for decentralised grid-connected renewable plants, Component B for standalone solar agriculture pumps, and Component C for solarisation of grid-connected pumps and feeders. Central financial assistance is generally up to 30% of benchmark or tender cost for relevant pump and solarisation activities, and up to 50% in notified special areas; state support and farmer contribution follow the current component rules.
How to access it
Use the official PM-KUSUM portal to find the state implementing agency, active component, approved vendors or application process. Apply only in response to the relevant state or DISCOM window; farmers should check the local component before paying anyone.
Conditions to know
Keep land or pump details, identity, bank and electricity-connection records, and state-required documents ready. Component A, B and C have different requirements; the state implementing agency and DISCOM process control selection.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: renewable energy for agriculture; Component A decentralised plants, B standalone solar pumps, C pump or feeder solarisation; reduces diesel use and can create farm income from surplus power.
EnvironmentAgricultureEnergy
Education & Learning
Central schemeDepartment of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
What the scheme does
A merit-based higher-education scholarship listed and administered through the National Scholarship Portal framework.
Who it is for
Students above the 80th percentile of successful Class XII candidates in their board and stream, pursuing a regular recognised course, with annual family income up to ₹4.5 lakh and no other scholarship or fee reimbursement, can apply subject to current rules.
Current benefit
The scholarship provides ₹12,000 per year at graduation level and ₹20,000 per year at post-graduation level. For the first three years of a professional course the rate is ₹12,000 per year; in the fourth and fifth years it is ₹20,000 per year, subject to current renewal rules.
How to access it
Apply and renew through the National Scholarship Portal during the notified window. The institution verifies enrolment and the student must meet the academic, income and course conditions for continuation.
Conditions to know
Regular study is required; distance or correspondence students, diploma students, students who took a post-Class-XII drop, and students already receiving another scholarship or fee reimbursement are excluded under the published FAQ.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: merit-cum-means college scholarship; above 80th percentile in Class XII board stream, family income up to ₹4.5 lakh, regular course, NSP application.
EducationSocial welfareDigital governance
Women & Child
Central schemeMinistry of Women & Child Development
POSHAN Abhiyaan
What the scheme does
A nutrition mission that brings together multiple sectors to address malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes.
Who it is for
It reaches children below six years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers through nutrition, health and Anganwadi service systems. It is not an individual cash-transfer application.
Current benefit
The programme strengthens nutrition services, growth monitoring, counselling, convergence and community action to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anaemia and low birth weight. Benefits are delivered through public nutrition and health services, not as one fixed cash amount.
How to access it
Use the local Anganwadi centre, ASHA, ANM or government health facility for nutrition-service and counselling access. Programme support is delivered through public service systems, not a standalone individual portal application.
Conditions to know
Service access depends on local Anganwadi, health and nutrition systems. It should not be described as a direct cash scheme or treated as a separate central benefit form.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: nutrition outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers; convergence, technology and behaviour change; not a direct cash transfer.
NutritionWomen and childHealth
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana
What the scheme does
An umbrella programme for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes through its notified components.
Who it is for
The scheme serves Scheduled Caste communities through its notified development, livelihood, residential-school and grant components. Eligibility and selection are determined by the applicable component, state or district implementing authority and current guidelines.
Current benefit
PM-AJAY brings together development of SC-dominated villages, grants to state or UT governments and institutions, and support for livelihoods, skill development and residential education under its components. The type and amount of support depend on the approved component and implementing authority.
How to access it
The relevant state, district, institution or implementing agency identifies and processes beneficiaries under the active component. Check the Ministry or state social-welfare department’s current notices rather than relying on a generic single application claim.
Conditions to know
The correct conditions depend on the component: community-development projects, livelihood support and residential education have different implementing and selection routes. Verify the current state or ministry notice for the specific benefit.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana; Scheduled Caste socio-economic development; village development, grants, livelihoods, skills and residential education components.
Social justiceGovernanceSocial welfare
Housing & Shelter
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin
What the scheme does
A rural housing programme delivered through the PMAY-G framework.
