Quality education is a vital component of achieving a well-rounded and successful life, often associated with graduation from prestigious institutions. However, the cost of education is rising steeply, particularly evident in the already high expenses of reputable institutions.
Despite careful financial planning, the possibility of facing a shortfall remains. In such situations, an education loan becomes essential, bridging the gap between available funds and the required amount. Research indicates that the cost of education is increasing at an average rate of 15% per annum. For example, the estimated cost of an MBA has surged from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹20 lakh over 15 years.
What does an education loan typically cover? An education loan usually includes essential course fees as well as additional expenses such as college accommodation fees, examination fees, and other miscellaneous charges.
Who can apply for an education loan? The primary borrower for an education loan is typically the student. However, a parent, spouse, or sibling can also act as a co-applicant to support the student’s loan application.
Who is eligible for the loan? Education loans are available to students pursuing studies either within India or abroad. The maximum loan amount offered for domestic and international studies varies among different banks.
What courses are covered by the loan? These loans can be availed for a variety of courses, including full-time, part-time, or vocational programs, as well as undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Eligible fields of study may include engineering, management, medicine, hotel management, architecture, and more.
What are the eligibility criteria? To be eligible for an education loan, the applicant must be an Indian citizen with admission to a college or university recognized by a competent authority in India or abroad. Typically, completion of higher secondary level schooling is required. While some banks may offer loans even before admission is secured, it’s important to note that there are usually no restrictions on the upper age limit for loan applicants, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, although individual banks may have their own policies regarding this.
What documents are required? Banks typically require additional documents alongside the application, including the admission letter from the institution, a breakdown of the fee structure, and academic records such as Class X, XII, and graduation (if applicable) mark sheets. Additionally, income-related documents such as salary slips or income-tax returns (ITR) of the co-applicant are usually requested.
How is loan financing and collateral handled? Banks have the flexibility to finance up to 100% of the loan amount based on various factors. Currently, for loans up to ₹4 lakh, no margin money is required. However, for studies within India, the applicant must finance 5% of the required amount, while for overseas studies, the margin money requirement increases to 15%. Collateral is typically required for loans exceeding ₹7.5 lakh.
What are the interest rates? Banks typically determine interest rates for education loans by using the marginal cost of funds based lending rate and adding an additional spread. As of 2017, this additional spread typically falls within the range of 1.35% to 3%.
What are the repayment terms? The responsibility for loan repayment typically falls on the student. Repayment usually begins upon completion of the course, with some banks offering a grace period of six months after securing employment or a year after completing studies before repayment starts. The repayment period usually spans between 5 to 7 years, with extensions beyond this duration possible.
What precautions should be considered? When applying for a loan, it’s crucial to be mindful of additional charges levied by the bank, such as processing fees, prepayment fees, late payment penalties, etc. Typically, lenders charge a processing fee of approximately 0.15% of the loan amount. Understanding these charges can help borrowers make informed decisions and avoid financial strain during the repayment period.
What are the benefits under the Income-Tax Act? Section 80E of the IT Act allows for a deduction on the interest paid during loan repayment, offering significant tax benefits to eligible borrowers. This deduction is applicable for a maximum of 8 years. However, the principal amount does not qualify for any tax deduction.
In conclusion, opting for an education loan not only provides financial support for academic pursuits but also establishes a positive credit history, setting a strong foundation for future financial endeavors. By repaying the loan diligently and avoiding defaults, borrowers not only fulfill their educational aspirations but also pave the way for easier access to other types of loans in the future. Thus, an education loan not only facilitates educational journeys but also contributes to long-term financial well-being.
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