List of Government Schemes in India – Central and State Schemes – Static GK & General Awareness for Competitive Exams with Memory Tricks

Introduction

Government schemes are the bridge between policy and people. From the iconic Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) that brought millions into the formal banking system, to Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) offering 5 lakh health cover per family, to PM-KISAN giving direct income support to farmers, the Government of India runs hundreds of welfare and development programmes covering health, education, agriculture, housing, employment, women empowerment, financial inclusion, and digital governance. State governments complement these with flagship schemes like YSR Rythu Bharosa, Ladli Bahna Yojana, Gruha Lakshmi, Lakshmir Bhandar, and many more.

Questions on government schemes appear regularly in UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RRB NTPC, SBI Clerk, State PCS, and various Insurance and Defence exams. Questions typically ask about the launch year, nodal ministry, core objective, target beneficiaries, or the unique features of a scheme. Banking exams in particular feature 2-3 questions on schemes every year. This article brings together every important scheme in a structured, exam-ready format. To explore other related Static GK topics, you can refer to the Banking Awareness guide on Jobsme.in.

Government schemes are also closely linked to current affairs themes such as Union Budget announcements, monthly press releases from PIB, scheme anniversaries, beneficiary milestones, and ongoing changes in coverage (such as the expansion of Ayushman Bharat to senior citizens aged 70+) — making this topic doubly important for aspirants preparing for UPSC Mains and Essay papers as well as for the General Awareness sections of banking and SSC exams.

Core Concepts: Types of Government Schemes in India

Government schemes in India are classified based on their funding pattern and the level at which they are implemented.

Classification Based on Funding Pattern

• Core of the Core Schemes: Fully funded by the Centre. About 6 such schemes exist, including MGNREGS, PMGSY, and Umbrella Scheme for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities.
• Core Schemes / Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Cost shared between the Centre and States in fixed ratios (usually 60:40 or 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states). About 29 such schemes operate.
• Central Sector Schemes (CSS): Fully funded and implemented by the Centre directly through central ministries. Examples include PM-KISAN, PMJDY, and PM Mudra Yojana.
• State Government Schemes: Designed, funded, and implemented by individual state governments to address regional needs.

Objectives of Government Schemes

• Enhancing Quality of Life: Ensuring access to basic services like clean water, electricity, sanitation, and healthcare.
• Rural and Regional Development: Reducing geographical inequalities through targeted rural development.
• Employment Generation: Creating jobs for the youth and disadvantaged sections.
• Supporting Education: Universalising education with focus on weaker sections.
• Social Security: Providing pensions, insurance, housing, and maternity benefits.
• Financial Inclusion: Bringing unbanked and marginalised groups into the formal financial system.

Financial Inclusion and Social Security Schemes

These schemes aim to provide basic financial services, insurance, pensions, and direct income support to citizens.

Health and Sanitation Schemes

Agriculture and Allied Sector Schemes

Women and Child Development Schemes

Rural and Urban Development Schemes

Education and Skill Development Schemes

Energy, Infrastructure, and Technology Schemes

Environment, Water, and Climate Schemes

Social Justice and Welfare Schemes

Defence and Governance Schemes

Major State Government Schemes

State governments run flagship schemes tailored to regional needs in health, agriculture, education, and women empowerment. The following table covers the most exam-relevant state schemes.

Memory Tricks and Mnemonics

Trick 1: The "PM-J Series" — Three Sister Schemes of 2014-15

Three landmark financial inclusion schemes launched together:

• PMJDY → Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (2014) — Bank accounts for all.
• PMJJBY → Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (2015) — Life insurance Rs. 2 lakh.
• PMSBY → Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (2015) — Accident insurance Rs. 2 lakh.

"Jan Dhan opens the door, Jeevan Jyoti gives life cover, Suraksha guards against accidents."

Trick 2: Year 2014 — The "Birth Year" of Modi Flagship Schemes

Five iconic schemes launched in 2014:

• August 2014 → PM Jan Dhan Yojana.
• September 2014 → Make in India.
• September 2014 → DDU-GKY.
• October 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti) → Swachh Bharat Mission.
• October 2014 (Jayaprakash Narayan birthday) → Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).

"2014 — Jan Dhan, Make, Skill, Swachh, Adarsh."

Trick 3: "5 Pillars of Pradhan Mantri Insurance Family" — JJ-SB-V-K-MD

• JJ → PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima (Life Insurance).
• SB → PM Suraksha Bima (Accident Insurance).
• V → PM Vaya Vandana (Senior Citizen Pension).
• K → PM Kisan Maan-Dhan (Farmer Pension).
• MD → PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (Unorganised Worker Pension).