Who it is for
Rural households identified through the programme’s deprivation, verification and priority process, subject to the current state and programme rules.
Current benefit
Financial assistance for a pucca rural house under prevailing programme norms; the sanctioned amount and convergence benefits can differ by terrain, state and current guideline.
How to access it
Household selection follows the programme’s official rural-housing prioritisation and verification process through local and state implementation. Check the PMAY-G portal or local rural-development office for current status.
Conditions to know
Selection is not a self-declared open cash application. Household verification and current rural-housing priority conditions govern inclusion.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: rural pucca housing; Ministry of Rural Development; beneficiary identification/verification; distinguish it from urban PMAY components.
HousingRural developmentSocial welfare
Housing & Shelter
Central schemeMinistry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban
What the scheme does
An urban-housing mission providing assistance under notified housing components and eligibility conditions.
Who it is for
Urban families in the EWS, LIG or MIG income groups that do not own a pucca house anywhere in India may be eligible under PMAY-U 2.0, subject to the relevant vertical, city and verification rules. EWS is up to ₹3 lakh annual household income, LIG is above ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh, and MIG is above ₹6 lakh to ₹9 lakh under the current central guideline.
Current benefit
PMAY-U 2.0 offers four verticals: Beneficiary-Led Construction, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Affordable Rental Housing and an Interest Subsidy Scheme. The exact assistance depends on the chosen vertical, household category, approved project and local implementation; it should never be reduced to one universal cash figure.
How to access it
Use the official PMAY-U 2.0 application or city and Urban Local Body route for the relevant vertical. The ULB verifies household details, Aadhaar and housing eligibility before a proposal moves through the prescribed approval process.
Conditions to know
Aadhaar or Aadhaar Virtual ID for eligible family members, income information, household details and declarations about existing pucca housing are central. Only one benefit under one PMAY-U 2.0 vertical is allowed for an eligible beneficiary family.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: PMAY-U 2.0 is urban housing; EWS up to ₹3 lakh, LIG ₹3–6 lakh and MIG ₹6–9 lakh annual household income; no pucca house; four verticals; Urban Local Bodies verify beneficiaries.
Urban developmentHousingSocial welfare
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
What the scheme does
A crop-insurance framework intended to help farmers manage specified crop-loss risks.
Who it is for
Farmers cultivating a notified crop in a notified area and season can enrol, including eligible tenant or sharecropper farmers where state rules allow. The crop, area, land or tenancy proof, and enrolment details must match the current scheme rules.
Current benefit
Farmers pay at most 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The remaining actuarial premium is subsidised under the current Centre–State sharing rules; claims depend on the notified crop and assessed loss.
How to access it
Enrol through the PMFBY portal, a participating bank, Common Service Centre or the designated agriculture or insurance channel during the notified crop-season window. Use the portal to check the current state, crop, cut-off date and premium.
Conditions to know
Keep Aadhaar-linked identity, bank details, crop and land details, and ownership or tenancy/sharecropping proof where required. Enrolment must match the notified crop, area and season; incorrect or incomplete records can be rejected.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: crop insurance; Kharif 2%, Rabi 1.5%, commercial/horticulture 5% farmer-premium caps; notified crop, area and season; Centre–State premium support.
AgricultureEconomyRural development
Skills & Employment
Central schemeMinistry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
What the scheme does
A skills-training programme under the national skills-development ecosystem.
Who it is for
Candidates must meet the age, education, job-role and training-provider conditions listed for the current PMKVY or Skill India course. The programme serves people seeking recognised skill training, assessment or recognition of prior learning.
Current benefit
Eligible candidates can receive approved short-term training, assessment and certification or recognition of prior learning through the current skill-development ecosystem. Course availability, costs covered and incentives vary by the active version, job role and implementing partner.
How to access it
Search and register through the current Skill India or approved training-provider route. Pick a listed course, complete verification and enrolment, then attend the prescribed training and assessment.
