background
>Student Loan> Education Loan In India

Education Loan In India

  • check-boxLow Interest Rates
  • check-boxQuick Approval Process
  • check-boxFlexible Repayment Options
  • check-boxCovers Different Options

The cost of education is increasing rapidly, and if you want to pursue higher education, you will have to spend a lot. This is why most of the students take education loans to ease the burden. Most aspiring students in India take out loans to fulfill their academic ambitions. If you are also an aspiring student looking to take a loan in India, there are many things that need to be considered. In this blog, I am going to talk about everything you need to know about taking an education loan in India.  

Why Do You Need An Education Loan?

In India, most students desire to pursue their higher studies in a prestigious college, but because of a financial crunch, they are forced to settle for something less. Here, the education loan helps students by reducing that heavy financial burden on their heads. Below you can read the benefits of taking an education loan in India:  

Expenses Covered In A Student Loan In India

Below is a list of the major expenses that are generally financed by an education loan: 

Please note that different loan options have different expenses covered. Not all education loans will cover all the expenses in one. Some cover only the tuition fees and some mix of it. It is wise to take the loan that meets your requirements. 

Type Of Education Loan

Education loans are divided into two main categories: 

domestic-loan

Unsecured Or Collateral - Free Education Loan

Under this education loan, the student is able to avail of an education loan without providing any security or collateral.

Here is what a Collateral free loan is in simple terms 

  • Students can get the loan without pledging any assets 
  • Sanction depends on academic record, course, and institute 
abroad-loan

Secured Or Collateralized Education Loan

Under this, collateral is demanded from the borrower, such as land or a house, in exchange for the loan amount

Here are some basic examples of collateral

  • Immovable property: House, flat, or non-agricultural land.
  • Liquid security: Fixed deposits, Insurance policies (term insurance), or Government bonds

Comparison Between Secured And Unsecured Education Loans

Let's see what the main differences are between these two categories through the table below:

FeatureCollateral Education LoanCollateral - Free Education Loan
Loan AmountTypically higher, ranging from ₹7.5 lakh to ₹150 lakh or more, depending on the bank and course.  Generally lower, up to ₹7.5 lakh for public banks and up to ₹40 lakh for private banks. 
Interest RatesUsually lower due to reduced risk for lenders; rates can vary based on collateral value. Higher interest rates, typically between 10-18%, depending on the lender.
Eligibility CriteriaRequires tangible assets such as property, fixed deposits, or other securities as collateral.No collateral required; eligibility based on academic performance and admission to recognized institutions. 
Processing FeesMay have lower or no processing fees in some cases.Public sector banks often do not charge processing fees; private banks may charge up to 1%.
Repayment PeriodsLonger repayment tenure, often up to 15 years or more, depending on the loan amount and terms.Similar repayment period, usually up to 10-15 years, starting after a moratorium period.
Security RequirementsRequires full collateral coverage, which must be in the name of the borrower or co-borrower.No security required; however, some banks may ask for a personal guarantee from parents or guardians. 
Loan DisbursementDisbursement may be staggered based on course requirements and collateral evaluation. Typically disbursed in full or in installments based on tuition fee requirements without collateral checks. 
Documentation RequiredExtensive documentation including proof of ownership for collateral and valuation reports.Minimal documentation required; mainly academic records, admission proof, and family income proof. 

Student Loan In India: Type Of Lenders

As an Indian student trying to get financial assistance, you will come across two types of lenders for your loan.

Banks

The first category is banks, which includes public sector and private sector banks. The first choice for Indian students is public sector banks because they charge lower interest rates and are backed by the government. .

NBFC’s

There are NBFCs, and these are popular for education loans. The reason is that NBFCs usually have less complex terms and, in most cases, do not require any collateral. So, if you are looking for a study loan in India but do not have collateral, NBFCs could be the feasible option. 

Documents Required For An Student Loan in India

You will need a long list of documents to get your education loan approved. The table below has the list of documents required to take an education loan in India for both applicants and co-applicants: 

Document TypeApplicant (student)Co-Applicant
Proof Of Identity
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter card
  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • Aadhar card
  • Voter card
  • PAN card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
Proof Of Address
  • Recent utility bill
  • Rental agreement (if applicable)
  • Recent utility bill
  • Rental agreement (if applicable)
Photographs
  • 2 passport-sized photographs
  • 2 passport-sized photographs
Academic Records
  • 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Entrance exam results (if applicable)
  • Graduation mark sheets (if applicable)
  • College acceptance letter
  • Not required
Cost Of Education
  • Statement of cost of study from the institution
  • Not required
Income Proof
  • Not required
  • For Salaried Co-applicants:
  • Last 3 months salary slips
  • Form 16 / income tax return for the last 2 years
  • Bank Statement for the last 6 months
  • For Self-employed Co-applicants:
  • Business address proof
  • ITR for last 2 years with income computation
  • Bank statement for the last 6 months
Affidavit/Declaration
  • Affidavit confirming no existing loans from other banks
  • Not required
Property Documents (if collateral loan)
  • Not required
  • Property documents if the collateral is being offered

Who Is A Co-applicant?