Trick 4: Health Trio — "ABCD of Health Schemes"

• A → Ayushman Bharat / PMJAY (2018) — Rs. 5 lakh cover.
• B → Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015) — Girl child welfare.
• C → CARES Fund / COVID schemes (2020).
• D → Digital Health Mission / ABHA (2020) — Unique Health ID.

Trick 5: Agriculture Big Three — "KISAN FBI"

• KISAN → PM-KISAN — Rs. 6,000/year income support.
• F → PMFBY (Fasal Bima Yojana) — Crop insurance.
• B → Bhavantar Bhugtan / Bhumi Health Card.
• I → PMKSY (Irrigation — Krishi Sinchai).

Trick 6: Housing Schemes — "PMAY Twin Pair"

• PMAY-G (2016) → Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (rural housing) → Ministry of Rural Development.
• PMAY-U (2015) → Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (urban housing) → Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.

"G for Gaon, U for Urban — same Awas, different ministries."

Trick 7: Women Empowerment State Schemes — "Sister States"

• West Bengal → Lakshmir Bhandar.
• Madhya Pradesh → Ladli Bahna Yojana.
• Maharashtra → Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.
• Karnataka → Gruha Lakshmi Scheme.
• Odisha → Subhadra Yojana.
• Tamil Nadu → Magalir Urimai Thogai (Kalaignar).

"Every state has its sister — different name, same purpose: monthly cash to women."

Trick 8: Self-Reliance Schemes — "AAA"

• A → Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (2020).
• A → Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019).
• A → Atal Pension Yojana (2015).

Additional Notes

Frequently Confused Facts

• PMJJBY vs PMSBY: PMJJBY is life insurance (death from any cause); PMSBY is accident insurance (accidental death/disability only). Premiums: PMJJBY ~Rs. 436/year; PMSBY Rs. 20/year. Both cover Rs. 2 lakh.
• PMAY-G vs PMAY-U: PMAY-G is for rural areas (Ministry of Rural Development); PMAY-U is for urban areas (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
• Mission Shakti (Centre) vs Mission Shakti (Odisha): Centre's Mission Shakti is an umbrella scheme for women's empowerment (2021); Odisha's Mission Shakti is the world's largest SHG network for women (2001).
• PM-KISAN vs PM Kisan Maan-Dhan: PM-KISAN gives Rs. 6,000 per year as income support; PM-KMY is a pension scheme of Rs. 3,000 per month after age 60.
• UJALA vs Ujjwala: UJALA (2015) is for LED bulbs (Ministry of Power); PM Ujjwala (2016) is for free LPG connections to BPL women (Ministry of Petroleum).
• Stand-Up India vs Start-Up India: Stand-Up India (2016) gives bank loans to SC/ST/women entrepreneurs (Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore); Start-Up India (2016) provides tax and compliance benefits to recognised startups.
• MUDRA Yojana Tiers: Shishu (up to Rs. 50,000), Kishor (Rs. 50,001 to Rs. 5 lakh), Tarun (Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh).
• Ayushman Bharat — Two Components: PMJAY (insurance scheme) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for primary care.
• NRHM vs NUHM: NRHM (2005) is rural; NUHM (2013) is urban. Together they form the National Health Mission.
• Swachh Bharat (Rural) vs Swachh Bharat (Urban): SBM-G is under Jal Shakti Ministry; SBM-U is under Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
• UDAN vs UDAY: UDAN (2016) is regional air connectivity (Civil Aviation); UDAY (2015) is for DISCOMs revival (Power).
• SVAMITVA vs SVANidhi: SVAMITVA (2020) is rural property cards via drone; PM SVANidhi (2020) is micro-credit for street vendors.

Repeating PYQ Patterns

Certain schemes are asked repeatedly in competitive exams. PMJDY, Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY), PM-KISAN, PMAY, PM Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission, MGNREGS, PMFBY, Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India, PM Mudra Yojana, PMKVY, Start-Up India, APY, PM SHRI, PM Gati Shakti, Agnipath, Mission Karmayogi, PM Vishwakarma, and PM SVANidhi appear most often in UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, RRB NTPC, and SBI/IBPS papers. Banking exams (IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Grade B) typically focus on launch year, nodal ministry, and monetary benefits. State PCS exams add the state's flagship schemes — UP PCS focuses on Kanya Sumangala and Krishak Durghatna; West Bengal PCS on Lakshmir Bhandar and Kanyashree; Karnataka PCS on Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Anna Bhagya; MP PCS on Ladli Laxmi and Ladli Bahna.