Conditions to know
Bring identity, age, education and any job-role-specific documents requested by the approved centre. Always confirm that the centre and course are currently approved before enrolment.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Skill India ecosystem; short-term training, assessment and certification or recognition of prior learning; current courses and eligibility change by job role and programme phase.
SkillsEmploymentEducation
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Jal Shakti / Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
What the scheme does
A programme umbrella for improving water-use efficiency, irrigation coverage and water conservation in agriculture.
Who it is for
Benefits are delivered through state-approved irrigation, watershed and farm-water-management components. A farmer-level subsidy or application route depends on the active state component and local guidelines.
Current benefit
PMKSY supports irrigation potential, command-area and farm-water-management work through components such as AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani and watershed development. The exact assistance varies by component, state and approved project.
How to access it
Use the state agriculture, irrigation or watershed department’s current process. For farmer-level micro-irrigation support, follow the active state portal or local agriculture office; major infrastructure components are project-based.
Conditions to know
There is no one national benefit amount or universal form. Component, state plan, land or project feasibility, subsidy ceiling and local selection rules must be checked before claiming support.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Har Khet Ko Pani and More Crop Per Drop; irrigation coverage, water-use efficiency and watershed or water-conservation work; an umbrella programme with multiple components.
AgricultureWater resourcesEnvironment
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeDepartment of Fisheries
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
What the scheme does
An umbrella fisheries-development programme covering production, infrastructure, post-harvest management and fisheries governance components.
Who it is for
Fishers, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, FPOs, self-help groups, state agencies and other eligible fisheries stakeholders can participate through the relevant approved PMMSY activity and state or UT implementation route.
Current benefit
PMMSY supports fisheries production, productivity, quality, technology, infrastructure, post-harvest management, marketing, welfare and institutional strengthening. Assistance varies by activity, beneficiary category and state or UT project approval; it should not be represented as one universal cash transfer.
How to access it
Check the current state or UT fisheries department and PMMSY portal route for the specific activity. Submit the project, identity, technical and financial documents required for that activity and await prescribed approval.
Conditions to know
The correct support depends on the chosen fisheries activity and approved project. Check the current state fisheries notice for category contribution, unit cost, technical approvals and beneficiary conditions.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: fisheries-sector development; production, infrastructure, value chain, marketing, welfare and sustainability; Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
AgricultureEconomyEnvironment
Banking, Financial Services & Insurance
Central schemeDepartment of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
What the scheme does
A credit-support framework for eligible non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises through lending institutions.
Who it is for
Eligible non-corporate, non-farm micro or small business borrowers can approach participating banks, NBFCs, MFIs and other lenders. The lender assesses the business proposal, repayment capacity and current product conditions.
Current benefit
MUDRA loans are categorised as Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (above ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), Tarun (above ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh) and Tarun Plus (above ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh for borrowers who successfully repaid an earlier Tarun loan). These are loans, not grants, and the lender sets the sanctioned amount and terms.
How to access it
Prepare a business proposal and approach a participating bank, NBFC, MFI or other eligible lending institution. The lender decides eligibility, documentation, credit appraisal and sanction; use the official MUDRA or Department of Financial Services information to identify the right lender route.
Conditions to know
Keep KYC, business or project details, bank records, estimates and any lender-requested registrations ready. MUDRA is a lending framework, so sanction is subject to the participating lender’s due diligence and repayment assessment.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: non-corporate, non-farm micro enterprises; Shishu up to ₹50,000, Kishor ₹50,000–₹5 lakh, Tarun ₹5–10 lakh, Tarun Plus ₹10–20 lakh for eligible repeat Tarun borrowers; loan, not subsidy.
EconomyBankingMSMEs
Women & Child
Central schemeMinistry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
What the scheme does
A clean-cooking-fuel programme centred on LPG connections for eligible households.
Who it is for
An adult woman from an eligible poor household may apply if no household member has an LPG connection. The applicant must be at least 18 and meet the current category or deprivation-declaration conditions.
Current benefit
The Government provides ₹1,600 assistance for a 14.2 kg connection or ₹1,150 for a 5 kg connection. The connection package includes the cylinder, regulator, hose, booklet, first refill and two-burner stove under the current official FAQ.
