AI SummarySC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2025-26 presentation on 1 February 2025. The scheme will give term loans of up to ₹2 crore to 5 lakh first-time women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs over the next five years.
This scheme is built on the lessons learned from the successful Stand Up India Loan Scheme. It is meant to help women and SC/ST families who want to start their own business but face money problems. Female citizens can apply online for the loan support to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.
SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme - Key Update
In March 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha that the revamped scheme is being redrafted and will be launched soon. The original Stand Up India scheme completed its term on 31 March 2025. The new scheme will carry forward the lessons from it with a higher loan limit of up to ₹2 crore per eligible borrower.
Along with the loan, the government plans to organize online capacity building for entrepreneurship and managerial skills. This will help first-time founders plan their business better before taking the loan. Till the revamped rules are officially notified, the loan application can be started through the official loan portal.
Goals of the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme
The scheme aims to improve the social and economic status of women and SC/ST families in India. By helping them to become entrepreneurs, the government wants to boost the MSME sector and promote self-employment. Mentorship and skill development programs will come with the loan support to make sure the funds are used well.
Key Features of the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme |
| Announced By | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman |
| Announced On | 1 February 2025 (Union Budget 2025-26) |
| Purpose | Provide term loans to first-time entrepreneurs |
| Beneficiaries | 5 lakh women, SC and ST first-time entrepreneurs |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹2 crore |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | jansamarth.in |
Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply, check that you fit into the eligible group. The scheme is for first-time entrepreneurs, so the business must be a fresh venture and not an existing one.
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of India.
- Applicant must be a first-time woman, SC or ST entrepreneur.
- The business must be a greenfield venture, that is, the first-time project in manufacturing, services, trading or agriculture-allied sectors.
Support for women and SC/ST first-time entrepreneurs! #ViksitBharatBudget2025 pic.twitter.com/5xLmvFUJJ6— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 1, 2025
Benefits Under the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme
The scheme offers both loan support and skill training to help new business owners succeed. The main benefits are given below.
- The government will offer term loans of up to ₹2 crore for eligible first-time entrepreneurs.
- The scheme is a big step for women entrepreneurs and promotes self-employment.
- It will lead to job creation as more women start their own businesses.
- Online capacity building for entrepreneurship and managerial skills will be organized.
How to Apply for the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme
Application is fully online through the Jan Samarth portal, a one-stop digital platform that links 15 government loan and subsidy schemes. The steps below are simple and can be finished in one sitting if your documents are ready.
STEP 1 - Open the official portal at jansamarth.in and click on the 'Register' button on the homepage. First-time users need to create a login using their mobile number and email ID.
STEP 2 - Fill in your business location details like state, district and pin code. Then select your category from woman, SC or ST entrepreneur to make sure the right eligibility is checked.
STEP 3 - Enter the nature of your proposed business and mention the loan amount you need up to ₹2 crore.
STEP 4 - Review all the information, upload the required documents and click on 'Submit'. Once your application is registered, a bank official or a handholding agency will contact you to complete the loan formalities.
FAQ's
What is the financial support provided under the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme?
The scheme provides term loans of up to ₹2 crore for eligible first-time women, SC and ST entrepreneurs.
Who can apply for the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme?
Women, SC and ST citizens of India who are first-time entrepreneurs can apply for the benefits of the scheme.
When was the SC/ST Women Entrepreneurs Scheme announced?
The scheme was announced on 1 February 2025 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2025-26 presentation.
What documents are required to apply for this scheme?
Applicants need to keep proof of identity like Aadhaar card and PAN card, proof of residence, a caste certificate for SC or ST applicants, and a bank account.
Is the scheme launched yet?
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. In March 2026, the Finance Minister said the revamped scheme is being redrafted and will be launched soon.