The Stand Up India Yojana, launched in 2016 by the Government of India, continues to be a transformative scheme in 2025, empowering women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to become entrepreneurs.
This initiative provides financial support to set up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors. In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, we explore the Stand Up India Scheme, its objectives, eligibility, loan details, application process, and benefits.
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What is Stand Up India Yojana?
The Stand Up India Yojana is a flagship scheme under the Ministry of Finance to promote entrepreneurship among women and marginalized communities, specifically SC and ST groups.
It facilitates bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to set up new enterprises, fostering economic inclusion and job creation. By 2025, the scheme has supported thousands of entrepreneurs, with a focus on greenfield projects—new ventures in manufacturing, services, or trading.
The scheme operates through a network of banks, including public sector banks, private banks, and regional rural banks, ensuring widespread access. It also integrates with the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand Up India (CGFSI) to reduce the risk for lenders, making loans more accessible.
Key Objectives of Stand Up India Yojana
Promote Entrepreneurship: Encourage women, SC, and ST individuals to start their own businesses.
Financial Inclusion: Provide access to credit for underserved communities.
Job Creation: Support enterprises that generate employment opportunities.
Economic Empowerment: Bridge the gap in economic participation for marginalized groups.
Eligibility Criteria for Stand Up India Yojana 2025
To avail of the Stand Up India Loan, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring the scheme targets the intended beneficiaries. Below are the key requirements:
Applicant Category: The applicant must be a woman or belong to the SC/ST community.
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Enterprise Type: The loan is for setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, or trading. Existing businesses are not eligible.
Ownership: For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by SC/ST or women entrepreneurs.
Loan Purpose: The loan must be used for a new venture, not for personal or non-business purposes.
Credit History: Applicants should not be defaulters with any bank or financial institution.
Applicants are also encouraged to undergo training at institutions like the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) to enhance their business skills, though this is not mandatory.
PM Modi’s ‘Stand Up India’ is powering inclusive growth 🚀
From raising total loan sanctioned from Rs 14,000 crore to Rs 61,000 crore to supporting SC, ST communities and women entrepreneurs, the Stand Up India scheme has had a transformative effect in empowering the weaker… pic.twitter.com/YzyvbuNjln
— Hemant Bhardwaj (@IBhardwajHemant) April 10, 2025
Loan Details Under Stand Up India Yojana
The Stand Up India Scheme offers tailored financial support to ensure entrepreneurs can establish viable businesses. Key loan details include:
Loan Amount: Between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, covering up to 85% of the project cost.
Interest Rate: Competitive rates, typically linked to the bank’s base rate plus a small margin (e.g., base rate + 3% per annum).
Repayment Tenure: Up to 7 years, with a moratorium period of up to 18 months.
Collateral: Loans are generally collateral-free, backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand Up India (CGFSI).
Margin Money: Borrowers must contribute at least 15% of the project cost as their share.
Composite Loan: Includes both term loans (for fixed assets) and working capital to meet operational needs.
The scheme also provides a Rupay Debit Card for working capital withdrawals, enhancing financial flexibility.
How to Apply for Stand Up India Yojana 2025
Applying for the Stand Up India Loan is a streamlined process, with both online and offline options. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Visit the Official Portal: Access the Stand Up India Portal at www.standupmitra.in.
Register/Login: Create an account using your mobile number or email, or log in if already registered.
Fill Application Form: Provide details such as:
Personal information (name, category, age, address)
Business plan (type of enterprise, project cost, location)
Bank details (preferred bank and branch)
Upload Documents: Submit required documents, including:
Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card)
Address proof (Voter ID, utility bill)
Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
Business plan/project report
Proof of educational/technical qualifications (if applicable)
Select Bank: Choose a bank branch from the portal’s list of empanelled banks.
Submit Application: Review and submit the application online.
Bank Follow-Up: The selected bank will contact you for further verification and loan processing.
Offline Option: Visit a bank branch directly (public sector, private, or regional rural bank) and submit the application with documents.
Banks may also connect applicants with handholding agencies like SIDBI or NABARD for business plan preparation.
Helpline: Contact the Stand Up India helpline at 1800-180-1111 or email support available on the portal for assistance.
How to Check Application Status
After applying, applicants can track their Stand Up India Loan status:
Log in to the Portal: Visit www.standupmitra.in and log in.
Go to Application Status: Select the “Track Application” option.
Enter Details: Provide your application ID or registered mobile number.
View Status: Check the progress of your application, from bank review to loan disbursal.
Banks also notify applicants via SMS or email about updates.
Benefits of Stand Up India Yojana
The Stand Up India Yojana offers numerous advantages, making it a cornerstone of entrepreneurial empowerment:
Access to Credit: Loans up to ₹1 crore enable significant business investments.
Collateral-Free Loans: CGFSI backing reduces the need for assets as security.
Inclusivity: Prioritizes women and SC/ST communities, addressing economic disparities.
Job Creation: Greenfield enterprises contribute to local employment.
Handholding Support: Agencies like SIDBI, NABARD, and DICs provide guidance on business planning and compliance.
Flexible Repayment: Long tenure and moratorium period ease financial pressure.
By 2025, the scheme has facilitated thousands of enterprises, with success stories spanning rural and urban India.
Challenges and Considerations
While the Stand Up India Yojana is highly beneficial, applicants should be aware of potential challenges:
Documentation: Preparing a detailed business plan and gathering documents can be time-consuming.
