The Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries is a flagship initiative of the Directorate of Scheduled Caste Welfare, under the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. Launched in 1999, the scheme offers financial assistance up to ₹15 lakhs at a 4% interest rate to Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing higher education abroad. It aims to uplift economically weaker SC students by helping them pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, research, and technical courses overseas.
Key Highlights of Gujarat SC Higher Study Loan
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Scheme Name: Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study Abroad
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Department: Scheduled Caste Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment, Gujarat
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Launched: 1999
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Loan Amount: ₹15 lakhs
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Interest Rate: 4% per annum
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Repayment: Starts 6 months after course completion; repayable in 10 years
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Mode of Application: Online & Offline
Benefits of the Scheme
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Loan of ₹15 lakhs at 4% interest
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Covers tuition fees, hostel, books, living expenses, air travel, visa costs, and pocket money
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No income limit for applicants
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Available for graduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., technical, and diploma courses
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Valid for recognized foreign institutions only
Who is eligible
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Applicant must be a resident of Gujarat
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Belong to the Scheduled Caste category of Gujarat
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Must have 50% or more marks in qualifying exams
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Postgraduate/Ph.D. applicants must have 50 %+ in graduation
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Technical/Professional courses can be pursued after 12th or its equivalent
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A maximum of two family members can avail loans under this scheme
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Must have a valid passport, visa, and air ticket
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The foreign institution must be recognized by its country’s government
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Courses must be of a minimum 1-year duration
Special Notes:
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Students with 3-year diplomas or 2-year ITI + 10th + English exam from Gujarat Board/Open School are considered 12th equivalent
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If the student settles abroad, updating the contact and location until repayment is mandatory
Loan Repayment Terms
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Repayment begins 6 months after course completion
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Full repayment (principal + interest) must be made within 10 years
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A valid surety is required before disbursement
How to Apply
Online Application via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
- Visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
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Click ‘Citizen Login’ → ‘Please Register Here’ for new registration
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Enter details: Name (as per Aadhaar), DOB, Caste, Email, etc.
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Login with User ID & Password → Complete User Profile
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Select the scheme on the home page
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Fill the application form with accurate details
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Upload required documents
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Click ‘Save Application’ and Submit
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Take a printout and note the application number for tracking
Offline Application Process
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Visit the District Scheduled Caste Welfare Office
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Request the hard copy of the application form
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Fill it out, attach documents, and submit it to the concerned authority
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Obtain an acknowledgment slip
Necessary Documents for Application
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Passport-size Photograph
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Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
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Address Proof (Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc.)
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Caste Certificate
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Educational Qualification Certificates
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School/College Leaving Certificate
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Valid Passport & Visa
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Air Ticket
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Affidavit
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Surety Bond on ₹100 stamp paper (Annexure – C)
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Property Valuation Certificate (for surety)
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Bank Passbook (First Page) / Cancelled Cheque
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Any other documents as per official instructions
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What is the loan amount and interest rate under this scheme?
₹15 lakhs at an interest rate of 4% per annum.
Q: What expenses does the loan cover?
Tuition fees, hostel fees, travel, books, pocket money, and other educational expenses.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
SC students from Gujarat with 50% + marks and admission to recognized foreign institutions.
Q: Can I apply after 12th for technical/professional courses?
Yes, loans are available for such courses post-12th standard or equivalent.
Q: Is there an income limit to apply?
No, there is no income cap for eligibility.
Q: Can more than one person from a family apply?
Yes, up to two family members can receive the loan.
Q: When does repayment begin?
6 months after course completion, repayable within 10 years.
Q: When is the loan approved?
Only after the visa and air ticket are issued.
Q: What if I settle abroad?
You must keep your location, contact info, and movement updated until the loan is fully repaid.
