The “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries” scheme is administered by the Directorate of Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat.
Launched in 1999, the scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students who wish to pursue higher education abroad but lack sufficient funds. The loan amount is ₹15 lakh at an interest rate of 4%. The loan covers tuition fees, hostel fees, books, living expenses, travel expenses, and pocket money for students pursuing graduate and postgraduate courses abroad.
Benefits
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹15 lakh.
- Interest Rate: 4% per annum.
- Loan Coverage:
- Tuition Fees
- Books
- Hostel Fees
- Living Expenses
- Travel Expenses
- Pocket Money
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a native of Gujarat.
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category of Gujarat.
- Minimum academic qualifications required:
- Graduation with at least 50% marks for Postgraduate, Ph.D., Higher Level Research, and Computer Courses.
- Class 12 Pass for technical and professional courses abroad.
- Maximum of two family members can avail the loan.
- No income limit is applicable.
- The foreign university must be recognized by the respective country’s government, and the degree must be valid there.
- The loan approval process begins after the student receives a visa and air ticket.
Loan Repayment Conditions
- Repayment starts six months after course completion.
- Loan must be repaid within 10 years.
- Interest is collected after repayment of the principal amount.
- The beneficiary must furnish a valid surety.
- The student must apply for the loan within six months of moving abroad.
- If the student settles abroad, they must notify the Gujarat government until the loan is repaid.
Application Process
Online Application
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal: e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
- New User Registration:
- Click on “Citizen Login” → “Please Register Here”.
- Enter Aadhaar number, name, gender, date of birth, caste, and email ID.
- Click on “Register”.
- Login to Portal:
- Use your User ID and Password to log in.
- Update Profile:
- Click on “User Profile” and enter all mandatory details.
- Select the Scheme:
- Choose “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries”.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Submit Application:
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions and click “Save Application”.
- Take a printout of the application for reference.
- Track your application status using User ID and Password.
Offline Application
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
- Residence Proof (Ration Card/Electricity Bill/License/Rent Agreement)
- Caste Certificate
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- School/College Leaving Certificate
- Affidavit
- Passport & Visa
- Air Ticket
- Surety Bond on ₹100 Stamp Paper (Annexure – C)
- Property Valuation Report
- Bank Passbook (First Page Copy) / Cancelled Cheque
- Any other required documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the loan amount and interest rate under this scheme?
A: ₹15 lakh loan at an interest rate of 4% per annum.
Q: What expenses does the loan cover?
A: The loan covers tuition fees, books, hostel fees, living expenses, travel expenses, and pocket money.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this loan?
A: SC students from Gujarat pursuing technical, professional, postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses abroad.
Q: Can students apply for a loan after Class 12?
A: Yes, students pursuing technical and professional courses abroad after Class 12 are eligible.
Q: Is there any income limit for loan eligibility?
A: No income limit is applicable.
Q: How many family members can avail of this loan?
A: A maximum of two persons from the same family can apply.
Q: When does loan repayment start?
A: Repayment begins six months after course completion and must be completed within 10 years.
Q: What are the requirements for the foreign institution?
A: The foreign university must be recognized by the respective country’s government, and the degree must be valid there.
Q: How can eligible applicants apply for the loan?
A: Through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in) or at the District Social Welfare Office.