How to access it
Apply through an authorised LPG distributor or the official PMUY route. Submit KYC, family-composition proof or the permitted migrant self-declaration, identity and address documents, then complete distributor verification.
Conditions to know
KYC, ration card or permitted family-composition proof, identity and address documents are required. An existing LPG connection in the same household disqualifies the applicant under the current official conditions.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: clean cooking LPG for eligible poor adult women; launched 2016; ₹1,600 for a 14.2 kg connection or ₹1,150 for a 5 kg connection under the current official FAQ.
Women and childHealthEnergy
Business & Entrepreneurship
Central schemeMinistry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
What the scheme does
A credit-linked subsidy programme intended to support new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.
Who it is for
Any individual aged 18 years or above can apply for a new eligible micro-enterprise. There is no income ceiling; for projects above ₹10 lakh in manufacturing or ₹5 lakh in business or service, the applicant must have passed at least Class VIII. One person from one family is eligible for assistance for a new unit.
Current benefit
PMEGP provides margin-money subsidy for new micro-enterprises. The current guideline lists 15% subsidy for general-category applicants in urban areas and 25% in rural areas; special-category applicants receive 25% in urban areas and 35% in rural areas. The applicant contribution is 10% for general category and 5% for special category. The subsidy is adjusted through the financing bank and is not a cash prize.
How to access it
Apply through the official PMEGP e-portal. Choose the implementing agency, submit the project and identity details, complete the prescribed entrepreneur-development training where required, and proceed through the bank appraisal and sanction process.
Conditions to know
Keep Aadhaar, age and education proof, project report, category or rural-area proof where relevant, and bank documentation ready. Existing units and projects already supported by specified government subsidies are not eligible for a fresh PMEGP new-unit subsidy.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Ministry of MSME and KVIC nodal role; credit-linked margin-money subsidy for new micro-enterprises; general versus special-category subsidy rates differ by rural and urban location.
MSMEsEmploymentEntrepreneurship
Education & Learning
Central schemeMinistry of Home Affairs
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for CAPFs and Assam Rifles
What the scheme does
A merit-based scholarship listed on the National Scholarship Portal for eligible dependants under the relevant CAPF and Assam Rifles conditions.
Who it is for
Dependent wards and widows of serving or retired CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel, subject to the current service, education, merit and family conditions, can apply through the official scholarship process.
Current benefit
The scholarship supports eligible professional and technical higher education. The annual scholarship rate, approved course list, merit conditions and renewal requirements are published in the current Kendriya Sainik Board or scheme notice and must be checked for the application year.
How to access it
Apply through the current National Scholarship Portal or the route specified by the Kendriya Sainik Board notice. Upload the required service, dependency, admission and academic documents before the annual deadline.
Conditions to know
Keep service or retirement certificate, dependency proof, death certificate where applicable, admission proof, fee or course documents, marksheets and bank details. Only approved courses and timely renewal are covered.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: scholarship for dependent wards and widows of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel; professional and technical education; Kendriya Sainik Board and National Scholarship Portal route.
Internal securityEducationSocial welfare
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Rashtriya Gokul Mission
What the scheme does
A livestock-development programme focused on conserving and developing indigenous bovine breeds and improving bovine productivity.
Who it is for
States, breeding institutions, farmers and animal-husbandry delivery systems benefit through the scheme’s breed-improvement components. Individual access depends on the state activity and implementing channel.
Current benefit
RGM supports development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic improvement, artificial-insemination and breeding infrastructure, Gokul Grams and productivity improvement. Most components are delivered as programme support through states and institutions.
How to access it
Contact the state animal-husbandry department, breeding service or local veterinary system for the live component in the area. Major facilities and breeding programmes are approved through state and national implementation channels.
