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All You Need to Know about Cent Kalyani Scheme

By Tata Capital
02 January 2026
8 mins read
2277

In modern business, women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations. However, access to capital, resources, and support networks remains a significant hurdle for many women looking to start or expand their businesses. In fact, only 20% of women-led companies receive Venture Capital (VC) funding.

Recognising the importance of addressing these challenges, the government has launched the Cent Kalyani Scheme through its Startup India initiative.

In this blog post, we’ll cover all of the Cent Kalyani Scheme details, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, how to apply for Cent Kalyani scheme, and benefits of the scheme.

What is the Cent Kalyani Scheme?

The Cent Kalyani Scheme is a flagship initiative under Startup India designed to encourage and support women entrepreneurs in India. It offers a comprehensive range of financial assistance and support services tailored to women-owned businesses’ unique needs.

Whether women entrepreneurs want to start a new venture or expand their existing enterprises, the Cent Kalyani Scheme provides them with the necessary tools and resources to achieve their goals.

Cent Kalyani Scheme objectives & goals

The objectives of the Cent Kalyani Scheme revolve around empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering their growth in the business landscape.

The key objectives of the scheme are to:

1. Provide financial support and business loans for women entrepreneurs.

2. Encourage women to venture into entrepreneurship.

3. Promote women-owned MSMEs.

Cent Kalyani Scheme interest rates & fees

The Cent Kalyani Scheme is a women-focused loan offering by Central Bank of India. Under the Cent Kalyani Scheme details, the Cent Kalyani Scheme interest rate is usually linked to the bank’s MCLR and may include concessions for eligible borrowers. Processing fees are minimal or sometimes waived, depending on the loan type.

Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility generally covers women entrepreneurs, professionals, and self-employed individuals. To understand how to apply for Cent Kalyani Scheme, applicants can visit a branch or explore Cent Kalyani scheme apply online options where available. Keep documents required for Cent Kalyani Scheme such as KYC, income proof, and business details, ready for faster processing.

Cent Kalyani Scheme application process & documents

The Cent Kalyani Scheme is open to new and existing women entrepreneurs who own micro or small enterprises as defined by the MSME Act 2006. Eligible businesses span various sectors, including manufacturing, services, and professional fields.

The scheme encompasses various industries, from traditional sectors such as handloom weaving and handicrafts to modern professions like healthcare, finance, and technology.

In addition to businesses, the scheme also extends its support to professionals and self-employed women, including doctors, chartered accountants, engineers, artists, and artisans. Small businesses such as daycare services, salons, boutiques, tailoring services, and mobile restaurants are also eligible to apply. However, the scheme does not cover retail trade, education institutes, and self-help groups.

Cent Kalyani Scheme: Application process

Follow the steps given below to apply for the Cent Kalyani scheme:

Step 1: Obtain the application form

1. Visit the Central Bank of India’s official website.

2. Navigate to the application forms section and locate the Cent Kalyani Scheme application form.

3. Download the application form.

Step 2: Complete the application form

1. Fill in all the required details accurately and completely.

2. Provide information about your business or profession, financial status, and the purpose of the loan or financial assistance sought.

3. Double-check the form to ensure all sections are filled out correctly.

Step 3: Gather the required documents for business loan

1. Collect all the necessary documents to support your application.

2. These may include identity, address, income, and business proof.

3. Ensure that the documents are up-to-date and in the required format.

Step 4: Visit the nearest Central Bank of India branch

1. Take the completed application form and the required documents to the nearest Central Bank of India branch.

2. Inform the bank staff that you are applying for the Cent Kalyani Scheme.

Step 5: Submit the application and documents

1. Submit the completed application form and the required documents to the bank officials.

2. Provide any additional information or clarification if requested by the bank.

Step 6: Application verification

1. Bank officials will verify the information in the Cent Kalyani Scheme application form and review the submitted documents.

2. They may conduct further checks to assess the applicant’s eligibility.

Step 7: Approval process

1. Once the application is successfully processed and verified, it will be forwarded for approval.

2. The bank’s approval committee will review the application based on the eligibility criteria and other factors.

Step 8: Disbursement of the loan amount

1. If the application is approved, the Cent Kalyani loan amount will be disbursed to the entrepreneur’s account.

2. The disbursed funds can be used for the intended purpose, such as starting a new business venture or expanding an existing enterprise.

Step 9: Follow-up and communication

1. Stay in touch with the bank officials for any updates or further instructions related to the application process.

2. Maintain regular communication to address any queries or concerns.

How to apply online for Cent Kalyani Scheme

Applying for the Cent Kalyani Scheme is simple once you know the eligibility, interest rates, and the documents required.

