Education Loan in India

Education loan is the financial service offered by the bank or the loan providers to the candidates who are willing to pursue technical, educational, or other courses in India or abroad. The loan provider allows students to repay the loan after completion of the course and a period of six months is also provided as a grace period until the candidate gets a job. Education loans offered by various banks in India range in interest from 4.00% p.a. to 16.00% p.a.

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025
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These loans cover many levels of education, from nursery school to higher studies, and are made to help working professionals who are studying full-time or part-time.

What is an Education Loan?

An education loan is a financial support provided by banks or lending institutions to students who wish to pursue higher education. These loans cater to both domestic and international studies, featuring a flexible repayment period of up to 20 years.

Additionally, tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act provide relief through deductions on the interest paid. The application process, available through online and offline channels, requires essential documentation such as admission letters and academic records.

An Education Loan EMI Calculator aids borrower in estimating monthly repayments, providing insights into the loan cost. The repayment often commencing 12 months after course completion, offers flexibility through various modes like internet banking, cheques, direct debit, and demand drafts.


Education Loan

Types of Education Loans

Category

Loan Type

Detail

By Location

Domestic loan

Students studying in India and must be enrolled in a recognized Indian institution

Internation Loan

Studying abroad and it covers fees, travel, and living expenses

By Collateral

Secured Loan

Requires assets like property, deposits, or investments as security.

Guarantor- Based Loan

Requires a third-party guarantor, often from a bank employee.

By Course

Undergraduate Loan

For bachelor's degree – three to four years

Postgraduate Loan

For master’s or advanced degrees (usually two years)

Career Enhancement Loan

For professionals who wants to pursue short-term courses for training and certification

List of Banks Offering Education Loans in India

Here is the list of interest rates offered by different banks in India: 

Name of Bank

Interest Rate (p.a.)

Processing Fees

State Bank of India

7.15% p.a. to 10.15% p.a.

Loans up to Rs.7.5 lakh- Nil

Central Bank of India 

7.00% p.a. to 10.00% p.a.

  1. Nil for studies in India
  2. 1% of loan amount for studies abroad (Max: Rs. 10,000)

Punjab National Bank

4.00% p.a. to 11.85% p.a.

  1. Nil for studies in India
  2. 1% of loan amount for studies abroad (Max: Rs. 10,000)

Canara Bank 

7.60% p.a. to 10.35% p.a.

Minor processing fees or Nil

IDFC FIRST Bank 

9.50% p.a. onwards

Up to 1.5% of the loan amount

IDBI Bank 

4.00% p.a. to 11.70% p.a.

  1. Nil for studies in India
  1. 1% of the loan amount (Maximum: Rs.5,000) for studies abroad
  1. For other management quota students: 1% of loan amount + service tax, minimum Rs.1000 + tax.

Bank of Baroda

Starting from 7.10% p.a. onwards

  1. Baroda Vidhya – Nil
  2. Baroda Gyan – Nil
  3. Baroda Scholar – 1% of loan amount up to Rs.10,000

Bank of India 

7.10% p.a. to 12.35% p.a.

No processing fee for studies in India

ICICI Bank 

10.25% p.a. to 14.00% p.a.

Up to 2% of the loan amount

Bank of Maharashtra 

7.10% p.a. to 10.30% p.a.

Nil

Axis Bank

3.50% p.a. to 13.00 p.a.

2.00% of the loan plus GST

HDFC Bank

10.50% p.a. onwards

  1. Up to loan amount Rs.7.5 lakh- Nil
  2. Above Rs. 7.5 lakh- 1%

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Maximum up to 16%

Nil

Federal Bank

11.25% p.a. to 15% p.a.

Contact the bank

Depending on the bank or financial institution, you can have a fixed interest rate package or a fluctuating interest rate package. Most floating rates are based on the Repo Rate, with a spread applied before the final effective interest rate is presented to you (EIR).

