The Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme (CELS) is a flagship initiative launched by the Department of Personnel, Reforms, Training, and Public Grievances, Government of Sikkim. Designed to support students in pursuing professional courses, the scheme offers interest-free education loans with special consideration for students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme supports studies within Sikkim, across India, and abroad, making higher education more accessible and affordable for deserving students.
Whether you’re pursuing a medical, engineering, management, or other full-time professional course, this scheme provides a financial boost of up to ₹15 lakhs, depending on the location of your study.
Key Benefits of Sikkim CELS 2025
-
₹5,00,000 loan for full-time professional courses within Sikkim (for BPL families only).
-
₹7,50,000 loan for professional studies elsewhere in India.
-
₹15,00,000 loan for students opting to study abroad.
-
Interest-free loan during the course duration and 1-year moratorium post-completion.
-
Accessible even to children of Government/PSU employees.
Note: In the event of course discontinuation or the borrower’s death, the co-applicant is liable to repay the full loan within one year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for CELS 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
-
The applicant must be a student enrolled in a recognized professional course.
-
Annual family income should:
-
Not exceed ₹2.5 lakh for studying in India.
-
Not exceed ₹5 lakh for studying abroad.
-
-
The chosen educational institution must be recognized by a competent authority (UGC, AICTE, or equivalent).
-
Only one applicant per family is eligible (exceptions made for BPL families).
-
BPL candidates can avail of the scheme exclusively for study within Sikkim.
-
Children of Government and PSU employees are also eligible.
How to Apply
Here check the offline application steps for interest-free education loans up to ₹15 lakhs under Sikkim’s CELS 2025
-
Visit the Office: The applicant must visit the Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO) during office hours.
-
Collect the Application Form: Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the designated staff.
-
Fill Out the Form: Carefully complete all mandatory fields using accurate personal, educational, and financial information.
-
Attach Required Documents: Self-attest and attach all supporting documents as listed below.
-
Submit the Application: Hand over the completed form and documents to the designated SIDICO staff.
-
Obtain Acknowledgment: Request a receipt or acknowledgment slip containing the submission date and a unique ID reference number (if applicable).
Necessary Documents
Make sure to attach self-attested copies of the following documents with your application:
-
Income Certificate (issued and certified by the District Collector).
-
Proof of Admission from a recognized institution (in India or abroad).
-
Affidavit of Unemployment (student must declare not being employed).
-
Project Viability Report or technical feasibility certificate for the course or institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for the Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme (CELS)?
A: Any student from Sikkim pursuing a recognized professional course, meeting the income criteria.
Q: Is there a special provision for BPL families under CELS?
A: Yes, BPL students are eligible to apply for loans exclusively for studying in Sikkim.
Q: Can more than one family member apply?
A: No, only one applicant per family is allowed, unless the family is BPL.
Q: What if the student drops out or passes away during the course?
A: The co-applicant must repay the full loan amount within one year.
Q: How is the loan disbursed?
A: Upon approval, funds are released based on the course duration and financial requirement, subject to terms.
Q: Are affidavits necessary?
A: Yes, an affidavit declaring unemployment is mandatory.
Contact & Submission Address
Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO)
📍 Location: SIDICO Office, Government of Sikkim
🕘 Visit during official working hours
📞 (You may inquire at the Department of Personnel for updated contact info)
