The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a central sector credit-linked subsidy scheme administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. Launched in 2008 by merging the Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), PMEGP helps educated unemployed youth and traditional artisans set up micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.

Key Features of PMEGP

🏭
₹50 Lakh
Manufacturing Sector
🛒
₹20 Lakh
Service / Business Sector
🎁
15–35%
Govt. Subsidy (Margin Money)
💰
5–10%
Beneficiary Contribution

What is PMEGP Loan?

PMEGP is a credit-linked subsidy scheme that enables individuals and groups to establish new micro-enterprises. The government provides a Margin Money (subsidy) — a one-time capital subsidy that reduces the effective loan burden on the entrepreneur. The balance project cost is funded by a bank loan, which the beneficiary repays over time.

The scheme is implemented by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) at the national level, and at the state level by State KVIC Directorates, State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs), and District Industries Centres (DICs). Banks provide the actual credit.

💡 Did You Know? PMEGP has generated over 8 crore person-days of employment since its launch and has assisted lakhs of entrepreneurs across India set up their own businesses with government financial support.

Subsidy & Loan Structure

The Margin Money (Government Subsidy) under PMEGP varies based on location and category of the applicant:

Beneficiary Category Area: Urban Area: Rural
General Category 15% Subsidy 25% Subsidy
SC / ST / OBC / Women / PH / Ex-Servicemen / NER / Hill & Border Areas 25% Subsidy 35% Subsidy
Beneficiary own contribution (General) 10% of Project Cost
Beneficiary own contribution (Special Category) 5% of Project Cost
Balance (Bank Loan) Remaining % of Project Cost — financed by Bank

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Who is Eligible

  • Any individual above 18 years of age
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs)
  • Institutions registered under Societies Registration Act
  • Production Co-operative Societies
  • Charitable Trusts
  • 8th Pass for Manufacturing sector projects above ₹10 lakh
  • 8th Pass for Service sector above ₹5 lakh

❌ Who is NOT Eligible

  • Existing units or units already availing PMRY/REGP/PMEGP benefits
  • Persons below 18 years of age
  • Persons who have already availed PMEGP subsidy
  • Defaulters of any bank / financial institution
  • Existing proprietorship / partnership firms upgrading existing units

⚠️ Important: For projects above ₹10 Lakh in manufacturing and above ₹5 Lakh in service sectors, at least 8th Standard Pass education qualification is mandatory. There is no income ceiling for the applicant.

Sectors & Industries Covered

PMEGP covers a wide range of sectors. Agriculture and allied activities (except crop production), and most micro-manufacturing and service-sector activities are eligible. Some examples:

🌾 Agro-based Food Processing
🧵 Textile & Handloom
🪵 Forest-based Products
🏗️ Construction Materials
🛠️ Engineering & Fabrication
💄 Cosmetics & Perfumery
🧴 Chemical & Polymer Products
💡 Electronics & Electrical
🏥 Medical / Health Services
🍽️ Catering / Restaurant
📷 Photography Studio
🖨️ Printing & Stationery

Note: Certain activities are excluded from PMEGP such as crop production, meat slaughtering, tobacco-related businesses, intoxicant manufacturing, sericulture (primary), and horticulture. Always check the KVIC Negative List before applying.

Documents Required for PMEGP Loan

Keep these documents ready before starting your online application on the KVIC portal:

🪪 Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
📋 PAN Card
🎓 Educational Certificates
📄 Project Report / DPR
📷 Recent Passport Photo
🏠 Residence Proof
🏢 Site/Premises Proof
📜 Caste Certificate (if SC/ST/OBC)
🎖️ Ex-Serviceman / PH Certificate (if applicable)
🏦 Bank Passbook / Bank Statement
🧾 EDP Training Certificate (after approval)
📑 GST Registration (if applicable)

How to Apply for PMEGP Loan Online

The entire application process is online through the KVIC e-portal. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Official KVIC PMEGP Portal

    Go to kviconline.gov.in/pmegpeportal — the official and only government portal for PMEGP applications. Beware of fake websites.