Conditions to know
Remember the focus on indigenous bovine breeds, genetic improvement and breeding services. Exact field benefits depend on the state’s approved implementation plan.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: indigenous bovine breeds, genetic improvement, breeding infrastructure, artificial insemination and Gokul Grams; Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
AgricultureAnimal husbandryRural development
Science, IT & Communications
Central schemeDepartment of Science & Technology
Research, Development and Innovation Scheme
What the scheme does
A research and innovation financing scheme intended to catalyse private-sector participation in high-impact and strategic technology development.
Who it is for
The RDI Scheme is aimed at private-sector R&D, deep-tech projects and strategic or sunrise-domain innovation through the fund’s notified financial-instrument and implementing-partner routes. It is not a general student scholarship.
Current benefit
The RDI Scheme has a ₹1 lakh crore outlay over six years to catalyse private-sector investment in high-impact R&D, deep-tech and strategic technologies. Support is channelled through notified financial instruments and fund managers; it is project-based, not automatic grant money.
How to access it
Follow the official RDI Fund or designated fund-manager calls for the applicable financial instrument. Companies and eligible entities must submit project, technology, financial and due-diligence material under the notified process.
Conditions to know
The fund is designed to catalyse private R&D and does not finance every type of laboratory, government entity or short-term loan. Applicants must use the current official guidelines and financial-instrument criteria.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Cabinet approved 1 July 2025; ₹1 lakh crore over six years; private-sector R&D, deep tech and strategic or sunrise domains; DST and the RDI Fund architecture.
Science and technologyEconomyInnovation
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment
SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise
What the scheme does
An umbrella scheme focused on rehabilitation, welfare and livelihood support for specified marginalised groups.
Who it is for
SMILE has separate components for the comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare of transgender persons and for support for persons engaged in begging. Access depends on the relevant component, identification and implementation channel.
Current benefit
For transgender persons, the official component includes skill development and livelihood support, medical-health support, Garima Greh shelters, the National Portal for Transgender Persons and protection-cell measures. The scheme also has a component for rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging; benefits vary by component and local delivery.
How to access it
Use the official transgender-person portal or the relevant state social-welfare, shelter, health or rehabilitation channel for the applicable component. Local implementation agencies guide enrolment and services.
Conditions to know
The two components must be kept separate in answers: transgender-person welfare and rehabilitation, and support for persons engaged in begging. Eligibility, documentation and service points depend on the component and state implementation.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise; welfare and rehabilitation of transgender persons, plus a separate component for persons engaged in begging; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Social justiceSocial welfareGovernance
Agriculture, Rural & Environment
Central schemeMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Soil Health Card Scheme
What the scheme does
A soil-testing and advisory initiative that provides nutrient-status information to support balanced fertiliser use.
Who it is for
Farmers whose soil is sampled and tested through the government soil-testing system can receive a Soil Health Card. It is a farm advisory service, not a cash-benefit scheme.
Current benefit
The card reports 12 soil parameters: N, P, K, S; Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and B; plus pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon. It gives crop-specific nutrient, fertiliser, bio-fertiliser and soil-amendment advice.
How to access it
Contact the local agriculture department, soil-testing laboratory or authorised village-level channel for sample collection and testing. The Soil Health Card portal is used for card generation and status in participating systems.
Conditions to know
The key condition is a properly collected and registered soil sample. Local agriculture or soil-testing staff follow the sample, testing and card-generation workflow.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: launched in 2015; 12 soil parameters; crop-specific nutrient advice; balanced fertiliser use and sustainable soil health.
AgricultureEnvironmentSustainable development
Business & Entrepreneurship
Central schemeDepartment of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
Stand-Up India
What the scheme does
A bank-loan facilitation programme for eligible women and Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs setting up greenfield enterprises.
Who it is for
A woman entrepreneur, or an SC/ST entrepreneur aged 18 years or above, can seek support for a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading or agriculture-allied activities. For a non-individual enterprise, at least 51% ownership and controlling stake must be held by eligible women or SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Current benefit
The scheme facilitates composite bank loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for a greenfield enterprise. The loan may cover term loan and working capital, normally up to 75% of the project cost subject to the scheme’s conditions and the borrower’s contribution or other support.
