The Loan Assistance to Scheduled Caste Students for Commercial Pilot Training is a flagship initiative by the Directorate of Scheduled Caste Welfare, under the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. Launched in 1987, the scheme provides financial support up to ₹25 lakhs at a subsidized interest rate to SC students aspiring to pursue Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training in India or abroad. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between talent and affordability in aviation training.
Key Highlights of Commercial Pilot Training for SC Students
- Name of Scheme: Gujarat Pilot Training Loan Scheme
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Launched: 1987
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Implementing Body: Directorate of Scheduled Caste Welfare, Gujarat
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Loan Amount: Up to ₹25 lakhs
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Interest Rate: 4%
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Repayment Tenure: Up to 12 years (including 2-year grace period)
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Training Location: India or approved international institutes
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Mode of Application: Online and Offline via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
Benefits of the Scheme
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Financial assistance up to ₹25 lakhs for CPL training.
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Loan available at a subsidized 4% interest rate.
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Applicable for both domestic and international pilot training institutes.
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Grace period of 1 year post-disbursement; repayment period up to 12 years.
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Start-up allowance and subsistence for 6 months (for international trainees) as per RBI norms.
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Training-related expenses like tuition, medicals, visa, and equipment are included.
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Early repayment is allowed without penalty.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this scheme, candidates must fulfill the following;
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Domicile: Must be a resident of Gujarat.
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Caste: Belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
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Educational Qualification: Passed Matriculation (10th) or Higher Secondary (12th) with the qualifications required by the training institute.
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Institute Approval:
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If training abroad, the institute must be government-recognized in that country.
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The license must be legally recognized in India after the conversion process.
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Medical & Fitness: Must provide required certificates.
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Admission Confirmation: Consent letter from the training institute with cost estimate.
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No Sponsorship: Relatives abroad should not sponsor the trainee financially.
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Service Bond: Must work in India for a minimum of 5 years after training.
Important Notes
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Misuse of funds results in recovery with penal interest.
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The trainee must start training within one month of receiving the loan.
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Must submit quarterly progress reports to the Director, SC Welfare.
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Penal interest of 2.5% p.a. on defaults.
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Two valid sureties are required for availing the loan.
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If a trainee settles abroad post-training, full loan repayment with interest is mandatory.
Loan Repayment Terms
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Recovery begins 1 year after loan disbursement.
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Repayment of principal + interest in 12 years, with 2 years allotted for interest-only payment.
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The monthly installment amount is calculated accordingly.
How to Apply
Online Application via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
- Interested and eligible candidates can visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal.
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Click on ‘Citizen Login’ > ‘New User – Please Register Here’
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Fill in details: Name, Aadhaar, DOB, Caste, Email, etc.
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Log in with your credentials and update your User Profile
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Choose the relevant scheme from the dashboard
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Complete the application form and upload the required documents
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Agree to terms, click ‘Save Application’, and submit
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Print the application and note down the application number for tracking
Offline Application Process
Eligible candidates can also apply offline by following these steps;
Step 1: Visit the nearest office of the District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, and collect the official application form. Alternatively, download the application form from the official website.
Step 2: Fill in all the mandatory fields in the application form carefully. Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required). Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the necessary documents to the concerned authority at the district-level Scheduled Caste Welfare Office.
Step 4: Upon submission, request an acknowledgment receipt from the concerned official. Ensure the receipt includes essential details like the submission date, office stamp, and reference number (if applicable), which can be used to track your application status.
Necessary Documents for Application
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Passport-size Photograph
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Aadhaar Card
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Residence Proof (Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc.)
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Caste Certificate
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Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets
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School/College Leaving Certificate
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Annual Family Income Proof
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Bank Passbook or Cancelled Cheque (in applicant’s name)
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Valuation Certificate of Surety’s Property
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Student’s Affidavit
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Surety Bond (Annexure-C)
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Visa & Passport (for overseas training)
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Guarantee to serve in India for 5 years (on ₹100 stamp paper)
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Stamp paper acknowledgment letter (₹50)
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Any other documents as required by the department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When was the scheme initiated?
The scheme started in 1987 by the Gujarat government to support SC students in pilot training.
Q: What amount of loan is provided under this scheme?
Eligible candidates can avail of a loan up to ₹25 lakhs.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for availing this loan assistance?
Applicants must be SC category residents of Gujarat and meet academic and institutional requirements.
Q: Can the loan be used for other purposes?
No. Misuse of the loan will lead to recovery with interest and penalties.
Q: Are there any conditions regarding repayment of the loan?
Yes. Repayment starts after one year and must be completed within 12 years.
Q: Is there any obligation after completing the training?
Yes. The candidate must serve in India for at least 5 years.
Q: How can one apply for this loan assistance?
Apply online via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal or offline at the SC Welfare Directorate.
Q: What happens if the trainee settles abroad after training?
They must repay the full loan amount with interest to the Gujarat government.
Q: How is the rate of exchange determined for trainees undergoing training abroad?
The exchange rate is fixed by the Reserve Bank of India at the time of disbursement.
Q: How long is the repayment period for the loan?
The total repayment duration is up to 12 years, including a 2-year grace period.
Q: What is the frequency of loan recovery?
Monthly installments are collected starting one year post-disbursement.
