Padho Pardesh Yojana 2025: Interest-Free Education Loan for Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is a dream for many students in India. But the high fees often make it hard, especially for students from poor and middle-class families. If you want to study in a foreign country but don’t have enough money, Padho Pardesh Yojana can help you. This scheme by the Central Government offers interest-free loans for students aiming to pursue higher studies abroad. Keep reading to find out how you can apply and benefit from this scheme.
About Padho Pardesh Yojana 2025
Padho Pardesh Yojana started in 2013-14 by the then Cabinet Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. Its goal is to provide financial support to students from minority and poor communities who want to study overseas. Under this scheme, the government offers interest-free loans along with subsidies on the loan amount. The Ministry of Minority Affairs manages this scheme. It is open to all students from different religions and castes who belong to minority or economically weaker groups.
Main Details of Padho Pardesh Yojana
| Scheme Name | Padho Pardesh Loan Scheme |
| Launch Year | 2013-14 |
| Launched By | Central Government |
| Department | Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt of India |
| Objective | To provide financial help for higher education abroad to minority and economically weak students |
| Beneficiaries | Minority and economically weak students across India |
| Benefits | Interest-free education loan and subsidies for higher studies abroad |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Purpose of Padho Pardesh Scheme
This scheme supports deserving students who want to study abroad but can’t afford it due to money problems. Students can get loans up to Rs. 20 lakh with no interest and subsidies, so their dream of studying in foreign universities can come true.
Main Features of Padho Pardesh Yojana
- Provides interest-free loans to minority and economically weaker students for higher studies abroad.
- Managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
- Loan repayment starts only after students complete their course, with a grace period.
- Government offers subsidies on the loan amount to make it easier for students to afford education abroad.
- Loan repayment is required only after completing the education program.
Approved Banks for Padho Pardesh Education Loan
- Indian Banks Association (IBA) member banks
- Co-operative Banks
- Private Banks
- Public Sector Banks linked with Indian Banks Association
Loan Terms and Conditions
- Eligible students can take loans up to Rs. 20 lakh for higher education overseas.
- There is a repayment holiday for 1 year and 6 months after course completion.
- Students don’t need to pay any interest or installments before completing their degree.
- Repayment after the grace period is mandatory.
Benefits of Padho Pardesh Yojana
- Government provides interest-free loans to eligible minority students for foreign studies.
- Loan amount up to Rs. 20 lakh is available for eligible applicants.
- If a student completes part of their education in India and the rest abroad, no interest is charged on the loan.
- Full government subsidy on education loan helps reduce financial burden.
- Allows students to follow their dreams and build a bright future with quality foreign education.
Eligibility Criteria for Padho Pardesh Yojana
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Belongs to minority or economically weaker section with family income less than Rs. 6 lakh per year.
- Should have admission in a recognized foreign educational institution for higher education courses like PhD, MBA, PG Diploma.
- Open to students of all religions, castes, and genders.
- Loan must be applied through banks nominated by the Government of India.
- Loan subsidy limited to Rs. 20 lakh per student.
Documents Required for Applying
- Aadhaar Card
- Loan application form
- Income certificate
- Minority certificate (if applicable)
- Admission and course related documents
- Bank account details
- Passport size photograph
How to Apply for Padho Pardesh Yojana?
- Get your admission letter from the foreign college where you want to study.
- Visit any government bank to get the Padho Pardesh Yojana application form.
- Fill out the form carefully with all required information.
- Attach all necessary documents with the application form.
- Submit the form at the bank.
- The bank will send your application to the Ministry of Welfare for verification.
- If eligible, you will get the education loan under this scheme.
Padho Pardesh Yojana is a useful scheme for students who want to study abroad but face money problems. You can use this scheme to get an interest-free loan with subsidies and make your dreams come true.