MODEL EDUCATIONAL LOAN SCHEME FOR PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION

IN INDIA AND ABROAD

2015 (Amended 2016)

1. INTRODUCTION

Education is central to the human resources development and empowerment in any country.
National and State level policies are framed to ensure that this basic need of the population is
met through appropriate public and private sector initiatives. While government endeavour to
provide primary education to all on a universal basis, public funding of higher education is
not considered feasible. Cost of education has been going up in recent times and since the
student has to bear most of the cost, there is a clear case for institutional funding in this area.
This model education loan scheme is an attempt to bring out a viable and sustainable bank
loan scheme to meet the aspirations of our society.

Knowledge and information would be the driving force for economic growth in the coming
years. The current rate of economic growth of the country demands technically and
professionally trained man power in large numbers. In this backdrop, loans for education are
seen as investments for economic development and prosperity. The model Education Loan
Scheme was developed by the Indian Banks’ Association to help meritorious students pursue
higher education in technical and professional courses. As the focus is on development of
human capital, repayment of the loan is expected to come from future earnings of the student
after completion of education. Hence the assessment of the loan will be based on
employability and earning potential of the student upon completion of the course and not the
parental income/family wealth.

Based on recommendations made by a Study Group, IBA had prepared a Model Educational
Loan Scheme in the year 2001 which was advised to banks for implementations by Reserve
Bank of India vide circular No.RPCD.PLNFS.BC.NO.83/06.12.05/2000-01 dated April 28,
2001 along with certain modifications suggested by the Government of India. In line with
the announcement made by the Hon'ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech for the year
2004-05, IBA had communicated certain changes in the security norms applicable to
education loans with limits above ₹ 4 lakhs and up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs. The scheme was further
modified in the year 2007-08 based on experience gained in the operation of the scheme over
the years.

With increased public awareness about the benefits of the education loan scheme, bank
branches were receiving more and more applications for loans every year. This also resulted
in cases of customer grievances due to misinterpretation of the provisions of the scheme. To
make the scheme more transparent and to minimize scope for multiple interpretations leading
to disputes, a review exercise was taken up in September 2012.

The current revision enlarges the coverage under the Scheme and attempts to address some
of the weaknesses noticed. The revised scheme provides for uniform moratorium of one year
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 and longer repayment periods for the loans. The terms of sanction like margins and security
have also been relaxed for loans covered by Credit Guarantee Scheme of the Government.
Following feedback received from other stake holders, some of the suggestions brought out
in the RBI proposal for Higher Education Lending Programme (HELP) have also been
incorporated in this Scheme. The amendments to the Scheme were cleared by the Managing
Committee of the Association at its meeting held on 26th June 2015.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME

The Educational Loan Scheme outlined below aims at providing financial support from the
banking system to meritorious students for pursuing higher education in India and abroad.
The main emphasis is that a meritorious student, though poor, is provided with an
opportunity to pursue education with the financial support from the banking system with
affordable terms and conditions.

3. APPLICABILITY OF THE SCHEME

The scheme detailed below could be adopted by all member banks of the Association or
other banks and financial institutions as may be advised by the Reserve Bank of India. The
scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks for operationalising the educational loan
scheme and the implementing bank will have the discretion to make changes as deemed
fit.

4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

4.1 Students Eligibility

 The student should be an Indian National.

 Should have secured admission to a higher education course in recognized
institutions in India or Abroad through Entrance Test/ Merit Based Selection
process after completion of HSC (10 plus 2 or equivalent). However, entrance test
or selection purely based on marks obtained in qualifying examination may not be
the criterion for admission to some of the post graduate courses or research
programmes. In such cases, banks will have to adopt appropriate criteria based on
employability and reputation of the institution concerned.

Note:
It would be in order for banks to consider a meritorious student (who qualifies
for a seat under merit quota) eligible for loan under this scheme even if the
student chooses to pursue a course under Management Quota.

4.2 Design elements for classification of education loans

It is proposed to classify the education loan portfolio into three categories viz.

a. Loans to students admitted to top rated institutions

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 b. Loans to students admitted to other domestic institutions
c. Loans to students seeking studies abroad.
It is expected that depending upon risk perception, reputation of the institution
and employability of the students banks will be able to fine tune their terms and
conditions of sanction suitably to these categories.
The guidance note attached to the scheme gives elaboration of design elements for
classifying educational loans

5. COURSES ELIGIBLE

5.1. Studies in India: (Indicative list)

 Approved courses leading to graduate/ post graduate degree and

P G diplomas conducted by recognized colleges/ universities
recognized by UGC/ Government/ AICTE/ AIBMS/ ICMR etc.
 Courses like ICWA, CA, CFA etc.
 Courses conducted by IIMs, IITs, IISC, XLRI. NIFT,NID etc.
 Regular Degree/Diploma courses like Aeronautical, pilot training,
shipping, degree/diploma in nursing or any other discipline
approved by Director General of Civil Aviation/Shipping/Indian
Nursing Council or any other regulatory body as the case may be, if
the course is pursued in India.
 Approved courses offered in India by reputed foreign universities.

