Udyogini Scheme 2025: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Subsidized Loans
The Udyogini Scheme is a unique initiative aimed at empowering women from economically weaker sections, especially in rural and backward regions, to become self-reliant by starting their own businesses. The scheme offers subsidized or interest-free loans to help women set up small-scale businesses in various sectors.
What is the Udyogini Scheme?
The Udyogini Scheme provides financial support up to ₹3 lakh for women entrepreneurs, with a subsidy ranging from 30% to 50% based on the category of the applicant. Special benefits are provided to widows, women with disabilities, and those belonging to SC/ST communities.
The goal is not only to offer credit but also to provide training, mentoring, and business guidance, creating a sustainable ecosystem for women-led entrepreneurship.
Key Features of Udyogini Scheme 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹3 lakh |
| Interest Rate | Subsidized / Interest-free (special cases) |
| Subsidy | 30% – 50% based on category |
| Repayment Tenure | Up to 7 years |
| Processing Fee | Nil |
| Collateral/Security | Not required (up to a certain limit) |
| Training Support | Available (EDP & skill training) |
Eligibility Criteria
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Gender & Age: Women aged between 18–55 years
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Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Karnataka or eligible state
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Income Criteria:
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General & Special Category: Up to ₹1.5 lakh/year
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SC/ST Category: Up to ₹2 lakh/year
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No income limit for widows and disabled women
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Eligible Businesses
The scheme supports 88 small-scale industries, including:
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Agriculture-related businesses
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Tailoring, garment making
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Retail stores
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Food processing units
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Handicrafts and artisan work
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Beauty parlours, salons
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Service-based micro-enterprises
Documents Required
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Duly filled application form with photos
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Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card
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Income certificate / BPL card
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Project report on the business
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Caste certificate (for SC/ST)
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Educational qualification certificate (if applicable)
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Bank passbook copy
Loan & Subsidy Details (Category-wise)
| Category | Subsidy % | Max Subsidy | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC/ST Women | 50% | ₹1.5 lakh | Up to ₹2 lakh/year |
| Widows/Disabled Women | 30% | ₹90,000 | No income limit |
| General Category | 30% | ₹90,000 | Up to ₹1.5 lakh/year |
Banks Offering Loans under Udyogini Scheme
1. Saraswat Bank
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Interest: From 11.90% p.a.
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Loan: ₹10 lakh to ₹200 lakh (for larger units)
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Tenure: Up to 7 years
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Processing Fee: ₹5,000–₹15,000
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Security: Guarantors + Hypothecation
2. Punjab & Sind Bank
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Interest: From 11.50% p.a.
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Loan Tenure: Up to 7 years
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No collateral up to ₹25,000
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Insurance cover available
3. Bajaj Finserv
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Interest: 10%–12% (zero in some cases)
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Loan: Up to ₹3 lakh
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Subsidy: Up to 30%
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Skill training provided
How to Apply for Udyogini Scheme?
You can apply either online or offline depending on the bank:
Online Method:
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Visit the participating bank’s official website
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Fill the Udyogini application form
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Upload required documents
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Submit and wait for verification
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On approval, loan will be disbursed to your bank account
Offline Method:
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Visit the nearest bank branch offering Udyogini loans
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Submit application and documents in person
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Attend interviews or training (if required)
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Receive the loan upon approval
Final Words
The Udyogini Scheme is a powerful tool to promote financial independence and entrepreneurship among women, especially in rural India. With subsidized loans, no collateral, and additional support services, it opens the door to economic freedom for thousands of women.
If you or someone you know meets the criteria, don’t miss the opportunity to apply and transform an idea into a livelihood.