Quick Insight

Government schemes are not static facts — they evolve every year through Union Budget announcements, expansions, and revisions. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat have been expanded to senior citizens 70+; Mudra Yojana now includes a Tarun Plus category up to Rs. 20 lakh; and PM Surya Ghar Yojana (2024) is rapidly scaling up rooftop solar adoption. Understanding the structure of each scheme — launch year, nodal ministry, target group, and unique features — helps aspirants tackle both direct Prelims questions and Mains essays on governance, welfare, and economic development. For further reading on related topics, you can refer to the Daily Current Affairs section and the Banking Awareness notes on Jobsme.in.

One-Liners for Quick Revision

• PMJDY → 2014 → Finance Ministry → Universal financial inclusion / zero-balance accounts.
• PMJJBY → 2015 → Finance Ministry → Life insurance Rs. 2 lakh.
• PMSBY → 2015 → Finance Ministry → Accident insurance Rs. 2 lakh.
• Atal Pension Yojana → 2015 → Finance Ministry → Pension Rs. 1,000-5,000 per month for unorganised workers.
• PM Vaya Vandana Yojana → 2017 → LIC → Pension for senior citizens.
• NPS → 2004 → PFRDA → Retirement savings investment scheme.
• Mahila Samman Savings Certificate → 2023 → Finance Ministry → Savings scheme for women, 7.5% interest, 2 years.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana → 2015 → Under BBBP → Girl child savings scheme.
• Sovereign Gold Bond → 2015 → RBI → Government securities denominated in gold.
• Gold Monetization Scheme → 2015 → Channels idle gold into productive use.
• PMGKY → 2016/2020 → Finance → Free food grains during COVID.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana → 2000 → Consumer Affairs → 35 kg food grains/month for poorest.
• PM-Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan → 2019 → Labour Ministry → Pension for unorganised workers.
• PM Kisan Maan-Dhan → 2019 → Agriculture Ministry → Pension Rs. 3,000/month for farmers.
• Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) → 2018 → Health Ministry → Rs. 5 lakh health cover; extended to 70+ in 2024.
• National Health Mission (NRHM) → 2005 → Health Ministry → Rural healthcare.
• NUHM → 2013 → Health Ministry → Urban healthcare.
• PMSSY → 2003/2006 → Health Ministry → New AIIMS.
• Swachh Bharat Mission → 2 October 2014 → Universal sanitation; India ODF in 2019.
• Mission Indradhanush → 2014 → Health Ministry → Universal immunisation against 12 diseases.
• Aarogya Setu → 2 April 2020 → IT Ministry → COVID-19 contact tracing app.
• National Digital Health Mission → 15 August 2020 → ABHA Health ID.
• eSanjeevani → April 2020 → National telemedicine OPD.
• PM CARES Fund → 28 March 2020 → COVID-19 emergency fund.
• PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan → 9 June 2016 → Free antenatal care to pregnant women.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao → 22 January 2015 → Launched from Panipat, Haryana.
• Mission Shakti → 2021 → Umbrella women's empowerment scheme.
• One Stop Centre / Sakhi → 2015 → Support to women affected by violence.
• PMMVY → 2017 → Rs. 5,000 to pregnant women for first living child.
• Poshan Abhiyan → 2018 → National Nutrition Mission.
• Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 → 2025 → Upgraded anganwadi infrastructure.
• Sabla / SAG → 2010 → For adolescent girls 11-18.
• Nai Roshni Scheme → 2012/2018 → Leadership for minority women.
• Mission Vatsalya → 2009 (ICPS) / 2021-22 → Child protection.
• PM-KISAN → 2019 → Agriculture Ministry → Rs. 6,000/year direct income support.
• PMFBY → 2016 → Agriculture Ministry → Crop insurance.
• PMKSY → 2015 → "Per Drop More Crop"; Har Khet Ko Pani.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana → 2015 → Organic farming.
• Soil Health Card Scheme → 2015 → Balanced nutrient use.
• Operation Green → 2018 → TOP crops price stabilisation.
• PM Matsya Sampada Yojana → 2020 → Fisheries / Blue Revolution.
• National Beekeeping & Honey Mission → 2020 → Beekeeping development.
• Nutrient Based Subsidy → 2010 → Non-urea fertilizers subsidy.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission → December 2014 → Indigenous bovine breeds.
