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Can Education Loans in India Open Doors to Your Child’s Dream College?

Are you worried about how to pay for your child’s higher education? Many parents feel the same, especially those who have jobs that don’t provide steady income. They dream of giving their kids better opportunities than they had. But understanding how to get and manage an education loans can be confusing.

Don’t worry. This blog will explain everything step-by-step and show how Badi Bahen can help you every step of the way. By the end, you will know how to confidently manage education loans so you can focus on their study, not expenses.

What Is an Education Loan?

An education loan helps students pay for their school fees and other study-related costs including travel, hostel charges, books, and other educational equipment. The goal is to ensure that students can focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.

Types of Education Loans

  • Loans for Studies in India: These typically have lower interest rates and a margin money requirement of 5% for loans exceeding INR 4 lakhs.
  • Loans for Studies Abroad: Higher loan amounts with a margin requirement of 15%, reflecting the increased costs of overseas education.
  • Loans for Premier Institutions (IITs/IIMs): Many banks offer special loans for students admitted to institutions like IITs and IIMs with minimal to no margin money, and sometimes even lower interest rates due to the high employability of these graduates.

Can You Get a Loan?

Most students can get a loan if they meet the Education Loan Eligibility criteria:

  • They are Indian citizens.
  • They have gotten into a recognized college or course.
  • They have someone like a parent or a relative who can co-sign the loan with them.

What Documents Are Required to Apply?

To apply for an education loan, you will need to furnish the following documents:

  • Admission Letter: From the institute, confirming your admission.
  • Course Costs: A detailed breakdown of the course expenses.
  • KYC Documents: Identity and residence proof of the student and the co-applicant(s).
  • Income Proof: Latest salary slips or income tax returns of the co-applicant.
  • Bank Statements: Of the student or co-applicant, usually for the last six months.
  • Academic Records: Certificates and mark sheets starting from 10th grade to the last qualifying exam.

Margin Money

Margin money refers to the amount that the borrower needs to pay from their own funds, while the rest is covered by the loan. For studying within India, most banks require a margin of 5% of the total course expenses for loans above a certain limit (usually INR 4 lakhs), and for studying abroad, this margin is typically 15%. However, for studying in premier institutes like IIT, IIM no margin money is required.

Interest Rates and Moratorium Period

Interest for Education Loan varies between 8% and 14%, depending on the bank and the borrower’s profile. 

A significant advantage of education loans is the moratorium period—also known as a repayment holiday. You won’t need to pay the loan right away. This period lasts for the duration of the course plus six months to a year after completing the education. This gives your child time to find a job and start earning money before they need to start paying back the loan.

Repayment

Repayment of the loan commences after the moratorium period. The typical repayment period ranges from 5 to 12 years, providing ample time for borrowers to manage their finances responsibly.

Role of Parents in Education Loans

While the student is the primary borrower, parents often play a crucial role as co-borrowers or guarantors. This does not mean that parents are responsible for repaying the loan unless the student defaults. In cases where the student is unable to repay the loan, the responsibility falls to the parents or the guarantors to fulfill the loan obligations. This safety net allows banks to manage their risk while providing substantial loan amounts that might not be feasible under other circumstances.

Government Subsidies

For economically weaker sections, the government offers subsidies such as the Central Sector Interest Subsidy scheme, which covers interest during the moratorium for families earning less than INR 4.5 lakhs annually.

Using Badi Bahen’s Education Loan EMI Calculator

Badi Bahen has developed an education loan calculator that simplifies repayment planning. By inputting the course duration, repayment duration, interest rate, and the loan amount, students can:

  • Calculate their monthly EMI.
  • Determine the start date of the EMI after the moratorium period. This tool is invaluable for financial planning and helps students visualize their financial commitments post-graduation.

How to Apply?

Applying for an education loan is straightforward. Visit the nearest branch of a bank offering education loans or apply online through the bank’s website. Provide all the necessary documentation and fill out the application form. Upon approval, the funds are usually disbursed directly to the educational institution as per the fee structure.

How Badi Bahen Can Help in Securing an Education Loan

Badi Bahen, a multi-dimentional financial planning app, assists students in managing the intricacies of education loans:

  • Personalized Financial Planning: Badi Bahen creates tailored financial plans, incorporating loan amounts, repayment strategies, and alignment with long-term financial goals.
  • Educational Content on Loans: The app educates users on various aspects of education loans, ensuring well-informed decisions.
  • Document Preparation and Checklists: Badi Bahen guides users in preparing and collecting necessary documents, simplifying the loan application process.
  • Loan Comparison: The app compares offers from various banks, helping users choose the best terms and lowest rates.
  • Tax Planning Advice: Badi Bahen informs users about potential tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act related to loan interest payments.
  • Repayment Management: The app helps in scheduling repayments and sending alerts for due payments, ensuring users stay on track.

We know that helping your child go to college is a big deal, and it’s important to you that they have a better start in life than you might have had. That’s why we’re here to help you figure this out, one step at a time. You are not alone in this journey, Badi Bahen is always with you. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about education loans and make sure you find the best options for your family.

So, take a deep breath. You’re doing something wonderful for your child, and we’ve got your back. Let’s make their college dreams come true together!

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