Schemes in News for UPSC 2026: Complete List with Key Features

Government schemes are one of the most high-weightage areas in UPSC Prelims and Mains, especially under Polity, Economy, Governance, and Social Justice. Questions are frequently asked on scheme objectives, nodal ministries, funding patterns, and target beneficiaries.

This curated list of Schemes in News for UPSC 2026 provides a concise, exam-oriented compilation of recently relevant initiatives across key ministries. Use this as a quick revision resource to strengthen both factual recall for UPSC Prelims and analytical understanding for UPSC Mains.

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Important Schemes in News for UPSC 2026

Schemes in News for UPSC 2026 provide a concise overview of significant government schemes recently in news, covering their core objectives, key features, and implementing bodies across various ministries. 

Understanding these initiatives is crucial for the upcoming UPSC exam, as they reflect the government’s policy focus and development agenda. Revise the complete list of important schemes in news for UPSC 2026 from here:

List of Schemes in News for UPSC 2026

Here are some of the most important schemes in news for UPSC 2026, categorized ministry-wise for quick revision:

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Diamond Impressed Authorisation Scheme

This scheme promotes value addition to diamonds in India by simplifying import and export processes. Launched by the Department of Commerce under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, its objective is to boost India’s diamond export by allowing duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds (smaller than 1/4 carat or 25 cents). 

A minimum of 10% value addition is required before re-export. Eligible exporters must have a Two-Star or higher rating and an annual export turnover of at least $15 million. Lab-grown diamonds are not covered.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups

Launched under the Startup India Initiative in 2022, this scheme by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry addresses fund shortages for startups by providing collateral-free loan facilities. 

The maximum loan amount eligible for guarantee has expanded from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore, offering 85% collateral-free coverage for loans up to ₹10 crore, and 75% coverage for loans above ₹10 crore.

Ministry of Education

MERITE Scheme (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education)

A Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet with ₹4,200 crore (FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30), MERITE aims to uplift Government Engineering Institutions and Polytechnic Colleges. 

It enhances equality, equity, and governance in technical institutions, aligning with NEP 2020, to make over 7.5 lakh students employable. 50% of funding is from the Central Government, with the rest from a World Bank loan.

PM Shri (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India)

This Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in 2022, upgrades around 14,000 existing schools into model institutions aligned with NEP 2020. Funding ratios vary: 60:40 for General States, 90:10 for North Eastern/Himalayan States, and 100% for UTs without legislature. 

Eligible schools must have a Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) code. Two schools (one elementary, one secondary/senior secondary) are selected per block.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

SITAA (Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar)

Launched by UIDAI under MeitY, SITAA enhances the safety and security of Aadhaar-linked identities. It addresses challenges like Deepfake, Spoofing, and Presentation Attacks by fostering collaboration among startups, academia, and industry. 

Key focus areas include Face Liveness Detection, Presentation Attack Detection, and Contactless Fingerprint Authentication.

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Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare

Kisan Pehchan Patra (Farmer ID)

This scheme implements a unique Aadhaar-linked digital identity for farmers, integrated with state land records. Its objective is to identify eligible farmers for government schemes like PM Kisan, minimizing false beneficiaries. 

It integrates farmer demographics, crop details, and land ownership, aiming for 6 crore Farmer IDs by March 2025. It’s a core component of AgriStack, a digital data repository comprising Farmer, Field, and Crop Registries.

PM Dhannya Krishi Yojana

Approved for 6 years from FY 2025-26 with ₹24,000 crore, this is the first scheme exclusively focused on the agriculture and allied sectors in an integrated manner. It targets 100 districts with low agricultural productivity, low cropping intensity, and poor credit accessibility. 

Objectives include increasing productivity, promoting crop diversification, improving post-harvest facilities, enhancing irrigation, and providing credit. It involves local partnerships and private sector engagement.

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)

A Central Sector Scheme with ₹2790 crore (2021-2026), NPDD modernizes and expands dairy infrastructure, improving milk collection, processing, and storage. It aims to extend shelf life, enhance product quality, create jobs, and boost rural development.

National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)

Launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, NDLM creates a centralized database for livestock. It features Pashu Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit animal identification system via a barcoded ear tag, recording breeding, vaccination, and disease status. 