Features & Benefits of Study Loans

  1. Loan financing up to Rs.1 crore is available
  2. Loan repayment tenure is up to 15 years
  3. Get education loans for studies in India and abroad
  4. For abroad studies some lenders offer loan disbursals before applying for a Visa
  5. Door-step service to collect required documents
  6. Children of the bank's employees enjoy preferential rates at several banks
  7. Certain banks offer concessional interest rates to female students
  8. Enjoy a moratorium period of up to 1 year after course completion. During this period, you do not have to make payments on the loan
  9. Enjoy tax benefits for up to eight years on the interest paid

List of Expenses Covered in Education Loans

Here's what the loan amount will cover:

  1. Tuition fees
  2. Hostel fees
  3. Travel expenses passage money for students studying abroad
  4. Insurance premium
  5. Cost of books/equipment/instruments/uniform
  6. Examination/laboratory/library fees
  7. Cost of a computer/laptop required for course completion
  8. Caution deposit, building fund/refundable deposit supported by institution bills/receipts
  9. Any other expenses required to complete the course such as study tours/thesis/project work

Tax Benefits on Education Loans

Section 80E of the Income Tax Act provides various tax benefits to individuals in repaying education loans only. Given below are some of the benefits:

  1. It is available to individuals who are paying loans for themselves, their spouse, or children.
  2. You can deduct the full amount of interest paid from your taxable income.
  3. The deduction can be claimed for up to eight years.
  4. Only the interest paid can be deducted, not the principal.
  5. It helps in lowering your taxable income, which makes it easy to manage the finances.

Courses Covered Under Education Loans

  1. Undergraduate degrees
  2. Postgraduate degrees
  3. Undergraduate diplomas
  4. Postgraduate diplomas
  5. Vocational training courses
  6. Skill development courses
  7. Doctoral programmes
Student Loan

Eligibility Criteria for Education Loans

In order to avail the education loan, an individual must need to fulfil the below given criteria:

  1. Loans are provided for sanctioned undergraduate programs, postgraduate programs, PhDs, diploma courses with a duration of six months or more, job-oriented courses, and technical/professional courses
  2. Applicants must be enrolled or secure admissions in recognised institutions, government institutions, professional institutions, and international colleges and universities
  3. For undergraduate courses, applicants should have completed 10+2 (12th standard), and for postgraduate courses, a degree is required

List of Documents Required for Education Loans

Here is an indicative list of documents that most lenders ask for:

  1. Admission letter from the educational institution
  2. Marksheets (previous education - school/college)
  3. Age proof
  4. ID proof
  5. Address proof
  6. Signature proof
  7. Salary slips
  8. Recent bank account statements
  9. ITR with the income computation
  10. Audited balance sheet
  11. Recent bank statements
  12. Proof of turnover (service tax return/sales receipt)
  13. Completed application form with signature
  14. Latest passport-size photographs
  15. Appropriate Visa for studies abroad

Know more about documents required for education loan here

What Do Lenders Consider When Approving the Loan?

Lenders consider the following factors when approving a loan:

  1. The course and institute you choose
  2. The amount you need
  3. Your academic performance
  4. Repayment capacity of your family
  5. Family assets
  6. Annual income

How to Apply for an Education Loan Online

To apply for an education loan through the official bank website, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the bank's official website

Step 2: Locate the education loan product page

Step 3: Complete the application-cum-consent form by entering your personal and contact information

Step 4: Provide your academic and financial details when contacted by the bank

Step 5: Choose between the doorstep service option for a study loan or visit the bank in person to finalize the loan approval process

How to Apply for an Education Loan Offline

 You can apply for an education loan offline by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit your chosen bank branch

Step 2: Request a student loan application form

Step 3: Fill out the form with personal, academic, and financial details

Step 4: Confirm loan terms with a bank official

Step 5: Submit the completed application form and documents

Step 6: Receive a formal student loan agreement once approved

Step 7: You need to wait for the bank to process the application and release the loan to your account.

Important Factors to Consider When Applying for an Education Loan

Before applying for an education loan, it is very important to look at different factors to avoid extra financial stress. These factors are given below:

  1. Always check the additional charges such as processing fees, late payment fees etc.
  2. If you are planning to pay off the loan early, then inquire about any prepayment fees
  3. Before signing the loan agreement, carefully review the instructions.
  4. Always check the total repayment amount, including any additional charges.

Education Loan EMI Calculator

The Education Loan EMI calculator is an online calculating tool designed to help borrowers calculate the monthly repayment amount for their educational loans. It generates an amortisation schedule illustrating the EMI breakdown, including monthly interest payments and the portion of the principal repaid.

