West Bengal Student Credit Card

The West Bengal Student Credit Card scheme is an initiative of the state government that was launched on 30 June 2021. It provides financial support for students pursuing higher education. The scheme provides education loans worth up to Rs.10 lakh at a simple interest rate of 4%. It's intended to relieve students of financial hindrance in attending quality higher education.

What is the West Bengal Student Credit Card?

The West Bengal Student Credit Card is a card that is issued to eligible candidates under the West Bengal Student Credit Card scheme. The card may be utilized for vocational, technical, and professional courses both in India and abroad, and is meant to make quality education financially viable for students. 

Purpose and Objectives of the Scheme are:

  1. Financial Empowerment: To support students, particularly those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue higher education without any financial barriers. 
  1. Access to Quality Education: To facilitate access to quality education through financial support for a range of courses including professional, technical and vocational education. 
  1. Encouragement of Higher Studies: To support pupils/ students to transition to higher study and enhance their skills as it relates to personal and professional development. 
  1. Support for Minorities: To provide education loans to eligible merit-based students from minority communities in pursuit of professional, technical or vocational courses of study within and outside of India. 
  1. Promotion of Inclusivity: To provide all students with equal opportunity to pursue higher education to the betterment of their respective communities. 
  1. Economic Growth: To support the economic growth of the state by developing a skilled and educated workforce to meet the demands of various industries. 
  1. Long-Term Impact: To create a long-term impact on the state’s development by investing in the education and skills of its youth.

Benefits of the West Bengal Student Credit Card

The following are the benefits of the West Bengal Student Credit Card:  

  1. Low-Interest Rate: With a nominal interest rate capped at 4% per annum, loan repayments can be substantially more manageable than traditional education loans. 
  1. Further Interest Reduction: An extra 1% reduction in interest will apply if the borrower services the interest during the loan period. 
  1. No Collateral: You will be required to have only the co-obligation of parents or guardians; there is no need for property or assets as security. 
  1. Repayment Flexibility: The repayment period may be extended to up to 15 years and will include a moratorium period, giving graduates the time necessary to start their careers. 
  1. Wide Support: Can cover all types of courses such as undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and vocational courses in India as well as abroad. 
  1. Access for All: Committed to ensuring access to higher education for students from minority communities and students from economically disadvantaged families. 
  1. Reduced Bureaucracy: Applicants will be able to apply easily and receive approval through an online portal to streamline the application process and minimize bureaucratic hurdles. 
  1. Career and Skills Development: In addition to enabling access to quality education, the Initiative also supports employability development and skills training options. 
  1. Contributing the workforce: The initiative contributes to the creation of a skilled workforce to enhance human and economic development in society. 
  1. Educational Empowerment: The initiative enables students to concentrate on their education and aspirations without the burden of costs. 
  1. Direct Payment: Loan amounts can be directly sent to the institution or the student for immediate and easy access. 
  1. International Study Encouragement: The initiative allows students who would like to study abroad to participate in this scheme as well. 
  1. Financial Accessibility: Offers loans up to Rs.10 lakh, helping students from economically weaker sections pursue higher education without financial stress. 

Features of West Bengal Student Credit Card

Feature 

Details 

Eligible Courses 

  1. Supports secondary, higher secondary, madrasah, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional degrees, and other equivalent courses.
  2. Covers schools, madrasahs, colleges, universities, and other affiliated institutes within India and abroad.
  3. Ensures students at every stage of education can access financial support, including vocational and skill-based programs.
  4. Helps students pursue diverse academic and professional paths without financial stress. 

Competitive Exam Coaching 

  1. Students attending coaching for exams such as IAS, IPS, WBCS, Engineering, Medical, and Law are eligible.
  2. Financial support covers coaching fees, study materials, and other related expenses.
  3. Encourages preparation for high-stakes competitive exams without financial distraction.
  4. Expands the card’s scope beyond formal education to professional and government career preparation. 