Objectives include productivity improvement, disease surveillance, livestock product traceability, and farmer empowerment.

Ministry of Finance

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

A Central Sector Scheme (launched 2015), celebrating 10 years, PMMY provides collateral-free micro-credit facilities to unfunded micro-enterprises in the non-corporate, non-farm sectors. 

It offers loans in categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh), and Tarun Plus (₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh).

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Launched June 1, 2015, APY is a Government-backed pension scheme for individuals aged 18 to 40 years in the unorganized sector and non-taxpayers. 

It provides a guaranteed minimum monthly pension of ₹1000 to ₹5000 after age 60, with contributions for a minimum of 20 years. PFRDA administers the scheme.

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Ministry of Heavy Industries

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI)

Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, this scheme promotes electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in India, attracts global investments, and aims to make India an EV manufacturing and export hub. 

It offers a 50% reduction in customs duty on imported electric vehicles, contingent on local manufacturing commitments.

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)

Approved by the Government with ₹7280 Crore and launching in December 2025, this scheme by the Ministry of Heavy Industries aims for local production of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets. 

This will reduce India’s 100% import dependence on China and foster self-reliance, targeting 6000 Metric Tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity. These magnets, critical for EVs, wind turbines, and defense, offer exceptional strength and longevity.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Schemes

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)

Launched September 2018, this is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, providing ₹5 Lakhs per family per year (with an additional ₹5 Lakhs if a female member is involved) for universal health coverage. 

It covers 10.74 Crore families (bottom 40% of population) and has no restrictions based on family size, age, or pre-existing diseases.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

Launched in 2006, this scheme by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare aims to bridge regional healthcare gaps. It establishes new AIIMS-like institutions (22 new AIIMS approved) and upgrades existing government medical colleges, addressing the doctor-patient ratio by creating PG and UG seats.

Ministry of Labour & Employment Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM)

This voluntary and contributory pension scheme, a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, provides a guaranteed pension of ₹3000 per month to unorganized sector workers (age 18-40, monthly income < ₹15,000) after they reach 60. 

Beneficiaries contribute monthly, matched by the Central Government. Individuals covered by EPF, ESIC, or NPS are not eligible.

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY)

Launched August 15, 2025, by Ministry of Labour & Employment, this “Flagship Employment Generation Program” aims for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. It bridges the manufacturing sector gap, targeting 3.5 Crore jobs (1.92 Crore first-time workers, 2.6 Crore new jobs by employers) by July 31, 2027. 

Incentives are provided to both first-time employees (additional one-month salary, financial literacy) and employers (slab-based incentives for new hires).

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Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Schemes

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)

By the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), this scheme promotes and certifies Green Hydrogen production (via electrolysis using renewable energy) in India. Certification is for domestic producers whose hydrogen is consumed locally, partially or entirely. 

Producers solely exporting hydrogen are not eligible. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) issues certifications.

Ministry of Science & Technology Schemes

Deep-Tech Research, Innovation, and Startup Policy (DSRI) Scheme

The DSRI Scheme incentivizes private sector investment in Research & Development (R&D) and new technologies. It focuses on Sunrise domains (e.g., electronics, AI-based manufacturing) and strategic/economic security sectors. 

A Deep Tech Fund of Funds will provide long-term concessional loans and equity financing, managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Ministry of Communication

Bharat 6G Mission (B6GM)

Launched in March 2023, with a target for 6G rollout by 2030, B6GM aims to position India as a hub for 6G R&D, Innovation, and Standardization. It focuses on advanced 6G technology (1 Terabyte/sec speed, <1 microsecond latency) and integrates emerging domains like AI, holographic communication, and Metaverse, supported by the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA).

ADITI Scheme

Launched by the Ministry of Power in collaboration with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), ADITI promotes clean energy and energy-efficient technologies. With a ₹1,000 Crore budget over 2 years, it offers ₹875 Crores for Interest Subvention, along with auditing and handholding support, to reduce import dependency and carbon emissions, contributing to India’s NDCs.

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Ministry of Women & Child Development

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women from the unorganized sector. It offers ₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for the second (only if a girl child) in installments, to support social security and health during pregnancy and lactation.

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