Karnataka Opens Applications for Interest-Free ‘Arivu’ Education Loan Scheme for Christian Students

Bengaluru, June 16, 2026: In a significant initiative to promote higher education among minority communities, the Karnataka Christian Community Development Corporation Limited (KCCDC), operating under the Minority Welfare Department of the Karnataka Government, has invited applications for the ‘Arivu’ Interest-Free Education Loan Scheme for Christian students pursuing professional and higher education courses.

The scheme is designed to assist deserving students who have secured admission through competitive entrance examinations such as CET, NEET and JEE. Financial assistance is available for a wide range of professional programmes, including MBBS, MD, MS, BE, B.Tech, ME, M.Tech, BDS, MDS, B.Ayush, M.Ayush, MBA, MCA, LLB, B.Arch, M.Arch, B.Sc. Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Dairy Technology, Forestry, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Fisheries, Sericulture, Home and Community Sciences, Food Nutrition and Dietetics, B.Pharma, M.Pharma, Pharma.D, D.Pharma and other professional courses.

Eligible students can avail education loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh per year for the duration of their studies. The scheme is offered with a nominal service charge of 2 percent, making it one of the more affordable educational financing options available to minority students in the state.

According to KCCDC guidelines, beneficiaries will be required to repay the loan within 48 months after a six-month grace period following the completion of their course. Officials noted that the repayment structure has been designed to ease the financial burden on graduates as they transition into employment.

A recent amendment to the scheme has further expanded its reach by extending eligibility to students admitted under Government, Management, Private and other quota categories, thereby enabling a larger number of Christian students to benefit from the programme.

The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to higher education and provide students with opportunities to pursue academic excellence and professional careers without the burden of high-interest educational loans.

Applications can be submitted online through the KCCDC portal. Students are required to visit the official website, fill out the online application form, upload the necessary supporting documents, submit the application and retain a printout for future reference.

The Corporation has encouraged eligible students and families to make use of the scheme, describing it as an important step towards educational empowerment and socio-economic advancement within the Christian community.

Further information and assistance are available through KCCDC district offices and the Corporation’s official channels.

Website: www.kccdconline.karnataka.gov.in

Helpline: +91 63607 53075

Email: kccdchelpline@gmail.com

Applicants may also contact the KCCDC District Manager’s Office for additional assistance and information regarding the scheme.

By Catholic Connect Reporter