A government-backed initiative to upgrade traditional craftsmanship through training and subsidised credit.
The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme (PM Vishwakarma) is a Central Sector Scheme that empowers traditional artisans and craftspeople. It helps you formalise your skills, access modern tools, and grow your livelihood. The government provides training, certification, and financial assistance so your work becomes more productive and market-ready.
You can learn upgraded techniques through basic and advanced training programmes. After completing the training, you receive a toolkit worth up to ₹15,000 to enhance your craft. The scheme also gives you collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at a subsidised 5% p.a. interest rate, supported by a government credit guarantee.
Currently, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme covers 18 traditional trades such as carpentry, pottery, tailoring, blacksmithing, and goldsmithing. It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in collaboration with banks and training centres across India.
The goal is simple: to preserve India’s heritage crafts while giving artisans like you the tools and financial access needed to thrive in today’s market.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme provides financial, training, and toolkit support to help you expand your trade. It offers loans in two tranches, which means funds are released in two stages based on repayment progress. Here’s a quick view of the key components:
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
Total Loan Amount |
Up to ₹3 Lakhs (collateral-free) |
Interest Rate (Beneficiary) |
5% per annum (fixed) |
First Tranche Loan |
Up to ₹1 Lakh |
First Tranche Repayment |
18 months |
Second Tranche Loan |
Up to ₹2 Lakhs (After satisfactory closure of 1st Tranche) |
Second Tranche Repayment |
30 months |
Toolkit Incentive |
₹15,000 (e-voucher) |
Training Stipend |
₹500 per day |
Digital Transaction Incentive |
₹1 per digital transaction (max. 100/month) |
The scheme has clear, focused objectives for you.
Recognition: Recognise artisans as 'Vishwakarma' officially
Skill Upgradation: Enhance your skills through quality training programs
Tool Support: Provide modern tools to boost your productivity
Credit Access: Offer easy, collateral-free credit support
Digital Adoption: Encourage digital transactions in your business
Market Linkage: Facilitate your connection to local and global markets
You receive a wide range of benefits for your business growth.
Formal Recognition: You get a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card. This certifies your skill and opens doors to all scheme benefits.
Skill Training: You get basic training (5-7 days) and advanced training options, where you also receive a daily stipend of ₹500 during training.
Modern Toolkit: A ₹15,000 e-voucher helps you buy new, modern tools to increase your efficiency.
Collateral-free Loan: You get up to ₹3 Lakh at a fixed PM Vishwakarma Scheme interest rate of 5% p.a. The Government provides an 8% p.a. interest subvention to the banks.
Digital Incentive: You earn a ₹1 incentive for every digital payment. This is capped at 100 transactions monthly.
Market Support: The National Committee for Marketing (NCM) offers support. This includes quality certification, branding, and e-commerce onboarding (GeM - Government e-Marketplace).
Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, you get credit at a fixed 5% interest rate per annum. The government subsidises any interest above 5%, making the loan affordable and easy to repay. This benefit applies to both loan stages.
| Loan Stage | Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
First Tranche |
Up to ₹1 lakh |
5% per annum |
Government bears interest above 5% |
Second Tranche |
Up to ₹2 lakh |
5% per annum |
Government bears interest above 5% |
This structure encourages timely repayment and allows you to access a higher loan amount after successfully clearing the first tranche.
You must meet specific criteria to successfully register. These rules ensure that support reaches genuine traditional artisans. Review these requirements before applying.
