Stand-Up India Scheme: Loans for SC, ST and Women Entrepreneurs
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Stand-Up India, launched on 5 April 2016, helps SC/ST and women entrepreneurs set up their first (greenfield) enterprise. Every scheduled commercial bank branch must lend to at least one SC/ST borrower and at least one woman borrower. SIDBI runs the portal and refinance. In March 2026 the Finance Minister said a revamp of the scheme was under way.
In one line: composite bank loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for first-time SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, with handholding support.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 5 April 2016 |
| Implementing agency | SIDBI |
| Eligible | SC/ST and women aged 18+; for firms, at least 51% stake held by them |
| Loan size | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore (term loan and working capital) |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, services, trading and, since 2021-22, agri-allied activities |
| Repayment | 7 years, moratorium up to 18 months |
| Margin money | 15% (at least 10% own contribution) |
Key features
- Interest at the bank's lowest rate for the category, not above its benchmark + 3% + tenor premium.
- Collateral or a guarantee under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Stand-Up India (CGSSI), managed by NCGTC.
- Working capital up to ₹10 lakh as an overdraft with a RuPay card.
- Access through the branch, the Stand-Up India portal (standupmitra.in) or the Lead District Manager; over 8,000 handholding agencies.
- SIDBI refinance window of ₹10,000 crore.
Stand-Up India vs Mudra
| Feature | Stand-Up India | Mudra |
|---|---|---|
| Who | SC/ST and women only | All |
| Loan | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore | Up to ₹20 lakh |
| Project | Greenfield only | New and existing |
Possible exam questions
- How can credit schemes promote entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups? Assess Stand-Up India.
- Why do greenfield enterprises find it harder to get bank credit?
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Finance Ministry schemes
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- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- PM Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
- PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
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