If you are digging a new borewell for irrigation, government assistance for borewell drilling can significantly reduce your project cost. The borewell subsidy calculator below estimates your eligible subsidy instantly based on your farmer category, social category, and borewell depth.
Every state runs its own minor irrigation subsidy scheme, so the borewell financial assistance percentage and maximum amount change from Telangana to Rajasthan to Bihar. This guide covers the numbers, the paperwork, and the mistakes that get farm borewell subsidy applications rejected.
Borewell Subsidy Calculator
Estimate your subsidy for borewell drilling and equipping under state minor irrigation schemes.
Required Documents
Eligibility
Implementing Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require a groundwater feasibility clearance from the relevant water authority before approving a borewell subsidy, especially in over-exploited or critical groundwater blocks.
This varies by state; some schemes bundle drilling and pump-set costs together while others fund them under separate line items. Check your state scheme guidelines for details.
Disclaimer: Figures shown are indicative estimates based on published scheme guidelines and may change without notice. Always verify current subsidy rates, caps, and eligibility with the concerned government department before making financial decisions.
Note: This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual government assistance depends on your state’s latest subsidy guidelines, project approval, and verification by the concerned department.
How Much Government Borewell Subsidy Can Farmers Get?
Government borewell subsidy generally covers about 40% to 70% of the eligible project cost, depending on your state, farmer category, social category, and applicable scheme guidelines. Use the Borewell Subsidy Calculator above to estimate your eligible financial assistance.
What Is Government Borewell Subsidy?
Government borewell subsidy is a financial assistance program given under state minor irrigation schemes that covers a fixed percentage of borewell drilling, casing, and sometimes pump-set cost for farmers. It is jointly funded by the central and state governments and paid as direct benefit transfer after approval.
How to Use the Borewell Subsidy Calculator to Estimate Your State-Wise Government Subsidy
Select your state, farmer category, social category, and expected borewell depth to estimate your eligible government subsidy. The result is not a quote from your agriculture office, but it gives you a realistic range before you visit one.
Select Your State and Farmer Category
Pick your state first, since the subsidy percentage and the drilling rate per foot both change by state. Then choose whether you fall under Small/Marginal Farmer or General Farmer, since this decides your base subsidy slab.
Enter Your Social Category
SC/ST applicants get a higher subsidy percentage in almost every state, usually 10 to 20 percentage points above the general rate. Select this accurately, since it directly changes your final number.
Enter Your Borewell Depth and Review the Result
Type your expected borewell depth in feet, whether it is a shallow bore or a deep borewell subsidy case running past 300 feet. The tool multiplies this by your state’s standard cost per foot, applies your subsidy percentage, then caps the result at your state’s maximum subsidy amount.
Who Is Eligible for Government Borewell Subsidy in India?
Eligibility rules are broadly similar across states, though a few states add their own extra conditions on top.
- Applicant holds valid land records for the borewell site
- Small, marginal, or general farmer registered with the state agriculture department
- Groundwater feasibility clearance obtained where the block requires it
- No earlier borewell subsidy claimed on the same land parcel
| Requirement | What It Usually Means | Common Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Land ownership | Valid land records (patta, 7/12 extract, or khatauni) in the applicant’s name | Some states allow joint family land with an NOC |
| Land holding | No fixed minimum in most states, but higher subsidy for small/marginal holdings | A few states cap eligible holding size for full benefit |
| Groundwater clearance | Feasibility clearance from the state groundwater authority or Central Ground Water Board | Not required in “safe” category blocks in some states |
| Farmer category | Small, marginal, or general farmer registered with the agriculture department | Tenant farmers need a written landowner consent in most states |
If your block is classified as “over-exploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), you will likely need additional groundwater development clearance, and skipping this step is one of the most common causes of rejection.
State-Wise Government Borewell Subsidy Rates and Maximum Financial Assistance
Subsidy percentage and the maximum cap both vary by state. Here is the estimated small/marginal farmer rate, SC/ST rate, and maximum subsidy for major states.
| State | Small/Marginal Subsidy | SC/ST Subsidy | Max Subsidy (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odisha | 59% | 71% | 1,76,700 |
| Rajasthan | 58% | 70% | 1,75,200 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 58% | 70% | 1,74,300 |
| Maharashtra | 57% | 68% | 1,70,600 |
| Bihar | 57% | 69% | 1,71,900 |
| Tamil Nadu | 55% | 66% | 1,65,000 |
| Jharkhand | 55% | 66% | 1,64,800 |
| Karnataka | 52% | 62% | 1,56,000 |
| Gujarat | 52% | 62% | 1,55,600 |
| Chhattisgarh | 50% | 61% | 1,51,300 |
| Kerala | 50% | 60% | 1,50,300 |
| Telangana | 50% | 60% | 1,50,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 49% | 59% | 1,48,400 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 48% | 58% | 1,44,000 |
| Punjab | 48% | 58% | 1,43,800 |
| West Bengal | 46% | 56% | 1,39,400 |
| Haryana | 45% | 53% | 1,33,600 |
| Assam | 43% | 52% | 1,29,000 |
General category farmers get a lower rate than the small/marginal figures shown here, typically 8 to 12 percentage points less. Run your own state and category through the calculator above for the exact figure.
