Under the PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme, the government has introduced a mission-mode mechanism to extend education loans to students. This initiative targets those who gain admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Educational Institutions in India.
This move aims to assist over 22 lakh students annually, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints. Announced by the Union Cabinet, this scheme ensures that financial barriers do not prevent students from pursuing higher education at top institutions.
Let’s dive into the details, the benefits of the PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme, and how you can apply for a loan to pursue quality higher education.
Feature | Details |
Loan Amount | Up to ₹10 lakh |
Collateral Requirement | None (Collateral-free) |
Eligibility | Students with family income up to ₹8 lakh |
Interest Subvention | 3% for loans up to ₹10 lakh for students with family income ≤ ₹8 lakh |
Credit Guarantee | 75% guarantee for loans up to ₹7.5 lakh |
Application Process | Digital, student-friendly portal |
Outlay (2024-31) | ₹3,600 Crore |
One of the standout features of the PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme is that it offers collateral-free, guarantor-free loans. Students can apply for loans without assets or third-party guarantees. The scheme is entirely digital, ensuring transparency and ease of application.
To further ease the burden on students, the scheme provides a 75% credit guarantee for loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, protecting banks from defaults.
For families earning up to ₹8 lakh annually, students will receive 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh. Interest subvention refers to the financial support provided by the government to reduce the interest burden on loans, making it more affordable for borrowers.
This subvention is especially valuable during the moratorium period and will be available for up to 1 lakh students each year.
In addition, students from families earning up to ₹4.5 lakh annually will continue to receive full interest subvention under the Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS), making higher education even more accessible.
The PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme is open to students who gain admission to top-ranked institutions listed by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
This includes institutions ranked in the top 100, as well as those in the 101-200 range, and all central government-run universities.
To apply, students will use the PM Vidyalaxmi portal, a unified digital platform. This system ensures that the loan application as well as the interest subvention is processed efficiently.
The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet in November, is reportedly set for implementation by February 2025.
The PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme is a transformative step in India’s education landscape. The scheme ensures that financial constraints will no longer prevent students from attending top-tier educational institutions. As the country moves toward a more inclusive future, initiatives like these play a crucial role in empowering the youth and building a brighter tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.
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