
A moratorium period education loan is a type of loan that allows borrowers to temporarily suspend their loan payments. This can be a huge relief for students who are struggling to make ends meet.
The moratorium period can be up to 6 months, but this can vary depending on the lender and the borrower's circumstances. Some lenders offer a 3-month moratorium, while others may offer up to 1 year.
During the moratorium period, the borrower is not required to make any loan payments, but interest may still accrue. However, some lenders may waive the interest during this time.
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What is a Moratorium?
A moratorium is a distinctive timeframe in which a borrower is authorized to briefly suspend or generally reduce payments on a loan, usually due to financial hardships or unexpected situations.
This timeframe can be a huge relief for individuals facing financial difficulties.
A moratorium period in an education loan is where students are not obligated to repay their loan.
The moratorium tenure ranges till your course duration and an extra tenure of 6-12 months.
It's a kind of payment holiday that allows breathing time to the student to get placed and start earning before they start their loan repayment.
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Benefits of a Loan
A moratorium period in education loans can significantly ease the financial burden on students and their families. It provides several key benefits, including reducing the financial burden on students and parents during the study period.
The moratorium period also maintains the stability of the CIBIL score, which is essential for future loan applications. This is because there are no financial penalties for non-payments of EMIs during the moratorium period.
The moratorium period is valid for up to one year after the borrowing student starts earning, giving them the freedom to complete their studies without worrying about repayments. During this period, students can focus on their studies without any financial stress.
Here are some key benefits of a moratorium period in education loans:
- Reduces financial burden on students and parents during the study period
- Maintains stability of the CIBIL score
- No financial penalties for non-payments of EMIs during the moratorium period
- Students enjoy freedom from liability of repayments during this period and up to one year after completing their studies
The loan amount available for education loans in India is up to Rs. 35 Lakhs, while for studies abroad, it's up to Rs. 30 Lakhs.
Repayment and Interest
During the moratorium period, interest on your education loan continues to accrue, but it's not waived off. This means you'll need to pay the accumulated interest when the moratorium period concludes.
The good news is that starting repayment earlier can reduce the total interest paid. This is because the interest doesn't have a chance to compound over a longer period.
You have options when it comes to repayment, and choosing the right one can help manage your financial burden effectively. Banks offer various repayment options, including simple interest, partial simple interest, and EMI.
Here are the key repayment options:
What Is Repayment?
Repayment is a crucial aspect of managing your education loan, and understanding how it works can help you save money in the long run.
During the moratorium period, you're not required to make EMIs, but interest still accumulates, adding to the overall burden.
Initiating repayment sooner is key to minimizing the total interest paid on the loan.
Banks offer various repayment options, including Simple Interest, Partial Simple Interest, and EMI.
Under the Simple Interest approach, you pay simple interest throughout your study period, and the EMI comprises only the principal amount plus compound interest.
With Partial Simple Interest, you pay only a designated portion of the simple interest, allowing the remaining interest to be added to the principal amount.
The EMI structure charges compound interest on both the principal amount and the accrued simple interest.
The moratorium period varies depending on the lender and loan type, generally ranging from 6 months to 1 year after course completion.
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How Repayment Works
Repayment works in a way that's designed to help students manage their financial burden effectively. During the education loan moratorium period, students are not required to pay EMIs, but interest continues to accrue.
There are different repayment options available, including Simple Interest, Partial Simple Interest, and EMI. Simple Interest involves paying the interest during the study period, preventing it from being added to the principal amount.
This can result in EMIs that consist only of the principal amount plus compound interest. Partial Simple Interest, on the other hand, involves paying a portion of the simple interest, with the remaining interest added to the principal.
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The remaining simple interest is then charged compound interest, increasing the total amount owed. EMI involves deferring all payments until the end of the moratorium period, after which repayments are made through EMIs, charged with compound interest on the principal amount plus accrued simple interest.
The moratorium period is a crucial time for students to secure employment and establish a steady income stream before they start repaying their loans. This allows for more effective financial planning and budgeting, ensuring that students are better prepared for loan repayments.
Here are the different repayment options available:
- Simple Interest: Pay interest during the study period to prevent it from being added to the principal amount.
- Partial Simple Interest: Pay a portion of the simple interest, with the remaining interest added to the principal.
