The loan may be disbursed while the student is still studying, but interest treatment during this phase depends on lender structure.
This is often seen as a breathing period, but families should check whether interest is serviced, deferred, or added later.
The repayment phase formally begins when monthly instalments start, often after course completion and the lender-defined grace period.
Borrowers may later part-pay, prepay, refinance, or close the loan early depending on income and lender flexibility.
| Topic | What it means | Why it matters | What families should ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moratorium interest | Interest may still accrue while the student is studying. | It can increase the balance before EMI begins. | Ask whether it must be paid monthly, can be serviced partly, or will be capitalized later. |
| EMI amount | The fixed monthly instalment under the repayment schedule. | It drives cash-flow pressure once employment begins. | Check the EMI at current rate and also at a slightly higher rate if the loan is floating. |
| Part-payment | Additional repayment made during the loan tenure. | Can reduce interest burden and shorten tenure. | Ask if there are limits, timing rules, or charges for making part-payments. |
| Prepayment / closure | Paying off the loan early before full tenure ends. | Important if the borrower wants to reduce debt quickly later. | Ask whether foreclosure or prepayment charges apply. |
| Missed or delayed EMI | When repayment is not made on the scheduled date. | Can trigger penalties and affect repayment history. | Ask how bounce charges, late fees, and reporting are handled. |