• KUSUM Scheme → March 2019 → Solar pumps and grid-connected plants for farmers.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses → 1 February 2025 → Self-reliance in tur, urad, masoor.
• PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana → 2025 → 100 low-productivity districts.
• MIDH → April 2014 → Integrated horticulture development.
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) → December 2003 → Target E20 by 2025-26.
• MGNREGS → 2006 → 100 days wage employment guarantee in rural areas.
• PMAY-G → 2016 → Rural housing.
• PMAY-U → 2015 → Urban housing.
• PMGSY → 25 December 2000 → All-weather rural roads.
• SAGY → 11 October 2014 → Model villages by MPs.
• Smart Cities Mission → 25 June 2015 → 100 smart cities.
• AMRUT → 25 June 2015 → Urban services in 500 cities.
• SVAMITVA Yojana → 24 April 2020 → Rural property cards via drone.
• NRLM / Aajeevika → 2011 → SHG-based poverty alleviation.
• DDU-GKY → 25 September 2014 → Skill training for rural youth.
• HRIDAY Scheme → 21 January 2015 → Heritage city development.
• Swadesh Darshan → 1 January 2015 → Theme-based tourist circuits.
• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan → 2018 → Integrated school education.
• PM SHRI Schools → 7 September 2022 → 14,500+ NEP-aligned model schools.
• PMKVY → 2015 → Skill development; ~Rs. 15,000 incentive.
• Skill India Mission → 15 July 2015 → Umbrella skill programme.
• NISHTHA Scheme → 2019 → Teacher training.
• DHRUV → 2019 → Mentoring gifted children.
• Kapila Kalam Program → December 2020 → IP awareness.
• SANKALP & STRIVE → 2018 → Vocational training (World Bank assisted).
• Atal Tinkering Labs → 2016 → Innovation labs in schools.
• PMIS / PMIS 2.0 → October 2024 / February 2025 → Internships in top 500 companies.
• Bharat Skill Connect Portal → 29 July 2025 → Skilled youth-industry connect.
• ANRF → 2023/2025 → Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
• PM Ujjwala Yojana → 1 May 2016 → Free LPG connections (launched from Ballia, UP).
• UJALA Scheme → 2015 → LED bulbs distribution.
• Saubhagya → 2017 → Universal household electrification.
• UDAY Scheme → November 2015 → DISCOMs financial turnaround.
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana → 2024 → 300 units free for 1 crore households (solar rooftop).
• FAME India → April 2015 → Electric vehicle promotion.
• Digital India → 1 July 2015 → Digital empowerment of society.
• UDAN → 2016 → Regional air connectivity.
• Sagarmala Project → 2015 → Port-led development.
• PM Gati Shakti → 13 October 2021 → Rs. 100 lakh crore multi-modal infrastructure plan.
• National Logistics Policy → 2022 → Reducing logistics cost.
• PLI Scheme → 2020 → Production-linked incentives across 14 sectors.
• Start-Up India → 16 January 2016 → Startup ecosystem.
• Stand-Up India → 5 April 2016 → Bank loans Rs. 10 lakh-1 crore for SC/ST/women.
• Make in India → 25 September 2014 → Domestic manufacturing across 25 sectors.
• National Manufacturing Mission → 1 February 2025 → 5 focus areas for manufacturing.
• National Broadband Mission 2.0 → 17 January 2025 → Universal broadband by 2030.
• UMANG App → 23 November 2017 → 1,500+ government services on one app.
• Setu Bharatam → 4 July 2016 → ROBs/RUBs replacing level crossings.
• Amrit Bharat Station → February 2023 → Railway station redevelopment.
• PM e-Bus Sewa → 11 September 2024 → 10,000 electric buses in 169 cities.
• One Nation One Subscription → 2024 → Centralised journal access.
• Deep Ocean Mission → 13 October 2020 → Deep-sea exploration.
• Jal Jeevan Mission → 15 August 2019 → Tap water to every rural household.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana → 25 December 2019 → Groundwater management in 7 states.
• National Clean Air Programme → 2019 → Reducing air pollution.
• Green Credit Programme → 2023 → Environment-positive practices.
• Amrit Dharohar → 2023 → Wetland (Ramsar Sites) conservation.
• Green India Mission → 2014 / 2025 → Forest cover expansion.
• National Water Mission → July 2011 → Water conservation.
• Namami Gange → June 2014 → Ganga river cleaning and rejuvenation.
• SMILE Scheme → 2022 → Transgender persons and beggars welfare.
• PMAGY → 2010 → Adarsh Gram Yojana for SC-majority villages.
