PM Vishwakarma eligibility is trade-based: the scheme covers artisans and craftspeople working with their hands in 18 traditional family trades. But several fine-print rules — one member per family, the government-employee bar, and past-loan restrictions — trip up applicants. Here is the complete rulebook.
Core eligibility
- Age 18 or above on the registration date
- Engaged in one of the 18 notified trades on a self-employed / family-business basis in the unorganised sector
- Working with hands and tools in the traditional trade — not factory/industrial wage employment
- Must be engaged in the trade at the time of registration (not planning to start later)
The 18 eligible trades
| Group | Trades |
| Wood | Carpenter, boat maker |
| Metal | Armourer, blacksmith, hammer & tool-kit maker, locksmith |
| Gold & clay | Goldsmith, potter, sculptor / stone carver |
| Leather & construction | Cobbler / footwear artisan, mason |
| Fibre & craft | Basket / mat / broom maker & coir weaver, traditional doll & toy maker |
| Services | Barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, fishing-net maker |
Restrictions to know
- One member per family — family means husband, wife and unmarried children
- Government employees and their family members are not eligible
- No fresh loans under PMEGP, PM SVANidhi or Mudra in the past 5 years (fully repaid PM SVANidhi/Mudra loans may be exempt — the portal validates this)
- Registration requires Aadhaar, an Aadhaar-linked mobile and a bank account
Caste or income criteria?
There are none — the scheme is open to all castes and religions, and there is no income ceiling. What matters is genuine engagement in a listed trade, verified by your panchayat/ULB in stage-1 verification.
Biometric registration is free at CSC centres.
Frequently asked questions
I am a tailor working from home. Am I eligible?
Yes — home-based self-employed tailors qualify. You will be verified by your local body, so your neighbours/panchayat should know you practise the trade.
Are electricians or plumbers covered?
No — only the 18 notified traditional trades qualify. Electricians, plumbers and mechanics should look at skill programmes like PMKVY or Mudra loans instead.
Can women artisans apply?
Yes, on equal terms — and since only one family member can register, families often choose the woman practising the trade.
I work in a factory doing carpentry. Do I qualify?
No — wage/factory employment is excluded. The scheme targets self-employed artisans running their own family trade.
Related guides
Disclaimer: PMYojnaUpdates.com is an independent information portal, not affiliated with any government department. Always use the official site pmvishwakarma.gov.in for applications and status checks.