Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revises Kisan Credit Card norms, standardises crop season definition

Exam-focused facts from the 21 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the 'Reserve Bank of India [Commercial Banks - Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme] Directions, 2026', applicable from January 2026.
Crop seasons under the KCC Scheme are standardised at 12 months for short duration crops and 18 months for long duration crops.
Banks must waive collateral security and margin requirements for agricultural loans, including allied activities, up to Rs 2 lakh per borrower.
For KCC loans against hypothecation of crops or stock with tie-up arrangements, collateral security may be waived for loans up to Rs 3 lakh.
RBI rejected suggestions to increase the collateral-free limit, noting it was recently enhanced in December 2024 and no further increase is envisaged.