Traditional artisans such as carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, tailors and cobblers keep many Indian crafts alive, yet most of them work without modern tools, formal training or easy credit. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana was launched to change this. It combines recognition, skill training, a toolkit grant and low-cost loans for people who work with their hands. This guide explains who qualifies, what the scheme gives, and how to register.
What Is the PM Vishwakarma Yojana?
The scheme was launched on 17 September 2023, which is Vishwakarma Jayanti, and is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises along with other ministries. It is a central scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, with a budget of about ₹13,000 crore over five years according to the announcement. Its goal is to support artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools, and to link them to modern markets.
Which Trades Are Covered?
The scheme covers 18 traditional trades. These include:
- Carpenter (Suthar)
- Boat maker
- Armourer
- Blacksmith (Lohar)
- Hammer and toolkit maker
- Locksmith
- Goldsmith (Sonar)
- Potter (Kumhar)
- Sculptor, stone carver and stone breaker
- Cobbler and footwear artisan
- Mason (Rajmistri)
- Basket, mat and broom maker, and coir weaver
- Traditional doll and toy maker
- Barber (Nai)
- Garland maker (Malakaar)
- Washerman (Dhobi)
- Tailor (Darzi)
- Fishing net maker
If your trade is not on the list, you are not covered by this scheme, though other schemes may help you.
Who Is Eligible?
- You must be at least 18 years old on the date of registration.
- You must be working in one of the 18 trades on a self-employed basis, with your hands and tools.
- Only one member of a family, meaning the husband, wife and unmarried children, can get the benefits.
- You should not have taken a similar credit-linked loan, such as under PMEGP, PM SVANidhi or Mudra, in the previous five years, unless you have repaid it fully.
- Government employees and their family members cannot apply.
What Benefits Do You Get?
The scheme gives five kinds of support:
- Recognition. You receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card, which proves that you are a recognised artisan.
- Skill training. Basic training of about five to seven days is followed by optional advanced training of fifteen days or more. During training, you receive a stipend of ₹500 per day, as reported.
- Toolkit incentive. A grant of up to ₹15,000, given as an e-voucher, to buy modern tools for your trade.
- Collateral-free credit. A loan of up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and up to ₹2 lakh in the second tranche, which is ₹3 lakh in total. The interest rate for the artisan is concessional at 5%, with the government paying the rest of the interest.
- Marketing and digital support. Help with quality certification, branding, e-commerce links and a small incentive for each digital transaction, up to a monthly limit.
The second loan tranche is meant for artisans who have taken the first loan, repaid on time, and completed the advanced training or begun digital transactions. The exact amounts, tenures and conditions are set by the government and can be revised, so confirm them on the official portal before you rely on a figure.
Documents Needed
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Bank account details, with the account in the applicant’s name
- Ration card, where the family composition is checked
- Passport-size photograph
- Details of your trade and, where available, proof such as an existing certificate or recommendation
How to Register Step by Step
- Register at a Common Service Centre. Go to the nearest CSC or use the official PM Vishwakarma website. Registration is free, so do not pay an agent.
- Verify your Aadhaar and mobile. You will receive an OTP on your mobile number and complete a biometric authentication.
- Fill in the form. Enter your personal details, trade, address and bank details.
- Three-level verification. The application is checked by the Gram Panchayat or urban local body, then by the district committee, and finally by a screening committee.
- Receive your certificate and ID card. After approval you can download them from the portal.
- Join the training and claim the toolkit. Attend the basic training, and then use your e-voucher to buy the tools.
- Apply for the loan. Once you are approved, you can apply to a participating bank for the collateral-free loan.
Tips to Avoid Problems
- Check your name spelling. The name on your Aadhaar, bank account and application must be the same.
- Pick the correct trade. Choose the one that matches how you earn your living.
- Keep your mobile phone handy. OTPs and status messages are sent to it.
- Beware of fake sites. The only official address ends in gov.in. Anyone who asks for a fee to register you is not acting for the government.
- Plan the loan. The interest is low, but the principal still has to be repaid, so borrow only what your work can support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a formal degree or certificate?
No. The scheme is built for traditional artisans, and the training is part of the benefit.
Can two people from one family register?
No. Only one family member can receive the benefits.
Is the toolkit grant paid in cash?
It is given as an e-voucher that you spend on tools, not as cash in hand.
Are handloom weavers included?
Weavers are mostly covered by separate schemes of the textile ministry, so check which scheme applies to you.
Final Thoughts
For a skilled artisan, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana offers training, tools and cheap credit in one package. If you work in one of the 18 listed trades, register only through a Common Service Centre or the official portal, keep your documents consistent, and make full use of the training and toolkit before you take the loan. If you also need business finance, read our guide to the PM Mudra Yojana.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not an official government publication. Benefits, loan terms and eligibility rules can change. Please confirm the latest details on pmvishwakarma.gov.in or at your nearest Common Service Centre before applying. Details last reviewed in October 2026.