Some states also revise subsidy percentages, eligible project costs, or maximum financial assistance based on annual budgets and scheme guidelines.
Subsidy percentages shown above are estimated based on publicly available state minor irrigation scheme guidelines. Actual assistance may vary depending on the latest state notifications and annual budget allocations, so confirm the exact figure with your District Agriculture Officer before applying.
Borewell Drilling Cost per Foot Used in This Calculator
The subsidy amount is only as accurate as the underlying drilling cost. Borewell drilling costs vary considerably depending on rock formations, groundwater availability, drilling depth, and local contractor charges. Here is the standard cost per foot each state uses as its base calculation, alongside the same figures for a few neighbouring states so you can compare.
| State | Cost per Foot (₹) | State | Cost per Foot (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odisha | 294 | Rajasthan | 292 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 290 | Bihar | 286 |
| Maharashtra | 284 | Tamil Nadu / Jharkhand | 275 |
| Karnataka | 260 | Gujarat | 259 |
| Chhattisgarh | 252 | Telangana / Kerala | 250 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 247 | Andhra Pradesh / Punjab | 240 |
| West Bengal | 232 | Haryana | 223 |
| Assam | 215 | – | – |
These figures feed directly into the calculator’s total project cost formula. Actual drilling contractor rates in your district may run higher or lower depending on rock type and rig availability.
Government Borewell Subsidy Schemes Offered by Different Indian States
Most states call this scheme “Minor Irrigation Borewell Development,” a groundwater development subsidy run by the state agriculture or minor irrigation department. Many state borewell subsidy schemes receive financial support from central government programs such as PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop), RKVY, or other agriculture and irrigation initiatives, along with state government funding. The implementing scheme and exact funding pattern vary by state, so check your state’s scheme notification for the current split.
Central Government Contribution
Central programs generally co-fund part of the scheme cost, with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare overseeing overall policy. Eastern states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha have additionally used Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) support for new borewell and tube well subsidy cases. NABARD also extends refinance support to states for minor irrigation and groundwater development infrastructure.
State Government Contribution
States fund the remaining share and set their own subsidy percentage, maximum cap, and documentation rules within the central framework. This is why the same category of central support produces different water resource subsidy numbers in different states.
How These Schemes Differ Across States
Drier states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh generally offer higher subsidy percentages to push groundwater development in water-stressed districts. Coastal and delta states with easier water access, like Assam, tend to offer lower rates since natural water access is comparatively better.
How Much Government Borewell Subsidy Can You Receive?
Your final subsidy depends on three things working together: total project cost, applicable percentage, and the state’s maximum cap.
| Factor | Effect on Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Borewell depth | Deeper borewell means higher project cost, so a larger subsidy up to the cap |
| Farmer category | Small/marginal farmers get a higher percentage than general farmers |
| Social category | SC/ST applicants get the highest percentage in nearly every state |
| State cap | Once the calculated subsidy hits the state maximum, it does not increase further |
Read: Borewell Drilling Cost, Pump Price, and Pipe Cost for a full cost breakdown before you estimate your subsidy. After installing your borewell, use our Irrigation Water Requirement Calculator to estimate the amount of water your crops need for efficient irrigation planning.
What Expenses Are Covered Under the Government Borewell Subsidy Scheme?
| Covered Expense | Typically Included? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling charges | Yes | Core cost basis used by most calculators |
| Casing pipes | Usually yes | Some states bundle this into drilling rate per foot |
| Pump set and motor | Varies by state | Some states fund this under a separate pump-set subsidy line |
| Electrical connection | Rarely fully covered | Farmers usually bear this cost separately |
Since pump-set coverage varies so much, always check whether your state scheme document lists it under the borewell subsidy or under a separate solar or electric pump scheme.
How Does the Borewell Subsidy Calculator Estimate Your Government Subsidy?
The calculator estimates your subsidy using the total project cost, your state’s applicable subsidy percentage, and the maximum financial assistance limit for that state.