Note:
1. The above list is indicative in nature. Banks may approve other
job oriented courses leading to technical/ professional degrees,
post graduate degrees/diplomas offered by recognized
institutions under this scheme.

2. Courses other than the above offered by reputed institutions

may also be considered on the basis of employability.

Reference : www.ugc.ac.in, www.education.nic.in, www.aicte.org.in

5.2 Studies Abroad

 Graduation : For job oriented professional/ technical courses

offered by reputed universities.
 Post-graduation: MCA, MBA, MS, etc.
 Courses conducted by CIMA- London, CPA in USA etc.
 Degree/diploma courses like aeronautical, pilot training, shipping
etc provided these are recognized by competent regulatory bodies
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 in India India /abroad for the purpose of employment in
India/abroad.

Reference: www.webometrics.info (indicative only)

5.3 Expenses considered for loan

i. Fee payable to college++/ school/ hostel*

ii. Examination/ Library/ Laboratory fee
iii. Travel expenses/ passage money for studies abroad
iv. Insurance premium for student borrower, if applicable
v. Caution deposit, Building fund / refundable deposit supported by Institution
bills/receipts. **
vi. Purchase of books/ equipments/ instruments/ uniforms***
vii. Purchase of computer at reasonable cost, if required for completion of the
course***
viii. Any other expense required to complete the course - like study tours, project
work, thesis, etc.***
ix. While computing loan required, scholarships, fee waiver etc., if any available
to the student borrower may be taken into account.
x. If the scholarship component is included in the loan assessment, it may be
ensured that the scholarship amount gets credited to the loan account when
received from the Government.

Notes:

++ For courses under Management quota seats considered under the scheme, fees
as approved by the State Government/Government approved regulatory body
for payment seats will be taken, subject to viability of repayment.

* Reasonable lodging and boarding charges will be considered in case the

student chooses / is required to opt for outside accommodation.

** These expenses could be considered subject to the condition that the

amount does not exceed 10% of the total tuition fees for the entire course.

*** It is likely that expenditure under Item Nos. vi, vii & viii above may not be
available in the schedule of fees and charges prescribed by the college
authorities. Therefore, a realistic assessment may be made of the
requirement under these heads. However, the maximum expenses included
under vi, vii & viii may be capped at 20% of the total tuition fees payable for
completion of the course.

6. QUANTUM OF FINANCE

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 Need based finance to meet the expenses worked out as per para 5.3 above will be
considered taking in to account margins as per para 7 subject to the following
ceilings:

- Studies in India - Maximum upto ₹ 10 lakhs.

- Studies Abroad - Maximum upto ₹ 20 lakhs.

Note:-
Banks may consider capping stream wise/ institution wise cap on education loan amount
by taking into account reputation and placement history of the education institution
concerned. Banks may consider higher quantum of loan on course to course basis (eg:
courses in IIMs, ISB etc). It may also be noted that even loans in excess of ₹ 10 lakhs
qualify for interest subsidy under Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme for loans up to
₹ 10 lakhs, though it may exceed priority sector norms fixed by the RBI.

7. MARGIN

Upto ₹ 4 lakhs Nil

Above ₹ 4 lakhs Studies in India 5%

Studies Abroad 15%

However, upto ₹ 7.5 lakhs loan is eligible for the Credit Guarantee coverage.
- Scholarship/ assistantship to be included in margin.
- Margin may be brought-in on year-to-year basis as and when disbursements are made
on a pro-rata basis.

8. SECURITY

Upto ₹ 4 lakhs No security

Parents to be joint borrower(s). However, banks will have
discretion to waive this clause.

Above ₹ 4 lakhs Besides the parent(s) executing the documents as joint

and up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs borrower(s), collateral security in the form of suitable
third party guarantee will be taken. The bank may, at its
discretion, in exceptional cases, waive third party
guarantee if satisfied with the net-worth / means of
parent/s who would be executing the document as joint
borrower(s).

However, third party guarantee will be waived if the loan

is eligible for Credit Guarantee coverage.

Above ₹ 7.5 lakhs Parent(s) to be joint borrower(s)

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 Tangible collateral security of suitable value acceptable to
bank, along with the assignment of future income of the
student for payment of installments.

Note:-

 The loan documents should be executed by the student and the parent/ guardian as
joint-borrower.
 The security can be in the form of land/ building/ Government securities/ Public
Sector Bonds/Units of UTI, NSC, KVP, life policy, gold, and shares/mutual fund
units/debentures, bank deposit in the name of student / parent / guardian / any other
third party or any other tangible security acceptable to the bank with suitable margin.
 Wherever the land/ building is already mortgaged, the unencumbered portion can be
taken as security on second charge basis provided it covers the required loan amount.

9. RATE OF INTEREST

Interest to be charged at rates linked to the Base Rate / MCLR as decided by individual
banks. Banks may charge differential interest rates for collateralized and non-
collateralised loans.

 Simple interest to be charged during the study period and up to commencement of

repayment. Simple interest may be charged even during any subsequent moratorium
considered.

