The Government of India has reopened the application window for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, covering Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED lights. The window will remain open for 30 days, from 15th September 2025 to 14th October 2025. This decision follows increased interest from industry players keen to invest more in the scheme, reflecting the growing market demand and confidence generated by the manufacturing of critical components for ACs and LED lights in India.

Same Terms & Conditions as Earlier Rounds

The new round of applications will be accepted under the same terms and conditions as outlined in the original PLI Scheme for White Goods, which was notified on 16th April 2021, and the Scheme Guidelines issued on 4th June 2021, as amended periodically. Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official online portal.

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Open to New & Existing Beneficiaries

Both new applicants and existing beneficiaries are eligible to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria laid out in the Scheme Guidelines. Existing beneficiaries looking to expand their investments by shifting to higher target segments or applying through their group companies in different segments can also participate. Applicants must comply with the prescribed investment schedules detailed in the scheme’s appendices.

Incentives Available for Remainder of Scheme Tenure

Incentives under the scheme will be provided only for the remaining tenure of the programme. As per the guidelines, new applicants and beneficiaries opting for Group-2 (GP-2), which extends up to March 2023, will be eligible for PLI benefits for a maximum of two years. Meanwhile, beneficiaries under Group-1 (GP-1), up to March 2022, seeking to move to a higher investment category will be eligible for benefits for one year only. Additionally, existing beneficiaries unable to meet the prescribed investment or sales thresholds in a given year can claim incentives as per their original investment plan. However, this flexibility will be provided only once during the entire scheme period.

Major Investment Commitments So Far

So far, 83 applicants with a committed investment of ₹10,406 crore have been selected as beneficiaries under the PLI Scheme. These investments are expected to enhance the domestic manufacturing ecosystem for AC and LED components, including parts not currently produced in sufficient quantities in India.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat’s Push for Manufacturing Growth

The PLI Scheme for White Goods was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7th April 2021, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The scheme aims to place manufacturing at the core of India’s growth strategy while creating jobs and boosting the economy. The seven-year programme, spanning from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29, is backed by a budget allocation of ₹6,238 crore.

This move is a significant step in strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical consumer goods and positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub.