New Swarnima Scheme For Women
By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Quick Answer
Women from backward classes can get a loan of up to ₹2 lakh at 5% interest per year for self-employment, with no own contribution needed for projects up to ₹2,00,000.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2L
- Funding type
- Debt
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this loan
Women entrepreneurs from backward classes can borrow up to ₹2,00,000 at 5% interest per year to start or run a self-employment venture. For projects costing up to ₹2,00,000, you do not have to put in any money of your own.
You must be a woman aged 18 to 55 years, belong to backward classes, and have a total annual family income below ₹3 lakh.
The scheme is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through the National Backwards Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). You apply and receive the loan through State Channelising Agencies (SCAs).
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 ₹2L
- Fund type
- Debt
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Repayable
What You Get
- Loan amount up to ₹2,00,000 provided at a highly concessional interest rate of 5% per annum to catalyze self-employment ventures. This financial support is crucial for women entrepreneurs who typically face challenges in accessing formal credit.
- The scheme significantly reduces financial burden as the beneficiary woman is not required to invest any amount of her own capital for projects costing up to ₹2,00,000, making it highly accessible for those with limited resources.
- Enhanced financial security and empowerment for women entrepreneurs from backward classes, enabling them to achieve economic independence and contribute to their families and communities.
- Direct and streamlined access to financial assistance facilitated through a network of State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), which act as nodal points for application and loan disbursement, ensuring localized support.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications submitted to the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) will undergo a thorough review process. This evaluation typically involves verifying the applicant's eligibility criteria, assessing the feasibility and viability of the proposed self-employment project, and checking all submitted documents. A dedicated committee at the SCA level will scrutinize each application to ensure it aligns with the scheme's objectives and that the applicant demonstrates the potential for successful enterprise management. Based on this comprehensive assessment, the loan will be sanctioned.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Offline
Visit the nearest SCA office and submit the prescribed application form with required details and documents.
You - 2
- 3
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
Who is eligible for the New Swarnima Scheme?
The scheme is open to female entrepreneurs from backward classes, aged between 18 and 55 years, whose total annual family income is less than ₹3 lakh.
What is the maximum loan amount provided under this scheme?
Eligible beneficiaries can obtain a loan of up to ₹2,00,000 to support their self-employment ventures.
What is the applicable interest rate on the loan?
The loan is provided at a very affordable annual interest rate of 5%, making it accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs.
Is any personal financial contribution required from the beneficiary?
No, the beneficiary woman is not required to invest any amount of her own capital for projects costing up to ₹2,00,000, which significantly lowers the entry barrier.
How can I find my nearest State Channelising Agency (SCA) office?
You can find information about your nearest SCA office by visiting the official NBCFDC website or contacting the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What kind of businesses can be supported by this scheme?
The scheme supports various self-employment activities and vocational choices, empowering women to start or expand small businesses that align with their skills and local market demand.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
