PM-KUSUM Scheme Extended with Enhanced Solar Pump Targets
The Union Government has extended the PM-KUSUM scheme until March 2026 with an increased target for solar pump installations.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- PM-KUSUM scheme extended until March 2026.
- Target for standalone solar pumps increased to 3.5 million.
- Aims to de-dieselize the agricultural sector and provide energy security.
- Includes three components: solar plants, standalone pumps, and grid-connected pump solarization.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Very High | 5–8 | Government schemes are one of the most tested topics in SSC CGL and CHSL GK sections. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | High | 4–6 | Financial inclusion schemes, Jan Dhan, PMSBY, and credit guarantee schemes are key banking exam topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 8–12 | UPSC tests implementation, target beneficiaries, and outcomes — not just scheme names. |
| State PCS / PSC | Very High | 6–10 | Both central and state schemes are tested extensively in state PCS papers. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Scheme: full name, ministry, launch date, objective
- Financial figures: allocation, beneficiaries reached so far
- Eligibility: who can benefit (age, income, gender, area)
- Implementing agency: central, state, or both
- Related amendments or extensions: any recent modifications to the scheme
Practice Questions
Q1. The PM-KUSUM scheme has been extended until which year?
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
- 2027
Explanation: The Union Government has extended the PM-KUSUM scheme until March 2026.
Q2. What is the primary objective of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
- Providing free seeds to farmers
- Solarizing the agricultural sector and de-dieselization
- Building rural roads
- Providing crop insurance
Explanation: The primary objective of PM-KUSUM is to provide energy security to farmers and de-dieselize the farm sector through solar energy.
How to Prepare Government Schemes for Government Exams
Create a scheme log: Name | Ministry | Target | Key Feature. Add every new scheme as it appears. Review this weekly.
Focus on 'Flagship' schemes: PM-KISAN, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat, PM SVANidhi. These generate the most questions.
For UPSC, understand the policy objective behind the scheme — income support, housing, health insurance. The 'why' matters more than the name.
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