Education Loan Repayment Rules in India 2024

Vaishali Pandey
September 26, 2024

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Navigating the education loan repayment rules in India can be a tiring task. Understanding these rules is crucial to managing your finances effectively and avoiding pitfalls. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of education loan repayment rules in India, ensuring you're well-prepared to handle the repayment process. 

Whether you're wondering about the education loan repayment period or looking for tips on how to repay an education loan, you must go through this blog. 

What is an Education Loan?

Before getting into India's education loan repayment rules, it's essential to understand what an education loan is and how to repay an education loan. These loans are designed to cover your educational expenses, from tuition fees to accommodation and books. Different types of education loans are available in India with diffrent education loan repayment rules in India, depending on whether you're pursuing your studies domestically or abroad.

If you are looking forward to going abroad for higher education, do have a look at the  Education Loan for Abroad Studies in 2024.

Understanding Education Loan Repayment

Repayment is a critical aspect of any loan, and understanding the education loan repayment rules in India will help you manage this process effectively. Repayment typically involves paying back the principal amount and interest within a specified period. The rules governing education loan repayment rules in India include.

Repayment Period

This defines the time within which you must repay the loan.

Education Loan Tenure

 The total duration of the loan, including any grace periods.

EMI Payments

 You pay monthly instalments to settle the loan over time.

Must Read: How to Get an Education Loan for Abroad Studies in 2024?

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What is the Repayment Period of Education Loan?

One of India's most crucial aspects of education loan repayment rules is understanding the repayment period. What is the repayment period of an education loan? The repayment period typically begins after you complete your course, with an additional grace period to allow you to secure a job.

For most lenders, the repayment period is as below: 

Loan Amount Repayment Period Grace Period Interest During Moratorium
Up to ₹7.5 lakh 5 to 7 years 6 to 12 months Accrues during the moratorium, payable later
Above ₹7.5 lakh 7 to 15 years 6 to 12 months Accrues during the moratorium, payable later

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Education Loan Tenure

The education loan tenure is another essential element of education loan repayment rules in India . Tenure refers to the overall period you must repay the loan, including both the grace and moratorium periods.

The major features of an education loan tenure are: 

  • The tenure encompasses the entire period from taking out the loan until you fully repay it.
  • It typically ranges between 5 to 15 years, depending on the loan amount and specific bank policies.

Grace Period and Moratorium Period

The grace period and moratorium period are particularly beneficial among India's various education loan repayment rules. These periods give you some breathing room after completing your studies, delaying the start of your repayment obligations.

Grace Period

 A period after completing your course where you're not required to start repaying the loan.

Moratorium Period

Interest may accumulate, but repayment obligations start only after this period ends, per India's education loan repayment rules.

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How to Repay an Education Loan Faster?

Understanding how to repay an education loan is crucial for managing your financial future. Here are some critical strategies aligned with the education loan repayment rules in India:

How to Repay an Education Loan Faster?

1. Start Early

 To reduce the overall interest burden, repay the interest during the moratorium period.

2. Calculate EMIs Accurately

Use an EMI calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on India's education loan repayment rules.

3. Choose the Right EMI Plan

 Select an EMI plan that balances your monthly budget with the total interest paid over time.

4. Consider Prepayment

Making prepayments can significantly reduce the principal amount, thus lowering the interest payable.

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EMI Calculation Example

Loan Amount Interest Rate Tenure EMI (Approx.)
₹5 lakh 10% Five years ₹10,624
₹10 lakh 10% Ten years ₹13,215

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Government Schemes for Education Loan Repayment

To ease the burden of repayment, the Indian government offers several schemes under India's education loan repayment rules.

Scheme Name Eligibility Criteria Key Features Benefits
Dr Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy (CSIS) - Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Parental income below ₹4.5 lakh
- Domestic study loans only
- Interest subsidy during the moratorium period
- Applicable for professional/technical courses
Reduces interest burden during the non-repayment period
Padho Pardesh - Interest Subsidy on Overseas Studies - Minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc.)
- Parental income below ₹6 lakh
- Interest subsidy for loans taken for overseas studies in specified fields Financial support for students from minority communities pursuing studies abroad
National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) - Minority communities
- Low-income families
- Loan taken from NMDFC-partnered banks
- Lower interest rates on education loans
- Flexible repayment options
Affordable education loans for students from minority communities
Vidya Lakshmi Portal - Any student seeking financial aid for education - Centralised application for multiple schemes
- Access to various government education loan schemes
Simplifies the process of applying for multiple education loans and subsidies through a single platform
RBI's Relief Measures for COVID-19 Impact - Students impacted financially by COVID-19
- Active education loans during the pandemic
- Moratorium on EMI payments for a specific period
- Loan restructuring options available
Temporary relief for students struggling to repay loans due to the pandemic's financial impact

Repayment Options and Flexibility

The education loan repayment rules in India offer various flexible repayment options to help you manage your loan more effectively:

Repayment Options and Flexibility

Step-Up Repayment Plan

Begin with lower EMIs that increase as your income grows.

