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Propelld vs Shriram Finance Education Loan

Propelld vs Shriram Finance Education Loan: Detailed Comparison

Written By
Vaishali Pandey
&
Reviewed By
Victor Senapaty
Updated On:
Jan 13, 2026
|
5
mins read
Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Jan 13, 2026

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In recent years, students have started exploring new-age lenders that offer faster approvals and flexible repayment options, moving beyond traditional finance companies. The Propelld vs Shriram Finance education loan comparison showcases how these two lenders differ in approach. 

Propelld focuses on tech-driven, collateral-free loans for students, while Shriram Finance combines experience with structured lending. 

This blog outlines their unique offerings, helping students identify which lender better supports their higher education plans.

Looking for quick approval and 100% collateral-free financing? Apply with Propelld now!

Quick Snapshot: Propelld vs Shriram Finance

Feature

Propelld (Specialist NBFC)

Shriram Finance (General NBFC)

Primary Focus

Merit-based Education Financing

General Financial Services (Secured & Unsecured Loans)

Maximum Loan

Up to ₹1 Crore (Abroad); Up to ₹40 Lakhs (Domestic)

Can go up to ₹1 Crore (typically secured against property); Unsecured up to ₹25 Lakhs

Interest Rates (ROI)

Starting from 12% p.a. (Profile-based, Transparent APR)

Generally range from 8% to 16% p.a. (Variable, profile-dependent)

Collateral Required

Collateral-Free up to ₹1 Crore (Abroad) & all Domestic

Often required for higher amounts; Unsecured up to limits like ₹25 Lakhs

Margin Money

0% Margin Money

Typically 5% to 15% for general loans

Approval Time (TAT)

48–72 hours (Domestic); 7 Working Days (Abroad)

Varies, generally longer than specialist NBFCs

Special Feature

Student-friendly repayment (Partial interest)

Wide presence and strong foundation in secured lending

Planning to study overseas but worried about finances? Don’t miss our detailed guide on how to get an education loan for abroad studies in 2024.

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Detailed Comparison: Propelld vs Shriram Finance Education Loan

Understanding the fine print is crucial. Here is the detailed breakdown of the key factors that differentiate a Propelld vs Shriram Finance education loan comparison.

Collateral & Margin Money Rules

The requirement to pledge assets is often the biggest hurdle for students. The Propelld vs Shriram Finance collateral policies show a significant divergence based on their core focus.

Propelld: Fundamentally designed for collateral-free lending. Loans up to ₹1 Crore for abroad studies and all domestic loans are offered without requiring any collateral (property, FD, etc.). Crucially, Propelld requires 0% margin money, financing up to 100% of the education cost, significantly reducing the upfront financial burden on your family.

Shriram Finance: As a diversified NBFC, Shriram Finance is strong in secured lending. While unsecured loans are available, potentially up to ₹25 Lakhs, obtaining the maximum loan amount often requires securing the loan against property. Furthermore, you may face a requirement for 5% to 15% margin money, meaning a portion of the fee must be paid by the family upfront.

Interest Rates & Transparency

The Propelld vs Shriram Finance interest rates will determine the total cost of your education.

Shriram Finance: Interest rates are competitive within the general NBFC sector, typically ranging from 8% to 16% p.a., as stated in their financial articles (Source: Shriram Finance Articles). The specific rate applicable to you depends heavily on the co-applicant's credit score, the loan amount, and the presence of collateral.

Propelld: Offers rates starting from 12% p.a. The rates are profile-based, meaning strong academic performance or admission to a highly ranked college can secure a lower rate.

Propelld stands out for its transparency by openly publishing the APR (Annual Percentage Rate), ensuring the borrower sees the all-inclusive cost, including all processing and hidden fees, right from the start.

Loan Approval Time & Processing

When visa and admission deadlines are looming, the Propelld vs Shriram Finance loan approval time is a critical factor.

Propelld: The application process is 100% digital and paperless, leading to vastly accelerated timelines. Domestic loans are sanctioned in 48–72 hours, and abroad loan approvals are typically completed in 7 working days. Propelld informs applicants of any rejection or application gap within 24 hours, avoiding long and anxious waiting periods.

Shriram Finance: Approval times can be longer, especially if collateral valuation is required (for high-value secured loans) or if the loan involves extensive manual verification typical of traditional finance processes.

For students seeking financial support without pledging assets, you can explore options to get an education loan without collateral and secure funds quickly.

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Loan Amount and Coverage

The maximum loan amount and what it covers impact your ability to finance your entire education journey.

Shriram Finance: The loan amount can go up to ₹1 Crore, but this top limit is usually achieved when securing the loan against property (Loan Against Property scheme). Unsecured loans are generally capped lower, with ₹25 Lakhs being a significant unsecured amount often discussed.

Propelld: Focuses on the student’s needs, offering up to ₹1 Crore for abroad studies and up to ₹40 Lakhs for domestic higher education, all without mandatory collateral. Propelld’s coverage is comprehensive, including tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, exam fees, and even laptops, ensuring complete coverage.

