Educational Loans

Overview

Banks give educational loans to deserving students who are unable to pursue further studies due to the lack of financial support. Loans are given to students pursuing graduation, post-graduation and professional courses from institutes approved by the state and central government as well as foreign universities that are eligible for a loan.

Eligibility

Should be a citizen of India
For vocational training courses and job oriented course age of the individual should be between 15-28 years, and 18-30 in case of post graduate courses and/or studies abroad
The applicant should have a good academic record
For studies abroad, the candidate should have secured admission in a particular university after having appeared in the specific entrance examinations
The applicant should have secured a minimum of 50% marks in the major subject
In case of SC/ST candidates eligibility norms may be relaxed

Process

Individuals can visit a bank branch to apply for loans or they can even apply online and get a loan sanctioned. Usually, banks study the financial viability of the borrower based on personal discussions with the student, family's assets and annual income, the nature of the course and reputation of the institute etc. In most banks for loans up to Rs. 4 lakhs no collateral or margin is required and the interest rate will not exceed the Prime Lending Rates (PLR). Repayment of the loan usually doesn't begin till one has finished their studies with a grace period of one year after the completion of studies. The mode of repayment differs for each bank and the form of loan taken.