Skill Loan Scheme: A Practical Guide to Funding Skill Training in India
Apply online, check eligibility, required documents, benefits, application process, beneficiary list and all important details about Skill Loan Scheme: A Practical Guide to Funding Skill Training in India.
Quick Overview
Overview of Skill Loan Scheme
Skill Loan Scheme is a Central Government scheme launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The scheme provides affordable institutional credit to individuals pursuing skill development and vocational training courses aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and/or Non-NSQF aligned courses by training entities onboarded on the MSDE's Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform.
The scheme operates through scheduled banks (Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Small Finance Banks) and NBFCs/NBFC-MFIs registered with the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC). Loans are fully covered under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development (CGFSSD), eliminating the need for collateral or third-party guarantees.
The objective is to facilitate easy and affordable access to financial assistance for individuals seeking to enhance their skills through vocational training and skill development courses, thereby improving employability and contributing to economic growth.
Benefits of Skill Loan Scheme
| Loan Amount | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,50,000 |
| Collateral | Not Required (CGFSSD guarantee covers full amount) |
| Processing Fee | NIL |
| Margin | NIL (100% financing) |
| Interest Rate | EBLR + 1.5% p.a. (scheduled banks) | Max 21% p.a. (NBFCs) |
| Moratorium Period | 6 months (course ≤1 year) | 12 months (course >1 year) |
| Repayment | Up to 3 years (≤Rs. 50K) | Up to 5 years (Rs. 50K-1L) | Up to 7 years (>Rs. 1L) |
| Interest Servicing | Optional during study period and moratorium (concession if serviced) |
| Loan Disposal | Maximum 6 working days from complete application |
| Covered Expenses | Tuition fees, exam fees, equipment costs, learning materials, other course-related costs |
Eligibility Criteria for Skill Loan
| Nationality | Indian National |
| Course | NSQF-aligned courses and/or Non-NSQF aligned courses on MSDE's SIDH platform |
| Institution | ITIs, Polytechnics, NSDC-affiliated training partners, State Skill Missions, recognized schools/colleges |
| Age | No specific age restriction (minor: parent executes documents, student ratifies at majority) |
| Minimum Qualification | As required by the enrolling institution |
| Course Duration | No minimum course duration required |
| Co-borrower | Parent/Guardian (married person: spouse or parent(s)-in-law also acceptable) |
| Credit History | Not required (student assumed creditworthy) |
| KYC | Aadhaar number accepted as valid proof |
Who Cannot Apply
- Non-Indian nationals
- Students not enrolled in NSQF-aligned or SIDH-onboarded Non-NSQF courses
- Courses at unrecognized institutions not affiliated to NSDC/SSCs/State Skill Missions
- Purely academic degree courses without vocational skill components
- Training courses not recognized by relevant regulatory bodies
Documents Required for Skill Loan
- Aadhaar Card (valid KYC proof)
- Identity Proof (PAN/Passport/Voter ID/Driver's License)
- Address Proof (Utility Bill/Ration Card)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Admission/Offer Letter from training institution with complete fee breakdown
- Course fee schedule on institutional letterhead
- Previous academic mark sheets (10th, 12th, graduation if applicable)
- Bank account details (savings account)
- Income proof of co-applicant/guardian (salary slip or ITR)
- Gap certificate (if applicable)
Application Fee
There is no processing fee or upfront charges. The loan has NIL margin — 100% of course costs are financed.
How to Apply for Skill Loan
The Skill Loan is applied directly through participating banks. There is no central online portal:
Step 1: Select Course and Institution
- Research NSQF-aligned courses or Non-NSQF courses on MSDE's Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform
- Verify institution recognition (ITI, Polytechnic, NSDC-affiliated, State Skill Mission, etc.)
- Obtain admission/offer letter with complete fee breakdown
Step 2: Approach Participating Bank
- Visit branches of Public Sector Banks (SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, etc.) or Private Sector Banks (ICICI, HDFC, Axis, etc.)
- Compare interest rates, moratorium provisions, and repayment terms across banks
- Submit loan application with all required documents
Step 3: Loan Processing and Disbursement
- Bank verifies documents and institutional recognition (maximum 6 working days)
- Loan amount disbursed directly to training institution (not to borrower)
- Repayment begins after moratorium period (6-12 months from course completion)
Repayment Structure
| Loan up to Rs. 50,000 | Up to 3 years |
| Loan Rs. 50,001 to Rs. 1,00,000 | Up to 5 years |
| Loan above Rs. 1,00,000 | Up to 7 years |
| Moratorium (Course ≤1 Year) | 6 months from course completion |
| Moratorium (Course >1 Year) | 12 months from course completion |
Important Links
| Skill India Digital Hub | skillindiadigital.gov.in |
| MSDE Official Website | msde.gov.in |
| NCGTC (Credit Guarantee) | ncgtc.in |
| NSDC | nsdcindia.org |
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