Stand Up India Scheme: Key Features, Eligibility Criteria & Benefits

The Stand Up India Scheme, launched by the Government of India on 5th April 2016, aims to support SC/ST and women entrepreneurs who want to start a new business. It provides loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, making it easier for people with limited resources to start something of their own.

This scheme is not just about money. It’s about giving equal chances to those who often get left behind. Whether it’s opening a solar dealership in Bihar, a stock trading advisory in Delhi, or a food delivery kitchen in Nagpur, this scheme can help make that happen.

What Is the Stand Up India Scheme?

The Stand Up India Scheme is a government loan scheme started in 2016. It’s for people who want to start a new business but don’t have the money. If you are from SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), or a woman, you can get a loan between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore from the bank.

You have the idea. The government helps with the money. For example, a woman from Lucknow wants to open a stock market training center. She can apply under this scheme and get the money to start her business.

What Type of Business Is Allowed?

You can start any kind of business, except farming. Here are the types of businesses you can do:

Trading: Buying and selling products (like clothes, gadgets, tools)
Manufacturing: Making something (like packaging boxes, snacks, furniture)
Services: Giving a service (like a coaching class, beauty salon, online shop, etc.)

Who Can Apply?

The rules are super easy.

You can apply if:

You are a woman (any caste), OR
You are from the SC or ST community.

Also, make sure:

You are 18 years or older.
You are starting a new business (not already running one)
You have not taken a big bank loan before.

This scheme is for first-time business people who need a chance to start fresh.

What Documents do You Need?

Before you apply, keep these things ready:

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Caste Certificate (only if you are SC or ST)
A simple business plan (just 1-2 pages is enough)
Bank statement for the last 6 months
Address proof (like electricity bill, ration card, etc.)
ID proof (like voter ID, driving license)
Passport-size photos

How to Apply for the Stand Up India Scheme?

You can apply in two ways: online or by going to the bank.

Option 1: Apply Online

Just follow these easy steps:

Go to the official website of Standupmitra
Click on “Register.”
Select your business location (where you want to start).
Pick your business category (SC/ST or Woman).
Choose what kind of business and how much loan you want.
Fill in the details about your business idea.
Mention your work experience.
Say if you need help or support from someone (called a hand-holding agency).
Fill in your personal information.
Click Register, and you're done.

Option 2: Apply at the Bank (Offline)

If you prefer to do it in person:

Visit your nearest bank (like SBI, PNB, ICICI, etc.)
Ask for the Stand Up India loan form
Fill it up and submit with your documents
Talk to the Loan Officer or LDM (Lead District Manager) for help

Eligibility Criteria of the Stand Up India Scheme

To apply, you must follow these basic rules:

The business should be new (called a greenfield project)

This means it’s your first time starting a business.

You must be either

A woman (any caste)
OR from SC (Scheduled Caste) or ST (Scheduled Tribe)

The business should be in

Manufacturing
Services
OR Trading

Note: If your business is a group, partnership, or company, then at least 51% of the ownership must be with the SC/ST person or woman applying

Key Features of the Stand Up India Scheme

Here’s what you need to know in plain words:

Who Can Apply? Any SC/ST person or woman who is 18 years or older and wants to start a new business.
Loan Amount: You can get a loan between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.
Business Type Allowed: The scheme supports manufacturing, trading, and service-based businesses. (No farming or agriculture)
Security/Collateral: The loan is covered under a credit guarantee scheme, so you may not need to give security.
Own Contribution (Margin Money): You must put in at least 10% of the project cost from your side. The loan can cover up to 75% of the total cost.
Repayment Time: You get up to 7 years to repay the loan

Why This Scheme Is Good?

Here’s why this scheme is actually helpful:

You don’t need to beg friends or sell your gold to start a business.
Banks feel more confident to give you a loan because the government supports it.
You don’t need a big degree or fancy education.
Even if you live in a small town or village, you get the same chance as someone in a big city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Stand Up India Scheme is not just another government plan. It’s a real opportunity for people who are often left behind, SC/STs and women, to start their own businesses, earn respect, and grow. You don’t need crores in savings or big city links. You just need a business idea, basic documents, and the courage to apply. If you’ve got that, this scheme is your chance to stand up and shine.

About the Author

Saniya

I'm a finance content writer with a BBA in FinTech, passionate about simplifying money matters for everyday Indians. I break down complex topics like investments, savings, and digital finance into easy, relatable content. My goal is to help you in a way that’s easy to understand, jargon-free, and actually useful in real life.

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