Government schemes are one of the most important parts of General Knowledge, especially for exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, and state-level exams. Questions from schemes are frequently asked because they reflect current policies and development initiatives.
These schemes are launched by the central and state governments to improve sectors like education, health, employment, agriculture, and financial inclusion. While the list may seem long, the good part is that many schemes follow a pattern—once you understand the purpose and target group, it becomes easier to remember them.
- Important for SSC, Banking, Railway, UPSC & State Exams
- Includes Central + State Government Schemes
- Covers purpose, launch year, and target group
- Helpful for current affairs and interviews
- Easy to revise in short time
- Understanding Government Schemes (Concept)
- Government schemes are welfare programs launched for public benefit
- They focus on economic growth + social development
- Can be Central schemes, State schemes, or joint (Centrally Sponsored)
- Mostly target specific groups like farmers, women, youth, poor families
- Types of Government Schemes
1. Central Government Schemes
Launched by the Union Government
Applicable across the country
Example: PM Kisan, Ayushman Bharat
2. State Government Schemes
Launched by individual state governments
Applicable only within that state
Example: Ladli Laxmi Yojana (MP), Kanyashree (WB)
3. Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)
Funded jointly by Central + State governments
Implemented by states
Example: MGNREGA, PMAY
Important Central Government Schemes
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Launched: 2014
Objective: Financial inclusion (bank accounts for all)
Target: Poor and unbanked population
2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
Launched: 2019
Objective: Income support to farmers
Benefit: ₹6000 per year
3. Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Launched: 2018
Objective: Health insurance for poor families
Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family
4. Swachh Bharat Mission
Launched: 2014
Objective: Clean India (toilets, sanitation)
Focus: Rural and urban cleanliness
5. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Launched: 2015
Objective: Housing for all
Target: Urban and rural poor
Important State Government Schemes
1. Ladli Laxmi Yojana (Madhya Pradesh)
Objective: Financial support for girl child
Focus: Education and empowerment
2. Kanyashree Prakalpa (West Bengal)
Objective: Prevent child marriage
Target: Girls aged 13–18
3. Amma Canteen (Tamil Nadu)
Objective: Affordable food for poor
Special Feature: Subsidized meals
4. Rythu Bandhu (Telangana)
Objective: Financial assistance to farmers
Benefit: Investment support per acre
5. Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Yojana (Rajasthan)
Objective: Health insurance
Target: State residents
How to Study Government Schemes Effectively
Focus on Scheme Name + Purpose + Target Group
Remember launch year only for important schemes
Revise using short notes or tables
Practice MCQs regularly
Link schemes with current affairs news