AI SummaryStand-Up India Scheme of the Ministry of Finance gives bank loans to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women entrepreneurs who want to start a new business. On 11 November 2026, Union Cabinet approved continuing the scheme till 31 March 2031 with a ₹4,111 crore credit guarantee fund, and the standupmitra.in portal continues to accept applications for greenfield ventures in manufacturing, services, trading, and agriculture-allied sectors.
Original scheme, launched in April 2016, completed its term on 31 March 2025. Government is now redesigning it after consultations with NITI Aayog and other departments. Basic idea is the same. Every bank branch is expected to support at least one SC or ST borrower and one woman borrower for setting up a new enterprise. For a company or partnership, at least 51% of the ownership must be with an SC, ST, or woman entrepreneur.
Stand-Up India Scheme 2026 - Key Update
Union Cabinet approved continuing Stand-Up India for five years, till 31 March 2031, on 11 November 2026. Target is to cover 2.5 lakh more SC, ST and women entrepreneurs in this period. Loans stay above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore, as a composite loan (term loan plus working capital) or only a term loan, and can cover up to 85% of project cost. Lenders get guarantee cover for 85% of the loan amount at a standard fee of 0.50%.
Since April 2016, over 2.75 lakh women, SC and ST entrepreneurs have got loans under Stand-Up India. The ₹2 crore limit talked about in March 2026 is not part of the Cabinet approval.
How to Apply for Stand-Up India Loan Online
Application is fully online through the SIDBI-run Stand-Up India portal. You can also walk into your nearest bank branch or contact your Lead District Manager (LDM) if you want offline help. Steps below are simple and can be finished in one sitting if your documents are ready.
STEP 1 - Open the official portal at standupmitra.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 SC, ST, or Woman entrepreneur to make sure the right eligibility is checked.
STEP 3 - Enter the nature of your proposed business, whether it is manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied, and mention the loan amount you need between ₹10 lakh and the current upper limit.
STEP 4 - Give details about your business premises, past work experience, and whether you need handholding support like project report preparation, training, mentoring, or margin money support.
STEP 5 - 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.
Benefits Under Stand-Up India Scheme
Scheme is not just about a loan. It comes with a full support package so a first-time founder does not feel lost. Money help, a debit card for daily use, and guidance are all part of the deal.
- Bank loan above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore, as a composite loan or a term loan, covering up to 85% of project cost.
- Rupay debit card issued by the bank for smooth day-to-day business payments and withdrawals.
- Handholding support through the SIDBI portal for training, skill building, mentoring, project report writing, filling forms, and finding subsidy or utility services.
Eligibility - Who Can Apply
Before you register, check if you fit into the eligible group. Rules are strict on the greenfield part, meaning this must be a fresh business, not an existing one.
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application, with no upper age bar for most banks.
- Male applicants must belong to the SC or ST category, while women applicants of any category are eligible.
- Business must be a greenfield venture, that is, the applicant's first project in manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied sectors.
- Borrower must have a clean credit record and should not be a defaulter to any bank or financial institution.
- For non-individual businesses like partnerships or companies, at least 51% ownership and controlling stake must be held by an SC, ST, or woman entrepreneur.
Highlights of Stand-Up India Scheme 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Stand-Up India Scheme |
| Launched By | Ministry of Finance, Government of India |
| First Launched | 5 April 2016 |
| Extended Till | 31 March 2031 (Cabinet approval on 11 November 2026) |
| Eligible People | SC, ST and Women Entrepreneurs (18+ years) |
| Loan Amount | Above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore |
| Repayment | Up to 7 years with 18 months moratorium |
| Application Mode | Online / Bank branch |
| Official Website | standupmitra.in |
Interest Rate and Repayment
Interest rate is the lowest applicable rate of the bank for your category and does not go beyond base rate (or MCLR) plus 3% plus tenor premium. In practice, most banks charge somewhere between 9% and 13% per year depending on your profile, project, and bank policy. Loan is repayable in 7 years with a moratorium of up to 18 months, so you get breathing space before EMIs begin.