• Mission Parivar Vikas → 2016 → Family planning in 145 districts.
• UDID Project → 2016 → Unique Disability ID.
• SHRESHTA Scheme → 2025 → SC students in private schools.
• PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan → 2024 → Tribal village development.
• PM-JANMAN → 15 November 2023 → PVTG welfare.
• PM Vishwakarma → 17 September 2023 → Traditional artisans in 18 trades.
• PM SVANidhi → 1 June 2020 → Micro-credit for street vendors.
• PM Mudra Yojana → 8 April 2015 → Shishu/Kishor/Tarun loans.
• Agnipath / Agniveer Scheme → 2022 → 4-year defence recruitment.
• One Rank One Pension → 2015 → Uniform pension for defence personnel.
• Mission Karmayogi → 2 September 2020 → Civil servant capacity building.
• PRAGATI → 25 March 2015 → E-governance project monitoring platform.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan → 12 May 2020 → Self-reliant India movement during COVID.
• YSR Rythu Bharosa → Andhra Pradesh (2019) → Rs. 13,500/year for farmers.
• Annadatha Sukhibhava → Andhra Pradesh (2025) → Rs. 20,000/year (incl. PM-KISAN).
• Jagananna Amma Vodi → Andhra Pradesh (2020) → Rs. 15,000 to mothers.
• Orunodoi → Assam (2020) → Rs. 1,250/month to women.
• Atal Amrit Abhiyan → Assam (2017) → Rs. 2 lakh health cover.
• Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana → Bihar (2019) → Rs. 54,100 for girls.
• Bihar Student Credit Card → Bihar (2016) → Rs. 4 lakh education loan at 4%.
• Godhan Nyay Yojana → Chhattisgarh (2020) → Cow dung purchased at Rs. 2/kg.
• Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana → Chhattisgarh (2020) → Rs. 9,000-10,000/acre subsidy.
• Delhi Free Bus Travel → 2019 → Pink Ticket for women.
• Mukhyamantri Amrutum → Gujarat (2012) → Rs. 5 lakh health cover.
• Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi → Haryana (2019) → Rs. 6,000/year.
• Him Care Scheme → Himachal Pradesh (2019) → Rs. 5 lakh health cover (non-PMJAY).
• SEHAT Scheme → J&K (2021) → Rs. 5 lakh PMJAY cover for all residents.
• Gruha Lakshmi → Karnataka (2023) → Rs. 2,000/month to women.
• Shakti Scheme → Karnataka (2023) → Free bus travel for women.
• Anna Bhagya → Karnataka (2023) → 10 kg free rice/month.
• Karunya Health Scheme → Kerala (2012) → Aid for serious diseases.
• Kudumbashree → Kerala (1998) → Women SHG poverty alleviation.
• Ladli Laxmi Yojana → MP (2007) → Rs. 1.18 lakh for girls.
• Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna → MP (2023) → Rs. 1,250/month to married women.
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya → Maharashtra (2012) → Rs. 5 lakh health cover.
• Majhi Ladki Bahin → Maharashtra (2024) → Rs. 1,500/month to women.
• KALIA Scheme → Odisha (2019) → Rs. 10,000/season for farmers.
• Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana → Odisha (2018) → Rs. 5 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh for women).
• Subhadra Yojana → Odisha (2024) → Rs. 10,000/year vouchers for women.
• Aam Aadmi Clinic → Punjab (2022) → Free OPD and medicines.
• Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi → Rajasthan (2021) → Rs. 25 lakh health cover.
• Indira Gandhi Urban Employment → Rajasthan (2022) → 100 days urban employment.
• Amma Two-Wheeler → Tamil Nadu (2016) → 50% subsidy for working women.
• CM Breakfast Scheme → Tamil Nadu (2022) → Free breakfast for govt school students.
• Rythu Bandhu → Telangana (2018) → Rs. 5,000/acre/season to farmers.
• Aarogyasri Telangana → 2014 → Cashless treatment for 1,044 diseases.
• Kanya Sumangala → UP (2019) → Rs. 25,000 in 6 instalments.
• Lakshmir Bhandar → West Bengal (2021) → Rs. 500/Rs. 1,000 per month to women.
• Swasthya Sathi → West Bengal (2016) → Rs. 5 lakh health cover for all.
• Kanyashree Prakalpa → West Bengal (2013) → Scholarship for unmarried girls.
• Rupashree Prakalpa → West Bengal (2018) → Rs. 25,000 grant at daughter's marriage.
• Krishak Bandhu → West Bengal (2019) → Rs. 10,000/year + Rs. 2 lakh life insurance.

For more Static GK topics like banking, current affairs, and computer awareness, explore the Static GK section on Jobsme.in. You can also test your knowledge with the Banking Awareness Quiz, take the Daily Current Affairs Quiz, and check out the latest exam notifications at Latest Government Job Notifications.