PM-KISAN e-KYC 2026: Complete Guide to OTP, Face Authentication and CSC

If you are a registered beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), completing e-KYC is one of the most important requirements for continuing to receive scheme benefits.

The official PM-KISAN portal currently states:

“eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers.”

PM-KISAN currently provides multiple ways to complete e-KYC, including:

1. OTP-based e-KYC
2. Biometric-based e-KYC
3. Face-authentication-based e-KYC

The official PM-KISAN information confirms these three modes.

This guide explains how each method works, what you need, what to do if OTP does not arrive, how face authentication works, and when you should visit a CSC.

What is PM-KISAN e-KYC?

e-KYC means electronic Know Your Customer/identity verification.

Under PM-KISAN, e-KYC is used to verify the identity of registered farmers so that benefits can be transferred to the correct beneficiary.

It is an important part of the scheme’s beneficiary-verification system.

The official PM-KISAN portal currently makes e-KYC mandatory for registered PM-KISAN farmers.

Is PM-KISAN e-KYC mandatory in 2026?

Yes.

If you are a registered PM-KISAN farmer, e-KYC is mandatory.

The current official PM-KISAN website explicitly displays:

“eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers.”

Therefore, farmers should not ignore an incomplete e-KYC status.

Why is PM-KISAN e-KYC required?

The purpose of e-KYC is to help verify the identity of the actual beneficiary.

The official PM-KISAN e-KYC document explains that the process is intended to ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries through their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and reduce the involvement of middlemen.

In simple terms:

Farmer identity → Aadhaar authentication → beneficiary verification → eligible payment

How many ways can PM-KISAN e-KYC be completed?

There are currently three main methods:

The official PM-KISAN documentation identifies all three modes.

Method 1: PM-KISAN e-KYC through OTP

This is generally the easiest option if the farmer’s Aadhaar has an active mobile number linked to it.

What you need

• Aadhaar number
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
• Internet connection
• Access to the official PM-KISAN portal

The official PM-KISAN documentation says OTP-based e-KYC requires an Aadhaar-linked active mobile number.

How to complete PM-KISAN e-KYC online

Step 1: Open the official PM-KISAN website

Use:

PM-KISAN Official Website

Avoid unofficial websites offering “PM-KISAN KYC”.

Step 2: Find the e-KYC option

Open the e-KYC service on the official PM-KISAN website.

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number

Enter the Aadhaar number requested by the portal.

Step 4: Submit the verification request

Follow the instructions displayed on the official website.

Step 5: Enter the OTP

An OTP is sent through the Aadhaar authentication process to the applicable registered mobile number.

Step 6: Complete verification

Enter the OTP correctly and submit it.

Step 7: Check the result

The system should indicate whether the e-KYC process was successfully completed.

The official PM-KISAN documentation describes the OTP method as entering the Aadhaar number and completing e-KYC using the OTP.

Important: Aadhaar mobile number must work

OTP-based e-KYC can become difficult if the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked mobile number is:

• Not active
• No longer in use
• Incorrect
• Not linked with Aadhaar
• Unable to receive SMS

If you cannot receive the required OTP, don’t repeatedly submit random information.

Use another authorised e-KYC method.

What if PM-KISAN OTP is not coming?

If the OTP does not arrive, check:

1. Whether the mobile network is working.
2. Whether the correct mobile number is linked with Aadhaar.
3. Whether SMS services are functioning.
4. Whether the entered Aadhaar number is correct.
5. Whether the PM-KISAN/UIDAI authentication service is temporarily unavailable.

Wait briefly and try again.

If OTP-based verification continues to fail, use the face-authentication or biometric option instead.

Method 2: PM-KISAN e-KYC through Face Authentication

PM-KISAN also supports face-authentication-based e-KYC through the PM-KISAN mobile application.

The official PM-KISAN documentation identifies face authentication as one of the available e-KYC methods.

This can be useful for farmers who have difficulty completing OTP-based verification.

What is face-authentication e-KYC?

Instead of relying only on an OTP, the process uses the farmer’s face to perform identity authentication through the supported mobile-app process.

The farmer’s face is captured/scanned using the smartphone camera during the authentication process.

The official documentation describes this as face authentication-based e-KYC available through the PM-KISAN mobile application.

How to complete PM-KISAN face e-KYC

The exact app interface can change, so follow the current instructions displayed inside the official PM-KISAN app.

