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Documents Required For Education Loan: A Detailed Insight

Q: Do I need collateral documents for an education loan?

Only for secured loans. These education loan documents include property papers and ownership proofs. Unsecured loans don’t need collateral.

Q: Are document requirements different for studying abroad?

Yes. Overseas education loan requirements include passport, visa, offer letter, test scores, and detailed cost estimates.

Q: What academic documents are required for an education loan?

Academic education loan documents include 10th/12th mark sheets, transcripts, entrance exam scores, and the admission or offer letter.

By Tata Capital
28 November 2025
9 mins read
1775

Documents Required For Education Loan: A Detailed Insight

Ever dreamed of pursuing a degree abroad? Having an international qualification opens up a host of new opportunities for students. It not only allows them to learn from the best minds in the world, but also encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and explore a different culture. One of the advantages of studying abroad is that one learns to be independent.

The rising higher education costs demand that a solid plan to chalk out the finances be made to attain a higher education degree. A good investment in research needs to be made to accumulate funds for higher education in India or abroad, as education has become an expensive affair.

An education loan is handy for higher studies. It not only helps to pay the exorbitant college fees, but also covers other expenses, such as books, hostel, food, laptop purchase, living expenses, and so on, in India or abroad. It takes care of the finances while allowing the students to research about the program they want to study.

It is critical to be aware of the documents required for education loan so that the process becomes easy when the applicant wants to apply for it. This will prevent any last-minute delays and the inconvenience of rejection. The banks or institutions need the education loan documents list to verify the applicant’s credibility for loan repayment. Incorrect documents will unnecessarily delay the loan approval process.

Though the education loan requirements may vary from one bank to the other, all banks have a set list of required documents for the education loan, and the applicant can inquire about the same easily. This article provides a brief overview of the education loan documents list for the immediate assistance of the applicant.

Standard documents required for education loan: India & Abroad

Kindly take note of the list of documents required for education loan by India’s private and government banks. One is not required to submit the original documents, but a photocopy of all the original documents is mandatory.

Fully completed and signed Loan Application Form

Photograph on the application form

Valid Passport (mandatory requirement for admission in a foreign country)

2 latest coloured passport size photographs of the applicant and co-applicant. (The photo should have a clearly visible face and forehead with a light background. It must be a clear photograph with no hijab, sunglasses, or cap. Sikh applicants can wear a light-coloured turban.)

Also, read – Step-by-Step Guide to the Education Loan Procedure 2025

Academic Record of the Student

Board marksheet/Passing Certificate of classes 10 and 12

Marksheet/Certificate of subsequent years of education like B.A, B.Tech, B.E, B.Sc, M.A, etc.

Marksheets of any entrance exams taken such as GRE, TOFEL, GMAT, CAT, etc.

Any scholarship documents if granted

Copy of the Offer Letter/Admission Letter from the College/Institute in India/ abroad

Fee structure and schedule of the College/ Institute

Receipt of any amount paid

Residence Proof (any one)

Valid Passport

Voter ID card

Driving Licence

Fixed Landline or Mobile bill

Cooking Gas bill or Electricity bill

Recently updated Bank Passbook or duly stamped Bank Statement

Notarized Rent Agreement Deed

Property Papers

Identity Proof (any one)

Driving Licence

Voter ID card

Valid Passport

Aadhar card or Aadhar Enrolment Number

PAN card

Government Department ID card

Also, read – Finding the Best Loans for Students

Documents Required for Student Loan Co-Applicant/ Guarantor

While applying for a student education loan, one needs to furnish the details of a co-applicant or guarantor (Parents or anyone from the family) who has the ability to repay the loan. These are part of standard education loan requirements.

A primary co-applicant is the person who is liable to repay the applicant’s loan in case he/she is not able to do so. The co-applicant can be the applicant’s parents, spouse, sibling, or guardian.

A guarantor is the third person who gives a guarantee for the repayment of the student loan amount if the applicant or co-applicant doesn’t have a collateral property to pledge for the student education loan taken.

The following are the documents required from the co-applicant/ guarantorin addition to the mandatory documents mentioned above:

Income Proof of Co-Applicant (Salaried Person)

Address/Residence Proof (same as the list above)

Identity Proof (same as the list above)

Salary Slips or Salary details of last six months on the employer’s company letterhead

Income Tax Return of last two years

Form 16 of last two years from employer

Any other income proof not mentioned above (For eg. Fixed Deposits, Bonds, Shares, Debentures, etc.)

Income Proof of Co-Applicant (Self- employed Professional)

Address/Residence Proof (same as the list above)

Identity Proof (same as the list above)

Proof of Office Address (like Lease Deed, Telephone Bill, etc.)

Stamped Current Account Bank Statement of last six months

Proof of Income Tax Returns of last two years

Business Proof (Registration Certificate, Sales Tax Certificates, or GST Certificates)

Any other income proof not mentioned above

Also, read – Reasons Education loan is preferable than Personal loan

Why is a document checklist important for your education loan application?

A well-prepared education loan document checklist is essential for a smooth and hassle-free application process. Here’s why it makes a real difference:

Helps you stay organised: A clear checklist ensures you collect every required document in advance, reducing confusion and avoiding last-minute scrambling.

