The Government of India has made a landmark clarification in August 2025—banks cannot reject education loan applications from first-time borrowers just because they don’t have a CIBIL score. This move, backed by the RBI’s Master Directions and supported by the PM Vidyalakshmi Scheme, makes it easier for students to secure loans for higher education, both in India and abroad.
CIBIL Score Not Mandatory for First-Time Student Borrowers
Ministry of Finance clarified that absence of a CIBIL score cannot be a reason for loan rejection.
Banks must evaluate applications holistically—checking repayment capacity, guarantors, and academic track record.
RBI has no rule prescribing a minimum CIBIL score.