- EMI: Deferring all payments until the end of the moratorium period, then repaying through EMIs charged with compound interest.
The moratorium period typically lasts between 6 months to 1 year after course completion, although this can vary depending on the lender and loan type.
Interest and Principal Components
The interest and principal components of an education loan are crucial to understand when it comes to repayment. The moratorium period, which allows students to defer their EMIs, does include both the interest and principal components of the loan.
During the moratorium period, interest continues to accrue, adding to the overall burden. This interest is not waived off and is instead added to the outstanding balance.
There are different repayment options available, including Simple Interest, Partial Simple Interest, and EMI. Simple Interest is a good option for those who want to minimize their interest payments, as it doesn't augment the principal amount.
Here's a breakdown of the different repayment options:
Initiating repayment sooner holds the key to minimizing the total interest paid on the loan. By choosing the right repayment option, students can save significantly on interest payments over the long term.
Moratorium Period Details
The moratorium period in education loans can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
Government banks usually offer a moratorium period that's equal to the course duration plus six months, during which time you don't have to make any payments.
In contrast, private banks typically offer a moratorium period of the course duration plus 12 months, but you'll need to pay simple interest during this time.
NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) usually offer a moratorium period of the course duration plus 12 months, but you'll need to pay simple interest or a partial interest amount during this time.
Here's a quick rundown of the moratorium periods offered by different types of lenders:
Remember, it's essential to understand the moratorium period and other loan terms before taking out an education loan.
EMI and Non-Payment
During the moratorium period, you're free to not pay monthly EMIs for at least the course duration, which can be extended up to 1 year.
This means you won't have to worry about making payments for a significant amount of time. You can focus on your education and improve your skills to find a good job for timely repayment of the loan when the moratorium period ends.
You'll also be charged zero penalty if you don't pay EMI during the moratorium period, giving you peace of mind and financial flexibility.
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Monthly EMI Payments
Monthly EMI Payments can be a significant financial burden for students with education loans.
The moratorium period, which can last up to 1 year, provides a valuable break from financial obligations and potential education loan default.
During this time, students are exempt from monthly Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).
This one-year break from financial obligations can be a huge relief for students who are struggling to make ends meet.
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No Penalty on EMI Non-Payment
You can breathe a sigh of relief because banks don't charge penalties for non-payment during the moratorium period.
This policy allows you to focus on your education without worrying about additional charges.
The moratorium period typically covers your course duration, including 6 months, which can be extended up to 1 year, giving you a decent amount of time to transition into your post-education life.
You won't be charged any penalty if you don't pay EMI during this period, which is a huge advantage.
Importantly, banks refrain from imposing penalties for non-payment throughout the moratorium period, providing you with the financial flexibility you need to navigate your post-education transition.
This means you can pursue your studies without immediate repayment pressures, contributing to a more seamless educational journey.
You can seek permission from the bank to extend the moratorium period up to 12 months if you're unable to find decent employment after the course ends.
No Adverse Impact on Credit Score
The moratorium period on education loans can be a huge relief for students.
During this period, you won't be paying EMIs immediately after the loan gets disbursed.
This means you'll have some breathing room to focus on your studies.
The good news is that this won't affect your credit score.
According to the information, this is a great value addition to your education journey.
You can build up your CIBIL score after the moratorium period ends by making timely loan repayments.
Loan Types and Options
There are several loan types and options available for students to consider during the moratorium period.
A moratorium period education loan is a type of loan that allows students to temporarily suspend their loan repayment.
The moratorium period can be up to 6 months, and during this time, students are not required to make any loan payments.
Types of Loans in India
In India, there are several types of loans available to cater to different needs and financial situations.
Personal loans are a popular option, allowing individuals to borrow a lump sum amount for various purposes such as weddings, vacations, or home renovations.
Secured loans, on the other hand, require collateral, which can be a property, vehicle, or other valuable asset.
Home loans are a type of secured loan, where the property itself serves as collateral, allowing individuals to purchase or construct a home.
Gold loans are another type of secured loan, where borrowers pledge their gold jewelry or ornaments to secure the loan amount.
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Business loans are available for entrepreneurs and small business owners to fund their business ventures, covering expenses such as equipment, inventory, and employee salaries.
