Educational Loan Scheme (GBCDC)
State: Gujarat
Ministry: null
Department: Social Justice and Empowerment Department
Category: Education & Learning, Social welfare & Empowerment
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The scheme provides financial support to students from socially and educationally backward classes for higher technical and professional education. It offers loans at concessional interest rates for approved graduate and postgraduate courses like engineering, medical, MBA, MCA, and more.

Benefits:
1. The maximum loan limit under this scheme is up to ₹ 15,00,000/-.
2. **The interest rate:**

- 4% per annum for male students.
- 3.5% per annum for female students.

3. **Loan Contribution Breakdown:**

- 90% by the National Corporation.
- 5% by the State Government.
- 5% by the beneficiary.

4. **The loan amount will include the following:**

- Admission fees and tuition fees
- Accommodation and food expenses

> **Validity:** This loan is to be repaid in 60 equal monthly instalments, including interest. The loan must be repaid within 6 months of completing the course or 1 month after getting a job, whichever is earlier.

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Eligibility:
1. The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat.
1. The applicant should belong to a socially and educationally backward class.
1. The total annual family income should not exceed ₹3,00,000/-.
1. The student must have secured admission through a recognized entrance examination conducted by the Central or State Government, or through a selection process, with at least 50% marks in Class 12 or the qualifying examination.
1. The applicant should have secured admission in a recognized institution for one of the following courses:

  - MBA or its equivalent (recognized by AICTE)
  - Master of Computer Applications (MCA) or its equivalent (recognized by AICTE)
  - Graduate-level engineering courses conducted by IITs or other institutions (recognized by AICTE)
  - Medical or allied education such as Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Unani, etc., from institutions recognized by the Medical Council of India
  - Diploma course in Hospitality Management recognized by the National Council of Hotel Management

> **Note:** Priority will be given to applicants whose family income is up to ₹1,50,000/- per annum.

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Application Process:
[Online]
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Gujarat Backwards Caste Development Corporation.
Step 2: On the top menu bar, click on "Apply Online".
Step 3: If you’re a new user, click on "New Registration" Enter personal details (name, mobile number, email, aadhaar number, etc.), create a password, and complete OTP verification.
Step 4: Use your registered credentials (User ID and password) to log in.
Step 5: Click on “New Application”. Select “Educational Loan Scheme” from the list of available schemes.
Step 6: Fill out the Application Form, enter the following details:
Personal Information: Name, gender, date of birth, caste, etc.
Address Information: Permanent and correspondence address
Income Details: Monthly family income and source
Loan Requirement: Amount needed, proposed use (e.g., business, self-employment)
Bank Account Details: For loan disbursement
Step 7: Upload scanned copies of the Caste certificate, Income certificate, Aadhaar card, Passport-size photo, Bank passbook (first page), and Residence proof.
Step 8: Double-check all details. Click on “Preview” to verify. If all details are correct, click “Submit”.
Step 9: The Applicant will receive an Application ID/Reference Number. Save or print the acknowledgement for future tracking.

Documents Required:
Identity proof
Caste Certificate
Income Certificate
Class 12 Marksheet/Qualifying Examination Marksheet
Admission Letter from a government-approved admission committee or under the government quota.
Fee Structure Certificate from the institution
Bank Account Details
Declaration/Proof of Non-Receipt of Assistance under the Hon'ble Chief Minister's Youth Self-Reliance Scheme (if applicable).