NBCFDC General Loan Scheme
By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Quick Answer
Loans up to ₹15 lakh at 6-8% interest for Backward Classes entrepreneurs with family income up to ₹3,00,000, covering up to 85% of project cost, across India.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹15L
- Funding type
- Debt
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this loan
The NBCFDC General Loan Scheme lends up to ₹15,00,000 to entrepreneurs from Backward Classes for income-generating activities. The interest rate is 6% to 8% per annum, depending on the loan amount and prevailing guidelines.
It covers small businesses, agriculture and allied activities, artisan and traditional occupations, transport and service ventures, and technical or professional trades. NBCFDC, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, finances 85% of the total project cost. The remaining 15% can come from a Channel Partner, the beneficiary, or both.
You repay in quarterly instalments over up to 8 years. The first 6 months are a moratorium on principal, so you start repaying principal only after that.
To apply you must be an entrepreneur and a member of the Backward Classes notified by the Central or State Government. Annual family income must be up to ₹3,00,000. Loans go through Channel Partners: State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a Government of India ministry, with its office at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi. Its entrepreneurship loans are run through two corporations under the ministry, the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹15L
- Fund type
- Debt
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Repayable
What You Get
The NBCFDC General Loan Scheme provides significant financial backing to eligible entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries can receive loan assistance of up to ₹15,00,000/- (fifteen lakh rupees) to fund a diverse array of income-generating activities. This includes support for agriculture, small businesses, artisan and traditional occupations, as well as ventures in the transport and service sectors, and technical/professional trades.
Key benefits include:
- Concessional Interest Rates: The scheme offers highly competitive interest rates ranging from 6% to 8% per annum, making financial assistance more affordable than conventional loans. The specific rate may vary based on the loan amount and prevailing guidelines.
- Project Cost Coverage: NBCFDC finances a substantial 85% of the total project cost, significantly reducing the financial burden on the entrepreneur. The remaining 15% can be contributed by a Channel Partner and/or the beneficiary.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: Loans are repayable in convenient quarterly instalments over an extended period of up to 8 years.
- Moratorium Period: An initial 6-month moratorium on the recovery of the principal amount is provided, allowing entrepreneurs a crucial grace period to establish their business operations and generate initial income before debt servicing begins. This flexibility helps in mitigating early-stage financial pressures and fostering business stability.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications submitted either offline or online are first received by the designated Channel Partners (State Channelising Agencies, Regional Rural Banks, or Public Sector Banks) which operate under the guidance of NBCFDC. The Channel Partners undertake an initial screening process to verify the eligibility criteria of the applicant, including their Backward Class status, annual family income, and entrepreneurial intent. They will also review the proposed income-generating activity or project to assess its feasibility and viability. This may involve a preliminary assessment of the business plan, market potential, and the applicant's capacity to execute the project. Shortlisted applications are then subjected to a detailed appraisal process by the Channel Partner, in adherence to the lending norms and guidelines set by NBCFDC. The final selection and approval of the loan are made by the Channel Partner based on a comprehensive evaluation of the application and the proposed project.
Application Process
- 1
Obtain Form (Offline)
Applicant obtains the prescribed application form from the District Office of a Channel Partner.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the NBCFDC General Loan Scheme?
The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to eligible members of Backward Classes for undertaking various income-generating activities, promoting self-employment, and fostering economic development and social justice.
What is the maximum loan amount available under this scheme?
Beneficiaries can avail loan assistance of up to ₹15,00,000/- (fifteen lakh rupees) for their approved income-generating projects.
Who is eligible to apply for this loan?
The loan is open to entrepreneurs who are members of the Backward Classes (as notified by Central or State Governments) and whose annual family income does not exceed ₹3,00,000/-.
What are the interest rates for the loan?
The scheme offers concessional interest rates, typically ranging from 6% to 8% per annum. The exact rate depends on the loan amount and is communicated by the Channel Partner.
How does the repayment work, and is there a grace period?
Loans are repayable in quarterly instalments over a maximum period of 8 years. A moratorium period of 6 months on the recovery of the principal amount is included, allowing entrepreneurs time to stabilize their business before starting repayments.
Where can I obtain the application form and submit it?
Application forms can be obtained from the District Office of the concerned Channel Partner (State Channelizing Agencies, Regional Rural Banks, or Public Sector Banks). You can also access the online application form via the NBCFDC official website.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
