Samsung may become the first smartphone maker to complete five successful years under India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. It’s a government program that offers cash rewards to phone makers for building high-value devices within the country.
Launched in 2020, the PLI scheme is part of India’s push to become a global manufacturing hub and reduce its reliance on imports, especially from China. It offers direct cash incentives to companies that increase their year-on-year production of electronics like smartphones. To qualify, they must produce devices with a factory cost above $200 (around ₹15,000).
Samsung hits fifth-year target, now eligible INR 1,000-1,200 cr in India’s PLI
As per a report from The Economic Times, Samsung has likely hit its fifth-year target, producing between INR 25,000 and INR 30,000 crore worth of smartphones. This would make Samsung eligible for INR 1,000–1,200 crore (about $117–$140 million) in India’s PLI. Samsung has reportedly started filing its claims. If approved, it will be the first brand to complete the full five-year cycle under the scheme.
Incentives are paid on a sliding scale; 6% of incremental sales in the first two years, 5% in the third and fourth, and 4% in the fifth. Samsung’s fifth PLI year ended on March 31. Apple’s suppliers and other manufacturers began their final year the next day, on April 1.
In India, Samsung has hit its targets in most years, except the second. The company usually just meets the minimum threshold, unlike Apple’s partners who often overshoot their goals. This year, though, Samsung may have exceeded expectations.
Final incentives will depend on government verification. In its first year, Samsung’s claim was delayed due to invoice errors, but it was later approved for ₹500 crore. If everything checks out this time, it’s a big win. Yes, a big win for both Samsung and for India’s “Make in India” mission.