Microfinance loans are designed for low-income individuals or small business owners, providing small amounts of credit at reasonable interest rates.
Education loans are available to students and their parents to fund education expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs.
Vehicle loans are used to purchase or lease a vehicle, often with a fixed interest rate and repayment period.
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Secured
Secured loans are primarily lent by all the major government banks in India.
Secured loans mandate you to offer collateral securities, which will act as a guarantee against the loan. This ensures that the lender gets their money back if you're unable to repay the loan.
One of the greatest advantages of secured education loans borrowed from government banks is the fact about the moratorium period. The moratorium period gives a break to all students before the repayment period starts.
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Unsecured

Unsecured loans are primarily lent by private banks and NBFCs, which don't require collateral securities.
Government banks lend unsecured loans only up to Rs.7.5 Lakhs.
Unlike government banks, private banks and financial institutions do not offer an interest-free moratorium period to students.
This means students have to pay EMIs during their course, which can be challenging.
Private banks and financial institutions offer tailored financing solutions with a moratorium period, allowing students to provide smaller EMIs during their course.
Propelld is one such partner that offers super-easy education loans with a moratorium period.
You can determine the amount you need to pay monthly after taking an education loan with the help of the education loan calculator with a moratorium period.
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Understanding and Planning
The moratorium period is a crucial concept to understand when it comes to education loans. It's a repayment holiday that allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about loan repayments.
During the moratorium period, you don't need to start repaying your loan immediately after graduation. Instead, your repayment will start after a specified period, typically 12 months after your course is completed. This means that Raj, from Example 1, won't have to start repaying his loan until 2027, after completing his Master's course in the USA.
The moratorium period gives you time to secure employment and establish a steady income stream before you start repaying your loans. This period allows for more effective financial planning and budgeting, ensuring that you're better prepared for loan repayments.
Here's a quick summary of the key points to consider when planning your moratorium period:
What Is for?
The moratorium period is a repayment holiday for borrowers, specifically students, where they're exempt from repaying the loan. This period is mandatory for all banks and financial institutions, as per the RBI.
The moratorium period is not the same as a grace period, which is a penalty-free interval before making EMI payments. During the moratorium period, there's a freeze on making EMI payments, and only interest is deferred, not waived off.
The interest accrued during the moratorium period is added to the loan's outstanding balance, leading to higher EMIs when the student starts earning and repaying the loan. This can be a significant increase, so it's essential to plan ahead and factor in these additional payments.
Importance of a Calculator

An education loan calculator is a vital tool for borrowers, especially during the moratorium period.
It serves as a financial tool, enabling borrowers to assess the moratorium's impact on their loan, and input details such as the loan amount, interest rate, and moratorium period duration.
This tool provides a clear picture of the accrued interest during the moratorium, offering insights into the potential increase in the overall loan amount.
The calculator essentially provides a roadmap for expediting the repayment of education loans, aiding borrowers in making informed decisions about repayments post-moratorium.
By using an education loan calculator, borrowers can avoid surprises and plan their repayments more effectively.
Understanding with an Example
Let's break down the moratorium period with a real-life example. Raj took a secured education loan of INR 50 Lakh for his Master's course in the USA in January 2024. He doesn't need to start repaying his loan during his course, instead, his repayment will start 12 months after his course is completed, which means his repayment will start in 2027.

The lender understands that borrowers can't repay the loan immediately after their studies, so students are given a moratorium period to find a job and start repayments after the moratorium period. This allows students to secure employment and establish a steady income stream before they start repaying their loans.
During the moratorium period, students are not required to pay EMIs, but interest continues to accrue. This means that starting repayment earlier can reduce the total interest paid. For example, if Raj starts repaying his loan in 2027, he'll have to pay higher EMIs to cover the accrued interest.
Here's a comparison of the three common repayment options offered by banks:
Choosing the right repayment option can help manage the financial burden effectively. By understanding the moratorium period and repayment options, students can plan their finances better and make informed decisions about their education loans.
What Is the Difference Between a Grace and a Gift

Understanding the difference between a grace and a gift can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to know when you're receiving financial assistance. A gift is simply something you receive without expecting to pay it back.