- Total Project Cost = Borewell Depth (feet) × State’s Standard Cost per Foot
- Eligible Subsidy = Total Project Cost × Applicable Subsidy Percentage
- Final Payout = Eligible Subsidy, capped at the state’s Maximum Subsidy Amount
Example Borewell Subsidy Calculations Across States
| State | Depth | Category | Estimated Subsidy (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 300 ft | Small/Marginal (52%) | 40,560 |
| Rajasthan | 350 ft | SC/ST (70%) | 71,540 |
| Bihar | 250 ft | Small/Marginal (57%) | 40,755 |
| Maharashtra | 400 ft | General (45%) | 51,120 |
Take the Karnataka case: a 300-foot borewell at ₹260 per foot gives a total project cost of ₹78,000. At the 52% small/marginal rate, the calculated subsidy is ₹40,560, which stays under Karnataka’s ₹1,56,000 cap, so the farmer receives the full ₹40,560.
Documents Required to Apply for Government Borewell Subsidy
- Aadhaar Card
- Land ownership records
- Bank passbook with IFSC code
- Groundwater feasibility clearance
- Caste certificate, if claiming OBC/SC/ST category
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Land ownership records | Confirms the borewell site belongs to the applicant |
| Bank passbook with IFSC code | Direct benefit transfer of subsidy amount |
| Groundwater feasibility clearance | Confirms the block permits new borewell drilling |
| Caste certificate | Required only for OBC/SC/ST category claims |
Government Departments That Handle Borewell Subsidy Applications
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| State Agriculture Department | Processes and approves most borewell subsidy applications |
| Minor Irrigation Department | Handles groundwater feasibility clearance and site inspection |
| District Agriculture Officer | First point of contact for offline applications and status queries |
| Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) | Guides farmers on scheme eligibility and documentation, though it does not approve claims |
Applicants should always refer to the latest notification issued by their State Agriculture Department or Minor Irrigation Department before making financial decisions. Official scheme notifications published by the respective state government take precedence over calculator estimates.
How to Apply Online or Offline for Government Borewell Subsidy
- Confirm your groundwater feasibility clearance with the Minor Irrigation Department
- Gather the required documents listed above
- Apply online through your state’s agriculture department portal, or submit the physical form at your block or district Agriculture Department office
- Attend the site inspection scheduled by the department
- Track your application status with the District Agriculture Officer until approval
Online Application
Most states now accept applications through their agriculture department portal or the state’s minor irrigation portal. Upload scanned documents, enter your Aadhaar and land record numbers, and submit.
Offline Application
Visit your block or district Agriculture Department office and collect the borewell subsidy application form. Submit it with physical copies of all documents to the concerned officer.
When Is the Best Time to Apply for Government Borewell Subsidy?
Apply early in the financial year, ideally between April and June, since most states exhaust their annual minor irrigation subsidy budget well before the year ends. Applying before the monsoon also gives the groundwater feasibility clearance time to complete before peak drilling season.
Waiting until December or January often means your application sits in a waitlist for the next financial year, even if you meet every eligibility condition.
What Happens After Your Borewell Subsidy Application Is Approved?
Once approved, a department official visits the site for physical inspection and verification of the borewell depth and drilling completion. This step confirms the claimed project cost matches the actual work done.
After verification, the subsidy amount is released as a direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the applicant’s linked bank account, usually within a few weeks of the inspection report being filed.
Can Farmers Combine Borewell Subsidy with Other Government Schemes?
Yes, in most states a borewell subsidy can be combined with a separate solar pump subsidy or drip irrigation subsidy claim, since these are treated as different scheme components even when they sit on the same farm.
Once your borewell is operational, our Drip Irrigation Calculator can help you estimate the layout and water requirements for an efficient drip irrigation system.
- Borewell subsidy for the drilling and casing cost
- Solar Pump Subsidy for the pump set, if not already bundled into the borewell scheme
- Drip Irrigation Subsidy or Sprinkler Irrigation Subsidy for the field-level water application system
- Farm Pond Subsidy if you also want surface storage alongside the borewell
Check with your District Agriculture Officer before applying for more than one scheme, since a few states cap total agricultural irrigation subsidy support per farmer per year.
