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Is Personal Loan Right for You? Check Your Eligibility in Minutes!

February 17, 2025

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    Want to know whether you qualify for a personal loan? Discover your personal loan eligibility in this guide and learn the way to improve your chances.

    Are you thinking about a personal loan but wondering if you qualify? Understanding personal loan eligibility is the first step towards securing the funds you need. 

    From checking your CIBIL score to reviewing your income and debts, knowing the eligibility criteria can help you make an informed decision. 

    Let us dive into this blog to determine your personal loan eligibility and how you can boost your chances of getting it.

    Understanding Personal Loan Eligibility

    Personal loan eligibility refers to the criteria that determine whether an individual qualifies for a personal loan. 

    The key factors that determine your personal loan eligibility include your CIBIL score, monthly income, employment stability, and existing financial obligations.

    You can assess your eligibility independently using a personal loan eligibility calculator. This tool evaluates your monthly earnings and existing debts to estimate your loan eligibility, making the process transparent and hassle-free.

    Common Eligibility Criteria for Personal Loans

    Here are some common eligibility criteria for personal loans:

    • Age: Must be at least 21 years old, with a maximum age of 60 at loan maturity.
    • Education: A graduation degree is preferred but not mandatory.
    • ₹: Minimum monthly income is ₹25,000 in major cities and ₹15,000 in others.
    • Employment: Salaried employees are eligible.
    • Work Experience: You must have at least 1 year of work experience.

    How to Check Your Eligibility for a Personal Loan?

    The following is a step-by-step guide to help you check your personal loan eligibility:

    1. Check Your Age

    Ensure you meet the age criteria. Most lenders require applicants to be between 21 to 60 years old.

    2. Evaluate Your Monthly Income

    Verify if your net monthly income meets the lender’s minimum requirement, which can vary based on your city of residence and lender policies.

    3. Review Your Credit Score

    A high credit score improves your chances of loan approval, as it reflects your repayment capability. 

    4. Analyse Your Existing Debts

    Calculate your current financial obligations, such as EMIs or credit card payments as lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio.

    5. Check Employment Stability

    Ensure you meet the minimum work experience criteria, typically one year, to showcase job stability and repayment ability.

    6. Use an Online Eligibility Calculator

    Input your details, including income, age, and ongoing liabilities, into a personal loan eligibility calculator to get an instant estimate of the loan amount you qualify for.

    7. Compare Lender Requirements

    Different lenders have varying eligibility criteria, so research and compare options to find the best fit for your profile.

    Impact of Low CIBIL Score

    Your CIBIL score not only affects loan eligibility but also the interest rate you receive. A higher score means lower interest rates, while a small dip in your score can lead to higher costs. 

    With a low CIBIL score, lenders may hesitate to approve your loan or offer it at a higher interest rate. 

    This increases your overall repayment burden. Maintaining a strong score helps you secure better loan deals and save on interest.

    Tips to Improve Personal Loan Eligibility

    Here are some key tips to improve personal loan eligibility:

    Show Stable Employment and Income

    A consistent job and steady income reassure lenders. Provide proof like salary slips or bank statements, and if self-employed, showcase business stability with financial records.

    Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

    Keep your debt-to-income ratio below 40% by reducing liabilities or increasing your income. It shows lenders you can handle new loans.

    Clear Existing Debts

    Pay off outstanding loans, especially high-interest ones, to reduce your financial burden and improve your profile.

    Keep Your Credit Score High

    A credit score of 720+ signals responsible credit behaviour. Pay EMIs and bills on time, keep credit usage low, and check your credit report regularly.

    Avoid Multiple Loan Applications

    Apply for one loan at a time. Multiple applications can lower your credit score and signal financial instability.

    Opt for a Longer Tenure

    Choose an extended repayment period to reduce EMIs, making it easier to manage and boosting eligibility.

    Apply with a Co-Applicant or Guarantor

    A co-applicant with a stable income or a guarantor with a strong credit profile can improve your eligibility and reduce the lender’s risk.

    Ensure Job Stability

    A stable job with a reputed employer strengthens your repayment reliability and impresses lenders.

    Increase Your Income Sources

    Additional income from side jobs or investments enhances financial stability and reassures lenders.

    Provide Complete and Accurate Documents

    Submit updated and correct documents, including ID proof, income proof, and bank statements, to avoid delays or rejection.

    Documents Required to Check Personal Loan Eligibility

    The following are some documents required to check eligibility for a personal loan:

    • Identity Proof:
      • Aadhaar card
      • Passport
      • Voter ID
      • Driving licence
      • NREGA job card
      • Letter of National Population Register

    • Income Proof:
      • Last 3 months’ salary slips
      • Bank statements from the previous 3 months

    • Address Proof:
      • Letter of allotment of accommodation from your employer
      • Piped gas bill
      • Utility bill (electricity, water, etc.)
      • Property tax or municipal tax receipt

    • Additional Documents:
      • PAN card
      • Employee ID card
      • Pension order

    The Bottom Line

    Now that you have a clear understanding of the factors affecting your personal loan eligibility, it is time to take action. 

    Whether it is improving your credit score, reducing debt, or using an online eligibility calculator, knowing your eligibility helps you make informed decisions and boosts your chances of approval. 

    Need quick cash? Install the Jar App now and get a personal loan with just a few taps!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How does my existing debt impact my eligibility for a personal loan?

    Your current debts can affect your eligibility for a personal loan by lowering your ability to repay additional borrowings. 

    Lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio, and if you have high existing obligations, it suggests that you may struggle to handle more debt.

    2. Does personal loan eligibility depend on my salary?

    Yes, your salary plays a significant role in determining personal loan eligibility. Lenders assess your income to ensure you can comfortably repay the loan. 

    They usually require proof of salary for the past few months to evaluate your repayment capacity.

    3. How do lenders calculate personal loan eligibility?

    Lenders typically approve loans if your total EMI obligations, including the proposed loan, stay within 50–55% of your monthly income. 

    If you earn a higher income, this limit may increase. Some lenders use a multiplier method, where you can qualify for a loan amount that is 10–24 times your monthly income.