India is home to millions of traditional artisans and craftspeople whose skills have been passed down through generations — from carpenters and blacksmiths to goldsmiths and tailors. The PM Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana (commonly called PM Vishwakarma Yojana) is a flagship Central Government scheme launched to recognize, support, and uplift these skilled workers with financial help, modern training, and digital tools.
The scheme was launched by the Government of India on 17th September 2023, on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as a Central Sector Scheme.
The scheme offers financial assistance, skill development, modern toolkit support, digital incentives, marketing assistance, and collateral-free business loans to help artisans improve their livelihoods and grow their businesses. It is being implemented for five years up to 2027–28 with a total outlay of ₹13,000 crore.
The core idea is simple: give India’s traditional “Vishwakarmas” (hands-and-tools workers) official recognition, easy access to credit, better tools, and modern skills — so their crafts survive and grow in a modern economy.
Key Objectives at a Glance
- Preserve traditional Indian crafts and skills
- Improve the quality and reach of handmade products
- Provide access to affordable, collateral-free credit
- Offer skill upgradation and digital literacy training
- Connect artisans to modern markets, both domestic and global
Who Runs the Scheme and Where to Apply
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launched On | 17 September 2023 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) |
| Scheme Duration | FY 2023–24 to FY 2027–28 (5 years) |
| Total Budget Outlay | ₹13,000 crore |
| Official Portal | pmvishwakarma.gov.in |
| Application Mode | Online via Common Service Centre (CSC) with Aadhaar e-KYC |
Applications are mainly submitted through the official PM Vishwakarma portal, but the process is typically carried out through Common Service Centres (CSCs), since direct home-based form filling isn’t possible — biometric authentication and e-KYC must be completed at a CSC.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Before applying, check whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Basic Eligibility
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old
- Must be an Indian resident
- Must be currently engaged in one of the 18 recognized trades (listed below)
- Should not have taken a government credit-linked self-employment loan (such as PM Vishwakarma or PM SVANidhi) in the last 5 years
- One family member per family is generally eligible under the scheme
Priority / Focus Groups
The government particularly aims to support women and underrepresented groups, including people from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), persons with disabilities, transgender individuals, and residents of the North Eastern states, islands, and hilly regions.
The 18 Trades Covered Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
The scheme covers various traditional trades such as carpenter, boatmaker, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor and more. Here is the fuller list of eligible trades:
| # | Trade | # | Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carpenter | 10 | Barber |
| 2 | Boat Maker | 11 | Garland Maker |
| 3 | Armourer | 12 | Washerman (Dhobi) |
| 4 | Blacksmith | 13 | Tailor |
| 5 | Hammer & Tool Kit Maker | 14 | Fishing Net Maker |
| 6 | Locksmith | 15 | Mason (Rajmistri) |
| 7 | Goldsmith | 16 | Basket/Mat/Broom Maker |
| 8 | Potter | 17 | Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional) |
| 9 | Sculptor/Stone Carver | 18 | Cobbler (Shoemaker) |
Note: Exact trade names may be updated by the government from time to time — always confirm on the official portal.
Key Benefits Under the Scheme
The scheme is structured in stages, so artisans get support step-by-step rather than a one-time payout.
1. Recognition & Identity
Every registered artisan receives:
- PM Vishwakarma Certificate
- PM Vishwakarma ID Card (with a unique digital number)
This certificate and ID card officially recognize the applicant as a “Vishwakarma” and make them eligible for all scheme benefits. Both are provided digitally as well as physically.
2. Skill Training (with Stipend)
- Basic training: 5–7 days
- Advanced training: 15 days or more (optional)
- A stipend of ₹500 per day is paid during the skill training period, credited directly to the beneficiary’s registered bank account after training completion.
3. Toolkit Incentive
- A one-time toolkit incentive (commonly reported as up to ₹15,000) to help artisans buy modern equipment relevant to their trade, usually provided as an e-voucher.