Borewell Subsidy vs Tube Well Subsidy
| Feature | Borewell | Tube Well |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable soil | Hard rock and hilly terrain | Alluvial and soft soil plains |
| Typical depth | 150 to 500+ feet | 30 to 150 feet |
| Subsidy | Covered under most state minor irrigation schemes | Covered under the same or a linked tube well subsidy scheme |
| Water source | Deep, hard-rock aquifers | Shallow alluvial aquifers |
Borewell Subsidy vs Solar Pump Subsidy vs Drip Irrigation Subsidy
| Scheme | What It Covers | Typical Subsidy Range |
|---|---|---|
| Borewell Subsidy | Drilling, casing, and sometimes pump-set cost | 36% to 71% depending on state and category |
| Solar Pump Subsidy | Solar-powered irrigation pump set | Varies by pump capacity and state top-up |
| Drip Irrigation Subsidy | Drip lines, emitters, and field-level water delivery | Often 45% to 90% under PMKSY-linked schemes |
Government Borewell Subsidy Benefits for Different Categories of Farmers
| Farmer Group | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|
| Small farmers | Higher subsidy percentage than general category |
| Marginal farmers | Same enhanced slab as small farmers in most states |
| SC/ST farmers | Highest subsidy percentage available under the scheme |
| Women farmers | Priority processing and, in some states, an extra 5 to 10% top-up |
Difference Between Central and State Government Borewell Subsidy Schemes
Central programs such as PMKSY and RKVY set broad guidelines and often co-fund state schemes, while states run the actual application process and set the final subsidy percentage and cap. There is no separate central-only borewell subsidy that farmers apply for directly.
Your application always goes through your state’s agriculture or minor irrigation department, even where a share of the funding originates from a central scheme.
Important Government Borewell Subsidy Rules Every Farmer Should Know
- Borewell must not fall in a groundwater-notified over-exploited block without special clearance
- Applicant must not have received a borewell subsidy for the same land parcel earlier
- Drilling agency must be a registered rig operator under state groundwater rules
- Rainwater harvesting or recharge structure may be mandatory alongside the borewell in some states
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Government Borewell Subsidy Approval
- Get your groundwater feasibility clearance before you apply, not after drilling starts
- Submit all documents together in one application instead of in batches
- Apply early in the financial year, since many states exhaust the annual subsidy budget by December
- Keep a signed cost estimate or invoice from your drilling contractor ready
Common Reasons Why Government Borewell Subsidy Applications Are Rejected
| Reason | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Missing groundwater clearance | Apply for clearance before submitting the subsidy form |
| Mismatched land records | Confirm the applicant’s name matches the land record exactly |
| Duplicate application | Check with your block office that no earlier claim exists on the same land |
| Post-drilling application | Apply before drilling in states that do not allow retrospective claims |
| Failed site verification | Keep the drilled depth and location matching exactly what you declared in the application |
What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected or Delayed
If your borewell subsidy application is rejected, ask the District Agriculture Officer for the specific reason in writing before you reapply. Most states allow an appeal within a fixed window, usually 15 to 30 days from the rejection date.
For a delayed application, check your status directly with the Minor Irrigation Department rather than waiting indefinitely. Verification and DBT release are the two stages where delays are most common, especially in over-exploited groundwater blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Government Borewell Subsidy
What is the government borewell subsidy?
It is financial assistance under state minor irrigation schemes that covers a percentage of borewell drilling and related costs for farmers, funded jointly by the central and state governments.
How is the borewell subsidy amount calculated?
It is calculated as your borewell depth multiplied by the state’s standard drilling cost per foot, then multiplied by your applicable subsidy percentage, capped at the state’s maximum subsidy limit.
Can tenant farmers apply for borewell subsidy?
Yes, in most states, but only with a written consent letter or lease agreement from the landowner along with proof that the tenant is cultivating the land.
Is borewell subsidy available in every Indian state?
Yes, every state runs some version of a minor irrigation borewell scheme, though the subsidy percentage, maximum cap, and documentation requirements differ from state to state.
Can I apply for subsidy after drilling the borewell?
Most states require you to apply and get clearance before drilling begins. A few allow retrospective claims with an invoice, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
How long does it take to receive borewell subsidy?
Government borewell subsidy is generally released within 30 to 90 days after document verification, site inspection, and approval. The timeline varies by state, budget availability, and application volume.
Can I check my borewell subsidy application status online?
Many state agriculture departments provide online application tracking through their official portals. Farmers can also contact their District Agriculture Officer or Minor Irrigation Department for the latest status.
Is there a minimum or maximum borewell depth eligible for subsidy?
Most states do not set a strict minimum depth beyond a basic threshold, but very deep borewells may only receive subsidy up to the state’s maximum financial assistance cap. Check your state’s scheme guidelines for any specific depth restriction in your groundwater block.
Disclaimer About This Borewell Subsidy Calculator
This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available government scheme information. Actual subsidy amounts, eligibility, and approval depend on the latest rules issued by the respective State Agriculture Department, Minor Irrigation Department, or other implementing authorities.
Subsidy rates, maximum caps, and eligibility criteria may change without notice, and results also vary by groundwater block classification, soil, and local drilling conditions. Final approval is always subject to the concerned state department, so confirm current figures with your District Agriculture Officer before making any drilling or budget decisions.