Bank Discretion: Loan approval depends on the bank’s assessment of the project’s viability.
Awareness: Some eligible applicants in rural areas may lack information about the scheme.
Repayment Obligation: Despite waivers, borrowers must repay the loan as per the schedule to avoid penalties.
To address these, the government promotes awareness campaigns and provides handholding support through partner agencies.
People Also Ask (FAQ) :
What is the Stand Up India Yojana?
The Stand Up India Yojana is a government initiative launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities.
It provides bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to establish greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors. In 2025, the scheme continues to foster economic inclusion and job creation through financial support and handholding services.
What are the main objectives of the Stand Up India Yojana?
The scheme aims to:
Promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST individuals.
Provide access to credit for underserved communities.
Support greenfield enterprises that create employment opportunities.
Bridge economic disparities through financial and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Who is eligible for the Stand Up India Yojana 2025?
To qualify for the Stand Up India Loan, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Category: Must be a woman or belong to the SC/ST community.
Age: At least 18 years old.
Enterprise Type: The loan is for new greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading (existing businesses are ineligible).
Ownership: For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by SC/ST or women entrepreneurs.
Credit History: Applicants must not be defaulters with any bank or financial institution.
Loan Purpose: The loan must be used to set up a new venture, not for personal or non-business purposes.
What types of loans are available under the Stand Up India Yojana?
The scheme offers:
Composite Loan: Includes term loans (for fixed assets like machinery) and working capital for operational needs.
Loan Amount: Between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, covering up to 85% of the project cost.
Collateral: Generally collateral-free, backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand Up India (CGFSI).
Repayment Tenure: Up to 7 years, with a moratorium period of up to 18 months.
Interest Rate: Competitive, typically linked to the bank’s base rate plus a margin (e.g., base rate + 3% per annum).
How can I apply for the Stand Up India Yojana 2025?
Follow these steps to apply for the Stand Up India Loan:
Visit the Official Portal: Go to www.standupmitra.in.
Register/Login: Create an account using your mobile number or email.
Fill Application Form: Provide:
Personal details (name, category, age, address)
Business plan (enterprise type, project cost, location)
Bank details (preferred bank and branch)
Upload Documents: Submit:
Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card)
Address proof (Voter ID, utility bill)
Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
Business plan/project report
Proof of qualifications (if applicable)
Select Bank: Choose a bank branch from the portal’s empanelled list.
Submit: Review and submit the application.
Bank Follow-Up: The bank will contact you for verification and processing.
Offline Option: Visit a bank branch (public sector, private, or regional rural bank) to submit the application and documents.
What documents are required to apply for the scheme?
You need to submit:
Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card)
Address proof (Voter ID, utility bill)
Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
Detailed business plan or project report
Proof of educational or technical qualifications (if applicable)
Bank account details
Passport-size photograph (if required by the bank)
How can I check the status of my Stand Up India Loan application?
To track your application:
Log in to the Portal: Visit www.standupmitra.in and log in.
Select ‘Track Application’: Find the application status option.
Enter Details: Provide your application ID or registered mobile number.
View Status: Check the progress, from bank review to loan disbursal.
Banks also notify applicants via SMS or email about updates.
What are the benefits of the Stand Up India Yojana?
The scheme offers:
Access to Credit: Loans up to ₹1 crore for significant business investments.
Collateral-Free Loans: Backed by CGFSI, reducing the need for assets.
Inclusivity: Empowers women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Job Creation: Supports enterprises that generate local employment.
Handholding Support: Guidance from agencies like SIDBI, NABARD, and District Industries Centres (DICs).
Flexible Repayment: Up to 7 years with an 18-month moratorium period.
Are there any challenges with the Stand Up India Yojana?
Some challenges include:
Documentation: Preparing a detailed business plan and documents can be complex.
Bank Discretion: Loan approval depends on the bank’s assessment of project viability.
Awareness: Rural applicants may lack information about the scheme.
Repayment: Borrowers must adhere to the repayment schedule to avoid penalties.
The government addresses these through awareness campaigns and handholding support.
Is training required to apply for the Stand Up India Yojana?
Training is not mandatory but recommended. Applicants can undergo entrepreneurship training at institutions like the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) to enhance business skills and improve their project’s chances of approval.
Which banks offer Stand Up India Loans?
Loans are available through:
Public sector banks (e.g., State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank)
Private banks (e.g., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank)
Regional rural banks The Stand Up India Portal lists empanelled bank branches for convenience.
How does the scheme ensure support for applicants?
The scheme provides:
Handholding Support: Agencies like SIDBI, NABARD, and DICs assist with business plan preparation and compliance.
Credit Guarantee: CGFSI reduces lender risk, encouraging loan approvals.
Online Portal: www.standupmitra.in offers a user-friendly application and tracking system.
Helpline: Contact 1800-180-1111 or email support for assistance.
Conclusion
The Stand Up India Yojana 2025 is a powerful initiative to foster entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities. By offering loans up to ₹1 crore, collateral-free options, and handholding support, it empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to establish greenfield enterprises.
Applicants can apply online via www.standupmitra.in, track their status, and benefit from flexible repayment terms. This SEO-optimized guide aims to help entrepreneurs understand the scheme, navigate the application process, and seize this opportunity for economic empowerment.
For the latest updates, visit www.standupmitra.in or contact the helpline at 1800-180-1111. Start your entrepreneurial journey with Stand Up India Yojana today!
