AI SummaryNew Akanksha Scheme (Higher Education Loan) (GGDC) gives education loans up to ₹15.00 lakh to students from Rabari and Bharwad communities in Gujarat. Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation (GGDC) manages this scheme under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, and the online application portal for education loans stays open through the year.
Students from socially and educationally backward classes can use this loan for professional courses such as medical, dental, engineering, and pharmacy. Interest is 3.5% per year for female students and 4% per year for male students, with the corporation and the state government covering 95% of the loan amount.
New Akanksha Scheme (Higher Education Loan) - Introduction
New Akanksha Scheme is made for students who belong to the Rabari and Bharwad castes under the socially and educationally backward class (SEBC) category. The main aim is simple: money problems should not stop a student from completing professional higher education.
GGDC portal updates for 2026 confirm that education loan applications are accepted online without any fee. The portal notice also sets the annual family income limit at ₹5.00 lakh for all corporation schemes, and the education loan interest rates remain 4% for male students and 3.5% for female students.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | New Akanksha Scheme (Higher Education Loan) (GGDC) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Category | Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Main Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation |
Applicants can apply online from any part of Gujarat. The education loan section stays open all year, while dates such as 11 June to 10 July 2026 shown on the portal apply to other direct loan schemes of the corporation. For any help, the GGDC office can be reached on 079-23256494 on working days between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:10 PM.
Benefits
This scheme covers most of the study expenses through a loan with a very low interest rate. The sharing pattern is simple and clear:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to ₹15,00,000 |
| Interest Rate (Female) | 3.5% per year |
| Interest Rate (Male) | 4% per year |
| Government Contribution | 95% |
| Student Contribution | 5% |
For example, if a student needs a total loan of ₹10,00,000 for an engineering degree, the corporation and the government cover ₹9,50,000, and the student contributes ₹50,000.
Eligibility
Before applying, check whether the criteria below match the applicant's situation:
- Gujarat resident - The applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
- Caste - The applicant must belong to the Rabari or Bharwad caste under the socially and educationally backward class category.
- Course - The applicant must be admitted to a professional course such as medical, dental, engineering, or pharmacy.
- Institution - The college or university must be approved by AICTE, UGC, Medical Council of India, or another recognized authority.
- Income - Total annual family income should not exceed ₹5,00,000 as per the 2026 GGDC portal notice.
- Age - Age should be between 17 and 35 years. A school leaving certificate is required to prove age.
- Admission - Admission should be through a government-mandated admission committee like ACPC, and the qualifying exam should be passed with at least 50% marks.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
Applicants can apply for this loan through the official GGDC portal. The process is fully online and no fee is charged.
STEP 1 - Go to the Gujarat Gopalak Development Corporation official website. Scroll down the homepage, find the New Akanksha Higher Education Scheme, and click on Apply Now to open the application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in applicant details such as Aadhaar number, ration number, voter ID, full name, address, contact numbers, date of birth, age, caste, and income details. Add educational qualifications for SSC, HSC, diploma, and degree with board or university name and marks obtained.
STEP 3 - Enter college details, course name, enrollment number, university affiliation, course duration, date of admission, and accreditation details. If staying in a hostel, give the hostel name and address. Then fill the loan amount needed for admission fee, tuition fee, examination fee, hostel fee, books and stationery, and other expenses.
STEP 4 - Provide bank account details including account number, bank and branch name, account type, IFSC code, and MICR code. Upload your photo and the required documents, fill the CAPTCHA, and click on Confirm Application.
STEP 5 - Review the form using the preview option before final submission. After submitting, save the Application ID or Confirmation Number because it is needed for tracking the application status.
Status Tracking - To check the application status, visit the official GGDC application status portal, click on Know App Status, select the scheme name, enter the Application Number and date of birth, fill the CAPTCHA, and click submit.
Documents Required
Keep the required documents ready before starting the online form. The main papers are:
- Aadhaar card copy (both sides) and ration card copy (both sides)
- Voter ID card
- Valid income certificate from a government officer showing annual family income up to ₹5,00,000
- Caste certificate showing Rabari or Bharwad community under SEBC
- School leaving certificate for age proof between 17 and 35 years
- Mark sheets of qualifying exams with at least 50% marks
- Admission letter obtained through the government-mandated admission committee
- Cost details of the full course such as admission, tuition, and hostel fees on college letterhead
- Accreditation certificate of the college or institution
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque copy with account details
References
Useful links for the scheme:
Official Guidelines on SJE Department | Detailed Scheme Information on Mari Yojana | Online Application Portal | User Manual | GGDC Schemes Page
FAQ's
What is the New Akanksha Scheme about?
This scheme provides education loans up to ₹15 lakh for higher professional education to students from Rabari and Bharwad communities in Gujarat.
Which courses are eligible for this loan?
Professional courses like medical, dental, engineering, and pharmacy are covered under the scheme.
How much of the loan is provided by the government?
The government and the corporation fund 95% of the total loan amount, and the student contributes the remaining 5%.
What are the applicable interest rates?
Female students pay 3.5% interest per year, while male students pay 4% interest per year.
Who is eligible to apply for this loan?
Applicants must be between 17 and 35 years old, belong to the Rabari or Bharwad caste under SEBC, be residents of Gujarat, and have a family income below ₹5.00 lakh per year.
Is recognition of the university required?
Yes, the institution must be recognized by AICTE, UGC, or Medical Council of India, or a similarly recognized authority.
Is there any application fee?
No, the online application for this scheme is free.