Stand-Up India Scheme 2026: ₹10 Lakh to ₹1 Crore Loans for Women and SC/ST Founders
The Stand-Up India Scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 Lakh and ₹1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one Woman borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield commercial enterprises.
Overview of Stand-Up India Scheme
The Stand-Up India Scheme was launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level among women and SC/ST communities.
Under the scheme, every branch of all Scheduled Commercial Banks is mandated to facilitate bank loans between ₹10 Lakh and ₹1 Crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and at least one Woman borrower for setting up a greenfield enterprise.
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Key Loan Parameters
| Parameter | Scheme Specification |
|---|---|
| :--- | :--- |
| Loan Amount | ₹10,00,000 to ₹1,00,00,000 (₹10 Lakh to ₹1 Crore) |
| Nature of Facility | Composite Loan (inclusive of Term Loan and Working Capital) |
| Target Beneficiaries | SC, ST, and Women Entrepreneurs |
| Enterprise Type | Greenfield project only (first-time venture) |
| Eligible Sectors | Manufacturing, Services, Agri-allied activities, and Trading |
| Loan Coverage | Up to 85% of total project cost |
| Repayment Tenure | Up to 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months |
| Interest Rate | Lowest applicable rate for that category (Base Rate / MCLR + Tenure Premium + max 3%) |
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What is a "Greenfield Enterprise"?
In the context of Stand-Up India, "greenfield" signifies the first-time venture of the beneficiary in the manufacturing, services, agri-allied, or trading sector. Existing operational businesses seeking expansion loans are not covered under Stand-Up India (they should explore CGTMSE or Mudra Tarun Plus instead).
In non-individual enterprises (such as Partnerships, LLPs, or Private Limited Companies), at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by either an SC/ST or a Woman entrepreneur.
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Margin Money & Promoter Equity
- The scheme envisions that the loan will cover up to 85% of the total project cost (inclusive of term loan and working capital).
- The borrower is expected to bring in at least 15% of the project cost as own margin money.
- If the borrower is eligible for central or state subsidies (e.g. state industrial policy incentives), the subsidy can be counted towards the margin money, provided the borrower's own cash contribution is at least 10%.
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Security & Collateral Requirements
- Primary Security: Assets created out of the bank loan (plant, machinery, equipment, stock, book debts).
- Collateral / Guarantee: Stand-Up India loans can be secured either through collateral security or through the Credit Guarantee Fund for Stand-Up India (CGFSI) operated by NCGTC, minimizing physical collateral requirements.
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How to Apply on the StandUpMitra Portal
- Step 1: Access the Portal: Visit standupmitra.in.
- Step 2: Register as Borrower: Choose whether you need "Trainee Borrower" handholding (for business plan preparation, financial training) or "Ready Borrower" status.
- Step 3: Fill Business & Loan Details: Enter project cost, preferred bank branch, sector, and promoter equity share.
- Step 4: Upload Documents: Upload PAN, Aadhaar, Caste Certificate (for SC/ST), Udyam Registration, project report, and premises proof.
- Step 5: Bank Processing: The application is directly routed to the selected bank branch for appraisal, sanction, and disbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can a general category male apply for Stand-Up India?
No. Stand-Up India is strictly reserved for Women entrepreneurs (all categories) and Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) founders.
Q.What is the maximum loan limit under Stand-Up India?
The scheme provides composite loans (term loan plus working capital) from ₹10 Lakh up to a maximum of ₹1 Crore.
Q.What is the repayment tenure for Stand-Up India loans?
The repayment tenure is up to 7 years, with a moratorium period of up to 18 months during the initial project setup phase.
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