New Akanksha Scheme (Higher Education Loan) (GGDC)
₹15 lakh education loan · 3.5–4% interest · Rabari & Bharwad students Gujarat
This Gujarat state scheme by the Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation provides low-interest education loans of up to ₹15 lakh to students from the Rabari and Bharwad communities pursuing professional courses such as medicine, engineering, dental, or pharmacy. Interest rates are 3.5% for women and 4% for men, with 95% of the cost funded by the government. Apply online at ggdconline.gujarat.gov.in.
About This Scheme
This Gujarat state scheme by the Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation provides low-interest education loans of up to ₹15 lakh to students from the Rabari and Bharwad communities pursuing professional courses such as medicine, engineering, dental, or pharmacy. Interest rates are 3.5% for women and 4% for men, with 95% of the cost funded by the government. Apply online at ggdconline.gujarat.gov.in.
Full official description
The "New Akanksha Scheme (Higher Educational Loan)" is implemented by the Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation (GGDC) under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat. Under this scheme, educational loans of up to ₹15 lakh are provided to students belonging to the Rabari and Bharwad castes from socially and educationally backward classes for pursuing higher professional courses such as medical, dental, engineering, pharmacy, etc.
Benefits
- Loan of up to ₹15,00,000
- Interest rate: 3.5% per annum for women; 4% per annum for men
- 95% of the loan funded by the Corporation and State Government; student contributes just 5%
💡 Why Startups Should Care
With 95% funded by the corporation and just 4% interest (lower for women), this scheme makes expensive professional degrees like medicine and engineering financially reachable for Rabari and Bharwad families.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a resident of Gujarat
- Must belong to the Rabari or Bharwad caste (Socially and Educationally Backward Class)
- Must be pursuing medical, dental, engineering, pharmacy, or a related higher professional course
- Institution must be approved by AICTE, UGC, or a recognized university
- Total family annual income must not exceed ₹3,00,000
- Age must be between 17 and 45 years
How to Apply
- Visit ggdconline.gujarat.gov.in — Gujarat Gopalak Vikas Nigam portal.
- Register with your personal and academic details.
- Upload Aadhaar, ration card, voter ID, income certificate, and educational certificates.
- Submit the application for the New Akanksha Higher Education Loan.
- Track status through the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scheme about?
This scheme provides education loans for higher education, specifically for vocational courses like medical, dental, engineering, and pharmacy.
What types of courses are covered under this scheme?
Vocational courses of education, like medical, dental, engineering, and pharmacy, are covered under this scheme.
What percentage of the total loan requirement does the scheme cover?
The scheme covers 95% of the total loan amount required.
Am I required to contribute any amount towards the loan?
Yes, there is a beneficiary contribution of 5% of the total loan requirement.
What is the interest rate for female students under this scheme?
The interest rate for female students applying for this loan is 3.5%.
What is the interest rate for male students under this scheme?
The interest rate for male students applying for this loan is 4%.
What is the age limit to apply for this loan scheme?
The age limit to apply for this loan is between 17 to 45 years.
Are there specific caste requirements to be eligible for this scheme?
Yes, the applicant must belong to the Rabari and Bharwad castes from the socially and educationally backward classes.
Does my university need to be recognized for me to be eligible?
Yes, the applicant must have taken admission in a Medical Council of India, AICTE, or UGC recognized university.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar number
- Ration number
- Voter ID
- Income certificate
- Educational qualification certificates (SSC, HSC, Diploma, Degree, Graduation)