The tool also outlines the total amount repaid to date and the outstanding balance, offering a comprehensive understanding of the overall cost of the educational loan. This facilitates the calculation of the total interest payable throughout the loan tenure.

How Does the Education Loan Calculator Help You?

For individuals considering or already applying for an educational loan, understanding the monthly EMI commitment is crucial. The Education Loan EMI calculator aids in assessing the monthly financial obligation, allowing borrowers to explore various interest rates and select preferred banks. This information enables effective budget planning

How to Use the Education Loan EMI Calculator

The tool is user-friendly and free of charge, requiring users to input the following details: 

  1. Amount: The desired educational loan amount
  2. Tenure: The preferred duration for repaying the loan, representing the EMI period
  3. Rate of Interest: The applicable interest rate offered by the lending institution

By entering these details, users can obtain the monthly EMI amount, with the flexibility to adjust parameters for a customized monthly budget

Key Benefits of Using the Education Loan EMI Calculator

Key advantages of utilising the educational loan EMI calculator include:

  1. Instantly provides the monthly EMI amount
  2. Offers a clear overview of monthly EMI commitments
  3. Facilitates budgeting and savings for financial goals
  4. Illustrates the amortisation schedule, detailing paid-off EMIs
  5. Provides insight into the outstanding principal for effective fund management
  6. Accessible from any location and free of charge

Education Loan Repayment Process

The loan repayment period normally starts 12 months after completion of the course or 6 months after employment, whichever comes first. Applicants are given varied moratorium periods by different lenders when it comes to repaying their loans. You will be required to repay your loan using EMIs.

Different Modes of Repayment

  1. Internet Banking - Pay online through the lender's website or mobile app
  2. Cheque - Drop a cheque at any of the branches
  3. Direct debit - Set up recurring payments for your EMI to be directly debited from your bank account on the payment due date
  4. Demand Draft - Pay through a DD

The preferred method of repayment varies between lenders. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your lender when taking the loan.

Moratorium Period

In the case of education loans, the beneficiaries will be able to start paying off the loan after the completion of the educational course or after successful employment.

Part-Payment of Education Loans

The beneficiaries of education loans will be allowed to make part payments towards their loans. As an applicant, you can pay back a lump sum amount to make part repayment of the loan.

Pre-Payment of Education Loans

If an applicant is able to manage the funds for the pre-payment of the loan amount, he or she will be able to do the same. However, it should be kept in mind that this might incur a processing fee.

If money is the only thing standing between you and your professional goals, consider taking out an education or student loan to help you achieve them. You can receive collateral-free goals, which means you won't have to provide the lender with any security and your payments won't start right after graduation.

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FAQs on Education Loans

  • Do banks offer education loans without interest?

    No, an interest rate will be levied by banks on education loans. 

  • Will I get the same amount of money on my education loan for the same level course in India and abroad?

    No, usually education loans for courses in India do not offer the same amount as for comparable level courses abroad. Education loans offer higher amounts for courses abroad as fees and other expenses may be higher there than for courses in India (which also depends on the educational institution).

  • Is there an age limit or amount cap for education loans?

    As per the RBI guidelines, there is generally no upper age limit for applying for an education loan, but different banks may have their own rules about age. So, it is recommended to check with the particular bank.

  • For courses abroad, is the loan offered in the currency of that particular country?

    For courses abroad, education loans are typically paid directly to the educational institution in the local currency of that country.

  • Will the moratorium on education loans get extended if I choose to take a sabbatical from my course?

    The moratorium period on education loans differs from lender to lender. However, it is usually until the borrower gets employed or for up to 1 year of the course being completed, whichever is earlier. If you choose to take a sabbatical and want an extension of your moratorium, it would depend on the bank whether to grant it or not, so it is best to have a discussion about this with the lender.

  • Are NRIs eligible for education loans from banks in India?

    Yes, you are eligible if you are an Indian citizen, 18 years old with an Indian passport, and your co-applicant must be a resident of India. Also, you need to provide a Power of Attorney (POA).

  • What happens if I discontinue the course and get employment within the grace period?

    If you choose to discontinue the course mid-way, you must start repaying the loan immediately after getting a job.

  • Can I port my education loan to another bank with lower interest rates?