4. Collateral-Free Credit Support
This is delivered in two tranches:
| Loan Tranche | Amount | Repayment Tenure | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Tranche | Up to ₹1 lakh | 18 months | Concessional (subsidized) |
| Second Tranche | Up to ₹2 lakh | 30 months | Concessional (subsidized) |
Together, this allows eligible artisans to access collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh, helping them expand tools, raw material purchase, or workspace.
5. Digital & Marketing Support
- Incentive for adopting digital transactions (per transaction, up to a monthly cap)
- Support for marketing through National Committee for Traditional Trade platforms
- Opportunities for branding and e-commerce linkage to sell products online
Visual Summary: How the Scheme Benefits Flow
Registration & Verification (CSC + Aadhaar e-KYC)
↓
PM Vishwakarma Certificate & ID Card
↓
Skill Training (Basic 5-7 days / Advanced 15+ days)
↓
Stipend @ ₹500/day during training
↓
Toolkit Incentive (up to ₹15,000)
↓
Loan Tranche 1: ₹1 Lakh (18 months)
↓
Loan Tranche 2: ₹2 Lakh (30 months)
↓
Digital Incentives + Marketing Support
Illustrative Benefit Distribution
| Benefit Component | Approx. Share of Support |
|---|---|
| Credit / Loan Access | High |
| Toolkit Incentive | Medium |
| Skill Training Stipend | Medium |
| Digital & Marketing Incentives | Low–Medium |
(This is a simplified representation to help understand the weight of each benefit — actual disbursement depends on individual eligibility and stage of application.)
Documents Required for Application
Keep these documents ready before visiting your nearest CSC:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mobile number (linked to Aadhaar, for OTP verification)
- Bank account details (passbook/statement for account number & IFSC)
- Ration Card (if available)
- Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC category benefits)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of trade/occupation (self-declaration is generally accepted)
Step-by-Step Application Process
How to Register and Apply
- Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) — direct online self-registration from home is generally not available since biometric Aadhaar authentication is required.
- Carry all required documents listed above.
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC and biometric verification at the CSC.
- Fill in personal and trade details — name, address, trade/craft, bank details, family information.
- Select your trade from the list of 18 eligible categories.
- Submit the application — you will receive an acknowledgment/reference number.
- Track your application status using your mobile number or reference number on the official portal.
- Once verified and approved, you will receive your Certificate and ID Card, followed by access to training and financial benefits in sequence.
How to Check Application/Beneficiary Status
- Log in to the official PM Vishwakarma portal using your registered mobile number
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked number
- View your registration, training, and loan disbursement status on your dashboard
Note: The portal does not publish a public beneficiary list searchable by name — status is visible only within your own login.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana vs PM SVANidhi: Quick Comparison
| Parameter | PM Vishwakarma Yojana | PM SVANidhi |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Traditional artisans & craftspeople (18 trades) | Street vendors |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹3 lakh (in tranches) | Up to ₹50,000 (in tranches) |
| Training Provided | Yes, with stipend | No |
| Toolkit Incentive | Yes | No |
| Certificate/ID Provided | Yes | No |
| Can Avail Both Together? | No — having an existing PM SVANidhi loan may make you ineligible for PM Vishwakarma, and vice versa | Same rule applies |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there an age limit for this scheme?
Generally, applicants should be above 18 years of age and must be residents of India, though some sectors may have specific requirements based on community or economic background.
Can I apply directly from home without visiting a CSC?
No — direct home-based form filling is not currently possible; you need to visit a Common Service Centre to complete biometric authentication and e-KYC.
How much progress has the scheme made so far?
As of February 2026, more than 2.72 crore applications have been received, and registrations are ongoing. Separately, as of October 2025, the scheme had benefited more than 30 lakh artisans across different trades.
Is the stipend paid during training guaranteed?
Yes, a stipend of ₹500 per day is paid during the skill training period, credited directly to your registered bank account after training completion.
Can I get both loan tranches together?
No. The first tranche (₹1 lakh) must generally be utilized and repaid on schedule before becoming eligible for the second tranche (₹2 lakh).
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Application Form / Registration | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Check Application Status | Click Here |
| Other Government Yojana Info | Click Here |
| Ministry of MSME (Parent Ministry) | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |