What Is Indira Awas Yojana Scheme and Recent Updates in 2026?

The Indira Awas Yojana was launched in 1985 by the government of India under the Ministry of Rural Development to ensure housing for the rural poor. The Indira Awas Yojana scheme provides financial assistance to SC/ST, minority, and BPL families for constructing safe, durable homes. Its purpose is to get rid of homelessness, promote social equality, and enhance the quality of life. The program aligns with national housing policies and relevant rural development laws, positively impacting education, health, and economic stability in villages. 

Indira Awas Yojana Scheme 2026 – Quick Info Table.

The Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) launched in 1985 and later subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in 2016, aims to provide affordable housing to the rural poor. The Ministry of Rural Development governs the scheme under the Government of India. Check the table below for more details: [1]

Features	Details
Launch Year	1985 (merged into PMAY in 2016)
Governing Ministry	Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
Target Beneficiaries	Rural poor, SC/ST, BPL families, women-headed households
Assistance Type	Financial grant for house construction
House Specifications	Minimum 25 sq. meters, with hygienic cooking space and toilet facilities
Financial Assistance	₹1.2 lakh for plain areas; ₹1.3 lakh for hilly or difficult areas
Eligibility Criteria	Indian citizens without pucca houses, belonging to the eligible categories
Application Process	Through Gram Panchayats, online portals, or designated government offices
Legal Framework	Governed by the Ministry of Rural Development guidelines and PMAY norms

Recent Updates & News on IAY Indira Awas Yojana

• Major Progress Under Rural Housing Scheme (PMAY-G / IAY): As of early 2026, 3.86 crore houses have been sanctioned and nearly 2.92 crore have been completed nationwide under this program. The scheme aims to deliver 4.95 crore pucca houses with basic amenities to houseless and underserved rural families by 2029. 
• Government Sets New Monthly Sanction Targets: The Ministry of Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate house sanctions under the PMAY-G scheme, targeting approximately 10 lakh new rural housing approvals in January alone to maintain momentum toward the 2029 goals.
• State-Wise Implementation Highlights: State and UT progress reports show varying levels of completion with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh reporting high completion rates, while others like Maharashtra and Karnataka are progressing steadily but at different paces.
• Continued Field Surveys and Beneficiary Identification: Regular surveys under PMAY-G are ongoing, ensuring that families who still lack permanent homes are identified. These field activities help widen the beneficiary base and bring more eligible households into the housing program.
• Karnataka Housing Targets in Focus: In Karnataka, officials plan to complete and hand over more than 2.3 lakh houses to beneficiaries under housing schemes, including the rural segment, within the next year.
• Quality and Monitoring Efforts Intensified: The government has strengthened monitoring frameworks, using geo-tagged photos and real-time tracking at multiple stages of construction to improve accountability and ensure funds are used correctly before houses are certified as complete. 

Indira Awas Yojana for the Poor

The Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), now part of PMAY-G in 2026, helps rural poor build homes. Beneficiaries receive ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh under challenging terrains. Funds cover construction, toilets, and partial labor costs. Assistance is directly transferred in installments, ensuring transparency and adequate support under the Indira Awas Yojana 2026 amount scheme. 

Indira Awas Yojana Changed To PMAY-G By the Central Government

The government restructured and renamed the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) to bring rural housing under the broader Housing for All programme. This change was part of policy reforms introduced from 1 April 2016 with the aim of expanding coverage, improving quality, and aligning rural housing goals with national targets for affordable homes. [2]

While the original IAY focused solely on direct unit assistance, the broader Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana also encompasses interest subsidies for qualified beneficiaries through the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under the urban and rural umbrellas. CLSS provides interest subsidies on home loans depending on income category, helping families afford the construction or purchase of homes through formal financing channels. 

What is the Indira Awas Yojana Amount?

The Indira Awas Yojana provides financial help to rural poor for building safe homes. The Indira Awas Yojana amount in 2026 ranges from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹1.30 lakh, depending on the location. The table below shows the amount: [3]

Installmnet	Amount	Condition
1st Installment	40,000 – 50,000 approx.	Released after sanction approval
2nd Installment	40,000 – 50,000 approx.	Released after completion of foundation and plinth work
3rd Installment	Remaining balance (30,000 – 40,000 approx.)	Released after house completion and final inspection

Key Features Of Indira Awas Yojana

Here are the key features of Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY):

