Pursuing higher education is a significant milestone in every student’s life, but the rising cost of education can often pose a challenge. To support aspiring students, the State Bank of India (SBI) offers a collateral-free education loan, making it easier for students to achieve their academic dreams without financial stress. Here are 10 important things you should know about this loan:

1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for SBI’s collateral-free study loan, students must:

• Be Indian citizens aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Have secured admission to a recognized institution in India or abroad.
• Be enrolled in a graduate, postgraduate, diploma, or professional course.
  
  

2. Maximum Loan Amount

SBI provides loans of up to Rs 7.5 lakh without requiring collateral. For higher loan amounts, collateral security might be needed.

3. Expenses Covered

The loan is designed to cover various academic expenses, such as:

• Tuition fees
• Cost of books, equipment, and study materials
• Accommodation charges (hostel fees)
• Travel expenses (for international studies)
• Exam, lab, and library fees

This ensures that students can focus on their studies without worrying about miscellaneous costs.

4. Competitive Interest Rates

SBI offers attractive interest rates for its education loans.

• Rates start at 8.5% per annum (approx.) for premier institutions.
• Female students enjoy an additional concession of 0.5%, encouraging women to pursue higher education.
  
  

5. Tax Benefits

One of the most significant advantages of the SBI education loan is the tax deduction available under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act.

• The interest paid on the loan is deductible.
• There’s no upper limit on the amount of interest you can claim as a deduction.

This makes repaying the loan more manageable in the long run.

6. Moratorium Period

SBI provides a moratorium period, allowing students to focus on their studies before repayment begins.

• The moratorium includes the course duration plus one additional year.
• No repayment is required during this time.
  
  

7. Flexible Repayment Terms

The repayment schedule is designed to be student-friendly.

• Borrowers can repay the loan over a period of up to 15 years after the moratorium.
• Early repayment options are available with no prepayment penalty.
  
  

8. Documents Required

To apply for the loan, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of admission
• Detailed fee structure from the institution
• KYC (Know Your Customer) documents such as Aadhaar and PAN
• Income proof of parents or guardians
  
  

9. Application Process

Applying for the SBI collateral-free study loan is simple:

• Visit the official SBI website or download the YONO app for online application.
• Alternatively, visit a nearby SBI branch for in-person assistance.

The process is streamlined to ensure quick approval and disbursal.

10. Additional Benefits

Apart from the primary features, students can avail themselves of additional benefits such as:

• Subsidy schemes for students from economically weaker sections.
• No collateral for loans under Rs 7.5 lakh.
  
  

Final Thoughts

SBI’s collateral-free study loan is an excellent initiative to empower students to pursue their academic aspirations without worrying about financial constraints. With features like competitive interest rates, tax benefits, and flexible repayment terms, it’s a reliable choice for students and their families.

If you’re planning to apply for this loan, make sure to review the detailed terms and conditions and consult an SBI representative for personalized guidance. Education is an investment in your future—let SBI help you make it happen!

Also Read: 60% of Health Insurance Claimants Face Discharge Delays, Push for Web Processing Solutions