Padho Pardesh Overseas Study — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Padho Pardesh Scheme 2026 — Interest Subsidy on Overseas Education Loans for Minority Students | minorityaffairs.gov.in |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Benefit | Full interest subsidy on overseas education loan during moratorium period (course duration + 1 year) for minority students |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 16 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://minorityaffairs.gov.in/schemes/padho-pardesh |
What is Padho Pardesh Overseas Study?
Padho Pardesh is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Minority Affairs that provides interest subsidy on education loans for students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain) who take bank loans to pursue higher studies abroad — at Masters, M.Phil, or PhD level. The scheme pays the full interest on the education loan during the moratorium period (course duration + 1 year grace period). Post-moratorium, the student repays EMI normally. Family income limit: ₹6 lakh per annum. Loan through member banks of IBA (Indian Banks Association). No loan amount ceiling — but typically covers actual overseas tuition/living costs. Priority to students from economically weaker minority families. Applications through Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) via bank. Note: Scheme was under review/discontinued and later revised — verify current 2026 status at minorityaffairs.gov.in.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Full interest subsidy on overseas education loan during moratorium period (course duration + 1 year) for minority students. The scheme was launched in 2013 and is implemented by the Government of India.
पढ़ो परदेश योजना — अल्पसंख्यक समुदाय के छात्रों (मुस्लिम, ईसाई, सिख, बौद्ध, पारसी, जैन) को विदेश में Master's/PhD के लिए बैंक लोन पर moratorium period का पूरा interest सरकार देती है। पारिवारिक आय ₹6 लाख से कम। IBA बैंकों के माध्यम से।
Moratorium अवधि में पूरा ब्याज सरकार देती है — विदेश में पढ़ाई के लिए बैंक लोन पर
Benefits of Padho Pardesh Overseas Study
Full interest subsidy on overseas education loan during moratorium period (course duration + 1 year) for minority students
Who is Eligible for Padho Pardesh Overseas Study?
- ✓Student from notified minority community (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain)
- ✓Seeking education loan for Masters, M.Phil, or PhD abroad
- ✓Family annual income ≤ ₹6 lakh per annum
- ✓Education loan from IBA (Indian Banks Association) member bank
- ✓Admission to recognised foreign university for PG/research programme
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Documents Required for Padho Pardesh Overseas Study
How to Apply for Padho Pardesh Overseas Study Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://minorityaffairs.gov.in/schemes/padho-pardesh
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on minorityaffairs.gov.in/schemes/padho-pardeshFrequently Asked Questions — Padho Pardesh Overseas Study
Common Questions About Education Schemes
What is PM YASASVI Scholarship?+
It is a scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Classes 9-12, selected through the YASASVI Entrance Test conducted by NTA.
How much scholarship amount is given?+
Students in residential schools/hostels get ₹75,000/year and day scholars in top-class schools get ₹25,000/year.
Which students are covered under PM POSHAN?+
All students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided schools, and Ashram Shalas. Bal Vatika pre-primary students are also included since 2021.
What nutrition standards apply to the mid-day meals?+
Meals must provide 450 Kcal energy and 12g protein for primary students (Class 1 to 5), and 700 Kcal and 20g protein for upper primary students (Class 6 to 8).
What scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal?+
Over 50 scholarship schemes from central ministries covering pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
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