What Stand-Up India was
Launched on 5 April 2016, Stand-Up India asked every scheduled commercial bank branch to lend to at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower, between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, for a greenfield (first-time) enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading or activities allied to agriculture. For a firm or company, at least 51% of the shareholding and control had to be with the SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
Status: ended, with a new scheme announced
- The scheme ran until 31 March 2025.
- In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government announced a new scheme for 5 lakh first-time women, SC and ST entrepreneurs, with term loans up to ₹2 crore over five years, built on the lessons of Stand-Up India.
- In March 2026 the Finance Minister said a modified Stand-Up India scheme with enhanced benefits would come soon.
At our last check (October 2026) we could not confirm that the new scheme has been launched or what its final rules are. Ask your bank branch, or check the Stand-Up Mitra portal and PIB, before you plan around it.
What you can do now
- Mudra: for smaller amounts, up to ₹20 lakh (PM Mudra Yojana)
- CGTMSE-covered loans: collateral-free business loans up to ₹10 crore through banks and NBFCs (CGTMSE)
- A regular business loan: from banks and NBFCs, based on your business and bank statements (business loan)
Our guide on loans and schemes for women entrepreneurs covers these options in more detail.
Oxon Fintech is not a government agency and does not take applications for this scheme. Apply on the official portal or at a bank branch, and be careful of anyone who asks for money to get a scheme loan approved. Scheme rules change; check the official site before you apply.