Stand-Up India Scheme: Status, Eligibility and How to Apply
Reviewed by: WeCredit Research Team
Stand-Up India gives SC, ST and women entrepreneurs a bank loan of Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore to start a first business in manufacturing, services, trading or agri-allied activity. The Department of Financial Services lists the scheme as valid up to 31 March 2025, and the successor announced in Budget 2025-26 was only a proposal on the official pages we read, so confirm what your bank can lend under today.
WeCredit does not sanction government scheme loans. Stand-Up India loans are given by scheduled commercial banks and applications go through the official Stand-Up Mitra portal. Confirm current details on the official source before you apply. This guide is part of our government loan schemes hub.
Stand-Up India at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | SC/ST and/or women entrepreneurs above 18 years setting up their first venture |
| Loan size | Composite loan (term loan plus working capital) of Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore |
| Business type | Greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading or agri-allied activity |
| Your contribution | At least 10% of project cost from your own resources |
| Margin money | 15% margin funding, which can come through convergence with eligible central or state schemes |
| Security | Primary security. Collateral or a Credit Guarantee Fund guarantee at the bank’s discretion |
| Repayment | Up to 7 years with a maximum moratorium of 18 months |
| Subsidy | No scheme subsidy is stated on the portal. It is a bank loan |
Is Stand-Up India Still Open in 2026?
The official pages do not fully agree, so read this section before you plan around the scheme.
- The Department of Financial Services page says the scheme operates up to 31 March 2025 under the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
- The same page says Budget 2025-26 proposed a new scheme for 5 lakh first-time women, SC and ST entrepreneurs, with term loans of up to Rs. 2 crore over five years.
- The Stand-Up Mitra portal still shows the scheme and its application options, and its features page names no end date.
- We did not find a notification of the successor scheme with final terms on the official pages we read in this check.
In practice, ask the bank branch or the Stand-Up Mitra helpdesk whether it is accepting Stand-Up India loans today and on which terms. Do not assume the Rs. 2 crore figure applies to you until a notified scheme says so.
Who Can Apply
- SC or ST entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, or both, aged above 18 years.
- The enterprise must be a first-time, greenfield venture in manufacturing, services, trading or agri-allied activity.
- If the borrower is a company or firm rather than an individual, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
- The scheme’s design asks each bank branch to lend to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower. This is a branch target for the bank, not a limit on how many people can apply.
Documents You Will Need
The Stand-Up Mitra portal lets you upload extra documents after you submit the form, and the exact list depends on the bank. As a starting point, keep ready your identity and address proof, proof of SC/ST category if you apply under that category, a project report with cost estimates and your own contribution, and proof of the business premises. Treat this as a starting list and ask your bank for its final checklist.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Check that you fit the category and that the business is new.
- Prepare a project report that shows project cost, your 10% contribution and how you will repay.
- Register and submit your application on the official Stand-Up Mitra portal. You can also approach a bank branch directly.
- Use the portal’s handholding and messaging options if you need help with the form or want to reach the bank.
- The bank appraises the project and decides on the loan. On sanction, check the rate, fees, margin money and repayment terms in writing before you accept.
Interest Rate and Costs
The portal says banks apply their lowest rate for the borrower’s rating category, capped at base rate plus 3% plus a tenor premium. That wording refers to the base rate, and banks now price loans on other benchmarks, so ask your branch for the exact rate, processing fee and any guarantee charge. We have not listed a rate because it is set by each lender.
How It Compares With Related Schemes
| Scheme | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stand-Up India | First-time SC/ST and women founders needing Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore | Check status with your bank first |
| MUDRA | Smaller non-farm businesses, including existing ones | A loan with no subsidy |
| CGTMSE-backed credit | Collateral-light credit for eligible small enterprises | A guarantee to the lender, not a loan |
For the wider picture, read our government business loans eligibility guide, the MSME and SME online apply guide and the women entrepreneur finance checklist. If a bank turns you down, see why business loans get rejected.
Common Mistakes
- Applying for an existing business. The scheme is for first-time greenfield ventures.
- Counting on the Rs. 2 crore successor. It was a Budget proposal on the official pages we read.
- Forgetting your own contribution. You must put in at least 10% of project cost.
- Weak ownership structure. A company or firm needs 51% held by an eligible SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
- Paying an agent. Apply on the official portal or at the bank. Be careful with anyone who asks for a fee to arrange the loan.
Official Sources
- Stand-Up Mitra portal
- Stand-Up India scheme features
- Department of Financial Services: Stand-Up India
- PIB: Stand-Up India sanctions to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the loan amount under Stand-Up India?
A composite loan of Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, covering term loan and working capital.
Is Stand-Up India still available in 2026?
The Department of Financial Services lists validity up to 31 March 2025, while the Stand-Up Mitra portal still shows the scheme. Ask your bank whether it is lending under it now.
Do I need collateral?
Loans carry primary security. Collateral or a Credit Guarantee Fund guarantee is at the bank’s discretion, so ask your branch what applies to your loan.
How much must I invest myself?
At least 10% of project cost. A further 15% margin money can come through convergence with eligible central or state schemes.
Can an existing business apply?
No. The scheme covers first-time, greenfield enterprises.
How long is the repayment period?
Up to 7 years, with a maximum moratorium of 18 months.
Does WeCredit give Stand-Up India loans?
No. WeCredit does not sanction government scheme loans. Apply through the Stand-Up Mitra portal or a bank branch. If you need a regular business loan, you can compare options on WeCredit.
Scheme rules, amounts and portals can change. Confirm current details on the official Stand-Up Mitra portal before you apply.