Flexible Loan Tenure

Adjust the tenure based on your repayment capacity.

Part-Payment Option

Make partial payments whenever you have extra funds to reduce your overall debt.

Repayment Plan Comparison

Repayment Option Features Who Should Consider?
Standard EMI Plan Fixed EMI throughout the tenure Those with stable income
Step-Up EMI Plan EMI increases gradually over time Fresh graduates with growing income
Flexible Tenure Choose tenure based on repayment capacity Those with variable income
Part-Payment Option Pay extra amounts when possible Those with occasional surplus funds

Interest Rates and Their Impact on Repayment

Interest rates are the most critical factor when discussing education loan repayment rules in India . Banks typically offer two types of interest rates Fixed and floating.

Interest Rates: Fixed vs. Floating

Criteria Fixed Interest Rate Floating (Variable) Interest Rate
Definition A fixed interest rate remains constant throughout the loan tenure. A floating interest rate changes periodically based on market conditions.
Rate Stability Offers stability as the rate remains unchanged. The rate can fluctuate, leading to potential changes in monthly payments.
Repayment Predictability Borrowers know exactly how much they will repay every month. Monthly payments may vary depending on interest rate adjustments.
Market Dependence Independent of market fluctuations, set by the lender at the loan’s initiation. Linked to market indices such as MCLR, LIBOR, or Repo rates, and can rise or fall.

Loan Restructuring and Deferment

Option Description Conditions
Loan Restructuring Modification of loan terms to ease repayment - Significant changes in financial situation
- Bank approval required
Deferment Temporary pause in repayments; interest may accrue - Granted based on the borrower’s request and the bank’s assessment

Consequences of Defaulting on an Education Loan

Consequence Description How to Avoid
Credit Score Impact Poor credit score affecting future borrowing - Communicate with your bank early
- Make partial payments if needed
Legal Action Legal proceedings initiated by the bank - Opt for loan restructuring or deferment if necessary
Asset Seizure The guarantor’s or borrower's assets may be seized - Avoid default by managing payments effectively

Also Read Bandhan Bank Education Loan: Interest Rates and Eligibility.

Tax Benefits on Education Loan Repayment

One of the perks of education loans in India is the tax benefit. Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest you pay on your education loan is tax-deductible.

  • Section 80E allows a tax deduction on the interest paid on education loans for higher studies in India or abroad. There is no upper limit on the amount you can claim under this section.
  • Section 80C provides a deduction of up to ₹1,50,000 for tuition fees paid by individual taxpayers.
  • Additionally, if a taxpayer receives a Children's Education Allowance and a Hostel Allowance, they can claim exemptions of up to ₹100 per month and ₹300 per month, respectively.

Understanding and adhering to India's education loan repayment rules in India is vital for managing your finances effectively post-education. From knowing your education loan tenure to choosing the right repayment plan, these rules can guide you toward a successful loan repayment journey. Remember, being proactive and informed can save you from unnecessary financial strain and help you clear your debt efficiently.

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Feature Details
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FAQ on Education Loan Repayment Rules in India

What are the general education loan repayment rules in India?

Education loan repayment rules typically involve starting payments after the grace period, with the interest accruing during the moratorium period.

How can I repay my education loan?

Repayment can be done through EMIs, set up through your bank, online payments, or manual deposits.

What is the repayment period for education loan in India?

The repayment period varies based on the loan amount, typically 5 to 7 years for loans up to ₹7.5 lakh and 7 to 15 years for loans above ₹7.5 lakh.

What is the tenure of an education loan?

Tenure refers to the total duration of the loan repayment, which can range from 5 to 15 years, depending on the loan amount.

How long is the repayment period for an education loan in India?

Repayment periods generally range from 5 to 15 years based on the loan amount.

Are there any options to extend the repayment period of an education loan?

Some lenders may extend the repayment period based on your financial situation and request.

When does the repayment period for an education loan start?

Repayment typically begins after the end of the grace period, which is usually 6 to 12 months after completing the course.

Can I prepay my education loan?

Yes, prepayment options are usually available and can help reduce the total interest payable.

What happens if I miss an EMI payment on my education loan?

Missing an EMI can lead to penalties and additional interest charges and may impact your credit score.

Is interest charged during the moratorium period on education loans?

Yes, interest accrues during the moratorium period, but payments are generally required only after the grace period ends.

How can I calculate my education loan EMI?

You can use an EMI calculator on most bank websites to estimate your monthly payments based on loan amount, tenure, and interest rate.

Are there any tax benefits for education loan repayments?

Yes, interest payments on education loans are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act.

Can I negotiate the repayment of the terms of my education loan?

Some lenders may be open to renegotiating terms based on your financial situation and payment history.

What is the grace period for an education loan repayment?

The grace period is usually 6 to 12 months after completing the course, during which you are not required to make repayments.

How does the repayment period affect my education loan interest?

A more extended repayment period may reduce the EMI amount but can increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

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