Minimises errors: Missing papers and incorrect details are among the common reasons for loan rejection. A checklist helps you submit accurate and complete information the first time.

Speeds up verification: When all your documents are submitted together and in the right format, lenders can verify your details more quickly.

Reduces follow-ups: With everything in place, you avoid repeated calls or emails from the lender asking for additional documents.

Improves approval chances: A complete and well-organised application gives the lender confidence and increases your chances of a timely approval.

In short, an education loan document checklist not only keeps you prepared but also helps you avoid mistakes that could slow down or affect your loan approval.

Also, read – 10 Best Loan Apps For Students In India

Specific documents for studying abroad

When you’re planning to study overseas, lenders usually require a more detailed set of education loan documents for abroad studies. These papers help verify your admission, travel plans, and overall financial needs.

Here are the most important ones to keep ready:

Passport copy

A valid passport is essential, as lenders use it to confirm your identity and international travel eligibility.

Visa documents for education loan

Proof of your student visa (or visa application/acknowledgement in some cases) helps lenders understand your study timeline and confirms your intention to travel.

Admission proof/I-20 (For USA) /Confirmation of Admission/ Offer letter

These documents confirm that you’ve secured a seat at the foreign university and outline important details like course duration and fees.

Proof of course expenses

Universities usually provide a breakdown of tuition fees, accommodation charges, and estimated living expenses. Lenders use these to decide your loan amount.

Standardised test scores

GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL scores (if applicable) are often required to validate your eligibility for the programme.

Academic records

Mark sheets, certificates, or transcripts from previous education levels to show your academic background.

Financial documents of co-applicant

Income proofs, bank statements, Form 16, ITR returns, or business financials like GST registration, ITR, and business bank account statement for self-employed co-applicants are required to assess repayment capacity.

Also, read – What is Moratorium Period

Collateral documents for secured education loans

When you take a secured education loan, lenders require collateral for education loan documents to verify the asset you’re pledging. This collateral can include fixed deposits or real estate property. These documents help confirm ownership, assess value, and ensure there are no legal liabilities.

For example, if a borrower chooses to pledge property documents for an education loan, lenders will carefully review these documents to ensure the asset is legitimate, legally compliant, and holds sufficient value to secure the loan. This verification helps the lender assess the property’s suitability as reliable collateral.

Whatever you choose to pledge, having the necessary documents ready in advance ensures smoother processing of secured education loans and helps avoid delays caused by missing or incomplete paperwork.

Also, read – What is Loan Modification

Documents required for education loan without collateral or income proof

When applying for an education loan without collateral, lenders depend more on your academic background, institution ranking, and future earning potential. Even though the paperwork is lighter, you still need to submit certain essential education loan without collateral documents to help the lender assess your eligibility.

If you’re also seeking an education loan without income proof, the focus shifts further toward your merit and admission details.

Here are the key documents you’ll typically need:

Identity proof

Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.

Address proof

Aadhaar Card, Passport, utility bills, or Ration Card.

Academic records

10th, 12th, and graduation mark sheets or certificates. Semester-wise transcripts (if already studying).

Entrance exam scores

GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL results, depending on your course requirements.

Admission letter from the institution

A confirmed offer or acceptance letter from the university or college.

Passport and Visa (for abroad studies)

Required when applying for overseas education loans.

Basic KYC of co-applicant (if required)

Even for an education loan without income proof, some lenders may ask for your co-applicant’s identity and address proof, without demanding their income documents.

Preparing these documents in advance makes the application process smoother and increases your chances of faster approval, even when no collateral or income proof is involved.

Wrapping up

Submitting the correct documents required for education loan is mandatory. It facilitates a smooth and hassle-free disbursement of the education loan. Be ready to walk into a new institution – a place of learning and witness the dreams come alive! Apply for an education loan at today and take a step towards fulfilment of your goals.

Apply For Education Loan Now

FAQs

What are the primary documents required for an education loan in India?

Key documents required for education loan include KYC proofs, academic records, admission letter, fee structure, and co-applicant income papers.

Do I need collateral documents for an education loan?

Only for secured loans. These education loan documents include property papers and ownership proofs. Unsecured loans don’t need collateral.

What documents are needed for a co-applicant or guarantor?

Their KYC proofs, income documents, bank statements, and sometimes employment or business verification, depending on education loan requirements.

Can I get an education loan without income proof?

Yes, but lenders assess academic merit and institution ranking. Some may still ask for basic co-applicant KYC as part of education loan documents.

Are document requirements different for studying abroad?

Yes. Overseas education loan requirements include passport, visa, offer letter, test scores, and detailed cost estimates.

What is a gap certificate and is it required?

A gap certificate explains breaks in education. It may be needed when such gaps affect education loan documents and verification.

How quickly is an education loan approved after submitting documents?

Usually within 3–7 working days, depending on how complete your education loan documents are.

What academic documents are required for an education loan?

Academic education loan documents include 10th/12th mark sheets, transcripts, entrance exam scores, and the admission or offer letter.

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