Loan Assistance to Scheduled Castes Students for Commercial Pilot Training
₹25 lakh pilot training loan at 4% · Scheduled Caste students Gujarat
Scheduled Caste students from Gujarat who aspire to become commercial pilots can get a loan of up to ₹25 lakh at 4% interest to fund their Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, whether in India or abroad. Running since 1987, the scheme is managed by the Gujarat SC Welfare Directorate. Apply online at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or in person at the nearest District Deputy Director (SC Welfare) office.
About This Scheme
Scheduled Caste students from Gujarat who aspire to become commercial pilots can get a loan of up to ₹25 lakh at 4% interest to fund their Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, whether in India or abroad. Running since 1987, the scheme is managed by the Gujarat SC Welfare Directorate. Apply online at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or in person at the nearest District Deputy Director (SC Welfare) office.
Full official description
The scheme “Loan Assistance to Scheduled Castes Students for Commercial Pilot Training” is administered by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. The scheme was commenced in the year 1987 with the objective to provide financial assistance to bright Scheduled Castes Students who want to undergo training for commercial pilot license. Loan assistance is provided to all eligible Scheduled Castes candidates who are unable to afford training for a commercial pilot license due to poor economic conditions.
Benefits
- Loan of up to ₹25,00,000 at 4% interest per annum
- Covers tuition fees, incidental expenses, subsistence allowance (up to 6 months), and start-up equipment (RBI approval needed for foreign training costs)
- Repayment starts 1 year after disbursement; principal repaid over 10 years + interest over 2 years (total 12 years)
- Option to repay the outstanding amount before the stipulated period
💡 Why Startups Should Care
This is one of the longest-running SC education loan schemes (since 1987), specifically funding an aviation career path that would otherwise be financially out of reach for most SC families given CPL training's high cost.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a native of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Caste category
- Must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or Class 12 (Higher Secondary) and meet all academic requirements of the chosen training institute
- Training institute must be government-approved; the CPL obtained must be recognized in that country and accepted in India after a 1-year legal process
- Must provide two valid sureties (guarantors)
- No relatives living abroad should be financially sponsoring the trainee
- After completing training, must work in India for a minimum of 5 years
How to Apply
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in).
- Register or log in and select this scheme.
- Fill in personal, educational, and CPL admission details.
- Upload passport photo, Aadhaar, caste certificate, and educational qualification proof.
- Submit the application and track status on the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the scheme initiated?
The scheme was commenced in the year 1987.
What amount of loan is provided under this scheme?
A loan of [?]25 lakhs is provided at an interest rate of 4% to eligible candidates.
What are the eligibility criteria for availing this loan assistance?
The applicant should be a native of Gujarat state and belong to the Scheduled Caste category of Gujarat State.
Can the loan be used for other purposes?
No, the loan should be strictly used for training purposes. Any deviation may result in recovery with penal interest.
Are there any conditions regarding repayment of the loan?
Beneficiaries are free to repay the amount earlier than the due date. However, there are consequences for defaulting on repayments.
Is there any obligation after completing the training?
Yes, beneficiaries must render services in India for a minimum of five years after completing the training. Failure to do so may require repayment of the assistance with interest.
How can one apply for this loan assistance?
Eligible applicants can apply through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/
What happens if the trainee settles abroad after training?
The entire amount of assistance must be returned to the Government of Gujarat with interest.
How is the rate of exchange determined for trainees undergoing training abroad?
The rate of exchange is fixed by the Reserve Bank of India, and allowances for trainees must also be approved by the Reserve Bank.
How long is the repayment period for the loan?
The loan must be repaid within 10 years, including a two-year grace period for interest repayment.
What is the frequency of loan recovery?
Loan recovery begins after one year from the date of disbursement and follows a monthly installment plan.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Proof of residence
- Caste certificate
- Educational qualification certificates