The key difference between a grace period and a moratorium period is that a grace period allows you to make a payment without penalty, whereas a moratorium period gives you a break from making payments altogether. The length of a moratorium period can vary, but it's typically the course duration plus 6 or 12 months.
Here's a comparison of the two in a nutshell:
With a moratorium period, you don't have to worry about making payments during the course duration, but interest will still accrue and be added to your loan balance. In contrast, a grace period is a short window of time, usually 15 days, where you can make a payment without any penalty charged.
Example and Explanation
Let's break down the moratorium period in education loans with an example. Raj took a secured education loan of INR 50 Lakh for his Master's course in the USA in January 2024, and he doesn't need to start repaying the loan during his course.
The moratorium period is typically 12 months after the course is completed, which means Raj's repayment will start in 2027. This allows students to find a job and start their repayments after the moratorium period.
Assuming you take an education loan of ₹100,000 from an ABC bank in January 2024, you have agreed to repay the loan in 12 installments. If ABC Bank provides a moratorium period of 12 months, your monthly installments will start from January 2025.
You don't have to pay any EMIs till December 2024, giving you a year to focus on your studies and find a job. The lender understands that borrowers cannot repay the loan immediately after their studies, so they grant a moratorium period to find employment and begin making loan installments.
Guidelines and Regulations
The moratorium period education loan has specific guidelines and regulations to follow.
The moratorium period is typically 6 months to 1 year, during which you don't have to pay your loan installments. This period is usually granted by the lender or the government in case of financial difficulties.
You must submit a written request to the lender to initiate the moratorium period. This request should be accompanied by proof of financial hardship, such as a letter from your employer or a doctor's note.
The interest on the loan continues to accrue during the moratorium period, but it's usually waived. However, the interest is added to the principal amount, increasing the total amount you need to repay.
You can only avail of the moratorium period once, and it's not a one-time exemption. If you're facing financial difficulties again, you'll need to reapply and meet the eligibility criteria.
The moratorium period is not a pause in your loan repayment, but rather a temporary reduction in your monthly payments.
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Relief and Support
During a moratorium period, students can breathe a sigh of relief as they don't have to worry about making repayments while studying. This allows them to focus on their education without immediate financial burdens.
The financial pressure is alleviated, giving students the freedom to concentrate on their studies. With no need to make repayments, students can fully immerse themselves in their academic pursuits.
Having some extra cash in hand can also help students take advantage of opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach, such as internships or study abroad programs.
Financial Aid for Students
Having financial burdens while studying can be overwhelming, but there's relief in sight.
The moratorium period can provide financial relief to students by alleviating the pressure of loan repayments.
With no need to make repayments while studying, students can focus on their education without worrying about immediate loan payments.
This financial aid allows students to concentrate on their studies and make the most of their time in college.
Calculating your education loan EMI can help you plan your finances better, making it easier to manage your expenses during your studies.
Relief for Co-Applicants

Having a co-applicant on an education loan can be a big help, especially for parents who are managing multiple financial commitments. This is because the moratorium period ensures that they don't have to bear the repayment burden while the student is still studying.
The moratorium period can be especially beneficial for families like this, giving them some much-needed breathing room during a busy time.
Lenders and Options
Public Sector Banks offer a moratorium period that's a course period plus 6 months, during which students don't have to make any payments.
Private Sector Banks, on the other hand, offer a moratorium period that's a course period plus 12 months, but students have to pay a simple interest amount during this time. Installments, including some part of the principal amount, start after the moratorium period.
NBFCs generally offer a moratorium period that's a course period plus 12 months, but students have to pay a simple interest amount or some partial interest during this time.
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Here's a breakdown of the moratorium periods offered by different types of lenders:
It's worth noting that some private banks and NBFCs may demand full payment on the given interest rate during the moratorium period, depending on the student's profile.
Sources
- https://www.nomadcredit.com/blog/moratorium-period-for-education-loan
- https://www.gyandhan.com/blogs/moratorium-period-education-loan
- https://www.tatacapital.com/blog/personal-use-loan/education-loan-moratorium-period-why-it-matters/
- https://propelld.com/site/blog/education-loan-moratorium-period
- https://www.eduloans.org/blogs/what-is-the-moratorium-period-and-which-lenders-provide-the-moratorium-period/
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