Maximum Loan Amount 

  1. Students can avail a loan up toRs.10,00,000.
  2. Loan can cover tuition, hostel charges, examination fees, books, and study materials.
  3. Ensures uninterrupted education and reduces the financial burden on students and families.
  4. Provides flexibility to meet additional academic expenses during the course. 

Interest Rate 

  1. Nominal interest of 4% per annum after interest subvention.
  2. For loans up toRs.10,00,000, interest is calculated as the 3-year MCLR of SBI plus 1%, fixed at the time of sanction.
  3. Provides transparency and predictable repayment terms for students.
  4. Makes education loans affordable compared to conventional loans. 

Loan Accessibility 

  1. Students can access the loan at any stage during their course. 
  2. Flexible funding helps cover mid-course expenses such as tuition, hostel, exams, or coaching.
  3. Encourages proper financial planning and ensures uninterrupted education.
  4. Provides convenience for students managing multiple academic and personal expenses. 

Application Process 

  1. Both the student and parent/legal guardian must co-submit the application.
  2. A formal agreement is signed among student, guardian, and bank.
  3. Clearly defines loan terms, repayment obligations, and responsibilities of all parties.
  4. Streamlines approval, ensures accountability, and prevents misunderstandings. 

Margin Money 

  1. Loans up toRs.4,00,000 require no margin.
  2. Loans aboveRs.4,00,000 require5%margin to partially secure higher-value loans.
  3. Maintains accessibility for smaller loans while ensuring financial responsibility for larger loans.
  4. Balances risk management and ease of access for students.

Scholarships/Assistance 

  1. Scholarships, stipends, or other educational assistance are integrated into loan disbursements. 
  2. Paid pro-rata along with loan installments.
  3. Supports smooth financial management throughout the course.
  4. Ensures students do not face interruptions due to delayed scholarship payments. 

Security/Collateral 

  1. No unnecessary collateral required beyond co-obligation of parents/legal guardians. 
  2. Simplifies access for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
  3. State government enters separate agreements with banks to formalize the process. 
  4. Reduces administrative barriers while maintaining accountability. 

Insurance Coverage 

  1. Life insurance coverage is provided up to the sanctioned loan amount.
  2. Premiums are automatically debited from the loan account.
  3. Protects both the student and family in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  4. Ensures the loan is risk-free and secure for all parties involved. 

Time Limits 

  1. Higher Education and School Education Departments coordinate sanctioning and disbursement timelines.
  2. Official timelines communicated after approval from competent authority.
  3. Structured process ensures timely release of funds aligned with academic schedules.
  4. Helps students plan expenses and focus on education without delays. 

Eligibility Criteria for West Bengal Student Credit Card

Criteria for Qualification for West Bengal Student Credit Card are: 

  1.  Indian National & Resident of West Bengal for at Least 10 Years 

The aspirant needs to showcase that he/she is an Indian national and has been a resident of West Bengal for a minimum of 10 years on a self-declaration form. This is the leading qualification criterion, ensuring the scheme is extended to students who are domicile of West Bengal. 

  1. Age Limit 

The applicant can apply for the scheme only if he/she is below the age of 40 at the time of application. This denotes that the student is eligible to access higher education or preparing for various competitive examinations. 

  1. Educational Enrollment in Higher Educational Institutions  

The aspirants needs to be enrolled in higher educational institutions in India or abroad, which are liable to include schools, madrasahs, colleges, universities, and premier professional institutes such as IITs, IIMs, IISc, IIESTs, ISIs, NLUs, AIIMS, NITs, XLRI, BITS, SPA, NID, IIFT, ICFAI Business School, and other identified institutes.  

  1. Optional: Enrolled in Coaching for Competitive Exams  

Students enrolled in coaching institutes preparing for competitive examinations such as Engineering, Medical, Law, IAS, IPS, WBCS, SSC, etc. are also qualified for the scheme. This extension of the scheme will allow students preparing for the professional or government level exam, to avail financial assistance for tuition fee programs and other associated educational expenses. 

