Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries
₹15 lakh loan at 4% · SC students studying abroad · Gujarat
This Gujarat state scheme gives Scheduled Caste students a loan of up to ₹15 lakh at a concessional 4% interest rate to pursue higher education abroad, covering tuition, hostel, living, travel, and pocket money expenses. The loan is approved only after the visa and air ticket are issued, and repayment starts 6 months after course completion with up to 10 years to repay. Apply online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in) or visit the nearest District Deputy Director for Scheduled Caste Welfare office.
About This Scheme
This Gujarat state scheme gives Scheduled Caste students a loan of up to ₹15 lakh at a concessional 4% interest rate to pursue higher education abroad, covering tuition, hostel, living, travel, and pocket money expenses. The loan is approved only after the visa and air ticket are issued, and repayment starts 6 months after course completion with up to 10 years to repay. Apply online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in) or visit the nearest District Deputy Director for Scheduled Caste Welfare office.
Full official description
The scheme “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries” is administered by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. The scheme was commenced in the year 1999 with the objective to provide an opportunity to Scheduled Caste students to study at abroad. Under this scheme, a loan of ₹15 lakhs is provided at an interest rate of 4% to offer financial assistance to bright career students of the Scheduled Castes who cannot go abroad for higher studies due to the their poor economic condition. In this scheme, loans are provided to students for pursuing graduate and postgraduate courses to cover expenses such as tuition fees, books, hostel fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and pocket money.
Benefits
- Loan of up to ₹15 lakh at 4% interest per annum
- Covers tuition fees, books, hostel, living expenses, travel, and pocket money
- Repayment period of up to 10 years, starting 6 months after course completion
💡 Why Startups Should Care
This scheme specifically targets academically bright SC students whose family income would otherwise block them from foreign education — the 4% rate makes an international degree financially viable.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a native of Gujarat state and belong to the Scheduled Caste category
- Must have 50% or more marks in graduation (for PG, PhD, research, or computer courses abroad)
- Must have 50% or more marks in Class 12 (for technical and professional courses abroad after 12th)
- The foreign institution must be recognized by that country's government
- Loan available to maximum two persons from the same family
- No income limit applies
- Visa and air ticket must be issued before approval is processed
- Must apply within 6 months of moving abroad
How to Apply
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in).
- Register or log in and select this scheme.
- Submit passport photo, Aadhaar, residence proof, and caste certificate.
- Provide admission proof from the foreign institution.
- Submit the application and track status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the loan amount provided under this scheme and at what interest rate?
Eligible students can avail a loan of [?]15 lakhs at an interest rate of 4%.
What expenses does the loan cover?
The loan covers expenses such as tuition fees, books, hostel fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and pocket money for graduate and postgraduate courses.
Who is eligible to apply for this loan?
Applicants must be natives of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Caste category of the state.
Are there specific academic qualifications required for loan eligibility?
Yes, loans are available for postgraduate, Ph.D., higher-level research, and computer courses to those who have secured 50% or more marks in graduation.
Can loans be availed for technical and professional courses abroad after the 12th standard?
Yes, loans are available for technical and professional courses abroad after the 12th standard.
Is there a limit to the number of family members who can receive the loan?
Loans can be provided to a maximum of two persons from the same family.
Is there an income limit for loan eligibility?
No, there is no income limit for loan eligibility.
What are the requirements regarding the recognition of the foreign institution and degree obtained?
The institution and degree must be recognized by the government of the respective foreign country.
When does the loan approval process start?
Approval is processed once the visa and air ticket have been issued.
When does loan repayment start and what is the repayment period?
Loan repayment starts six months after the completion of the student's course and must be completed within 10 years.
How can eligible applicants apply for the loan?
Eligible applicants can apply through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card)
- Proof of residence
- Caste certificate