Stand-Up India Extended to 2031 With ₹4,111 Cr Corpus

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Stand-Up India scheme for five years, until 31 March 2031, along with a credit guarantee corpus of ₹4,111 crore to support lending under it. The decision was reported on 11 November 2026, after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Stand-Up India promotes entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The extension aims to extend financial assistance to at least 2.5 lakh additional entrepreneurs over the period.

What Does the Stand-Up India Extension Offer Borrowers?

Eligible women and SC/ST entrepreneurs setting up new, greenfield enterprises can get loans of above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore. The loan can be a composite loan, covering working capital and term loan needs, or a term loan. It can cover up to 85% of the project cost.

Eligible sectors are manufacturing, services, trading and agri-allied activities.

How Does the Credit Guarantee Work?

The guarantee covers 85% of the loan amount, and the standard guarantee fee is 0.50%. The ₹4,111 crore corpus is meant to support lending under the scheme.

What Has Stand-Up India Achieved So Far?

Launched in April 2016, the scheme has facilitated loans to more than 2.75 lakh women, SC and ST entrepreneurs, according to the government. The government says the continuation is intended to improve access to institutional credit for entrepreneurs from underserved communities, support new enterprise creation and strengthen inclusive economic growth.

Market and Trade Reaction

No reaction from industry bodies, banks or economists had been reported in the sources reviewed at the time of writing.

What Happens Next?

The scheme will now run until 31 March 2031. Operational details for lenders, such as when the extended guarantee cover applies to new applications, were not given in the reports reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Until when has Stand-Up India been extended?

The Union Cabinet approved continuing the scheme until 31 March 2031.

How much can an entrepreneur borrow under Stand-Up India?

Loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore are available for greenfield enterprises, covering up to 85% of the project cost.

Who is eligible for Stand-Up India loans?

Women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs setting up new enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading or agri-allied activities.

Source: Business Standard and Odisha Diary, 11 November 2026.