Documents Required for West Bengal Student Credit Card

The following documents are required to apply for a West Bengal Student Credit Card:

Document Type 

Purpose / Notes 

Format / Size 

Applicant Photograph 

Used for student identification and verification during application 

JPEG or JPG, 20 KB – 50 KB 

Co-Applicant / Guardian Photograph 

Verifies the identity of the co-applicant or guardian associated with the loan 

JPEG or JPG, 20 KB – 50 KB 

Student Signature 

For digital authentication and official verification 

JPEG or JPG, 10 KB – 50 KB 

Co-Applicant / Guardian Signature 

Confirms consent of the co-applicant or guardian for the loan 

JPEG or JPG, 10 KB – 50 KB 

Aadhaar Card of Student 

Proof of identity and residence for KYC and official verification 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Age Proof of Student 

Confirms the student’s age and eligibility; can be birth certificate or equivalent 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Address Proof of Co-Applicant / Guardian 

Verifies residence of the co-applicant or guardian (utility bill, voter ID, etc.) 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

PAN Card of Student / Undertaking if not available 

Used for tax verification; a self-declaration is allowed if PAN is not available 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

PAN Card of Co-Applicant / Guardian / Undertaking if not available 

Required for co-applicant verification; an undertaking can be submitted if PAN is missing 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Admission Receipt 

Confirms enrollment in the academic course for which the loan is being applied 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Prospectus / Fee Certificate 

Provides official details of tuition, hostel, and examination charges for calculating the loan 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Marksheet / Certificate of Last Qualifying Exam 

Verifies the academic qualification of the student and eligibility for the course 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Fee Details and Course Information 

Includes course name, institution, duration, and tuition fees to determine loan amount 

PDF, 50 KB – 400 KB 

Note: You might be asked to provide a few additional documents for verification along with the ones listed above.

How to Apply for West Bengal Student Credit Card

The West Bengal Student Credit Card (WBSCC) is designed to be easy, transparent, and fully online. Students can register, submit documents, and track their application without visiting a bank branch. The step-by-step application process is given below: 

Step 1: Visit the Official Site 

  1. Go to the official website of West Bengal Student Credit Card. 
  1. On the home page, click on the link - STUDENT CREDIT CARD to reach the application section. 

Step 2: Student Registration 

  1. Click on the option - STUDENT REGISTRATION 
  1. Choose the appropriate category depending on your Institute 
  1. For institutions in India – select the option for institutions in India if you are in colleges, universities, or professional institutes in India. 
  1. For institutions outside India – select if you are studying outside India. 
  1. Fill in the personal and academic details accurately in the online registration form on the website. 
  1. Once you have completed the registration form, click on the Submit button. 

Step 3: Generate Login Credential 

  1. After a successful registration, a unique User ID and password will be generated. 
  1. Be careful to note down these details as you will need them to log in for the future and track your application. 

Step 4: Sign in to your account and navigate to the Applicant Dashboard 

  1. Utilizing your credentials, please log in by clicking the ‘Student Login’ tab located on the homepage. 
  1. Upon successful login, you will be navigated directly to the Applicant Dashboard, which will allow you access to the various sections where detailed information will be required on your part. 

Step 5: Enter Required Details 

The sections specified below will need to be completed accurately: 

  1. Personal Details: Name, date of birth, contact information, and any other personal details. 
  1. Co-Borrower/Present Address Details: Details of the parent or the legal guardian who will co-sign the loan, as well as current address once confirmed.  
  1. Permanent Address/Course & Income Details: Permanent address, details of the course of study, the fees related to the course, and the co-applicant’s income.  
  1. Bank Details: Both the student and co-borrower will be asked to provide information about their bank accounts. Bank account information is essential for student loan disbursement and satisfaction of loan repayment. 
  1. Upload Documents: The student will need to upload scanned copies of all required documents. Required documents include the Aadhaar, income certificate, proof of admission, and photographs. 