The general process is:

Step 1

Install the official PM-KISAN mobile application from an authorised app source.

Step 2

Open the application.

Step 3

Log in using the required beneficiary/mobile credentials.

Step 4

Open the beneficiary/status section.

Step 5

Check your current e-KYC status.

Step 6

If e-KYC is incomplete, select the available e-KYC option.

Step 7

Enter the required Aadhaar information.

Step 8

Allow the required camera permissions.

Step 9

Follow the face-authentication instructions.

Step 10

Complete the face scan.

Step 11

Wait for authentication to finish.

The official PM-KISAN documentation confirms that face-authentication e-KYC is available through the PM-KISAN mobile app.

What if face authentication fails?

Face authentication can fail for several practical reasons, such as:

• Poor lighting
• Face not properly positioned
• Camera problem
• App permissions
• Internet connection
• Identity/authentication mismatch
• Technical problems with the authentication service

Try again under better lighting and follow the instructions shown by the official app.

If it continues to fail, use a CSC/authorised biometric method.

Method 3: PM-KISAN Biometric e-KYC through CSC

If OTP and face authentication are not working, a farmer can use the biometric e-KYC facility available through authorised CSC/other supported centres.

The official PM-KISAN information confirms that biometric-based e-KYC is available through CSC VLE logins, and also through other authorised user systems.

What is biometric e-KYC?

Biometric e-KYC verifies the beneficiary using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint, through the authorised service setup.

This can be particularly useful when:

• Aadhaar-linked mobile is unavailable
• OTP verification is failing
• Smartphone face authentication is not working
• The farmer prefers assisted verification

How to complete PM-KISAN biometric e-KYC

Step 1

Visit an authorised Common Service Centre (CSC) or applicable authorised service facility.

Step 2

Tell the operator that you need:

PM-KISAN e-KYC

Step 3

Provide the required Aadhaar information.

Step 4

Complete biometric authentication when requested.

Step 5

Wait for the authentication result.

Step 6

Confirm that your PM-KISAN e-KYC has been successfully recorded.

The official PM-KISAN documentation identifies CSCs and State Seva Kendras as facilities for biometric e-KYC.

Do I need to visit a CSC if OTP e-KYC works?

No.

If you successfully complete the official OTP-based e-KYC, you do not normally need to visit a CSC simply to repeat the same verification.

The CSC option is particularly useful when online authentication is not possible or when assisted biometric verification is preferred.

Which PM-KISAN e-KYC method is best?

There is no single method that is best for every farmer.

How to check PM-KISAN e-KYC status

The official PM-KISAN Know Your Status service includes a Financial Year-wise e-KYC section.

Use:

PM-KISAN Know Your Status

You need your PM-KISAN registration number and the required OTP verification.

The page currently provides information including:

• Payment status
• Bank name
• UTR number
• Payment mode
• Account credited
• Credit date
• Financial-year-wise e-KYC information

What does “e-KYC: Yes” mean?

If your PM-KISAN status indicates that e-KYC has been completed, it means the required e-KYC process has been successfully recorded for the beneficiary.

However, e-KYC completion does not by itself guarantee payment.

The farmer must also satisfy the other applicable eligibility and verification conditions.

What does “e-KYC: No” mean?

If the status shows that e-KYC has not been completed, the farmer should complete the required e-KYC process.

You can use:

• OTP
• Face authentication
• Biometric/CSC

depending on which method is available to you.

Is e-KYC the only condition for getting ₹2,000?

No.

This is extremely important.

Completing e-KYC does not automatically make a person eligible for every PM-KISAN payment.

The farmer must also meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

For example, the official PM-KISAN portal currently identifies several exclusion categories. It also warns about suspected cases involving land acquired after 1 February 2019 and multiple family members receiving benefits. Such cases can have benefits temporarily withheld pending physical verification.

Therefore:

e-KYC completed ≠ guaranteed payment.

Can I complete e-KYC after payment is due?

You should complete e-KYC as early as possible rather than waiting until an instalment is due.

Because payment depends on beneficiary verification and other conditions, an incomplete e-KYC can create problems with receiving benefits.

If you have already missed a payment, complete e-KYC and then check your current status to determine whether another issue is affecting the payment.

What if PM-KISAN e-KYC is pending?

If your e-KYC remains pending:

First check the method you used.

