- Maximum benefit
- Basic level free; up to ₹1.08 lakh (Intermediate) and ₹2.16 lakh (Advanced) of the consultant cost
- Who can apply
- Micro, Small, Medium enterprises, for specific activities only
- Status
- Open; confirm the status before you apply
Is MSME LEAN Scheme open? Key facts at a glance
MSME LEAN Scheme (Central): Basic level free; up to ₹1.08 lakh (Intermediate) and ₹2.16 lakh (Advanced) of the consultant cost.
Last verified: 20 Oct 2026. How we check our information
| Status | Open. Confirm the status before you apply (see the note on this page). |
|---|---|
| Level | Central government scheme |
| Type of benefit | Subsidy on LEAN Consultancy Cost |
| Maximum benefit | Basic level free; up to ₹1.08 lakh (Intermediate) and ₹2.16 lakh (Advanced) of the consultant cost |
| Project cost range | Up to ₹1.20 lakh (Intermediate) / ₹2.40 lakh (Advanced) per unit, plus taxes |
| Who can apply | Micro, Small, Medium enterprises (Manufacturing). Only for: Intermediate and Advanced levels are taken up by a Group of Enterprises (GoE) formed on the LEAN portal, not by a unit alone. |
| Implementing agency | Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of MSME; implemented by the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Productivity Council (NPC) |
| Where to apply | MSME LEAN portal |
| Official notification | Read the notification (PDF) · notified 10 March 2023 |
| Last verified | 20 Oct 2026 · How we check |
What is MSME LEAN Scheme?
The MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme, part of the Ministry of MSME's MSME Champions scheme, helps manufacturing MSMEs cut waste in processes, inventory, space and energy using LEAN tools. A unit takes the Lean Pledge and completes the Basic level free through online self-learning.
It can then join a Group of Enterprises for the Intermediate level (up to ₹1.20 lakh of consultant handholding per unit) and the Advanced level (up to ₹2.40 lakh). The Government pays 90% of that cost, and more for women-, SC- or ST-owned units, units in SFURTI clusters and units in the North East.
QCI and NPC implement the scheme.
Official notification (PDF) · notified 10 March 2023
What are the key benefits of MSME LEAN Scheme?
- Basic level free of cost, through self-paced online modules (Guidelines para 4B).
- Intermediate level: implementation cost up to ₹1,20,000 + taxes per unit; the unit pays 10% (up to ₹12,000) and the Government up to ₹1,08,000 (para 9.0).
- Advanced level: implementation cost up to ₹2,40,000 + taxes per unit; the unit pays 10% (up to ₹24,000) and the Government up to ₹2,16,000 (para 9.0).
- An additional 5% Government contribution for MSMEs in SFURTI clusters, women-, SC- or ST-owned MSMEs and MSMEs in the North East; another 5% for MSMEs that register through an Industry Association or OEM, paid after all levels are completed (para 9.0).
- LEAN certificates are valid for 3 years (Intermediate subject to a surveillance audit at 18 months).
What could a unit get under MSME LEAN Scheme?
The ceiling the scheme sets. What a particular unit receives depends on its project cost, location and the conditions on this page, so no rupee figure is worked out here.
Up to the scheme’s limits: Basic level free; up to ₹1.08 lakh (Intermediate) and ₹2.16 lakh (Advanced) of the consultant cost
Illustrative only: this is the scheme’s maximum, not an estimate for your unit. Source: MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme Guidelines 2022 (component of MSME Champions), paras 2.4, 4 and 9.0; scheme validity clause p. 4; LEAN portal (read 20 Oct 2026); O/o DC (MSME) OM No. 5(9)/2021-22/PMS/Misc, 2 April 2026.
Who can apply for MSME LEAN Scheme?
- MSMEs registered on Udyam; the current phase covers manufacturing MSMEs (Guidelines paras 2.0 and 2.4).
- Common Facility Centres under SFURTI and MSE-CDP can also join.
Eligible business types
MSME categories covered
Eligible industries
How do I apply for MSME LEAN Scheme?
- Register on the LEAN portal with your Udyam number and take the Lean Pledge.
- Complete the Basic level online, then apply for Intermediate and Advanced as part of a Group of Enterprises with a designated consultant from QCI or NPC.
Apply at: MSME LEAN portal
Which documents are needed for MSME LEAN Scheme?
- Udyam Registration
- Lean Pledge and undertaking on the LEAN portal
Can MSME LEAN Scheme be combined with other schemes?
This scheme can be combined with the following for higher total benefits:
Why are MSME LEAN Scheme applications rejected?
- Not registered on Udyam
- Intermediate or Advanced level taken up without joining a Group of Enterprises
- Basic level not completed before applying for Intermediate
Subsidy Setu's DPR preparation process addresses all common rejection points before filing.
Frequently asked questions about MSME LEAN Scheme
- Is MSME LEAN Scheme open?
- It is listed as open, but confirm the status before you apply: The LEAN guidelines say the scheme's financial support is valid until 31 March 2026. A Ministry of MSME memo of 2 April 2026 cites temporary continuation of schemes beyond 31 March 2026, up to 30 September 2026 or until the next scheme is approved, whichever is earlier; when we checked on 20 October 2026 we found no extension beyond that. The LEAN portal is still active and takes registrations, so confirm there before you commit to a consultant. Status last verified: 20 Oct 2026.
- Who can apply for MSME LEAN Scheme?
- Micro, Small, Medium enterprises (Manufacturing). Only for: Intermediate and Advanced levels are taken up by a Group of Enterprises (GoE) formed on the LEAN portal, not by a unit alone.
- What is the maximum benefit under MSME LEAN Scheme?
- Basic level free; up to ₹1.08 lakh (Intermediate) and ₹2.16 lakh (Advanced) of the consultant cost.
- How do I apply for MSME LEAN Scheme?
- 1. Register on the LEAN portal with your Udyam number and take the Lean Pledge. 2. Complete the Basic level online, then apply for Intermediate and Advanced as part of a Group of Enterprises with a designated consultant from QCI or NPC. Apply at: MSME LEAN portal.
Guides on MSME LEAN Scheme
Related schemes
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