Access to formal agricultural credit remains a persistent challenge for small and marginal farmers in India's semi-arid districts. This study examines the awareness and utilisation of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme under Priority Sector Lending among 124 farmers in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka. Using chi-square tests and correlation analysis on primary survey data, three hypotheses were tested. Results reveal a statistically significant relationship between education level and KCC access (χ²=11.801, p=.019), a strong association between KCC access and farm productivity (χ²=116.247, p<.001), and a significant link between scheme awareness and difficulty in accessing institutional credit among non-users (χ²=18.023, p<.001). Key barriers include lack of awareness, complex documentation, and procedural challenges. Policy interventions targeting financial literacy, simplified processes, and expanded banking infrastructure are recommended.