Are you a student from West Bengal aspiring to pursue higher education or competitive exams? The West Bengal Student Credit Card (SCC) Scheme is here to support your academic journey. This innovative initiative by the Government of West Bengal provides financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans to students pursuing secondary, higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses—both within India and abroad. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams like IAS, WBCS, NEET, or JEE, this scheme ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of your dreams.

What is the West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme?

The Student Credit Card Scheme is designed to empower students by offering loans up to ₹10,00,000/- at a highly subsidized interest rate of 4% per annum after interest subvention. The scheme supports students pursuing studies in schools, madrasahs, colleges, universities, coaching centers, and even premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and foreign universities. It also covers competitive exam preparation costs and non-institutional expenses like living costs.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

1. Affordable Loan Options
   • Maximum loan amount: ₹10,00,000/-
   • Interest rate: 4% simple annual interest after subvention.
   • No collateral required for loans up to ₹4,00,000/-.
   • For loans above ₹4,00,000/-, only a 5% margin is required.
2. Flexible Disbursement
   • Funds are disbursed pro rata as per the course requirements.
   • Loans can be availed at any point during the course duration.
3. No Unnecessary Restrictions
   • No collateral security other than the co-obligation of parents/legal guardians.
   • Life insurance cover for the student up to the loan amount (premium paid by the student).
4. Support for Competitive Exams
   • Students preparing for competitive exams like Engineering, Medical, Law, IAS, IPS, WBCS, SSC, etc., can also avail the loan.
5. Global Opportunities
   • The scheme extends support for studies in recognized institutions both within India and abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions;

1. Citizenship and Residency :
   • The applicant must be an Indian citizen and a resident of West Bengal for at least 10 years (self-declaration).
2. Age Limit :
   • The applicant should not be older than 40 years at the time of application.
3. Course Eligibility :
   • Enrolled in recognized educational programs, including:
     • Secondary, Higher Secondary, Madrasah, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Professional Courses.
     • Coaching institutes for competitive exams like IAS, WBCS, NEET, JEE, etc.
     • Integrated courses, research programs, and postdoctoral studies.
4. Institutional Recognition :
   • The institution must be recognized by competent authorities such as UGC, AICTE, MCI, etc.

How to Apply – Online Process

The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to apply;

1. Visit the Official Website :
   Go to the official website and click on the “STUDENT CREDIT CARD” section.
2. Register Online :
   • Click on “STUDENT REGISTRATION” and select whether you’re applying for institutions in India or abroad.
   • Fill in the required details and submit the form to generate a unique User ID and Password.
3. Log In :
   Use your credentials to log in through the “Student Login” button on the homepage.
4. Fill Application Details :
   Access the Applicant Dashboard and provide all necessary information, including:
   • Personal details
   • Co-borrower and address details
   • Course and income details
   • Bank details of the student and co-borrower
5. Upload Documents :
   Upload all required documents in the specified formats (JPEG/PDF).
6. Submit Application :
   Review your application, ensure all details are correct, and submit it.
7. Track Application Status :
   You can track the status of your application using the unique ID generated during registration.

Documents Required

Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying;

• Colored photograph of the applicant and co-applicant (in .jpeg/.jpg format, between 50 KB and 20 KB).
• Signature of the student and co-borrower (in .jpeg/.jpg format, between 50 KB and 10 KB).
• Aadhaar Card, PAN Card (or undertaking if no PAN Card), and age proof of the applicant (in .pdf format, between 400 KB and 50 KB).
• Address proof of the co-applicant/co-borrower (in .pdf format, between 400 KB and 50 KB).
• Admission receipt and prospectus/certificate detailing course fees (in .pdf format, between 400 KB and 50 KB).
• Marksheet/certificate of the last qualifying exam (in .pdf format, between 400 KB and 50 KB).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the key benefit of this scheme?

The scheme offers loans up to ₹10,00,000/- at a subsidized interest rate of 4% per annum after interest subvention.

Where will the funds for institutional payments be received?

Funds for institutional payments will be directly credited to the institution’s account.

Where will the funds for non-institutional expenses be received?

Funds for non-institutional expenses, including living costs, will be disbursed to the student’s bank account.

Is there an age limit to apply?

Yes, applicants must be aged 40 years or below at the time of application.

Are students enrolled in integrated courses eligible?

Yes, students enrolled in integrated courses at recognized institutions are eligible.

Are research scholars eligible?

Yes, research scholars, research associates, and postdoctoral students can apply.

Can the student apply anytime during the course?

Yes, students can apply for the loan at any point during their course tenure.

How to apply for the scheme?

Applications must be submitted online through the official website.

Is a black-and-white photograph acceptable?

No, only colored photographs are accepted.

Can students get loans for institutions outside India?

Yes, the scheme supports loans for recognized institutions both within India and abroad.

Why Choose the West Bengal Student Credit Card Scheme?

This scheme is more than just a financial aid program—it’s a pathway to achieving your academic and career aspirations. By offering affordable loans, flexible disbursement, and minimal documentation, the SCC Scheme eliminates financial barriers and empowers students to focus on their studies. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or pursuing higher education, this initiative ensures that every deserving student has access to quality education.

Official Wesbite: https://wbscc.wb.gov.in/

Scheme Details & Guidelines

The WB Student Credit Card Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering education and skill development among students from West Bengal. With its low-interest rates, flexible terms, and comprehensive coverage, the scheme makes higher education accessible to all. If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic journey, don’t let financial constraints hold you back—apply today and unlock your potential!