The Padho Pardesh Scheme, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote inclusive access to higher education abroad by providing interest subsidies on education loans for economically weaker students belonging to notified minority communities. This initiative supports eligible students pursuing Master’s, M.Phil., or Ph.D. programs overseas in specified disciplines, thus enabling them to compete globally and improve their employability.
Key Highlights for Education Loan Scheme for EWS
• Scheme Name: Padho Pardesh – Interest Subsidy Scheme
• Launched By: Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India
• Target Group: Minority students from economically weaker sections
• Applicable Courses: Master’s, M.Phil., Ph.D. abroad
• Loan Requirement: Education loan under the IBA Model Scheme
• Subsidy Type: Full interest subsidy during course duration + moratorium
• Application Mode: Online during the first year of study
Benefits of the Loan Subsidy
• Interest Subsidy:
-
100% interest subsidy on education loans taken under the IBA scheme
-
Subsidy covers course duration + moratorium period (usually 1 year)
• Financial Relief:
-
Reduces the overall education cost burden for students from minority communities
• Enhanced Access to Education:
-
Supports students in pursuing professional & technical courses abroad
• Global Exposure:
-
Helps improve skills, career prospects, and global competitiveness
Eligible Disciplines/Courses
Applicable to full-time Master’s, M.Phil., Ph.D. programs in areas like:
• Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
• Engineering, Biotechnology, Nano-Technology, Mechatronics, AI & Robotics
• Medical & Veterinary Sciences, Optometry, Plant Pathology, Forestry
• MBA, MCA, Agriculture, Food Technology, Ocean Sciences, Energy Studies
• Nuclear Engineering, Marine Engineering, Packaging, Plastic & Cryogenic Engineering
(Refer to the full list in the official guidelines for complete subject coverage.)
Eligibility Criteria
• Must belong to a notified minority community (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi)
• Must have secured admission to a recognized foreign university in eligible courses
• Must have obtained an education loan from a Scheduled Bank under the IBA Education Loan Scheme
• Family annual income should be ₹6,00,000 or less
• Must apply during the first year of study
• Must not have availed interest subsidy under any other scheme (e.g., CSIS) for the same level of study
• Aadhaar linkage may be required for disbursement
How to Apply – Online Process
-
Visit the official portal of the Padho Pradesh Scheme.
-
Click on “Apply Now”
-
Enter and verify details like:
-
Name, ISD Code, Mobile Number, Email ID
-
-
Fill the application form and upload the required documents
-
Submit and save the application reference number for future tracking
Necessary Documents for Application
• Filled Application Form
• Admission Letter from a foreign university
• Passport
• Income Certificate (latest)
• Education Loan Sanction Letter
• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of belonging to a minority community
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can students who received a subsidy under CSIS for undergraduate study apply?
A: No, if you’ve already availed a subsidy for the same level of study, you are not eligible.
Q: Is interest subsidy guaranteed for all eligible applicants?
A: Not guaranteed – subject to verification and availability of funds.
Q: Is subsidy applicable if the loan amount exceeds ₹20 lakhs?
A: Subsidy is applicable only on loan amounts up to ₹20 lakhs.
Q: Should the income certificate be current?
A: Yes, a latest and valid income certificate must be provided at the time of application.
Q: Is it applicable for courses partly pursued in India and abroad?
A: No, the scheme only covers full-time courses pursued entirely abroad.
Q: When must the student apply?
A: Only during the first year of study. Applications in subsequent years will be rejected.
References & Useful Links
• Padho Pardesh Guidelines – Ministry of Minority Affairs
• [FAQs – Padho Pardesh Portal]
• IBA Education Loan Model Scheme