    Yes, you can move your education loan from one bank to another. However, your current bank might charge a refinance fee. Therefore, it is important to consider all factors of the existing bank and the new bank before moving the loan.

  • How can I get my student loan waived in India?

    Yes, student loans in India can be waived in certain circumstances. Government schemes, employment in specific sectors, financial hardship, disability, and institutional policies are some avenues for loan forgiveness. It's essential to check with the loan provider and explore available options.

  • How do I waive off a loan?

    To qualify for a loan waive-off, meet the lender's financial hardship criteria, citing reasons like unemployment or illness. Submit an application detailing your financial situation. The lender reviews it, offering terms for the waive-off if eligible. Acceptance involves signing an agreement and adhering to outlined terms, possibly requiring lump-sum payment or a repayment plan. Failure to comply may lead to legal action for debt recovery. 

  • What are the key highlights of the New Education Policy 2020?

    The New Education Policy 2020 focuses on holistic development, multilingualism, vocational training, and digital learning. For more details, visit New Education Policy 2020.  

News on Education Loan

AYUSH NEET UG 2025 Closes Registration for First Round

The AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee) closes registration for the first round of NEET UG 2025 counselling for all India quota Ayush seats on Monday. The registration portal remained open until 2 p.m., with the fee payment facility available until 5 p.m. The choice filling process continued until 11.55 p.m., and the candidates were able to finalise their preferences between 2 p.m. and midnight. The first round of seat allotment results will be published on 4th September. Candidates who are allotted seats will be required to report to their respective institutions between 5th and 12th September. 

2 September 2025

Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024 Date Announced

The Odisha Civil Service Preliminary Examination 2024 is confirmed to be conducted on 12 October 2025. The announcement was made by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) on Monday. The detailed examination schedules, venue, and other instructions will be released through the official website at a later date. Candidates who applied for the exam are advised to check the official OPSC website for the latest updates regularly. 

26 August 2025

Top States and Banks Giving Education Loans (2022–2025)

During the financial years 2022–23 to 2024–25 (provisional), Maharashtra lend the highest amount of education loans among all states, with Rs.11,426.47 crore. Kerala was next with Rs.8,937.78 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh at Rs.8,101.06 crore, and Tamil Nadu at Rs.7,198.63 crore. On the other hand, smaller regions like Lakshadweep (Rs.0.17 crore), Mizoram (Rs.9.93 crore), Arunachal Pradesh (Rs.10.40 crore), and Nagaland (Rs.19.76 crore) saw very low amounts of education loans. Among government banks, the State Bank of India (SBI) gave the most education loans with Rs.32,311.02 crore. Then came, Union Bank of India with Rs.14,558.77 crore, followed by Bank of Baroda with Rs.8,468.53 crore. Other banks like Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Indian Bank also gave large amounts of loans. Even though many loans were given, SBI kept its bad loan numbers (loans not being paid back) quite steady. Its unpaid education loans were Rs.372 crore in 2023, Rs.382 crore in 2024, and Rs.336 crore in 2025 (provisional). This shows that while students are taking many loans, some still face trouble in repaying them.  

18 August 2025

PGIMER B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Exam Result 2025 Declared

The Nursing Entrance Exam 2025 results have been declared on 9 August 2025 by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Candidates can check their results on the official website of pgimer.edu.in by filling in their User ID and Password. The results have been announced for both the four-year and post-basic B.Sc. Nursing entrance examination. The document verification and counselling process for B.Sc. Nursing (Post-Basic), will be held on 11 August and 12 August 2025, respectively. For a Four-Year B.Sc. Nursing, the document verification will take place on 13 August and 14 August 2025. 

13 August 2025

Delhi University Releases CSAS UG 2025 Round 2 Allotment List on 28 July

On 28 July 2025, the University of Delhi released the second allotment list for undergraduate admissions under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). Candidates who applied in the second round were able to check their allotment status by logging on the official website — admission.uod.ac.in. Before the allotment, DU had allowed candidates to re-arrange their course and college preferences between 24 July and 25 July 2025. After the list was published, shortlisted candidates had to accept their allotted seats between 28 July and 30 July. Colleges were required to verify and approve applications by 31 July, and the last date to pay the admission fee online was 1 August 2025. 

5 August 2025
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