How to access it
Use the Stand-Up Mitra portal or approach a scheduled commercial bank branch. Select the sector and location, prepare a project report and complete the bank’s credit appraisal and documentation process.
Conditions to know
Keep identity, SC/ST proof where applicable, enterprise ownership details, project report, cost estimates, permits and bank-required records ready. The enterprise must be greenfield, meaning first-time venture in the relevant sector for the borrower.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: SC/ST or women entrepreneurs; greenfield enterprise; ₹10 lakh–₹1 crore composite bank loan; manufacturing, services, trading and agriculture-allied activities; distinguish it from MUDRA.
EconomyEntrepreneurshipSocial justice
Banking, Financial Services & Insurance
Central schemeDepartment of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
Sukanya Samriddhi Account
What the scheme does
A small-savings account designed for the girl child under the Government Savings Promotion framework.
Who it is for
A parent or legal guardian may open an account for a resident Indian girl before she turns 10. Normally one account is allowed per girl and up to two girls per family, with the prescribed exception for twins or triplets.
Current benefit
The account accepts a minimum deposit of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year. Deposits can be made for 15 years from opening; the account matures after 21 years from opening, subject to current rules. Interest is notified by the government and can change each quarter.
How to access it
Open the account at an authorised post office or bank with the guardian and girl-child documents. Deposit within the annual limits and use the bank or post-office record for future deposits, withdrawals and maturity claims.
Conditions to know
Keep the girl child’s birth certificate, guardian identity and address proof, and the required account-opening form. Annual deposits above the notified ceiling do not earn the scheme interest benefit under the rules.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: small-savings account for a girl under 10; ₹250 minimum and ₹1.5 lakh maximum annual deposit; deposits for 15 years; maturity after 21 years; interest is government-notified.
EconomyWomen and childBanking
Utility & Sanitation
Central schemeDepartment of Drinking Water & Sanitation
Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin
What the scheme does
A rural sanitation mission focused on sanitation outcomes, solid and liquid waste management and sustained behaviour change.
Who it is for
SBM-G works through rural households, Gram Panchayats, districts and states. Phase II support is planned at community and local-body level to sustain ODF behaviour and build solid and liquid waste-management systems.
Current benefit
Phase II focuses on sustaining Open Defecation Free status and making villages ODF Plus through solid-waste management, liquid-waste management and visual cleanliness. Programme funds support community and local-system work; this is not one fixed individual cash benefit.
How to access it
Raise a local service, sanitation or waste-management issue through the Gram Panchayat, village water and sanitation structures or the state SBM-G implementation channel. Village planning and local-body implementation are central to the mission.
Conditions to know
Remember that village-level implementation and convergence matter. ODF Plus is based on sustaining toilet use, solid and liquid waste management and visual cleanliness, not merely building toilets.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: launched 2 October 2014; Phase II focuses on ODF sustainability, solid and liquid waste management and ODF Plus villages; Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
SanitationRural developmentHealth
Science, IT & Communications
Central schemeDepartment of Science & Technology
Vigyan Dhara
What the scheme does
A unified central-sector scheme for science and technology capacity building, research and development, and innovation or technology deployment.
Who it is for
Academic and research institutions, scientists, researchers, students, innovators and eligible implementing organisations can participate through the specific DST programme or call within the unified Vigyan Dhara framework.
Current benefit
Vigyan Dhara merges three areas: S&T institutional and human-capacity building, research and development, and innovation, technology development and deployment. It supports science infrastructure, talent, research, innovation and technology translation through specific DST programmes.
How to access it
Apply only to the relevant DST call, institution route or implementing programme. The umbrella scheme does not have one common personal application form; each component publishes its own eligibility and proposal process.
Conditions to know
Remember the umbrella structure. A learner should identify the correct DST component or programme rather than claiming one blanket benefit under the name Vigyan Dhara.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: unified DST Central Sector scheme; three components: S&T capacity building, R&D, and innovation/technology development/deployment; effective from 16 January 2025.
Science and technologyInnovationEducation