Let’s break this down in simple words. A co-applicant, in the context of an education loan, is an individual who signs the loan document along with the main borrower, most commonly the student. He or she is responsible jointly for loan repayment and is bound legally to repay the loan in case the main borrower defaults.

What Important Terms Do You Need To Remember While Taking An Domestic Education Loan?

But when you are in the stage of comparing your education loan options available from different lenders, you will need to remember some basic terms. Here is the table: 

TermsDetail
Principle AmountThe total amount of money borrowed from the lender, on which interest is calculated.
Interest RateThe cost of borrowing, expressed as a percentage (fixed or floating).
Repayment TenureThe duration over which the borrower must repay the loan typically ranges from 5 to 15 years. 
Margin MoneyThe borrowers contribution to total education costs; lenders cover the rest.
Prepayment PenaltyA fee that is charged by lenders if a borrower pays off their loan earlier than scheduled. This may vary by lender and should be clarified before signing any agreement. 
Grace PeriodTime after course completion to start repayments (usually 6 months). 

Best Education Loan in India 2025

When it comes to taking a loan for higher studies in India, there are some popular and reliable lenders that have helped many students. In the sections below I have discussed the best from each category. 

Public Sector Banks

Name of the BankInterest Rate (p.a.)Processing Fees
State Bank of India8.65% to 11.75%
  • Loan amount below Rs.20 lakh: No charge required
  • Loan amount above Rs.20 lakh: Rs.10,000 (plus taxes)
Union Bank of IndiaNeed-based finance to meet the expenses will be considered taking into account margin norms 
  • Loan amount upto Rs.40.00 lakh: Rs.10000.00 + applicable GST 
  • Loan amount above Rs.40.00 lakh: Rs.20000.00 + applicable GST
Bank of BarodaStarting from 9.70%
  • No processing fee charges up to Rs.7.50 lakh
  • 1% of loan amount up to Rs.10,000 for loan above Rs.7.50 lakh
Punjab National BankFrom 8.15%
  • Nil

Private Sector Banks

Name of the BankInterest Rate (p.a.)Processing Fees
IDFC First BankStarting from 11.00%
  • Up to 1.5% of the Loan Amount or as per any special scheme run by the bank
HDFC BankStarting from 9.50% to 14.25%
  • Up to 2% of the loan amount
Axis BankStarting from 10.30%
  • Up to ₹10,000 or 1% of the loan amount (whichever is lower)
ICICI BankStarting from Repo + 3.75%
  • Up to 2% of the loan amount

NBFCs

Name of the BankInterest Rate (p.a.)Processing Fees
CredilaStarting from 10.25% to 14%
  • Up to 2% of the loan amount
Avanse Financial ServicesStarting from 10.50% to 15%
  • Up to 1% of the loan amount
AuxiloStarting from 10.75%
  • Up to 2% of the loan amount

How To Apply For An Education Loan In India

Here’s how to apply for an education loan in India: 

Research And Choose A Lender

Research And Choose A Lender

Compare interest rates, eligibility, and terms from various banks and NBFCs.

Check Eligibility

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet criteria (Indian citizen, age, academic qualification, and admission to a recognized institution.

Fill The Application

Fill The Application

Obtain and complete the application form online or at the bank branch.

Necessary Documents

Necessary Documents

Obtain and complete the application form online or at the bank branch.

Loan Disbursement

Loan Disbursement

Wait for loan approval after document verification; a co-borrower/ guarant or is usually required

Compare Interest from 15+ Lenders

idfc-flag
Sbi-flag
Auxilo-flag
Union-flag
Avanse-flag
Icici-flag
Axis-flag
Bank of Baroda-flag
Credila-flag
Tata-flag
Incred
Punjab
Propelld
Leap finance
Prodigy

view more....

Our Services

Abroad Education Loan

Abroad Education Loan

Need a loan before getting an admission letter? We will get you the best deals.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Insure your travel journey with Insurance with minimum charges

Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Use your education loan sanction letter as proof of funds for visa applications.