  2. Register as Individual / Non-Individual

    Click on "Online Application" → Select whether you are applying as an Individual or as an Institution (SHG, Trust, Co-operative, etc.) and fill in basic details.

  3. Fill the Application Form

    Provide personal details, business type, project location (urban/rural), project cost, sector, and upload all required documents including Aadhaar, PAN, project report and caste certificate (if applicable).

  4. Submit & Note Application ID

    Submit the application and note your Application ID / Reference Number. You will receive a confirmation via SMS/email. Use this ID to track your application status online.

  5. Verification by Implementing Agency (KVIC/KVIB/DIC)

    Your application will be forwarded to the nearest implementing agency — KVIC, State KVIB, or District Industries Centre. An officer may visit your proposed project site for verification.

  6. Interview & Task Force Committee Approval

    You will be called for an interview by the Task Force Committee (TFC). The committee includes representatives from the implementing agency, NABARD, and lead bank. Approval depends on the viability of your project.

  7. Bank Loan Sanction

    Post TFC approval, the application is forwarded to the bank. The bank appraises your project, sanctions the loan, and the government subsidy (Margin Money) is kept in a fixed deposit for 3 years under your name.

  8. EDP Training & Disbursement

    You must complete a mandatory Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) Training before loan disbursement. After training completion, the first tranche of the loan is released to start your enterprise.

Important Links & Contacts

📞KVIC Helpline: 1800-3000-0034
📧pmegp@kvic.gov.in
🏢Nearest DIC / KVIC Office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum loan amount under PMEGP?
For the manufacturing sector, the maximum project cost is ₹50 Lakhs. For the service/business sector, it is ₹20 Lakhs. The government subsidy (Margin Money) ranges from 15% to 35% of the project cost depending on location and beneficiary category.
Can I apply for PMEGP loan more than once?
You can apply for a second PMEGP loan (upgrade loan) if your existing PMEGP unit has performed well and repaid the first loan satisfactorily. The second loan limit is ₹1 Crore for manufacturing and ₹25 Lakhs for service sectors, with a 15% subsidy.
Is there a collateral requirement for PMEGP loan?
As per RBI/CGTMSE norms, no collateral is required for loans up to ₹10 Lakhs. For loans above ₹10 Lakhs, banks may ask for collateral security or coverage under CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises).
What is EDP training and is it mandatory?
Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) Training is a short-duration workshop (2 weeks for manufacturing, 1 week for service sector) conducted by approved institutions. It is mandatory for all PMEGP beneficiaries before the loan amount is disbursed. The training covers business planning, accounting, marketing, and more.
What happens to the Margin Money subsidy?
The Margin Money (government subsidy) is kept as a Fixed Deposit (FD) in your name at the bank for a lock-in period of 3 years. After 3 years, if the enterprise is running satisfactorily, the FD is adjusted against your loan principal. You are not required to repay the subsidy amount.
How long does the PMEGP application process take?
The entire process — from online application to loan disbursement — typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on verification, TFC approval, bank appraisal, and EDP training completion. Ensure your project report is complete and documents are accurate to avoid delays.

Tips to Increase Approval Chances

  • Prepare a detailed Project Report (DPR) — include market analysis, raw material sources, machinery details, and realistic financial projections.
  • Choose a viable, demand-driven business — TFC committees favour projects with clear market demand and sustainability.
  • Ensure a clean CIBIL score — avoid defaults on existing loans before applying.
  • Apply through the correct implementing agency — rural areas: KVIC/KVIB; urban areas: DIC.
  • Keep all documents ready in scanned form (PDF/JPG) before starting the online application to avoid session timeouts.
  • Apply early in the financial year — funds are allocated annually and may be exhausted by year-end.
  • Do not pay any agent or middleman — PMEGP applications are free of charge on the official portal.

Ready to Start Your Own Business?

Apply for PMEGP Loan today on the official KVIC Government Portal.
Get up to 35% subsidy and start your entrepreneurship journey.