NBCFDC General Loan Scheme

The NBCFDC General Loan Scheme is administered by NBCFDC under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme is designed to promote self-employment and income-generating activities among members of the backward classes whose family income falls under specified limits. The scheme offers term-loan assistance for viable projects across sectors such as agriculture & allied activities, small business/trade/service, transport, technical/professional trades. You as an MSME or startup enterprise can benefit by accessing concessional finance for setting up or expanding your business.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Concessional interest rate term-loan for eligible beneficiaries: The scheme offers very low interest rates (for small amounts) to eligible backward class persons, making finance more affordable. For example, for loans up to ₹5 lakh, rate may be as low as 3% per annum
Maximum loan amount up to ₹15 lakh per beneficiary: Under this General Loan Scheme the ceiling is typically ₹15 lakh per beneficiary for term-loan. This gives you a clear cap on how much you can apply for under this category.
Wide coverage of activities: The scheme does not restrict to only manufacturing - you may use it for agriculture & allied activities, trade, services, transport, artisan and traditional occupations, etc. This flexibility helps MSMEs/startups across sectors.
Loan disbursed through SCAs and banks: The scheme is channelised through nominated State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) and banks/financial institutions. You’ll need to approach the designated agency in your state for processing.
Repayment schedule includes moratorium and tenure tailored to project: Repayment of instalments begins after a short moratorium period (for example two quarters) after utilisation of the funds. The total repayment period for term-loan is up to 8 years including moratorium in many cases.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Maximum loan amount	Up to ₹ 15 lakh per beneficiary under the General Loan Scheme.	Example: If you (eligible beneficiary) propose a self-employment project costing ₹12 lakh, you can apply for loan upto ₹12 lakh under this scheme (since it is under the ₹15 lakh cap).
Interest rate	Varies by loan size: Up to ₹5 lakh: ~3% p.a. for beneficiary & ~6% p.a. for SCA/Bank share. Above ₹5 lakh up to ₹10 lakh: ~4% p.a. for beneficiary & ~7% p.a. for SCA/Bank. Above ₹10 lakh up to ₹15 lakh: ~5% p.a. for beneficiary & ~8% p.a. for SCA/Bank.	Example: If you take a loan of ₹8 lakh, the interest rate for you might be ~4% p.a., rest of bank share at ~7% p.a. as per scheme norms.
Repayment period	Up to 8 years including moratorium (two quarters) in many cases for term-loan.	Example: You borrowed the loan and start your business; after 6 months (two quarters) moratorium, regular instalments will start and total repayment must be completed within 8 years.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply:

Applicant must belong to a caste listed as Other Backward Classes (OBC) / backward class as per Central/State notification.
Annual family income should be below ₹3 lakh per annum (whether rural or urban) for term-loan schemes in general.
The beneficiary must propose a viable income-generating activity (self-employment) or project.

Who cannot apply:

Persons whose family income exceeds the specified limit (₹3 lakh per annum).
Projects which are not viable or beyond the scope of scheme (e.g., large industrial units may not fit).
Applicants not belonging to eligible backward class category.

Documents Required

Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN) and address proof
Caste certificate (backward class) issued by competent authority
Family income certificate (to show income below specified limit)
Business plan / project proposal including cost estimates, activity, markets
Bank account details (for disbursement)
KYC of applicant (bank statements may be required)
Any registration licence/approval if applicable for business activity
Quotations/estimates of equipment/plant or other project cost
Application form filled and signed

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

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Option 2: Apply Through the State Channelizing Agency (SCA)

Visit your state’s NBCFDC-recognized SCA office.
Fill out the General Loan Scheme application form.
Submit KYC, income proof, project details, and caste certificate.
SCA verifies eligibility and project viability.
SCA forwards loan request to NBCFDC or processes internally as per guidelines.
After approval, loan is disbursed through the SCA to the beneficiary.

Option 3: Apply Through the SCA’s Official Portal (State-Specific)

Visit the online portal of your state’s SCA (if available).
Create login and complete the NBCFDC loan application form.
Upload documents including caste certificate, project proposal, income proof, etc.
Track the application status online.
Complete verification and documentation as required.
Receive loan sanction and disbursement through SCA.