• Ownership of Houses:
  • Joint ownership of the house by husband and wife, except for unmarried individuals, widowers, or divorced individuals.
  • In some cases, the State may allocate ownership of the house to women in the household.Houses allotted to persons with disabilities or handicaps are owned by the specific individual.
• Construction of the House:
  • Beneficiaries are responsible for the construction of the house.
  • Involvement of contractors or external agencies is not allowed. Funding may be withdrawn if a contractor is involved.
  • Technical assistance can be provided by government agencies or departments.
  • Support services from Youth Clubs, NGOs, or charitable organizations can be sought for monitoring and construction assistance.
• Design and Construction Standards:
  • Promotes eco-friendly housing techniques, such as using local materials and construction methods.
  • Emphasizes improving the standard of living while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Houses should have sufficient space for a family and barrier-free designs for individuals with disabilities.
• Release of Funds in Installments:
  • The first instalment (25% of the unit cost) is provided on Awaas Divas along with the sanction order.
  • Second instalment (60% of cost) is released upon reaching the lintel level.
  • The third instalment (15% of the cost) is provided once the house has a bathroom/latrine and the beneficiary has started residing in it. All funds are dispersed from the Indira Awas Yojana Amount.
• Construction Time Limit:
  • Lintel Level Construction: 9 months from the date of receiving the first instalment.
  • Completion: 9 months from the date of receiving the second installment.

Benefits of Indira Awas Yojana

The PM Indira Awas Yojana scheme was beneficial to the rural poor for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at the benefits of IAY.

• Under IAY, each house was constructed to meet the requirements of the new residents. This helped low-income families settle down faster.
• For construction, locally sourced, quality materials were used that could last a minimum of 30 years.
• The scheme encouraged the use of eco-friendly materials for sustainable construction techniques while also generating employment.
• The program especially encouraged and enabled Garmin panchayats to spearhead a change in their jurisdiction so that the scheme’s purpose was fulfilled.
• Under IAY, home constructions could be customised by adding required provisions like a work area.

Indira Awas Yojana Scheme Eligibility

The Indira Awas Yojana eligibility criteria aim to ensure housing for the rural poor who lack proper shelter. It includes families below the poverty line, SC/ST minorities, and widows, providing them with financial help to build safe and permanent homes.  

• Homeless families or families with households having zero, one or two rooms on kutcha all and a roof( based on the SECC data)
• Households where there are no literate adult members above 25 years old.
• Households where there is no adult member between 16- 59 years.
• Households with one or more specially-abled members 
• Female-headed households without any adult male members aged between 16 -59 years.
• Households without any land whose only source of income is daily labour.

The PMAY-G scheme naturally covers these categories of people without any questions. They are

• Households without any shelter
• Primitive and endangered tribal groups 
• Manual scavengers
• Bonded labourers who have been legally released
• Destitute people who are living on alms

The following individuals or families are not eligible for the PMAY-G scheme:

• Individuals who own motorized two- or three-wheeler vehicles, agricultural equipment, or fishing boats.
• Families with a government employee as a member who earns a monthly income exceeding Rs. 10,000.
• Individuals who possess a Kisan Credit Card with a spending limit equal to or greater than Rs. 50,000.
• Families with a member who pays income or professional tax.
• Families that have a landline connection or own a refrigerator.

Indira Awas Scheme: Documents Required

To apply for the scheme, applicants must provide certain documents for verification. The Indira Awas Yajana documents are required to ensure transparency and confirm eligibility for receiving housing benefits. 

• Filled out the PMAY-G application form.
• Aadhaar card (for identification purposes).
• Consent document authorizing the concerned authorities to use your Aadhaar information.
• Bank account details (for direct benefit transfer).
• Affidavit declaring that the applicant or any member of their family does not own a pucca house in India.
• Job card registered under the MNREGA scheme.

How to check the Indira Awas Yojana list?

Applicants can view the state-wise list of Indira Awas Yojana on the official PMAY-G (AwaasSoft) portal. The process remains simple and fully online.

Steps to Check the IAY List on the PMAY G Portal

• Step 1: Visit the official PMAY G website
• Step 2: On the homepage, locate the top menu and click Awaassoft
• Step 3: Select Reports from the dropdown
• Step 4: A new page opens with multiple report categories
• Step 5: Choose Physical Progress Reports
• Step 6: Click Houses completed in a financial year, irrespective of the target year
• Step 7: Select details such as State, District, Block, Panchayat, and Financial Year
• Step 8: Submit the details to view the Indira Awas Yojana list statewide. The portal displays beneficiary names, house status, and completion details.

Indira Awas Yojana Online Application Process

Eligible applicants can apply through the official PMAY Citizen Assessment portal. The government allows self-registration even though the Gram Sabha prepares the base list using the 2011 census.