Note:-
Servicing of interest during study period and the moratorium period till commencement of
repayment is optional for students. Accrued interest will be added to the principal amount
borrowed while fixing EMI for repayment.

10. APPRAISAL / SANCTION/ DISBURSEMENT

 Applications will be received either directly at bank branches or through on-line

mode. Upon receipt of application, standard acknowledgement giving a reference
number will be issued. The acknowledgement will contain contact details of the
bank official who, could be contacted in case of delay in disposal of application.
 Normally, sanction/rejection will be communicated within 15 days of receipt duly
completed application with supporting documents.
 In the normal course, while appraising the loan, the future income prospect of the
student only will be looked into.
 Rejection of loan application, if any, shall be done with the concurrence of the
controlling authority of the branch concerned and conveyed to the student stating
reason for rejection.

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  Students may submit their loan applications either at the bank branches near to the
residence of parents or to the educational institution. However, after the loan is
sanctioned, the cases be transferred to the bank branch near to the institution for
follow up with student / institution.
 The loan to be disbursed in stages as per the requirement/ demand directly to the
Institutions/ Vendors of equipments / instruments to the extent possible.

11. REPAYMENT

Repayment Holiday / Moratorium: Course period + 1 year.

Banks may also provision for moratorium taking into account spells of under-
employment/unemployment, say two or three times (maximum of 6 months at a time)
during the life cycle of the loan. Banks may also encourage student borrowers who
want to set up start-up units by giving moratorium on repayment of principal and
interest during incubation period which may be considered up to 2 years.

If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time, extension of
time for completion of course may be permitted for a maximum period of 2 years. If the
student is not able to complete the course for reasons beyond his control, sanctioning
authority may at his discretion consider such extensions as may be deemed necessary to
complete the course. In case the student discontinues the course midway, appropriate
repayment schedule will be worked out by the bank in consultation with the
student/parent

 The accrued interest during the repayment holiday period to be added to the
principal and repayment in Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) fixed.
 1% interest concession may be provided by the bank, if interest is serviced
during the study period and subsequent moratorium period prior to
commencement of repayment.
 Repayment of the loan will be in equated monthly instalments for a period of 15
years for all categories.
 While EMI based repayment is the generally accepted practice, many times the
salary levels at the start of the career may not facilitate comfortable payment of
EMI in certain cases (e.g. professionals like Doctors). Telescoping of repayment
with stepped up instalments with passage of time may be considered in such cases.

Note:-

No prepayment penalty will be levied for prepayment of loan any time during the
repayment period.

12. INSURANCE

Banks may, make it mandatory to arrange for life insurance policy on the students
availing Education Loan. Individual Banks may work out the modalities with insurance
companies.

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13. FOLLOW UP / MONITORING

Banks to contact college / university authorities to obtain progress report on the student at
regular intervals in respect of those who have availed loans. In case of studies abroad,
bank may obtain the Social Security Number (SSN) / Unique Identification Number
(UIN) / Identity Card and note the same in the bank’s records. The UID number issued
by UIDIA may also be captured in bank’s system as and when available. Banks to enter
into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the educational institutions to provide
the educational loans to the students. There should be an annual review of the asset
quality of educational loans between banks and educational institution.

14. PROCESSING CHARGES

No processing / upfront charges may be levied on loans sanctioned under the scheme.
(Banks may charge processing fee for considering loans for studies abroad. The fee
would however, be refunded upon the student taking up the course).

Note: However, the student applicant may be required to pay fee /charges, if any levied by
third party service providers who operate common portal for lodging loan applications.

15. CAPABILITY CERTIFICATE

Banks can also issue the capability certificate for students going abroad for higher studies.
For this purpose financial and other supporting documents may be obtained from
applicant, if required.

(Some of the foreign universities require the students to submit a certificate from their
bankers about the sponsors' solvency/ financial capability, with a view to ensure that the
sponsors of the students going abroad for higher studies are capable of meeting the
expenses till completion of studies.)

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16. OTHER CONDITIONS:

16.1 Sanction of loan to more than one child from the same family

Existence of an earlier education loan to the brother(s) and/or sister(s) will not
affect the eligibility of another meritorious student from the same family obtaining
education loan as per this scheme from the bank.

16.2 Minimum Age

There is no specific restriction with regard to the age of the student to be eligible
for education loan. However, if the student was a minor while the parent executed
documents for the loan, the bank will obtain a letter of ratification from him/her
upon attaining majority.

16.3 Top up loans

Banks may consider top up loans to students pursuing further studies within the
overall eligibility limit.

16.4 Joint Borrower

The joint borrower should normally be parent(s)/guardian of the student borrower.

In case of a married person, joint borrower can be either spouse or the
parent(s)/parents-in-law.

16.5 No Due Certificate

No due certificate will not be insisted upon as a pre-condition for considering education
loan. However, banks may obtain a declaration/ an affidavit confirming that no loans
are availed from other banks.

16.6 Disposal of loan application

Loan applications have to be disposed of in the normal course within a period of 15 days
to 1 month, but not exceeding the time norms stipulated for disposing of loan applications
under priority sector lending.

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