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Govt Schemes

Stand-Up India loan: Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for women, SC and ST entrepreneurs

Stand-Up India gives bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to women, SC and ST entrepreneurs. Here is who qualifies, what kind of business is covered, and how to apply.

State Bank of India, Chandni Chowk branch, Delhi 02
Representative photo: State Bank of India, Chandni Chowk branch, Delhi 02. Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.

At a glance
SchemeStand-Up India Loan Scheme
MinistryMinistry of Finance, Govt of India
BenefitBank loan between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore for a new enterprise
Who can applyWomen, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs, aged 18 and above
How it is givenTerm loan and working capital from scheduled commercial banks, one loan per bank branch
Apply atstandupmitra.in or any bank branch
Cost to applyFree

Key points

  • Loans range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
  • It is for new, greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, trading or services.
  • Only women, SC and ST entrepreneurs can apply, at least one per enterprise.
  • Farm sector activities are not covered.

So what exactly does an entrepreneur get?

The scheme gives a bank loan of between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

The loan can be for setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, trading or services.

It is a term loan along with working capital, given by banks, not a grant.

Amounts and terms can change, so please confirm the current details on the official site.

Who can apply, and who cannot?

The loan is meant for women, and for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs.

The enterprise must be a new, greenfield venture, not an existing business expansion.

It must be in manufacturing, trading or services. Enterprises in the farm sector are not covered.

At least one borrower in the enterprise should be a woman, SC or ST entrepreneur, and the applicant should be 18 or older.

Why was this scheme started?

The Government of India launched Stand-Up India on 5 April 2016.

It aims to support entrepreneurship among women and SC and ST communities.

It is linked to the National Mission for Financial Inclusion, which seeks funding for marginalised groups.

Over 1.8 lakh entrepreneurs have reportedly benefited, and over 80 percent of loans went to women.

What documents should you keep ready?

Keep your Aadhaar card, PAN card and a recent passport-size photo ready.

Keep your caste certificate if you are applying under SC or ST.

Keep a project report or business plan, and proof of your address and bank account.

Your bank may ask for more papers, so check with the branch before you go.

How do you apply online, step by step?

Go to standupmitra.in and register using your mobile number.

Fill in your personal details, the enterprise details and the loan amount you need.

Upload your documents and submit the application.

Note the reference number, so you can track the application later.

How to apply for Stand-Up India loan
  1. 1
    Register onlineGo to standupmitra.in and register using your mobile number.
  2. 2
    Fill in your detailsEnter personal details, enterprise details and the loan amount you need.
  3. 3
    Upload and submitUpload your documents and submit the application.
  4. 4
    Note the reference numberKeep it so you can track the application later.

Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report

How do you apply offline at a bank?

You can visit any scheduled commercial bank branch and ask for a Stand-Up India loan.

Bring your documents and your business plan to the branch manager.

The bank will assess your project and decide on the loan.

How do you check your application, and what if it is stuck?

Use the tracking option on standupmitra.in with your reference number.

If there is no progress, contact the bank branch where you applied first.

Never pay any agent or middleman for a loan. Banks do not charge fees to sanction these loans through unofficial people.

Any helpline or important tips?

For help, visit standupmitra.in and check the contact details listed there.

Keep copies of all documents and the reference number.

Beware of fake websites and callers asking for money. Use only official channels.

Frequently asked questions

Can a man apply for a Stand-Up India loan?

The scheme is for women and SC or ST entrepreneurs. At least one borrower in the enterprise should belong to these groups.

Is Stand-Up India a grant?

No, it is a bank loan that must be repaid. Interest and terms are set by the bank.

Can an existing business get this loan?

The scheme is for new, greenfield enterprises. Expansion of an existing business is not covered.

Is there a last date to apply?

The scheme has no fixed closing date in the sources I rely on. Check standupmitra.in for the latest information.

Is there any fee to apply?

Applying through the official portal or a bank branch is free. Avoid anyone asking for money.