New Swarnima Scheme For Women
New Swarnima Scheme for Women is a central government term loan of up to ₹2 lakh at 5% annual interest for women entrepreneurs from Other Backward Classes. The borrower contributes nothing upfront — the full ₹2 lakh is provided.
About This Scheme
New Swarnima Scheme for Women is a central government term loan of up to ₹2 lakh at 5% annual interest for women entrepreneurs from Other Backward Classes. The borrower contributes nothing upfront — the full ₹2 lakh is provided.
Full official description
A term loan scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for women entrepreneurs from backward classes to obtain a loan of up to ₹2,00,000/- @ 5% per annum, thereby providing them social & financial security. The scheme is introduced by National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and implemented by State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) which act as the nodal agency.
Benefits
- Loan amount: ₹2,00,000 at 5% per annum
- Zero own contribution: The full amount is provided — you don't invest anything upfront
- Purpose: Starting a self-employment venture
- Administered by: National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Female entrepreneur aged 18–55, belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC). No income ceiling specified.
How to Apply
Step 1: Eligible applicant needs to visit nearest SCA office, apply on prescribed form for Swarnima Scheme for Women. You can find your nearest SCA office at this link - https://nsfdc.nic.in/channel-patrners/scas
Step 2: Enter the necessary details in the application form and mention the needs and choice of vocation and training requirements, if any.
Step 3: Submit your application form and the required documents to the same SCA office. After reviewing the application, the loan will be sanctioned by SCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size of the loan under the Swarnima Scheme?
Under this scheme, the eligible woman entrepreneur can obtain a term loan of max. [?]1,00,000/- @ 5% per annum.
What is the minimum amount that I am required to invest on my own if the project cost is under Rs.2 LPA?
The beneficiary women is not required to invest any amount of her own on the projects upto cost of Rs.2,00,000/-.
How much will be the interest rate for the loan?
The rate of interest would be as follows - NBCFDC to SCA: 2% per annum SCA to Beneficiary: 5% per annum
By when am I expected to repay the loan?
Loan is to be repaid in quarterly instalments with maximum 8 years (including the moratorium period of six months on the recovery of principal).
I seek to know more about the Pattern of Financing?
The loan will be provided up to 95% and balance 5% provided by the State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) or Beneficiary contribution. The utilization period is 4 months from the date of disbursement of the loan.
Can women entrepreneurs from GENERAL category also apply to this scheme?
Yes, the scheme is open to women entrepreneurs from all the categories.
I am a 21 years old female entrepreneur. I wish to know if there is an age-criteria to be eligible to apply to this scheme?
Yes, the applicant should be atleast 18 years in age in order to be eligible to apply to this scheme. You are therefore eligible to apply.
Can a male entrepreneur from OBC category also apply to this scheme?
No, as per the latest guidelines, this scheme is not meant for male entrepreneurs.
Should the project / venture need to be from a specific sector in order to be eligible for the Swarnima scheme?
NBCFDC supports the economically weaker section in developing self-employment ventures only under the following sectors: Agriculture and Allied Activities. Small Business. Artisan and Traditional Occupation. Technical and Professional Trades/Courses. Transport and Service Sector.
Is there a helpline number where I can get answers for my queries reg. the application process?
Yes, the Toll Free Number is 18001023399.
What are SCAs?
NBCFDC grants financial assistance through State Channelising Agencies (SCAs). Also, they provide funding through SCAs/ Self Help Groups (SHGs). The SCAs or Banks will release up to 50% of total funding to women with annual income up to Rs.1.50 Lakh.
How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar card)
- Ration Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (for reserved category)
- Passport size Photograph of the applicant