Ready To Apply?

Start Your Loan Journey Today

Use our Loan Offer Comparison Tool to find the best education loan for your future.

Frequently Asked

Questions

Which loan type is better?

Secured loans are usually more budget-friendly due to lower interest rates, as they’re backed by collateral. Unsecured loans, lacking collateral, generally have higher interest rates.

Is education loan interest free?

No, education loans are not interest-free. However, they usually include a moratorium period during which repayment is not required while you're studying.

Who will pay education loan?

The primary borrower is responsible for repaying the education loan. If the borrower is unable to repay, the co-applicant (typically a parent or guardian) is also legally obligated to repay it.

Can I get a 25 lakhs education loan without property?

Yes, some banks and NBFCs offer unsecured education loans of ₹25 lakhs or more, meaning no collateral like property is required.

What is domestic loan?

A domestic loan is used to fund education within your home country and typically covers tuition, hostel fees, books, and other related expenses.

Can I repay an education loan early?

Yes, you can prepay your education loan. Most lenders allow early repayment, but it’s important to check if there are any prepayment penalties in your loan terms.

Is hostel fee included in education loan?

Yes, most education loans cover hostel fees along with tuition, books, travel, and insurance, depending on the lender’s policy.

Is parents' CIBIL required for an education loan?

Yes, especially for unsecured loans. Parents often act as co-applicants or guarantors, and their CIBIL score significantly impacts loan approval and terms.
EpiCred

Know more about our loan options. Book a free counselling session

Expert Logo

Company

About Us

Refer & Earn

Career

Services

Abroad Education Loan

Scholarships

Domestic Education Loan

Credit Card

Forex Card

Health Insurance

Travel Insurance

Sim Card

Refinancing

GIC

Block Account

Bank Account

Resources

Blog

Webinars

Offline Events

Academic Tools

GPA Calculator

SOP Generator

Loan Tools

Education Loan Eligibility Checker

Education Loan EMI Calculator

Interest Calculator

Loan Repayment Calculator

Bank Comparison Tool

Compare Loan Offers

Travel & Insurance Tools

Student Packing List

Health Insurance Compare

Financial Planning Tools

Cost of Studying Abroad

Living Calculator

ROI Calculator

Estimate Future Earnings

Utilities Tools

Currency Converter

Time Zone Converter

Weather Abroad

Budget Calculator

Follow us on social media

Company

About Us

Refer & Earn

Career

Services

Abroad Education Loan

Scholarships

Domestic Education Loan

Credit Card

Forex Card

Health Insurance

Travel Insurance

Sim Card

Refinancing

GIC

Block Account

Bank Account

Resources

Blog

Webinars

Offline Events

Academic Tools

GPA Calculator

SOP Generator

Loan Tools

Education Loan Eligibility Checker

Education Loan EMI Calculator

Interest Calculator

Loan Repayment Calculator

Bank Comparison Tool

Compare Loan Offers

Travel & Insurance Tools

Student Packing List

Health Insurance Compare

Financial Planning Tools

Cost of Studying Abroad

Living Calculator

ROI Calculator

Estimate Future Earnings

Utilities Tools

Currency Converter

Time Zone Converter

Weather Abroad

Budget Calculator


Our Loan Partners

Avanse Education Loan

Incred Education Loan

HDFC Credila Education Loan

Auxilo Education Loan

ICICI Bank Study Abroad Loan

Prodigy Finance Education Loan

IDFC Education Loan

Union Bank Of India Education Loan

Top Scholarships

Chevening Scholarship

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Rhode Scholarships

Inlaks Scholarship

DAAD Scholarships Germany

JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

Felix Scholarship

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Fulbright Scholarship

Top Dream Destinations

US Student Loans

Student Loan UK

Student Loan Germany

Student Loan Australia

Student Loan France

Education Loan for Ireland

Student Loan Canada

Education Loan New Zealand


Gurugram, Haryana

F12/8A, Golf Course Rd, DLF Phase 1, Sector 27, Gurugram, Haryana 122009

New Delhi, Delhi

55, Lane-2, Westend Marg, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Fatehabad, Haryana

Near ICICI Bank, Chandigarh Road Tohana Distt. Fatehabad, Haryana 125120

Chandigarh, Punjab

SCO 436, Jubilee Walk, Sector 70, Mohali, Punjab 160071


Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Made with from EpiCred

©2025, All Rights Reserved

Powered by Epischolar Edtech