AI SummaryDr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries is a Gujarat government scheme for Scheduled Caste students who want to study abroad. Under this scheme, eligible students can get a loan of up to ₹15 lakh at a simple interest rate of 4% per annum, and applications are accepted online through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal. The scheme has been running since 1999 and remains open in the 2026-27 financial year for graduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., research, and computer courses in recognized foreign institutions.
This scheme is run by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat, through the office of the Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare. It helps students from poor Scheduled Caste families who cannot afford the high cost of international education. The loan money can be used for tuition fees, books, hostel fees, living expenses, travel costs, and pocket money, so students can complete their studies without money problems.
Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries - Introduction
The scheme was started in 1999 to give Scheduled Caste students of Gujarat a chance to study in foreign countries. Students who complete their 12th standard with at least 50% marks can apply for technical and professional courses abroad, while students who complete graduation with at least 50% marks can apply for postgraduate, Ph.D., and higher research courses. There is no family income limit, and a maximum of two members from the same family can take this loan at the same time.
The loan amount is kept in a fixed deposit, and the student receives the money at the time of admission. The loan is approved only after the visa and air ticket are issued, and the application has to be submitted before leaving India. Students must apply within 6 months of moving abroad to stay eligible for this support. Repayment starts 6 months after the course ends, and the full loan has to be repaid within 10 years.
Key Information
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Loan for Higher Study in Foreign Countries |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Beneficiaries | Scheduled Caste students of Gujarat |
| Interest Rate | 4% per annum |
| Maximum Loan Amount | ₹15 lakh |
| Main Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat |
| Department Running the Scheme | Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare Office |
| Application Mode | Online through e-Samaj Kalyan portal and offline at district office |
| Repayment Period | Within 10 years, starting 6 months after the course ends |
Benefits
Students who get this loan can study abroad without worrying about the high fees charged by foreign universities. The loan covers graduate and postgraduate courses, and the money can be spent on tuition fees, books, hostel fees, living expenses, travel, and pocket money. A single loan covers almost the full cost of foreign study, which helps students from poor families the most.
- Loan of up to ₹15 lakh at only 4% interest per annum, which is much lower than normal education loan rates.
- Repayment period of up to 10 years, and repayment starts only 6 months after the course is completed.
- No family income limit, so even families with low earnings can apply for the full loan amount.
Eligibility
The eligibility rules are simple and are clearly given on the official website of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. To get this loan, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- The applicant must be a native of Gujarat state and must belong to the Scheduled Caste community of the state.
- For postgraduate, Ph.D., higher research, or computer courses abroad, the applicant must have secured at least 50% marks in graduation.
- For diploma, technical, and professional courses abroad, the applicant must have secured at least 50% marks in the 12th standard examination.
- The foreign institution and the degree must be recognized by the government of that country, and the applicant must have obtained a visa.
- Only two persons from the same family can get this loan at the same time, and there is no income limit for applying.
Example: If Amit from Ahmedabad completes his graduation with 55% marks and gets admission to a Master's course in Australia, he can apply for this loan. Similarly, if Priya from Surat passes her 12th standard and secures admission to a professional diploma in Germany, she can also apply after her visa and air ticket are issued.
Application Process
Students can apply for this loan online through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal or offline at the district office. The online process is faster and is recommended for all applicants.
STEP 1 - Visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan portal at https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/ and click on the New User registration link under the Citizen Login section. Enter your full name as per Aadhaar, gender, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email ID, and caste details, then click on the Register button.
STEP 2 - Login with the user ID and password created during registration, and open the User Profile option to update your profile details. Fill in all the mandatory information such as address, caste certificate details, and bank details, and save the profile.
STEP 3 - After updating the profile, select this scheme from the list of schemes on the home page. Fill in all the mandatory details in the application form and upload the required documents in the given format.
STEP 4 - Accept the terms and conditions, save the application, and submit it. Note down the application number and take a printout of the application form for future reference. You can track the application status by logging into the portal with your user ID and password. For help with the online form, you can use the Citizen Help Manual available on the portal.
STEP 5 - Offline applicants can visit the nearest office of the District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare, and collect the application form. Fill the form, attach the documents, submit it to the concerned officer, and collect a receipt or acknowledgement. The application form can also be downloaded from the official website of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
Documents
Students should keep the following documents ready before starting the application, because the upload step requires every document to be clear and correct:
- Recent passport-size photograph, self-attested where required.
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar card, along with proof of residence like ration card, electricity bill, or rent agreement.
- Caste certificate issued by the competent authority in Gujarat, and all educational mark sheets and certificates.
- School or college leaving certificate, passport and visa copy, and air ticket.
- Surety bond on a stamp paper of ₹100 as per Annexure C, property valuation report, first page of bank passbook or cancelled cheque in the applicant's name, and required affidavits.
References
For the latest information about this scheme, official forms, and updates, you can use the following official links:
- Official Scheme Page (English)
- Official Scheme Page (Gujarati)
- e-Samaj Kalyan Online Application Portal
- Download Application Form PDF
- Citizen Help Manual PDF
FAQ's
What is the loan amount and interest rate under this scheme?
Eligible students can get a loan of up to ₹15 lakh at a low interest rate of 4% per annum.
When does the loan repayment start?
Repayment starts 6 months after the course is completed, and the full loan has to be repaid within 10 years.
Is there any income limit for this loan?
No, there is no family income limit. Any Scheduled Caste student of Gujarat who meets the academic marks criteria can apply.
Can this loan be taken for technical courses after 12th?
Yes, students who pass the 12th standard with at least 50% marks can take this loan for diploma, technical, and professional courses abroad.
How many family members can get this loan at the same time?
A maximum of two members from the same family can get this loan at the same time.