How MCLR Affect Your Education Loan?

School loans can be rather confusing; add terminologies like MCLR, and that's even more perplexing. If you have ever wondered, "What is MCLR in an education loan?" or found your way here, then you're at the right place. Ever since the RBI adopted it in 2016, MCLR has significantly transformed the way interest rates are determined by banks, which has encouraged better openness and efficacy.

In simple terms, this blog aims to simplify MCLR by highlighting the effect it has on the interest rate of student loans and what it means for the borrower who shifts from Base Rate to MCLR. We are here to inform you better on how MCLR affects your education loan, so you can take informed decisions about your financial future.

What is MCLR in Education Loan?

The MCLR is a benchmark rate used by banks to establish interest rates on loans, especially education loans. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the MCLR in April 2016 to replace the Base Rate mechanism, increasing transparency and efficiency in interest rate setting. The computation of the MCLR incorporates many crucial components:

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  Marginal cost of funds: The expense experienced by banks while raising additional funds.

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  Operating costs are the expenses that banks spend when operating and providing services.

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  Tenor premium: Banks charge additional interest dependent on the loan's length.

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  Negative carry on account of CRR: The expense that banks endure in maintaining the Cash Reserve Ratio without receiving a profit.

Read More About: Understanding External Benchmark Rate (EBR) in Education Loan

MCLR vs. Other Benchmark Rates

Comparing MCLR with other rates like the Base Rate and Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR) highlights its advantages:

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  Base Rate vs. MCLR: MCLR provides a more realistic and transparent approach to setting loan interest rates, ensuring quicker transmission of policy rate changes by the RBI to borrowers.

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  RLLR: While RLLR is directly linked to the RBI's repo rate, making it highly transparent and responsive to changes, MCLR offers a balance between stability and responsiveness due to its calculation methodology, incorporating various factors beyond the repo rate.

Pros and Cons of MCLR for Education Loans

MCLR comes with its set of benefits and challenges for borrowers. Some of them are shown in the table below:

Switching from Base Rate to MCLR

For borrowers with loans linked to the Base Rate, understanding "what is MCLR in education loan?" could offer the possibility of benefiting from lower rates. Here's what to consider:

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  Assess the probable impact: Consider how moving to MCLR may effect your loan's interest rate and EMI.

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  Understand the process. Banks often offer a way for borrowers to move from the Base Rate to the MCLR, which may include fees or restrictions and conditions.

How Banks Determine MCLR-Based Loan Rates

Banks determine the Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) for loans by considering the following factors:

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  Marginal cost: The average rate at which banks raised deposits with similar maturities in a specific period. This is dependent on the repo rate, cost of funds, operating expenses, and return on net worth.

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  Spread: The amount added to the marginal cost to reach the final lending rate. This accounts for factors like credit risk, operating expenses, and profit margin.

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  Tenor premium: This is an additional cost that banks incur for lending money over longer periods.

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  Negative carry on the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): When the actual return on CRR balance is less than the cost of the funds.

Future of MCLR and Education Loans

The future landscape of MCLR and its impact on education loans is anticipated to alter in response to economic situations, RBI regulations, and banking practices. Borrowers should be advised about:

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  RBI Guidelines: Any modifications to the RBI's MCLR standards might have an impact on lending interest rates.

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  Economic variables and market developments might influence MCLR adjustments, hence affecting education loan rates.

In conclusion, the MCLR plays an important role in calculating interest rates on student loans, providing benefits such as transparency and potentially cheaper rates. To properly manage their loans, borrowers must negotiate its complexity and remain up to date on changes. Understanding MCLR and its ramifications can help students and families make better financial decisions about their school funding. For those looking to explore further or need personalized guidance, GyanDhan is here to assist. Leverage GyanDhan's expertise by checking your eligibility with us, to navigate your education loan options seamlessly and make the most informed choices for your future.

How to Use MCLR to Your Advantage

There are certain ways by which you can use MCLR to your advantage. Here are some of the ways:

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  Lower interest rates: MCLR can help you get a lower interest rate on your education loan

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  Shift to MCLR loan structure: For loans before 2016, you can request a shift to the MCLR structure which can lower your EMI

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  Impact on loan rates: Understanding MCLR can help you make informed financial decisions.

Examples to Illustrate MCLR’s Impact on Repayments of Your Education Loan

To better understand MCLR's impact on repayment, let us take a look at the following table wherein the monthly EMI for an INR 15 lakh loan with a 15-year term under different MCLR rates, including a 0.5% increase and decrease from the base rate of 8.5%

Frequently Asked Questions