Repayment Plans and Moratorium

Understanding your repayment terms is vital, particularly the moratorium period, the holiday before repayments begin. This is a key focus of the Propelld vs Shriram Finance repayment plans.

Propelld: Offers student-friendly repayment options, including a full moratorium (study period + grace period) for long courses. Options include simple interest payment during the study period or a partial interest option for abroad loans, allowing students to manage their cash flow while studying.

Shriram Finance: While a moratorium is standard, the terms may be less flexible than a specialist lender. The requirement to pay interest during the study period is common, and their general finance products may have less accommodating policies regarding repayment holidays.

Eligibility and Underwriting

The criteria used to assess your loan application (the Propelld vs Shriram Finance education loan eligibility) significantly influence your chance of approval.

Propelld: Utilises flexible, merit-based underwriting. Approval rewards good academics and university standing, even if the co-applicant has a weak financial history. This results in a high approval rate, as Propelld approves 9/10 applications with flexible underwriting.

Shriram Finance: Eligibility criteria are typical of traditional NBFCs, focusing heavily on the co-applicant's income, property value (for secured loans), and credit score. Academic merit may be a factor, but the primary reliance is on the co-applicant's financial strength and the value of the collateral.

Who Should Choose Propelld vs Shriram Finance?

Choose Propelld If...
Consider Shriram Finance If...
  • You need a collateral-free loan up to ₹1 Crore for abroad studies.
  • You require 0% margin money and 100% financing for your course.
  • Your academic profile is strong, but your co-applicant’s financial history is weak.
  • You are seeking funding for non-traditional courses like upskilling, professional certification, or coaching.
  • You already have property to pledge and your loan requirement is high (over ₹40 Lakhs).
  • You are looking for a secured loan and can qualify for a Loan Against Property.
  • You prioritise a lender with a very wide, traditional branch network for in-person support.
  • You are comfortable with general NBFC unsecured loan limits (up to ₹25 Lakhs).

The decision between a specialist education finance provider and a general NBFC often comes down to flexibility and focus.

  • Propelld, as an RBI-registered NBFC focused entirely on education, leverages flexible underwriting to reward academic merit, providing high-value, collateral-free loans with unparalleled speed and transparency (clear APR disclosure).
  • Shriram Finance provides a solution rooted in traditional NBFC structures, often leaning towards secured lending, which may be suitable if you have collateral but less flexible if you do not, particularly concerning the Propelld vs Shriram Finance collateral policies.

The modern student needs a partner who believes in their academic potential over their family’s assets.

Ready to start your education journey?  Apply with Propelld today and secure your future with flexible, student-first financing.

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FAQs About Propelld vs Shriram Finance Education Loan Comparison

Q1. Which is better: Propelld or Shriram Finance for an unsecured education loan?

Propelld is generally better for unsecured education loans as it specialises in this segment, offering collateral-free financing up to ₹1 Crore for abroad studies and 0% margin money, with flexible underwriting based on your academic profile.

Q2. How do Propelld vs Shriram Finance interest rates compare?

Propelld vs Shriram Finance interest rates are both profile-based. Propelld’s rates start from 12% p.a. with transparent APR. Shriram Finance's rates typically fall within the general industry range of 8% to 16% p.a. (Source: Shriram Finance Articles).

Q3. Does Propelld offer a better loan without collateral than Shriram Finance?

Yes. Propelld's core business is providing collateral-free loans up to ₹1 Crore (abroad), making it highly accessible. Shriram Finance, while offering some unsecured options, often requires collateral for loans exceeding limits like ₹25 Lakhs.

Q4. What is the difference in Propelld vs Shriram Finance loan approval time?

Propelld's digital-first process is significantly faster, targeting approval in 48–72 hours for domestic loans and 7 working days for abroad loans.

Q5. What is the Propelld vs Shriram Finance margin money requirement?

Propelld has a strict 0% margin money policy. Shriram Finance may require a 5% to 15% margin money component depending on the specific loan product.

Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

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Victor Senapaty
Co Founder, Propelld
Check out full profile

Victor Senapaty is the Co-Founder of Propelld, a pioneering fintech platform revolutionizing education financing in India. An IIT Madras and FMS Delhi alumnus, Victor brings a rare blend of investment banking expertise, startup leadership, and financial innovation to the education lending space.

He is a serial entrepreneur with ventures spanning edtech, hyperlocal commerce, and consumer experiences, and an ex-Deutsche Bank investment banker with deep expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and strategic growth. At Propelld, Victor focuses on unlocking financial access for students by creating future-potential-based lending models, helping thousands pursue higher education without traditional credit barriers.

A National Maths Olympiad gold medalist, FRM Level 1 certified professional, an avid traveler and football enthusiast, Victor is passionate about building products that meaningfully impact lives and transform access to education in India.

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