National Solar Mission: Progress, Targets, and Key Updates for 2026 Exams

For aspirants of banking, insurance, and SSC exams, the National Solar Mission (NSM)—officially known as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)—is a high-priority topic. Launched in January 2010, it is one of the eight core missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

As we stand in January 2026, India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the mission, its evolution, and current status for your revision.

1. The Core Objective

The primary goal of the National Solar Mission is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. It aims to achieve this by:

• Promoting ecologically sustainable growth.
• Ensuring India’s energy security.
• Achieving grid parity (making solar power as affordable as conventional coal-based power).

2. Evolution of Targets

The mission has seen massive upward revisions in its targets due to rapid technological growth and falling costs:

• Initial Target (2010): 20 GW of grid-connected solar power by 2022.
• Revised Target (2015): 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022.
• Current Goal (Post-COP26/Panchamrit): India now aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar expected to contribute nearly 280–300 GW.

3. Current Status (As of January 2026)

According to recent data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):

• Total Installed Capacity: India crossed the 132.85 GW mark in solar energy at the end of 2025.
• Leading States: Rajasthan leads the tally (approx. 36 GW), followed by Gujarat (24.8 GW) and Maharashtra (17.2 GW).
• Components: Ground-mounted utility-scale projects account for the majority (~100 GW), while rooftop solar is seeing an aggressive push in 2026.

4. Key Schemes under the Mission

To reach the ambitious 2030 targets, the government has launched several flagship initiatives:

A. PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

This scheme focuses on de-dieselizing the farm sector. It has three components:

1. Component A: 10,000 MW of small solar plants on barren land.
2. Component B: Installation of standalone solar pumps.
3. Component C: Solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.

Status Update: The scheme has been extended to March 2026 with a target to add 34.8 GW of solar capacity.

B. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Launched in February 2024, this is the current “star” scheme.

• Target: To provide free electricity (up to 300 units) to 1 crore households by installing rooftop solar systems.
• Outlay: Over ₹75,000 crore.
• Goal: To reach maximum saturation by the end of FY 2026-27.

C. Solar Parks Scheme

The government is setting up Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects across the country. The Khavda Hybrid Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat is set to become the world’s largest, with a total capacity of 30 GW upon its expected completion in late 2026.

5. Why is this important for your 2026 Exams?

Expect questions on:

• Dates: Launch of NSM (Jan 11, 2010).
• Current Milestones: Total capacity (132.8 GW+).
• Target Years: 500 GW non-fossil target year (2030).
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• International Alliances: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquartered in Gurugram.

Summary Table for Quick Revision

National Solar Mission: Revision Quiz

• Q1: In which year was the National Solar Mission (NSM) launched?
  Answer: 2010 (Specifically January 11, 2010).
• Q2: Which ministry acts as the nodal agency for the NSM?
  Answer: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Q3: What is India’s target for non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030?
  Answer: 500 GW.
• Q4: Which state leads India in total installed solar capacity as of 2026?
  Answer: Rajasthan.
• Q5: What does Component B of the PM-KUSUM scheme focus on?
  Answer: Installation of standalone solar agriculture pumps.
• Q6: How many units of free electricity does ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ provide?
  Answer: Up to 300 units per month.
• Q7: What is ‘Grid Parity’ in the context of solar energy?
  Answer: When the cost of solar power becomes equal to or less than conventional (coal/gas) power.
• Q8: Where is the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
  Answer: Gurugram, India.
• Q9: Where is the world’s largest 30 GW hybrid renewable energy park being developed?
  Answer: Khavda, Gujarat.
• Q10: The NSM is one of the eight missions under which broader framework?
  Answer: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

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