MSME loan schemes offer affordable credit for growth, working capital, and upgrades, with rates starting from 8.50% p.a. (approximately). It helps in supporting entrepreneurship and employment through banks, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Institutions), and government programs.
An MSME loan is a type of financing provided to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to support their business operations. These loans help entrepreneurs and business owners meet various needs, such as purchasing equipment, managing working capital, paying employee salaries, expanding operations, or covering other business expenses. Many financial institutions and banks in India offer MSME loans with varying interest rates and terms.
This table summarises the interest rates offered by major banks for MSME loans in 2025, which vary by lender and loan type.
Bank | Interest Rate |
State Bank of India | 10.75% p.a. |
Canara Bank | 8.65% p.a. onwards |
Punjab National Bank | 9.6% 8.50% p.a. onwards |
Indian Bank | 9.80% p.a. onwards |
Union Bank of India | 8.85% p.a. onwards |
This table highlights the interest rates offered by major NBFCs for MSME loans, which are generally higher than banks due to risk and loan type.
NBFC | Interest Rate |
Mahindra Finance | 9.50% p.a. onwards |
Muthoot Fincorp | 24% p.a. to 32% p.a. |
Lendingkart | 1.25% per month onwards |

The Government of India has introduced an array of loan schemes and credit assistance programs helpful to MSMEs, with more focus:
The key highlights of MSME loan schemes are mentioned below:
Sectors covered | Manufacturing, Service, and Trading |
Loan amount | Depending upon the scheme, the amount ranges from Rs.50,000 to Rs.5 crore. |
Collateral | Free under CGTMSE |
Tenure | Depending on the loan type, the tenure ranges from 1 year to 15 years. |
Processing time | Fast loan processing, as quick as 59 minutes under “MSME Loan in 59 Minutes” scheme. |
The key eligibility criteria for MSME loan schemes are given below:
All MSMEs operate in the trading, manufacturing, and service sectors and eligible business types are:
To apply for an MSME loan, applicants must submit valid documents proving business identity, financial health, and repayment capability. The list of documents required are given below:
Identity Proof
Address Proof
Business Proof
Financial Statements
Purpose of Business Plan or Loan
Photographs
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
Note: Depending on the loan type and applicant’s profile, banks and NBFCs may request extra documents. Accurate documentation helps ensure quick approval and hassle-free disbursal.
The key benefits of MSME loans are listed below:
The various types of MSME loans available are mentioned below:
Some of the new schemes are:
The key objectives of MSME Loan Schemes are:

