NSFDC Education Loan Scheme for SC Students
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
The NSFDC Education Loan Scheme offers substantial financial assistance to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) category for pursuing approved professional and technical courses. This scheme supports both domestic and international studies, covering a wide array of educational expenses.
Eligible students can secure a loan amount of up to ₹30 lakh for studies in India at an interest rate of 6% and up to ₹40 lakh for studies abroad at an interest rate of 7%. A 0.5% rebate on the interest rate is provided to female applicants, making it even more accessible. The repayment period is flexible, extending up to 10 years for loans below ₹10 lakh and up to 12 years for loans exceeding ₹10 lakh.
The loan comprehensively covers various essential expenses, including admission and tuition fees, examination fees, costs for books, stationery, and equipment, as well as hostel and mess charges. For international studies, it also includes travel expenses, visa costs, and insurance premiums. This scheme is designed to significantly reduce financial barriers, enabling SC students to achieve their academic and career aspirations without undue financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicants must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
• Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• They must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) category.
• Students must be planning to pursue regular professional/technical courses approved by the Government in India and abroad.
• Applicants must have cleared their last qualifying examination (school, undergraduate, or postgraduate level).
The candidates must be enrolled in one of the following professional and technical courses approved by the Government for pursuing studies in both Indian and International institutions:
• Engineering (Diploma/ B.Tech /B.E, M.Tech/M.E.)
• Architecture (B.Arch/M.Arch)
• Medical (MBBS/MD/MS)
• Biotechnology/Microbiology/Clinical Technology (Diploma/Degree)
• Pharmacy (B.Pharma/M.Pharma)
• Dental (BDS/MDS)
• Physiotherapy (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
• Pathology (B.Sc/M.Sc.)
• Nursing (B.Sc./M.Sc.)
• Information Technology (BCA/MCA)
• Management (BBA/MBA)
• Hotel Management & Catering Technology (Diploma /Graduation/Post Graduation)
• Law (LLB/LLM)
• Education (CT/NTT/B.Ed/M.Ed)
• Physical Education (C.PEd./B.PEd/ M.PEd)
• Journalism & Mass Communication (Graduation/Post Graduation)
• Geriatric Care (Diploma/Post Graduate Diploma)
• Midwifery (Diploma)
• Laboratory Technician (Diploma)
• Chartered Accountancy (CA)
• Cost Accountancy (ICWA)
• Company Secretaryship (CS)
• Actuarial Sciences (Graduation/ Post Graduation/FIA)
• Associate Member of Institute of Engineers (AMIE) and Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication
• Higher education (Doctoral Studies leading to M.Phil/PhD from recognized institutions.)
• Annual family income of applicants belonging to urban and rural areas should not exceed ₹3 lakh.
Required Documents
Specific required documents are not detailed in the provided content. Applicants are advised to refer to the official application form and guidelines available on the NSFDC website or from the respective State Channelising Agency (SCA) for a comprehensive list of necessary documents. Generally, these may include identity proof, caste certificate, income certificate, academic records, admission letters, and fee structures.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can follow these steps to apply:
1. Visit the official website (refer to the apply link provided) and locate the scholarship or loan section.
2. If it's your first time, you may need to register on the portal. Otherwise, log in using your existing credentials.
3. Once logged in or on the main page, navigate to 'Quick Links' and click on it.
4. Scroll down and click on 'Forms', then proceed to click on the 'Education Loan' tab.
5. Download the application form and fill out all the relevant details accurately.
6. Attach all supporting documents (hard copy) in the prescribed format as required.
7. Create a comprehensive file including the filled application form and all supporting documents.
8. Submit this file to the respective State Channelising Agency (SCA).
Important Notes:
• Please visit the official NSFDC website (nsfdc.nic.in) to find the concerned authority’s address, phone number, and email ID for your region.
• Always check the official documents released by the SCA to download the most current application form and understand specific requirements.