Follow these steps to complete your Cent Kalyani scheme apply online:

Visit the Central Bank of India website to check the Cent Kalyani scheme details and loan options under the Kalyani Scheme

Review the Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility to ensure you qualify

Navigate to the loan section to understand how to apply for Cent Kalyani Scheme and choose the relevant option

Proceed to Cent Kalyani scheme apply online by filling in personal and professional details

Upload the documents required for Cent Kalyani Scheme, including KYC, income proof, and business details

Check the applicable Cent Kalyani scheme interest rate before final submission

Submit the application and keep the reference number handy for follow-up

Cent Kalyani Scheme benefits, interest rates & eligibility

Here are some of the scheme’s key benefits:

1. Term Loan: Fund-based working capital facility – Hybrid Term Loan/Cash Credit

2. Non-fund-based working capital: Letter of Credit/Letter of Guarantee, etc.

3. Maximum financing amount: Rs. 100 Lacs

4. Margin: 20%

5. Concession in Cent Kalyani Scheme interest rate:

Loan amount	Interest rate	Additional concession	Term loan tenure premium
Up to Rs. 10 Lakhs	MCLR + 0.25%	0.25% if rated by an external agency	0.20 premium for 1-3 years, 0.40 premium for 3-7 years
Above Rs. 10 Lakhs up to Rs. 100 Lakhs	MCLR + 0.50%	0.25% if rated by an external agency	0.20 premium for 1-3 years, 0.40 premium for 3-7 years

Note: MCLR: Marginal Cost of Funds based on the Lending Rate

6. Primary security: Charge on stock, receivables, plant and machinery, and other unencumbered business assets.

7. Collateral security: No collateral security is required as advance is covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) guarantee.

8. Third-party guarantee: Not necessary as advance is covered by CGTMSE guarantee.

CGTMSE coverage: Guarantee cover provided by CGTMSE (The bank pays the CGTMSE fee for the first year).

9. Processing fee: Nil

10. Insurance: Comprehensive insurance of stock, machinery, equipment, etc., with a bank clause.

Cent Kalyani Scheme success stories & impact

Since the launch of the Cent Kalyani Scheme, there has been a noticeable increase in women participating in entrepreneurial activities across India. Designed to encourage women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses, this initiative provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹1 crore with supportive Cent Kalyani scheme interest rate concessions, helping reduce financial barriers that traditionally held back many female-led ventures.

The scheme’s inclusive approach means that more women now meet the Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility criteria, such as being over 18 and owning or planning a micro or small enterprise, and have accessed capital for sectors ranging from retail and services to manufacturing and agriculture. Women who were previously unable to secure bank funding due to lack of collateral now confidently manage working capital, purchase equipment, and scale their operations.

By simplifying how to apply for Cent Kalyani scheme loans and offering digital paths like Cent Kalyani scheme apply online, the program has helped increase the overall number of women-run MSMEs in the economy.

Overall, the Kalyani scheme has contributed to greater financial inclusion for women and continues to drive growth in female entrepreneurship across regions.

Comparative analysis: Cent Kalyani vs Other women entrepreneur schemes

With several financial schemes available for women entrepreneurs, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a side-by-side comparison that highlights how each option differs in terms of funding limits, eligibility, interest rates, and application ease:

Feature	Cent Kalyani Scheme	Stand-Up India Scheme	PM Mudra Yojana
Target beneficiaries	Women entrepreneurs across sectors	Women & SC/ST entrepreneurs	Micro & small business owners
Loan amount	Up to ₹1 crore	₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore	Up to ₹10 lakh
Collateral requirement	No collateral	Collateral may be required	No collateral
Interest rate	Concessional Cent Kalyani scheme interest rate	As per bank norms	Varies by lender
Eligibility	Simple Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility focused on women-led enterprises	Business must be greenfield	Focus on micro enterprises
Application process	Easy process on how to apply for Cent Kalyani scheme, including branch support	Application through banks	Online and offline
Online application	Option to Cent Kalyani scheme apply online	Limited online facilitation	Available
Documents required	Basic KYC, business plan, financials (documents required for Cent Kalyani scheme)	More extensive documentation	Minimal documentation
Best suited for	MSMEs seeking higher funding and flexibility	New greenfield projects	Small traders & startups

Final thoughts

As women entrepreneurs continue to make strides in various industries and sectors, the Cent Kalyani Scheme aims to level the playing field and create equal opportunities for them in the business world. In conclusion, the Cent Kalyani Scheme provides women entrepreneurs with financial assistance, guidance, and resources.

Ready to make your mark in the business world? Take advantage of Tata Capital’s business loans and unleash your full potential as an entrepreneur. Benefit from Tata Capital’s unwavering support and industry expertise to achieve your business goals!

To know more, visit the Tata Capital website or download the Tata Capital App today!

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FAQs

What is the eligibility criteria for the Cent Kalyani Scheme?

As per Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility, women entrepreneurs aged 18+ running or planning a business can apply. The Kalyani scheme supports MSMEs across sectors, subject to basic KYC and bank norms outlined in the Cent Kalyani Scheme details.

How much loan amount can I get under the Cent Kalyani Scheme?

According to the Cent Kalyani scheme details, eligible applicants can avail loans up to ₹1 crore. The amount depends on business requirements, repayment capacity, and compliance with Cent Kalyani scheme eligibility norms.

What are the interest rates for Cent Kalyani Scheme loans?

The Cent Kalyani scheme interest rate is concessional and decided by the bank, often lower than standard MSME loans. Rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and repayment tenure under the Kalyani scheme.

Can I apply for Cent Kalyani Scheme if I already have a business?

Yes. Existing women-owned enterprises can apply under the Kalyani scheme. Understanding how to apply for Cent Kalyani scheme, either offline or the Cent Kalyani scheme apply online, helps speed up approval.

What documents are required for Cent Kalyani Scheme application?

The documents required for Cent Kalyani scheme include identity proof, address proof, business registration, financial statements, and a business plan. Complete documentation ensures smoother processing as per the Cent Kalyani scheme details.

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