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a government-sponsored flagship credit-linked subsidy programme which aims to create entrepreneurs and jobs in India's non-farm sector.
CGTMSE is a flagship initiative started by the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI to provide micro and small enterprises with collateral-free credit. The primary goal is to improve the access to finance that enables banks and NBFCs to lend to MSMEs without collateral, allowing first-time and small-scale entrepreneurs to access entry to financing.
SIDBI is the quintessential financial institution for the promotion, financing, and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. It operates as a direct lender and refinancier to banks and NBFCs with a mission to enhance access to credit, foster modernization, and catalyze sustainable growth among MSMEs.
The table below summarizes the objectives, eligibility, loan details and application process for other MSME Loan Schemes:
Scheme | Objective | Eligible Borrowers | Loan/Subsidy Details & Application Steps |
CLCS-TUS | Promote adoption of modern, energy-efficient machinery | Udyam-registered MSMEs in manufacturing | 15% capital subsidy on institutional finance for approved machinery.Steps:• Apply for term loan from participating bank• Submit loan sanction & machinery details to bank • Bank forwards claim to SIDBI/nodal agency • Subsidy credited post-verification |
MSME Champions Scheme | Support innovation, competitiveness, and incubation | MSMEs in manufacturing/services focusing on innovation/export | Provides support for business growth, market linkage, skill development, and technology adoption. Steps:• Register on Udyami Mitra portal • Submit project proposals for grants/loans/mentorship• Receive support as per evaluation |
ISEC (Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate) | Concessional working capital loans for Khadi institutions at 4% p.a. | KVIC-approved Khadi & village industry institutions | Bank loan with interest subsidy borne by Central Government.Steps:• Apply to KVIC for ISEC certificate • KVIC issues certificate • Submit certificate to financing bank • Loan sanctioned & interest subsidy applied |
PSB Loans in 59 Minutes | Rapid digital loan approval for MSMEs | Udyam-registered MSMEs with required documents | Loans up to Rs.5 crore (term loan, working capital, Mudra loans).Steps:• Apply via PSB 59 Minutes portal • Upload documents & project info • Bank conducts automated appraisal • Loan sanctioned & disbursed digitally |
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) | Micro-finance for non-corporate, non-farm enterprises | Micro-enterprises, traders, service providers | Loans up to Rs.20 lakh via Shishu, Kishore, Tarun categories. Steps:• Apply at bank, NBFC, or JanSamarth portal• Submit identity, business proof, Udyam registration• Bank appraises and assigns category • Loan sanctioned and disbursed |
You can apply for MSME loan schemes through both online and offline mode. Here are the steps to apply for the loan schemes:
Online Mode
The loan amount is typically disbursed to the applicant’s account within 48 hours after the agreement is signed.
Offline Mode
The bank or financial institution will approve the loan upon successful verification.
If you do not pay the loan on time, the interest will apply according to the terms of your loan agreement, which usually varies based on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) base rate or a rate determined by my lender. If you want to keep your credit score from declining or avoid being charged additional penalties or higher interest on the loan, you must always make your repayments on time.
The Ministry of MSME has many programs for skill development training, cluster development, adoption of ICT, quality enablement, and ensuring market assistance. The government programs, such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), etc., aid MSMEs by adding financial assistance and growing business with opportunities for sustainable growth, while enhancing competitiveness.
No, all banks are not specialised or capable of providing MSME loans. Public sector banks have been directed to establish at least one specialized MSME branch in every district and may classify branches with 60% or more MSME lending as specialized MSME branches. Under the Government of India’s policy to boost MSME credit, these dedicated branches are to be set up in key clusters with a high concentration of small enterprises, ensuring easier access to credit and better-equipped bank staff.
Yes. Banks and NBFCs provide advice on business planning, loans, financial literacy, and navigate schemes. These advisory services help entrepreneurs make better financial decisions, provide sound business management and use of loans from MSME.
Yes, MSME loan schemes prioritise women entrepreneurs and individuals from SC/ST/OBC communities. These schemes offer financial support, direct subsidised interest, and creadit-linked incentives to grow and include new entrepreneurs.
An MSME can increase their approval chances by maintaining a good credit score, submitting accurate information in financial statements, following a solid business plan, and keeping Udyam Registration up to date. Showing potential for business viability and repayment capacity shows lenders you are viable.
Most of both public and private sector banks in India offer MSME lending, in fact this is mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Banks must comply with MSMEs under sector priorities for micro and small enterprises, which help ensure MSMEs get access to finance to grow on a level playing field across the country and rest of the regions where they operate.
Credit rating is not a requirement, but it may improve some of the credit pricing that can help lenders find a price reduction, interest and processing fees will be reduced based on the rating issued. Ultimately a credit rating gives another layer of creditentials for approval and makes the borrower more attractive to the lender.
No, credit rating is not a mandatory requirement for MSME loans. But having a good credit rating benefits MSE borrowers by enabling better loan pricing, lower interest costs, improved terms, and overall enhanced access to bank credit.
During the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on credit guarantee programs for MSMEs in the manufacturing sector, saying that a new scheme will be introduced to facilitate term loans for MSMEs for the purchase of machinery and equipment without collateral and guarantee. Guarantees of up to Rs.100 crore will be provided by this guarantee fund.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government has introduced the credit guarantee scheme to facilitate loans for MSMEs. Under this scheme, a self-providing guarantee form will be provided to the applicants and the scheme will work to cool off any credit risks for MSMEs.

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