Steps to Apply for Indira Awas Yojana Online

• Step 1: Visit the official PMAY portal
• Step 2: Click Citizen Assessment on the homepage
• Step 3: Select the relevant application option as per eligibility
• Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number and verify through OTP
• Step 5: Complete the application form with personal and household details
• Step 6: Submit the form after final review. The system generates an application reference for future tracking.

Steps to Register as a Beneficiary on PMAY G Portal

Applicants who do not appear in the initial list can request inclusion through beneficiary registration.

• Step 1: Visit the PMAY G website
• Step 2: Enter Aadhaar number and click Search
• Step 3: Select Register as Beneficiary if the name appears
• Step 4: Fill in personal details such as address and family information
• Step 5: Upload the consent form where required
• Step 6: Enter bank account details for benefit transfer
• Step 7: Choose the loan option if applicable and enter the required loan amount
• Step 8: Provide MGNREGA job card number and SBMG number if available
• Step 9: Submit the application for verification

How to Check the State-Wise IAY Report (Current Year)?

Applicants can check the state-wise IAY report through the official PMAY-G portal by following the steps below.

• Step 1: First, visit the official website of the PMAY-G authorities. The home page will look something like this.
• Step 2: From the Tabs section on top, click on Awaassoft> Reports.
• Step 3: On clicking Report, you will be redirected to a new page with several options. 
• Step 4: Under the “Physical Progress Reports” tab, choose the first option, Houses completed in a financial year (irrespective of target year)”. [4]
• Step 5: On clicking the option, a new page will appear showing the Indira Awas Yojana details state-wide.

Indira Awas Yojana Karnataka Online Application

Now that the current Government has extended this tax benefit to the middle class, this scheme has become increasingly popular in Karnataka. You simply need to follow a few steps to register and apply for the Indira Awas Yojana Karnataka. Although the Gram Sabha generates the list as per the census details of 2011, it gives the citizens an option to register themselves as beneficiary. Here are the steps to apply for the list:

• Step 1: Visit the PMAY-G website.
• Step 2: Fill in the necessary information as per the registration requirements.
• Step 3: Provide your Aadhaar number and click on the ‘Search’ button.
• Step 4: If your name is found, click on ‘Select to Register.’
• Step 5: Enter the remaining personal details as prompted.
• Step 6: Upload the consent form, as applicable.
• Step 7: Enter your bank account details.
• Step 8: Indicate whether you wish to avail a loan by selecting ‘Yes’ and entering the desired loan amount.
• Step 9: On the subsequent page, enter your MGNREGA card number and SBMG number, if applicable.

How Nobroker Can Help You?

The Indira Awas Yojana helps rural poor build safe homes with financial support. The Indira Awas Yojana money amount in 2026 ranges from ₹1.20 lakh to ₹ 1.30 lakh. Platforms like NoBroker make the process easier by guiding applicants, helping check eligibility, submitting documents, and tracking funds, ensuring beneficiaries receive their housing assistance quickly and smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q1: When did the Indira Awas Yojana first start?

Ans: The Indira Awas Yojana was first started in 1985 by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Q2: What is the reason behind the Indira Awas Yojana scheme?

Ans: The scheme aims to help the rural population, including those living below the poverty line, rehabilitate and provide affordable housing for them.

Q3: Who else can benefit from this scheme?

Ans: Families of defence personnel who were killed in action are also eligible to apply for this scheme.

Q4: Is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Indira Awas scheme the same?

Ans: The Indira Awas Yojana is a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas scheme. The PM housing scheme has a much larger scope where even middle-class people can apply. The Indira Yojana is largely focused on the economically backward rural population.

Q5: Do specially-abled families get the benefit of the Indira Awas scheme?

Ans: Yes. If any household has one or more specially-abled members, then they are eligible to apply for the Indira Awas scheme.

Q6: What is the age limit for applying to Indira Awas Yojana?

Ans: Applicants must be adults, usually 18 years or older, to app;y for the Indira Awas Yojana.

Q7: How much amount is provided under Indira Awas Yojana?

Ans: The Indira Awas Yojana amount in 2026 is ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in difficult terrains.

Q8: What documents are required to apply for Indira Awas Yojana?

Ans: The required documents include ID proof, income certificate, bank details, and residence proof for verification.

Q9: How can I apply for Indira Awas Yojana in 2026?

Ans: People can apply through the state official PMAY-G portal, submit documents, and track the application online for approval.

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ARTICLE SOURCES

1. https://web.umang.gov.in/landing/scheme/detail/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-urban_pmay-u.html
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradhan_Mantri_Gramin_Awas_Yojana
3. https://www.tnrd.tn.gov.in/schemes/iay.html
4. https://nrega.dord.gov.in/MGNREGA_new/Nrega_home.aspx