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This scheme provides financial support in the form of loans to individuals pursuing skill development courses that Read More... lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree from recognized institutions. Read less

Details

Are you looking to upgrade your skills but worried about the costs? The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has a solution for you: the Skill Loan Scheme. Launched in July 2015, this scheme aims to make skill development accessible to everyone by providing loans for various training courses.

What is the Skill Loan Scheme?

The Skill Loan Scheme is designed to help individuals secure loans for skill development courses. These courses need to be aligned with National Occupations Standards and Qualification Packs, and should lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree from institutes recognised under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). It's a way to ensure that financial constraints don't stop you from gaining valuable vocational training.

Who can benefit from this scheme?

This scheme is for anyone who has been accepted into a skill development course. This includes students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnics, schools recognised by Central or State education boards, or colleges affiliated with recognised universities. It also covers training partners affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils, State Skill Missions, and State Skill Corporations.

Why is this scheme important?

In today's competitive job market, acquiring new skills is crucial for career growth. The Skill Loan Scheme empowers individuals to invest in their future by covering course fees and other essential expenses like assessment, examination, and study materials. Importantly, it removes the burden of providing collateral, making it easier for more people to access these loans.

Objective

This scheme provides financial support in the form of loans to individuals pursuing skill development courses that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree from recognized institutions.

Benefits

  • Facilitation of composite loan (inclusive of term loan and working capital) between ₹10 Lakhs and ₹100 Lakhs. Rupay debit card to be issued for convenience of the borrower.
  • The web portal by SIDBI provides hand-holding support through a network of agencies engaged in training, skill development, mentoring, project report preparation, application filling, work shed / utility support services, subsidy schemes etc.
  • Sources and references

    Who Can Apply for the Skill Loan?

    To be eligible for this scheme, you must meet the following criteria:

    1. You must have secured admission to a course offered by:
      • Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
      • Polytechnics
      • Schools recognized by Central or State education Boards
      • Colleges affiliated to a recognized university
      • Training partners affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) / Sector Skill Councils
      • State Skill Mission or State Skill Corporation
    2. The course you are enrolled in must be aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

    How to Apply for the Skill Loan

    The Skill Loan Scheme is facilitated through member banks of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and other financial institutions as advised by the RBI. To apply:

    1. Contact a Participating Bank: Get in touch with any of the member banks of the IBA or other specified financial institutions. You can visit your nearest branch or check the bank's website for details on their specific loan products under this scheme.
    2. Submit Application: Fill out the loan application form provided by the bank.
    3. Provide Documents: Submit all the required documents as per the bank's checklist (see 'Documents Required' section).
    4. Loan Sanction: Once your application is verified and approved, the bank will sanction the loan. The course fees will be disbursed directly to the training institute.

    Note: Specific application procedures and forms may vary slightly from bank to bank. It is advisable to check with the bank you choose for the exact process.

    Documents Needed for Your Application

    While the exact list might vary slightly depending on the bank, you will generally need to provide the following documents:

    • Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card)
    • Proof of Address (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills, Passport)
    • Proof of Admission into the course (e.g., Admission Letter, Fee Structure)
    • Proof of Income (of yourself or your guardian, if applicable and available)
    • Passport-sized photographs
    • Any other document as required by the lending bank.

    Official Sources

    For detailed guidelines and updates, please refer to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circulars.

    FAQ’s

    What is the maximum amount I can borrow under the Skill Loan Scheme?

    Under the Skill Loan Scheme, you can borrow a maximum amount of ₹1,50,000 to fund your skill development course.

    Can I get a loan if I don't have anyone to act as a guarantor?

    Yes, a major advantage of this scheme is that it does not require you to provide any collateral or guarantor. The loan is provided based on your eligibility and admission to a recognized course.

    What is MCLR and how does it affect my loan's interest rate?

    MCLR stands for Marginal Cost of Lending Rate. It's the minimum interest rate at which banks can lend money. Your loan's interest rate will be the bank's MCLR plus an additional percentage, typically up to 1.5%.

    What is the moratorium period in this loan scheme?

    The moratorium period is a grace period during which you do not have to make any loan repayments. For the Skill Loan Scheme, this period is equal to the duration of your course.

    Are there any minimum duration requirements for the courses eligible for this loan?

    No, there is no minimum duration requirement for the courses to be eligible for a loan under this scheme.

    What kind of courses are covered by the Skill Loan Scheme?

    The scheme covers skill development courses that are aligned with National Occupations Standards and Qualification Packs, and lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

    Besides course fees, what other expenses can the loan cover?

    The loan can also cover other essential expenses needed to complete your course, such as assessment fees, examination charges, and the cost of study materials.

    How long do I have to repay the loan?

    The repayment period depends on the loan amount. Loans up to ₹50,000 can be repaid in up to 3 years. Loans between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh have a repayment period of up to 5 years. For loans above ₹1 lakh, you can repay over a period of up to 7 years.

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