Patna: In a major boost for students, the Bihar government has announced significant improvements to the Bihar Student Credit Card (BSCC) Scheme. Under the new provisions, loans of up to Rs 4 lakh will now be interest-free, giving students from all backgrounds a better chance to pursue higher education without worrying about debt. The Education Department has stated that these changes will make the scheme more effective and accessible for students across the state.
The government has also made the repayment process easier. Previously, loans up to Rs 2 lakh had to be repaid in a maximum of 60 monthly instalments (five years), but this period has now been extended to 84 months (seven years). Loans above Rs 2 lakh, which were earlier limited to 84 months (seven years), can now be repaid in 120 months (ten years). During the study period or the moratorium period, students will not have to make any payments. Additionally, if a student dies during the repayment period, the loan will be completely waived, relieving families from financial burden.
The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme was launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2016 to help students who could not afford higher education. The scheme provides loans up to Rs 4 lakh for professional courses such as engineering, medical, management, ITI, nursing, and polytechnic. The state government acts as the guarantor for these loans, ensuring that students from poor and middle-class families can study with confidence.
Educationist BN Prasad welcomed the changes, saying they would help improve the quality of education in Bihar. “Students, including those who move outside the state for higher education, will now get significant relief. This step will make higher education more accessible and inclusive for all,” he said. With these reforms, Bihar is taking a strong step toward supporting its students and ensuring that financial difficulties do not come in the way of their academic dreams.