If OTP failed:

→ Try again after checking the Aadhaar-linked mobile.

If face authentication failed:

→ Check app permissions, lighting and camera.

If both fail:

→ Visit an authorised CSC/biometric facility.

After completing the process, check your PM-KISAN status again.

What if PM-KISAN e-KYC says “Failed”?

A failed authentication does not necessarily mean that you are permanently rejected from PM-KISAN.

It means the particular verification attempt was not successfully completed.

Possible causes include:

• Aadhaar details mismatch
• Mobile/authentication issue
• Biometric mismatch
• Face-authentication failure
• Technical error
• Temporary authentication problem

Try the appropriate verification method again or seek assistance through an authorised facility.

What if the farmer’s Aadhaar name is different?

A name mismatch between Aadhaar and PM-KISAN records can cause authentication problems.

The PM-KISAN portal also provides facilities for correcting certain beneficiary information, including name correction as per Aadhaar.

Do not create a second PM-KISAN registration simply because your name is incorrect.

First check the official correction/update facility.

What if the Aadhaar-linked mobile number has changed?

If the mobile number linked to Aadhaar is no longer available, OTP-based e-KYC may not work.

In that situation, consider:

• Updating the Aadhaar-linked mobile number through the authorised Aadhaar process, or
• Using another available PM-KISAN e-KYC method such as face authentication or biometric verification.

Do not give your Aadhaar OTP to a private agent.

Can e-KYC be completed using a mobile phone?

Yes.

PM-KISAN supports e-KYC through its online/mobile systems.

The official documentation confirms OTP-based e-KYC through the PM-KISAN portal/mobile app and face-authentication e-KYC through the PM-KISAN mobile application.

Can e-KYC be completed without a smartphone?

Yes.

If you cannot use a smartphone, biometric e-KYC through an authorised CSC/other supported facility can be an alternative.

This is one of the reasons the government provides multiple e-KYC modes.

Is PM-KISAN e-KYC free?

The online OTP and supported app-based e-KYC process should be accessed through the official PM-KISAN system.

If you use a CSC or another assisted service, a service/convenience charge may apply according to the applicable rules.

Do not pay an arbitrary amount to an individual claiming that a special “PM-KISAN activation fee” is required.

Can a CSC agent complete PM-KISAN e-KYC?

Yes.

The official PM-KISAN system specifically supports biometric e-KYC through CSC VLE logins.

Use an authorised CSC rather than an unknown person offering unofficial PM-KISAN services.

What should I carry to a CSC?

For assisted e-KYC, it is sensible to carry:

• Aadhaar card
• PM-KISAN registration information, if available
• Mobile phone
• Other beneficiary details if requested

The exact information required can depend on the service and authentication process.

Can I complete PM-KISAN e-KYC for another person?

The beneficiary’s identity must be authenticated through the applicable Aadhaar-based process.

A family member can help an elderly farmer operate the phone, but the actual authentication must correspond to the beneficiary.

Do not try to complete another person’s identity verification using your own Aadhaar or biometric credentials.

Does PM-KISAN e-KYC need to be done every year?

Do not assume that you need to repeat e-KYC every year simply because a new financial year has started.

The official requirement is that e-KYC is mandatory for registered farmers.

If your official status already shows e-KYC completed, check the current status before trying to repeat the process.

The PM-KISAN status system provides financial-year-wise e-KYC information.

What if my e-KYC is complete but I did not receive the payment?

Don’t repeat e-KYC unnecessarily.

First check:

1. PM-KISAN beneficiary status
2. Payment status
3. Bank account
4. UTR/payment information
5. Eligibility
6. Land verification
7. Any exclusion/verification issue

The official PM-KISAN status page provides payment and bank information alongside e-KYC information.

What if my benefits are temporarily withheld?

The current PM-KISAN portal says certain suspected exclusion cases have had benefits temporarily withheld until physical verification.

Examples mentioned by the department include:

• Land ownership acquired after 1 February 2019
• More than one family member receiving benefits

The department asks affected farmers to check their eligibility/status through Know Your Status, the PM-KISAN mobile app or Kisan eMitra.

Therefore, completing e-KYC alone may not resolve such a case.

PM-KISAN e-KYC: Common Problems and Solutions

PM-KISAN e-KYC vs PM-KISAN Registration

These are not the same thing.

Registration

Creates/submits a farmer’s PM-KISAN beneficiary application.

e-KYC

Verifies the identity of an already registered beneficiary.

