PM Kisan Yojana Update: Here's When Farmers Can Expect the 21st Instalment Payment

Farmers Await PM-KISAN 21st Instalment as Government Faces Election Code Restrictions

Millions of farmers across India are eagerly waiting for the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Initially, it was expected that the government might release the ₹2,000 payment before Diwali as a festive gift. However, recent developments suggest that the funds may be delayed due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in Bihar ahead of the state assembly elections.

Delay Expected Until Early November

According to reports, the 21st instalment is now likely to be released in the first week of November 2025, rather than during Diwali. Government sources indicate that the official announcement could come just a few days before the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections, which are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14.

Earlier, there was speculation that farmers would receive the payment ahead of the festive season. However, with the election schedule now in effect, the Centre may postpone the transfer to avoid any violation of electoral guidelines.

What Experts Say About Fund Release During Election Code

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restricts the announcement of new welfare schemes or financial benefits once elections are announced. However, experts clarify that payments under pre-approved and ongoing government schemes, such as PM-KISAN, are allowed to continue.

This means that while the government cannot introduce new benefits, it may still process instalments already sanctioned under existing programmes.

Instalment Already Released in Select States

Interestingly, the government has already credited the 21st instalment to farmers in certain regions. On September 26, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released payments for farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

The early release was done as a relief measure in view of recent floods and landslides in these states. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir farmers received their payments on October 7, 2025.

Who May Not Receive the Next Instalment

The government had previously made amendments to the PM-KISAN scheme in 2019, clearly defining eligibility criteria. As per the revised guidelines:

• Farmers who purchased or received agricultural land after February 1, 2019, are not eligible for benefits for the next five years.

• Exceptions apply if the land was inherited rather than newly acquired.

• Farmers whose eKYC is incomplete or whose bank accounts are not linked with Aadhaar will also miss the upcoming payment.

Steps to Complete PM-KISAN eKYC

Beneficiaries can easily update their KYC through multiple methods:

Visit the official website pmkisan.gov.in and complete OTP-based eKYC.

Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for biometric verification.

Use the PM-KISAN mobile app for face authentication–based eKYC.

Ensuring that eKYC and bank details are accurate is crucial to avoid payment delays.

How to Check Your Instalment Status

Farmers can verify whether their 21st instalment has been credited by following these steps:

Go to the official PM-KISAN website.

Click on ‘Beneficiary Status’.

Enter your Aadhaar number or bank account number.

Click ‘Get Data’ to view your payment status on the screen.

About PM-KISAN Scheme

Launched in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 per year in financial assistance to eligible farmers. The amount is credited in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

The scheme aims to support small and marginal farmers in meeting agricultural expenses and improving their livelihoods. The 20th instalment, released in August 2025, benefited over 8.5 crore farmers across the country.

As farmers await the 21st instalment, the timing now depends on Bihar’s election schedule and government clearance under the model code of conduct. If reports hold true, the much-awaited payment is expected to arrive in the first week of November, bringing relief and renewed hope to millions of rural households.