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Education & Learning; Banking,Financial Services and Insurance; Social welfare & Empowerment

Loan Based Schemes For Safai Karamchari - Education Loan Scheme (ELS)

An Education Loan scheme by the Ministry of Social justice and Empowerment for Safai Karamchari, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents aged 18 years and above.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Educational Loan: | - Upto 90% of the unit cost with a maximum unit cost of ₹ 10.00 lacs for study in India and ₹ 20.00 lacs to study abroad at an interest rate of 4%- 0.5% per annum rebate for women in case of study in India | Repayment period: | - 5 years after the co-termination of the course. However, the interest is payable on a quarterly basis from the disbursement of the loan. | Moratorium period: | - 1 Year | Coverage : | - Education loan may cover the following:- | - Admission Fees & Tuition Fee. | - Books, stationery, and other instruments required for the course. | - Examination Fee. | - Boarding and lodging expenses. | - Insurance premium for the policy.

Who can apply

Safai Karamcharis (including Waste pickers), identified Manual Scavengers and their dependents.; Registered co-operative societies of the target group.; Legally constituted association/firm promoted by the target group, and; Persons, who produce a certificate from local Revenue Officer/local Municipal Officer/Cantonment Executive Officer/ Railway Officer, Head of the Govt. Departments (i.e. Schools, Colleges, Forest, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry) having rank not less than Gazetted Officer, Elected Members of the Municipal Body, Pradhan of Gram Panchayats, and Regional Managers of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)/Public Sector Banks (PSBs). However, under the MS Act, 2013, a person identified as a Manual Scavenger in a survey, need not provide any certificate once his/her name appeared in the final list of Manual Scavengers prepared by State Governments/Union Territory Administration .; Mukhia/ Sarpanch/ President or any other authority equivalent to Pradhan of Gram Panchayat for the issue of Occupation Certificate to Safai Karamcharis/ dependents; and In case of Municipal Bodies without Gazetted Officers, the head of such Municipal Bodies, maybe the Competent Authority.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the Education Loan Scheme (ELS)?

Individuals belonging to the Safai Karamchari community (including waste pickers), identified manual scavengers, and their dependents aged 18 years and above are eligible. Co-operative societies or associations promoted by them can also apply.

What is the maximum amount that can be availed under this education loan?

- Up to ₹10.00 lakhs for studying in India- Up to ₹20.00 lakhs for studying abroad

What is the interest rate applicable under this scheme?

- 4% per annum for general applicants- 3.5% per annum for female applicants (0.5% rebate for women studying in India)

Is there any subsidy or reimbursement on the interest rate?

Yes, interest for loans taken for studying in India is reimbursable under the Ministry of Education if the beneficiary’s family income is ₹4.5 lakh or less per annum.

What does the education loan cover?

The loan may cover: | - Admission & Tuition Fees | - Books, stationery, instruments | - Examination fees | - Boarding and lodging expenses | - Insurance premium for study period

What is the repayment schedule and moratorium period for the loan?

Repayment Period: 5 years after completion of course | Moratorium Period: 1 year | Interest is payable quarterly from the time of loan disbursement.

What is the promoter’s contribution required?

Applicants are required to contribute 10% of the unit cost, while 90% is financed under the scheme.

How can one apply for the loan?

Applications can be submitted: | - To the District Offices of SCAs, RRBs, or Nationalised Banks- These are then appraised and sanctioned by NSKFDC following internal review and Board approval.

What documents are required for applying?

Indicative documents include: | - Aadhaar Card | - Income Certificate | - Caste Certificate | - Educational Qualification Certificates | - Bank Account Statement | - Proof of occupation or eligibility (e.g., certificate from municipal or panchayat officer)

Where can I track or get more information about my application?

You can: | - Visit the official NSKFDC portal:* https://nskfdc.nic.in- Contact your local SCA/Bank Branch- Refer to their “Lending Policies & Guidelines (LPG**)” for full process flow and norms