Step 6: Final Submission 

  1. Once you have completed the steps, check all information for verification purposes. 
  1. With all the information verified and confirmed, please click on the ‘submit’ button to submit your application. 
  1. After submission, you will receive confirmation from the system indicating receipt of your application. You will also be able to check the status of your application from the Applicant Dashboard.

How to Track West Bengal Student Credit Card Application Status

eps to track the application status of your West Bengal Student Credit Card are mentioned below:

  1. Visit https://wbscc.wb.gov.in/.
  2. To log in, enter your registration number and password.
  3. Enter the captcha displayed on the screen.
  4. The status of your loan application will be displayed on the dashboard.

The bank will return the loan application to you in case of any discrepancies. You can verify and resubmit your application by clicking on the 'Edit Loan Application' option.

Contact Information for West Bengal Student Credit Card

For any queries or assistance related to the West Bengal Student Credit Card, students can reach out to the WBSCC support team.  

  1. The toll-free helpline number is 1800-102-8014.  
  1. Queries can also be sent via email to support-wbscc@bangla.gov.in or contactwbscc@gmail.com.  

Note: The support team can help with application guidance, document clarification, or tracking application status. 

FAQs on West Bengal Student Credit Card

  • What is the most important benefit of the West Bengal Student Credit Card?

    The West Bengal Student Credit Card aims to support students financially for pursuing higher study options, including professional, technical, and vocational programs, both in India and internationally. This way students can avoid being financially constrained when attaining academic or career aspirations.

  • Which banks provide the Student Credit Card in West Bengal?

    The WBSCC is accessed through multiple banking channels. Eligible students may apply to the state cooperative banks, affiliated central cooperative banks, district central cooperative banks, and select public or private sector banks. The availability of these banking options leads to easier access across the state; and as a result, the credit card is widely available. 

  • Can I apply online for the West Bengal Student Credit Card?

      Yes, the process is entirely online. Students can apply at the official WBSCC website at https://wbscc.wb.gov.in, where they complete registration, upload the required documents, and submit the application online. This makes the process relatively easy and fast.   

  • What interest is charged on this loan?

    The regular interest for the WBSCC is 4 percent p.a. If students pay the interest during their studies, they can receive an additional 1 percent concession on the interest charged. This makes the loan more affordable than most private educational loans. 

  • What is the maximum loan I can obtain under this scheme?

    Students can receive a maximum loan of Rs.10 lakhs under the WBSCC. The loan can be used for various tuition-related expenses and costs related to course completion, such as books, hostel fees, examination fees, and various other costs. 

  • Can students access the application prior to the course or at any point during the course?

    Yes, students can apply at any stage of their course, as long as they meet eligibility requirements. That means merit-based students can apply well into their academic program because of the flexibility to access financial support for any education-related costs. 

  • How will the loan funds be disbursed?

    Funds for institutional fees will be disbursed directly to the educational institution (tuition fees and hostel fees); whereas funds for non-institutional expenses will be sent to the student's registered bank account, which assures students they can access funding for their living costs and their course-related requirements/necessities. 

  • Do you need to meet a percentage of marks criteria for the purpose of applying?

    No minimum marks, nor an academic achievement is necessary to apply for the West Bengal Student Credit Card. The scheme is designed to extend eligibility for students with criteria based on residence, age, and enrolment status, not based on prior academic behaviour and achievements.  

  • Should I submit black and white photographs for online submission?

    No, the online application process does not accept black and white photographs. The online application process only accepts coloured photographs in JPEG and JPG format. Students are responsible to ensure that they either have photographs that meet the size and format requirements, this may delay or lead to outright rejection of the application.  

  • What courses and which institutions does the West Bengal Student Credit Card scheme cover?

    The WBSCC covers a number of courses including undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and vocational programs. All students enrolled in recognised institutions are eligible. Recognised institutions may include schools, colleges, universities, madrasahs and/or institutions (i.e. IITs / IIMs / NLUs / NITs / AIIMS / etc., and training colleges for competitive exams). Loans can also be availed of for courses abroad as long as the course is provided by an accredited institution. 

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