Padho Pardesh Scheme 2026: Interest Subsidy on Overseas Education Loans & Details
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This scheme is closed for applications.
Quick answer
Padho Pardesh offers an interest subsidy on education loans for minority students pursuing master's, M.Phil, or Ph.D. programmes abroad. Eligible students from families earning up to ₹6,00,000 annually can receive interest relief on loans up to ₹20,00,000 under the IBA scheme. Applications must be made in the first year of study through the designated portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Interest subsidy on education loans up to ₹20L |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Minority Affairs |
| Level | Central Government |
| Income limit | ₹6 lakh |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | 15 Dec 2022 |
About the scheme
The Padho Pardesh scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs designed to assist meritorious students from notified minority communities who belong to economically weaker sections. By subsidising the interest on education loans taken from scheduled banks under the Indian Banks Association (IBA) scheme, the initiative helps lower the financial hurdle of studying abroad for higher degrees such as Master's, M.Phil, and Ph.D. levels across diverse approved academic disciplines.
Benefits
- Provides interest subsidy on education loans taken under the IBA scheme to reduce overseas study costs.
- Restricted to the limits specified under the IBA model scheme, covering loan amounts up to ₹20.00 lakh.
- Makes international higher education more accessible for students from economically weaker sections.
- Enhances employability and global career opportunities for minority students.
- Promotes personal and professional skill development through overseas academic exposure.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must belong to an economically weaker section of a notified minority community.
- Must have secured admission to an approved master's, M.Phil, or Ph.D. programme at a recognised foreign university.
- The total annual family income of the student must not exceed ₹6,00,000.
- Must have availed an education loan from a scheduled bank under the Indian Banks Association (IBA) Education Loan Scheme.
- Must apply for the scheme benefits during the first year of the course abroad.
- If the course is partly in India and partly abroad, the degree must be awarded by the foreign university.
- Students who availed CSIS or state subsidies for earlier degrees (e.g. undergraduate or M.Tech in India) remain eligible for postgraduate studies abroad.
- Priority is given to applications originating from states and union territories with lower bank interest rates.
Who cannot apply
- Applications submitted in the second year of study or later are not accepted.
- Interest subsidy is not admissible on the portion of loan disbursed above ₹20.00 lakh.
Documents required
- Completed application form
- Admission letter from the foreign university
- Passport
- Income certificate issued by a competent authority
- Education loan application from a scheduled bank
- Aadhaar card
How to apply
- 1Visit the official portal of the Ministry of Minority Affairs or the Canara Bank CSIS Padho Pardesh portal.
- 2Click on the 'Apply Now' option on the portal page.
- 3Enter the required contact details including ISD code, mobile number, and email ID.
- 4Fill out the application form with education loan and admission details, upload the requested documents, and submit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the family income limit for Padho Pardesh?+
Total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹6,00,000 per annum, verified by an income certificate from a competent authority.
What is the maximum loan limit covered under the interest subsidy?+
The subsidy is restricted to the limits specified under the IBA model scheme, which is up to ₹20.00 lakh.
When should students apply for the Padho Pardesh scheme?+
Students must apply during their first year of study abroad; applications received in the second year or later will not be accepted.
Is the interest subsidy guaranteed for every eligible applicant?+
No, it is not guaranteed for everyone; the scheme provisions set a cap of 400 students to be selected per year.
Can students who took CSIS subsidy during undergraduate studies apply?+
Yes, students who received subsidies under schemes like CSIS for earlier courses can still apply for post-graduate degrees, M.Phil, or Ph.D. abroad.
Are students in dual-campus courses eligible if part of the course is in India?+
Yes, students pursuing courses partly in India and partly abroad are eligible as long as the degree is awarded by the foreign university.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)