Everybody needs a personal loan at some point. Some people need it for emergencies. Some need it for shopping, travel, or weddings. Others use it to manage monthly expenses. But here is the real question.
How much personal loan will the bank or NBFC actually give you?
The loan amount is not random. It depends on many clear factors. In this blog, you will learn:
The basic eligibility criteria you must meet
How Banks Calculate Your Personal Loan Amount
How much personal loan can you get based on your salary
How much loan should you actually apply for
Which loan tenure is better - short or long
Read till the end. It will help you make a smarter loan decision.
Personal Loan Eligibility Criteria in India
You need to meet these basic eligibility criteria to be even considered for a personal loan by banks and NBFCs in India:
Age: Between 21 and 60 years. Some lenders allow up to 65 years at loan maturity.
Employment Type: Salaried people are preferred. Self-employed professionals are also eligible, but rules differ.
Minimum Monthly Income: Most lenders require at least ₹15,000-₹25,000 monthly income. Metro city applicants may need a higher income.
Credit Score: A CIBIL score of 700+ gives better chances. Lower scores may reduce your loan amount or increase interest.
Meeting these basics makes you eligible. But eligibility alone does not decide the loan amount.
How Banks Calculate Personal Loan Eligibility & Loan Amount
Banks do not randomly decide your personal loan amount. Each bank has a different lending policy. However, these are the most important factors:
Factors
Affect on Loan Amount
Monthly Salary
Most important factor. A higher salary means higher repayment capacity. Usually 10-24 times your monthly in-hand salary.
Existing Loans and EMIs
Existing EMIs are considered liabilities. Your loan amount reduces. Acceptable FOIR* is 40%-55%, depending on your income.
Credit Score and Credit History
A higher credit score increases the loan amount.
Employer
Working for a reputed brand builds trust, which increases your loan amount
Job Stability
Longer job stability builds confidence for lenders
City of Residence
Metro city applicants often get higher amounts. Non-metro limits may be slightly lower.
Also, if you want to know the EMI amount for your personal loan, we highly recommend that you use our personal loan calculator, which can help you get a better idea about your EMIs.
How Much Personal Loan Should You Apply For Safely?
Just because you are eligible does not mean you should take the full amount. You need to ask yourself three simple questions:
Do I really need this much money?
Can I comfortably pay the EMI every month?
Will this EMI affect my lifestyle or savings?
You will get clarity on the personal loan amount you should apply for. According to the general rule, your total EMIs should not exceed 40-50% of your monthly income. You can always use an EMI calculator to check your monthly EMIs.
Which Repayment Tenure Should You Choose?
When you apply for a personal loan, you get several options regarding repayment tenure and EMI amount. The following analysis can help you choose the right tenure for your personal loan repayment tenure:
Shorter Repayment Tenure
Longer Repayment Tenure
Higher EMI
Lower EMI
Lower total interest
Higher total interest
Faster debt-free life
Easier monthly burden
Best if your income is stable and strong
Best if you want flexibility and cash flow comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for a Personal Loan
The following are some of the mistakes people usually make when they apply for a personal loan:
Applying for a larger amount than needed
Ignoring existing EMIs
Not checking the credit score
Applying to too many lenders at once
Not comparing interest rates
You MUST avoid the above mistakes. A little planning saves a lot of money.
Conclusion
Your personal loan amount depends on many things. Your monthly salary, EMIs, credit score, and job stability. Do not guess. Do not assume. Always use a personal loan calculator. And most importantly, apply only for what you need. Choose a tenure you can manage easily.
A smart loan today keeps stress away tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much personal loan can I get calculator?
A personal loan calculator shows how much loan you may get based on salary, EMIs, interest rate, and tenure. It also displays EMI instantly.
How much personal loan can I get in SBI?
SBI usually offers personal loans up to ₹35 lakh, depending on salary, employer category, credit score, and existing liabilities.
What is the maximum personal loan amount I can get?
Most banks and NBFCs offer personal loans up to ₹20-40 lakh. The final amount depends on your salary, credit score, and existing EMIs.
Does my credit score affect my personal loan amount?
Yes. A higher credit score increases your loan eligibility. It also helps you get a lower interest rate and faster approval.
Can I get a personal loan with a low salary?
Yes, but the amount will be lower. Many lenders offer personal loans starting from ₹15,000-₹25,000 for a monthly income.
How much EMI is safe to pay for a personal loan?
Ideally, your total EMIs should stay below 40-50% of your monthly income. This keeps your finances balanced and stress-free.
Can I increase my personal loan eligibility?
Yes. You can do this by:
Paying existing EMIs or credit card dues
Improving your credit score
Applying with a stable income history
Choosing a longer tenure using a personal loan calculator
Does loan tenure affect the loan amount?
Yes. Longer tenure reduces EMI and may increase eligibility. Shorter tenure lowers interest cost but increases EMI.
Should I check eligibility before applying for a personal loan?
Always. Checking eligibility through a personal loan calculator reduces rejection risk. It also helps you apply for the right loan amount.
Author: Diwakar Kumar Singh
Diwakar Kumar Singh is a senior content writer with 7+ years of experience in finance technology, including stock markets, IPOs, Pre-IPOs, futures and derivatives. At InvestKraft, Diwakar specialises in creating financial content that simplifies complex financial trends and concepts. Diwakar holds a Post-Graduation degree as well as a gold medal in Finance & Economics from IMT, Hyderabad.
Beyond finance, Diwakar is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and the founder of TheFitnessJournal. He also holds a nutrition certification from ISSA, USA, and writes about health, nutrition and science-backed wellness in a simple and approachable style. His ability to excel in two demanding fields makes him a versatile creator committed to clarity, accuracy and meaningful impact.