You must be an artisan or craftsperson engaged in one of the 18 listed trades
You must work with your hands or tools
You must be 18 years of age or older
You must not have taken similar training in the last five years
You must apply through the official PM Vishwakarma portal
18 Trades Covered by PM Vishwakarma
The trades are categorised as follows:
| Category | Trades Covered |
|---|---|
Wood Based |
Carpenter (Suthar), Boat Maker |
Iron/Metal Based |
Armourer, Blacksmith (Lohar), Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith |
Gold/Stone Based |
Goldsmith (Sonar), Sculptor (Moortikar/Stone Carver), Stone Breaker |
Pottery/Clay |
Potter (Kumhaar) |
Leather Based |
Cobbler (Charmkar)/Shoesmith/Footwear Artisan |
Construction |
Mason (Rajmistri) |
Textile/Service |
Barber (Naai), Tailor (Darzi), Washerman (Dhobi), Garland Maker (Malakaar) |
Miscellaneous |
Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Fishing Net Maker |
Exclusions
Government employees are not eligible
Businesses outside the 18 trades are not eligible
Individuals already registered under PMEGP or similar credit-linked schemes may be excluded
Keep these essential documents ready when you visit your Common Service Centre (CSC) for PM Vishwakarma registration. You must visit the CSC to complete biometric verification, upload documents, and submit your application for approval. These documents are mandatory for identity proof, trade verification, and fund disbursal.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Aadhaar Card |
Identity verification |
PAN Card |
Financial verification |
Bank Account Details |
Loan and subsidy transfer |
Proof of Trade |
Verification of craftsmanship |
Mobile Number |
Registration and OTP |
Address Proof |
KYC compliance |
You have to follow a specific, step-by-step process to apply for this scheme. The application process moves from registration to skill training and finally to the loan application.
CSC Visit and KYC: Visit your nearest CSC. The Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) will complete your mobile number and Aadhaar e-KYC verification.
Registration: The VLE helps you fill out the Artisan Registration Form on the official portal with personal, bank, and trade details.
Verification: The application undergoes strict verification by local bodies (Gram Panchayat/ULB) and various government committees.
Approval: Once approved, you are registered as a 'Vishwakarma.' You will then receive your PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID card.
Skill Training: You will have to complete the basic training of 5-7 days to become eligible for credit.
Apply for Loan: After training completion, you can apply for the first tranche loan (up to ₹1 Lakh) via your beneficiary dashboard on the official portal.
Official Links
The following links provide direct access to the application portal and scheme guidelines:
Registration Portal: https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in
Scheme Details (MyScheme): https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmv
Discover other government initiatives that promote skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial support for artisans and micro-enterprises.
| Scheme | Purpose | Ministry |
|---|---|---|
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) |
Supports micro food processing units with credit, training, and formalisation assistance |
Ministry of Food Processing Industries |
Promotes entrepreneurship and vocational training among artisans and MSMEs |
Ministry of MSME |
|
PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs |
Provides funding support for innovative ideas, prototypes, and start-ups |
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research |
Encourages MSMEs to adopt quality, sustainable manufacturing and zero-defect practices |
Ministry of MSME |
|
Coir Vikas Yojana – Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana |
Enhances skills and self-employment opportunities in the coir sector, especially for women |
Ministry of MSME |
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme offers a crucial foundation for your traditional craft. It guarantees financial credit, modern tools, and vital skill development. Leverage this government support to formalise your trade and expand your market reach. The low PM Vishwakarma scheme interest rate on the collateral-free loan is a major benefit for your business.
If you need funding options beyond this scheme, perhaps for larger amounts or established ventures, explore Business loans from different lenders (Banks and NFBC). As a financial marketplace, it helps you compare rates and offers from various top lenders. You can efficiently find the best-suited business loan products for your specific needs right here.
The scheme covers 18 categories of traditional trades. These include trades like Carpenter, Blacksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Mason, Barber, Tailor, and Cobbler. The scheme focuses on artisans working with their hands and tools.
The key components are sixfold. They include recognition, skill upgradation, toolkit incentive, credit support (collateral-free loans), incentive for digital transactions, and marketing support.
Eligible lenders include Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Cooperative Banks, Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
You can receive up to ₹3 Lakh as a collateral-free Enterprise Development Loan. This is split into two tranches of ₹1 Lakh and ₹2 Lakh. Additionally, you get a ₹15,000 toolkit incentive and a ₹500 daily training stipend.