A new farmer may need to complete the registration process first, followed by the applicable verification.

An existing registered farmer generally does not need to submit a completely new application merely because e-KYC is incomplete.

PM-KISAN e-KYC vs Aadhaar-Bank Linking

These are also different.

e-KYC

Verifies the beneficiary’s identity.

Aadhaar/bank/payment setup

Ensures that the payment can be correctly processed to the beneficiary’s bank account under the applicable DBT/payment requirements.

A farmer can therefore have:

e-KYC completed

but still have a separate bank/payment problem.

This distinction is important if your ₹2,000 instalment has not arrived.

Official PM-KISAN Links

PM-KISAN Official Portal

PM-KISAN Official Website

Know Your Status

PM-KISAN Know Your Status

New Farmer Registration

PM-KISAN New Farmer Registration

Official e-KYC Information

PM-KISAN e-KYC Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PM-KISAN e-KYC mandatory in 2026?

Yes. The official PM-KISAN portal states that e-KYC is mandatory for registered PM-KISAN farmers.

How can I complete PM-KISAN e-KYC online?

Use the official PM-KISAN portal and the available OTP-based e-KYC process. An Aadhaar-linked active mobile number is required for OTP-based verification.

Can I complete PM-KISAN e-KYC without an Aadhaar-linked mobile?

OTP-based e-KYC requires an Aadhaar-linked active mobile. If that is unavailable, use the available face-authentication or biometric option.

Can I complete PM-KISAN e-KYC through CSC?

Yes. The official PM-KISAN system supports biometric e-KYC through CSC VLEs.

Can I complete PM-KISAN e-KYC through face authentication?

Yes. Face-authentication-based e-KYC is available through the PM-KISAN mobile application.

What if PM-KISAN e-KYC is pending?

Try the official e-KYC process again. If OTP is unavailable or online authentication continues to fail, use the biometric/CSC option.

What if e-KYC is complete but payment has not arrived?

Check your PM-KISAN Know Your Status page for payment, bank, UTR and eligibility-related information.

Do I need to do e-KYC every year?

Do not automatically repeat it every year. First check your current official e-KYC status.

Is e-KYC enough to receive ₹2,000?

No. e-KYC is mandatory, but payment also depends on eligibility and other beneficiary/verification requirements.

Can someone else complete my e-KYC?

Another person can assist you with the device, but the actual identity authentication must belong to the beneficiary.

Important PM-KISAN 2026 Update

PM-KISAN remains active in 2026, and the official portal currently states that e-KYC is mandatory for registered farmers. It also confirms that the 23rd instalment was released on 20 June 2026 from Tarakeswar, Hooghly, West Bengal.

The portal currently supports multiple e-KYC routes, including OTP, biometric and face authentication, giving farmers alternatives when one method does not work.

The official Know Your Status service also provides financial-year-wise e-KYC information along with payment and bank details, making it the best place to verify whether your e-KYC has actually been recorded.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. DailyDigiHelp makes reasonable efforts to use current official PM-KISAN information, but e-KYC procedures, portal interfaces, authentication methods, eligibility requirements and government processes may change. The information displayed on the official PM-KISAN portal and instructions provided by authorised government/CSC personnel should take precedence over this article. Completing e-KYC does not by itself guarantee PM-KISAN eligibility or payment. Never share your Aadhaar OTP, UPI PIN, banking password or other confidential credentials with an unauthorised person. DailyDigiHelp is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare or PM-KISAN.

Conclusion

For a registered PM-KISAN farmer, e-KYC is mandatory and should be completed through an official channel.

You have three main options:

1. OTP e-KYC — easiest when your Aadhaar-linked mobile works.

2. Face authentication — useful through the PM-KISAN mobile app.

3. Biometric e-KYC — useful when online methods are unavailable or unsuccessful, through an authorised CSC/other supported facility.

If your e-KYC is already complete, don’t repeat it unnecessarily. Instead, check your PM-KISAN status to determine whether another issue—such as payment, bank, land verification or eligibility—is affecting your benefit.

Official sources

PM-KISAN Official Website

PM-KISAN Know Your Status

PM-KISAN e-KYC Information

Next article in the PM-KISAN cluster:
PM-KISAN Beneficiary Status 2026: How to Check Registration, Eligibility, e-KYC & Payment Status