Scheme of Conferring ‘Kalaimamani’ Award 2026

This scheme offers a ₹15 lakh loan at a 4% interest rate to bright Scheduled Caste students Read More... from Gujarat facing financial hurdles for higher education abroad. Read less

Details

For bright minds in Gujarat's Scheduled Caste community who dream of studying overseas but find financial constraints a major roadblock, the state government offers a helping hand through the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries scheme. Launched in 1999, this initiative by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment aims to turn international education dreams into reality by providing significant financial assistance.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme is essentially a special loan facility designed to support Scheduled Caste students from Gujarat. It helps them fund their graduate and postgraduate studies, or even advanced research, in foreign countries. The goal is to ensure that economic background doesn't prevent talented students from accessing global educational opportunities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme specifically targets students who are natives of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Caste category. It's for those aiming for higher education abroad, including postgraduate degrees, PhDs, higher research, and even technical or professional courses after 12th standard, provided they meet the academic criteria.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's competitive world, international exposure through higher education can significantly boost career prospects. This scheme acknowledges that by providing substantial financial aid, thereby empowering SC students to compete on a global level and contribute their skills back to society. It addresses the critical need for equal educational opportunities.

Objective

This scheme offers a ₹15 lakh loan at a 4% interest rate to bright Scheduled Caste students from Gujarat facing financial hurdles for higher education abroad.

Benefits

The artist is provided with an Investiture Gold Pendant of three Sovereign Ponnadai and a Citation.*If the artist expires after the announcement of the award to him/her but before the investiture function, the award will be given to his/her dependent.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a native of Gujarat.
You must belong to the Scheduled Caste category within Gujarat.
For postgraduate, Ph.D., higher research, and computer courses, you need to have secured 50% or more marks in your graduation.
For technical and professional courses abroad after 12th Standard, you must meet the specific entry requirements.
A maximum of two individuals from the same family can receive this loan.
There is no income limit to apply for this loan.
The foreign institution where you plan to study must be government-recognized in its country, and the degree obtained must be accepted there.
The loan approval process will only begin after you have secured your visa and air ticket.
Students applying for higher studies based on the syllabus of Class-12 or above must have achieved 50% or more marks. This also applies to those pursuing Diploma, Graduate, Post Graduate, Post Graduate Diploma, Ph.D., and other courses of more than one year duration across all fields.
Students who have completed a recognized two-year ITI course after Class-10 and passed NCVT or GCVT exams are considered equivalent to 12th standard for higher education admissions, provided they have also passed English in the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board or Gujarat Open School Examination.
A student who has completed a three-year diploma course at a Polytechnic is treated as equivalent to Class 12 for college admissions.

Important Notes:

Repayment of the loan begins six months after you complete your course. The entire loan must be repaid within 10 years. Interest will be calculated and recovered along with the principal amount.
You will need to provide a valid surety for the loan.
Applications for the loan must be submitted within six months of moving abroad.
If you settle abroad, change your place of work or residence, or update your contact details (phone number, email), you must notify the authorities until the loan is fully repaid.

How To Apply

Eligible candidates can apply for the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries through the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal. Ensure all required documents are ready before starting the application.

Apply online at: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/

Documents Required

A recent passport-size photograph
Identity proof, such as your Aadhaar Card
Proof of Residence (e.g., Ration Card, Electricity Bill, License, Rent Agreement)
Caste Certificate
Educational Qualification Certificates
School/College Leaving Certificate
An Affidavit (as per the prescribed format: Link)
Passport and Visa
Air Ticket
Surety bond on a ₹100/- stamp paper (Annexure – C: Link)
Property Valuation Report
A copy of the first page of your bank passbook or a cancelled cheque (must be in the applicant's name)
Any other documents as may be required by the authorities

FAQ’s

What is the maximum loan amount and interest rate available through this scheme?

The scheme offers a loan of up to ₹15 lakhs with a very low interest rate of 4% for eligible students.

What kind of study expenses can be covered by this loan?

The loan is designed to cover various costs associated with graduate and postgraduate studies abroad, including tuition fees, books, hostel charges, living expenses, travel, and pocket money.

Who is eligible to apply for this loan scheme?

To be eligible, you must be a native of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Caste category of the state.

Are there any academic prerequisites for applying?

Yes, for postgraduate, Ph.D., higher research, and computer courses, you need to have obtained at least 50% marks in your graduation. Similarly, for courses after 12th standard, a minimum of 50% marks is required, along with other course-specific criteria.

Can I get a loan for technical courses after completing 12th grade?

Yes, the scheme provides loans for technical and professional courses pursued abroad after completing the 12th standard, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Is there a limit on how many family members can get a loan?

Yes, the loan facility can be extended to a maximum of two individuals from the same family.

Does my family's income affect my eligibility for this loan?

No, there is no income ceiling for applicants under this scheme. Financial background is not a barrier.

What are the requirements for the foreign university and the degree I will obtain?

The foreign institution must be officially recognized by the government of that country, and the degree you earn must also be recognized in that country.

When is the right time to apply for the loan?

You can apply for the loan within a period of six months after you have moved to the foreign country to commence your studies.

When do I have to start repaying the loan, and how long do I have to repay it?

Loan repayment begins six months after you finish your course. You have a total of 10 years to repay the entire loan amount, including the principal and accrued interest.

What happens if I move abroad or change my contact details after getting the loan?

It is mandatory to inform the authorities about any change in your place of work/residence, contact number, or email address, and you must continue to do so until the loan is fully repaid. If you settle abroad, you must notify them of any relocation.

What is the procedure to apply for this loan?

The application process is entirely online. You need to visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal of Gujarat and fill out the application form there.