The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs in India. With the government offering up to 35% subsidy on project costs, this scheme empowers individuals and self-help groups to start their own businesses in rural and urban areas. Whether you’re looking to set up a manufacturing unit or a service-based enterprise, PMEGP provides financial assistance to turn your dreams into reality. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the online application process, loan approval steps, and how to leverage this scheme to secure funding. Let’s dive in and explore how you can apply today!

What is the PMEGP Scheme?
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy scheme launched by the Government of India to promote self-employment through micro-enterprises. Administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), PMEGP merges the erstwhile Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP).
The scheme aims to:
- Generate employment opportunities in rural and urban areas.
- Support traditional artisans and unemployed youth by providing financial assistance for new ventures.
- Increase wage-earning capacity and reduce migration from rural to urban areas.
Key Highlight: The government offers a 35% subsidy for special category beneficiaries (SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women/Ex-servicemen/Physically Handicapped/NER/Hill and Border areas) in rural areas and 25% in urban areas. General category applicants receive 25% in rural areas and 15% in urban areas.
Who Can Apply for PMEGP?
The PMEGP scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, making it accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here’s who qualifies:
- Individuals: Anyone above 18 years of age.
- Educational Qualification: For projects costing above ₹10 lakh (manufacturing sector) or ₹5 lakh (business/service sector), applicants must have passed at least Class VIII.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Including those under Below Poverty Line (BPL), provided they haven’t availed benefits from other schemes.
- Institutions: Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Co-operative Societies: Production-based societies.
- Charitable Trusts: Eligible for assistance.
Note: Existing units or those that have availed subsidies under other government schemes (state or central) are not eligible. Only new projects sanctioned under PMEGP qualify.
PMEGP Loan and Subsidy Details
The PMEGP scheme provides financial assistance through a combination of bank loans and government subsidies. Here’s a breakdown:
- Loan Limits:
- Manufacturing Sector: Maximum project cost of ₹50 lakh.
- Business/Service Sector: Maximum project cost of ₹20 lakh.
- Upgradation of Existing Units: Up to ₹1 crore for manufacturing and ₹25 lakh for service sectors, with subsidies of ₹15 lakh and ₹3.75 lakh, respectively (higher in NER and Hill states).
- Subsidy Rates:
- General Category: 15% (urban) and 25% (rural).
- Special Category: 25% (urban) and 35% (rural).
- Own Contribution: General category applicants contribute 10%, while special category applicants contribute 5%.
- Interest Rates: Regular rates between 11-12%, with repayment tenures of 3-7 years after an initial moratorium.
- Collateral: No collateral is required for loans up to ₹10 lakh. For projects between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh, the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) provides a guarantee.
Example: If you’re a special category applicant in a rural area with a ₹10 lakh project, you contribute ₹50,000 (5%), the bank provides ₹6.5 lakh (65%), and the government subsidizes ₹3.5 lakh (35%).
How to Apply for PMEGP Online
The PMEGP application process is streamlined through the PMEGP e-portal (www.kviconline.gov.in). Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the PMEGP e-Portal:
- Go to www.kviconline.gov.in/pmegpeportal.
- Click on the “Online Application Form for Individual” or “Non-Individual” based on your applicant type.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Enter details like name, contact information, sponsoring agency (KVIC/KVIB/DIC), type of activity (manufacturing/service), and preferred financing bank.
- Specify the project cost and details of the proposed business.
- Upload Documents:
- Required documents include:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Educational qualification certificate (if applicable)
- Caste/community certificate (for special category applicants)
- Project report outlining the business plan
- Passport-size photograph
- Ensure all documents are in the specified format (PDF/JPEG).
- Required documents include:
- Save and Submit:
- Click “Save Applicant Data” to store your progress.
- Review the application, upload documents, and click “Final Submission.”
- Upon submission, you’ll receive an Application ID and password on your registered mobile number for tracking.
- Physical Verification:
Pro Tip: Prepare a detailed project report highlighting the viability of your business to increase approval chances. You can seek assistance from District Industries Centres (DICs) or empanelled Udyami Mitras for guidance.
Loan Approval Process
Once your application is submitted, it goes through a structured approval process:
- Application Screening:
- Bank Evaluation:
- Subsidy Disbursement:
- Loan Disbursement:
Note: Banks prioritize PMEGP applications as per RBI guidelines, ensuring faster processing.
- PMEGP loan apply online
- Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme subsidy
- 35% subsidy scheme for entrepreneurs
- PMEGP loan approval process
- Khadi and Village Industries Commission loan
- MSME loan scheme 2025
- Self-employment government schemes
- PMEGP online form guide
- Small business loan subsidy India
- Rural entrepreneurship funding
Why Apply for PMEGP Today?
The PMEGP scheme is a golden opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to access low-cost funding with significant government subsidies. With no collateral required for loans up to ₹10 lakh and a 35% subsidy for special categories, it’s an ideal time to start your venture. The online application process is mobile-friendly, and SMS/email alerts keep you updated at every stage.
Act Now: Don’t miss out on this chance to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Visit www.kviconline.gov.in to apply today and turn your business idea into reality!
Disclaimer: Always verify eligibility and guidelines on official government portals like kviconline.gov.in or msme.gov.in before applying. Interest rates and subsidy details may vary based on the lending institution.
Sources: Information sourced from official websites of the Ministry of MSME, KVIC, and other government portals.