Loan is also covered under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India (CGFSIL). For amounts up to ₹25 lakh, most banks do not ask for extra collateral beyond this guarantee cover, which makes it much easier for first-time founders to qualify. You can also check the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana if your loan need is smaller, since MUDRA covers loans up to ₹20 lakh for micro and small units.
Documents Required for Stand-Up India Loan
Keep a complete file ready before you visit the bank. Missing paperwork is the biggest reason applications get delayed. Below is the list of documents you should arrange in advance.
Basic documents for every applicant include proof of identity like PAN card, Voter ID, passport, or driving licence; proof of residence such as electricity bill, phone bill, or tax receipt; proof of business address; a declaration that you are not a defaulter with any bank; and a caste certificate for SC or ST applicants or proof of 51% shareholding for women or SC/ST-owned firms. You will also need memorandum and articles of association or a partnership deed if applicable, an assets and liabilities statement of promoters, latest income tax returns, rent agreement if the office is leased, pollution control clearances, and projected balance sheets for the loan tenure.
If your loan amount is more than ₹25 lakh, banks ask for a few extra papers. A detailed profile of your unit with director details and shareholding pattern is required, along with the last three years of balance sheets of associate or group companies. A full project report is also needed, covering machine cost, supply chain details, and projected profit and loss numbers.
Sectors Covered Under Stand-Up India
Scheme is open only for greenfield enterprises, meaning a brand new project by the borrower. It does not cover an existing running unit. Following broad sectors are supported.
- Manufacturing units like food processing, textile, small machinery, packaging, and similar production activities.
- Services businesses such as beauty parlours, salons, tuition centres, healthcare clinics, IT services, and consulting.
- Trading businesses like retail stores, wholesale shops, e-commerce sellers, and distributorships.
- Agriculture-allied work like dairy, poultry, fisheries, bee-keeping, mushroom farming, and food processing linked to farm produce.
Stand-Up India vs Startup India
People often mix up these two central schemes but they work very differently. Stand-Up India is a credit scheme with a fixed target group of SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs, and every bank branch has a lending target. It is meant for first-time greenfield projects in basic sectors. Startup India, on the other hand, is a policy framework focused on innovation and technology-driven ventures. It gives tax benefits, easier compliance, and access to funds of funds through SIDBI, not direct bank loans.
Portal and Helpline Details
You can register and track your application on standupmitra.in. Portal is run by SIDBI and connects you to banks, handholding agencies, skill training partners, and mentors in your district. For any doubt during the process, you can reach out to your Lead District Manager at the local lead bank or the bank branch where your application is being processed.
FAQ's
Is Stand-Up India Scheme still active in 2026?
Yes. On 11 November 2026, Union Cabinet approved continuing Stand-Up India till 31 March 2031, and the standupmitra.in portal is open for registration and handholding.
Is the Stand-Up India loan limit now ₹2 crore?
No. Cabinet release of 11 November 2026 keeps the upper limit at ₹1 crore for the scheme period till 31 March 2031.
Can a male general category applicant apply for Stand-Up India loan?
No, male applicants must belong to SC or ST category. Women applicants of any category are eligible.
What is a greenfield project under this scheme?
Greenfield project means a first-time venture by the applicant in manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied sector. Existing units are not covered.
What is the repayment period for Stand-Up India loan?
Loan is repayable in up to 7 years with a maximum moratorium of 18 months before EMIs start.
Which banks give Stand-Up India loans?
All branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks across India, including SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and other public and private sector banks, process these loans.
Is any collateral needed for the loan?
For loans up to ₹25 lakh, most banks do not ask for extra collateral because the loan is covered under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India (CGFSIL). For higher amounts, collateral rules depend on the bank.
What is handholding support under Stand-Up India?
It is a guidance service through the SIDBI portal that helps new founders with training, mentoring, project report preparation, loan paperwork, and connections to skill and market-linkage agencies.