Stand-Up India Scheme 2026 — ₹10 Lakh
RBI Ombudsman as of 1 July 2026: Bank, certain NBFC, prepaid-instrument and credit-information complaints go under the Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, which replaced RB-IOS 2021 from 1 July 2026. First complain to the entity. If there is no reply in 30 days (or the longer NPCI/card-network window, if it applies) or you reject the reply, file free at cms.rbi.org.in within 90 days. The Ombudsman can award up to Rs 30 lakh for consequential loss and up to Rs 3 lakh for time, expenses and harassment. Complaints received before 1 July 2026 stay under the 2021 scheme. Source: RBI FAQ, updated 1 July 2026 and the RB-IOS 2026 FAQ PDF dated 1 July 2026.
Quick Reply: Stand-Up India 2026 — ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore greenfield loans for SC/ST/woman entrepreneurs. Every bank branch must lend to at least 1 SC/ST + 1 woman.
Direct answer. Stand-Up India mandates every scheduled commercial bank branch to extend at least one ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore loan to a SC/ST entrepreneur AND one to a woman entrepreneur for greenfield (first-time) ventures in manufacturing, services, or trading. No collateral. Walk into any bank with project report + KYC. Apply at https://www.standupmitra.in OR directly at branch.
Quick Answer
- ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore loans for SC/ST or woman entrepreneurs.
- Greenfield only — first-time venture (existing business not eligible).
- At least 51% shareholding must be by SC/ST or woman applicant.
- No third-party collateral — only project hypothecation + CGTMSE guarantee.
- Helpline: 1800-180-1111 (Stand-Up Mitra).
- Stuck? 🪄 RTI in 60 sec.
What is this scheme
Stand-Up India launched 5 April 2016 by Ministry of Finance. Mandate: every scheduled commercial bank branch must finance at least 1 SC/ST + 1 woman greenfield entrepreneur. ~1.5 lakh loans disbursed since launch.
Key benefits
- ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore loan size.
- No third-party collateral required (CGTMSE covers up to 80%).
- Working capital + term loan combined.
- 7-year repayment (with 18-month moratorium).
- Interest: bank's MCLR + 3% + tenor premium (typically 11–13%).
- Margin money 10% — you put in 10%, scheme handles up to 90%.
- Pre-loan + post-loan handholding via Stand-Up Mitra portal.
Who is eligible
- SC / ST individual — caste certificate from Tehsildar/SDM.
- OR woman individual (any caste).
- Age 18+, no upper limit.
- First-time entrepreneur (greenfield) — no existing business in same activity.
- Sectors: manufacturing, services, trading, agriculture-allied (dairy, fisheries, agriculture-processing).
- For partnership/LLP: at least 51% of equity by SC/ST or woman applicant.
- No major default in CIBIL.
Documents required
- Aadhaar + PAN
- Caste certificate (SC/ST only) — Tehsildar/SDM
- Project report (business plan, expected revenue, profit, repayment) — banks have templates
- Quotations / pro forma invoices for assets to be purchased
- Land/property documents (if buying / leasing premises)
- Bank statement of last 6 months (any account)
- Existing business proof (only to confirm you're NOT in same business already)
- Photograph + signature
How to apply
Via Stand-Up Mitra portal (recommended)
- Visit https://www.standupmitra.in.
- Register → Aadhaar + Mobile OTP.
- Fill business profile + project details.
- Portal routes to multiple banks in your area.
- Banks bid → pick best offer.
- Pre-loan handholding by portal mentor.
- Final processing at chosen bank branch.
- Sanction in 30–60 days (longer than Mudra due to higher loan size).
Direct at bank
- Visit any PSU/private/RRB branch.
- Ask for “Stand-Up India loan”.
- Submit project report + documents.
- Pre-sanction site visit by bank officer.
- Sanction → loan agreement → disbursal.
Stand-Up India vs Mudra
| Feature | Mudra | Stand-Up India |
| Amount | ≤ ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore |
| Eligibility | Anyone | SC/ST/Woman only |
| Type | Existing OR new | Greenfield only |
| Margin | 0–10% | 10% mandatory |
| Project report | Optional (Shishu/Kishore) | Mandatory |
| Collateral | None | None (CGTMSE) |
| Sanction time | 7–15 days | 30–60 days |
Common mistakes
- Vague project report — banks reject. Use template + SHG/NGO/CA help.
- Existing business in same activity — disqualified. Greenfield strictly means new.
- Margin money not arranged — you must show 10% own contribution. Banks won't disburse without.
- Caste certificate from Patwari — invalid; must be Tehsildar/SDM.
- Joint application 30:70 with non-eligible partner — needs 51% by SC/ST/woman to qualify.
FAQ
I'm a woman who already runs a kirana shop. Can I apply for Stand-Up India for the same kirana shop expansion?
No — that's existing business. Greenfield mandate means new. Use Mudra for kirana expansion instead.
I'm a woman wanting to start a manufacturing unit. Can I apply for Stand-Up India?
Yes — perfect fit. New venture + 51% your equity + manufacturing.
Caste certificate process?
Visit Tehsildar/SDM with proof of caste (parents' caste cert, school records, gram sabha resolution). Free or ₹30–100 fee. 30–45 days.
Stand-Up India + Mudra simultaneously?
No — one micro-loan exposure at a time per individual. Pick based on need + size.
What's CGTMSE?
Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro & Small Enterprises — government-backed guarantee that covers banks against default on Stand-Up India loans (up to 80% of outstanding). Means banks lend without your collateral.
I'm 55. Am I eligible?
Yes — no upper age limit. Repayment must complete within reasonable time (typically by age 65–70).
Bank wants my home as security. Allowed?
No — Stand-Up India explicitly says no third-party collateral. Bank must rely on CGTMSE. If bank insists, file RBI banking ombudsman complaint + RTI to bank.
I'm a female from upper caste. Eligible?
Yes — woman of any caste is eligible under the woman quota. SC/ST quota is separate.
You may also be eligible for
- PM Mudra — for smaller / non-greenfield needs
- PM SVANidhi — for street vendors
- Jan Dhan — bank account first
- NSDC PMKVY — skill training before starting
Sources
- Helpline: 1800-180-1111
Last reviewed: 3 May 2026.
Visual / Infographic prompts
- Infographic concept: Eligibility funnel: SC/ST OR Woman + Greenfield venture → ₹10L–1Cr loan → No collateral (CGTMSE) → 7-year tenor with 18-month moratorium. Highlight 1 SC/ST + 1 woman per branch mandate.
SVG icon prompts (use any AI image gen)
- Minimal icon of two figures (one in dupatta, one with crossed shoulders) under a rising arrow.
- Flat shield with 'CGTMSE 80%' inside (no-collateral guarantee).
- Clean icon of a manufacturing factory with a rupee fountain coming out.
