Tue Sep 16 19:50:19 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

The article reports on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s announcement that education loans under the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme will now be interest-free for all applicants. The repayment period for loans has also been extended, making higher education more accessible to students in the state.

**News Article:**

**Bihar Students to Receive Interest-Free Education Loans, Repayment Terms Extended**

**Patna, Bihar – September 17, 2025:** In a move hailed as a “historic step” for education in the state, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced Tuesday that education loans under the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme will now be interest-free for all applicants. This significant policy change aims to further increase access to higher education for students across Bihar.

Previously, the scheme offered loans up to ₹4 lakh at a 4% interest rate for male applicants and 1% for female, differently-abled, and transgender applicants who had passed their Class 12 examinations.

“I am extremely pleased to inform you that now the education loan provided under the Student Credit Card Scheme will be interest-free for all applicants,” Mr. Kumar declared on social media platform ‘X’.

In addition to the interest-free loans, the repayment terms have been extended. Loans up to ₹2 lakh can now be repaid over 84 monthly installments (7 years), extended from the previous 60 months (5 years). For loan amounts exceeding ₹2 lakh, the repayment period has been extended from 84 months (7 years) to a maximum of 120 monthly installments (10 years).

“Our objective is to ensure that as many students in the State can pursue higher education,” Mr. Kumar stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering the future of Bihar. He added that the initiative will boost student morale, enabling them to pursue higher education with greater enthusiasm and dedication, thereby shaping not only their future but also the future of the State and the country.

Janata Dal (United) State president Umesh Singh Kushwaha echoed the sentiment, calling the announcement a “historic step.” He emphasized that the initiative would provide higher education opportunities to students from economically weaker families, and empower the education sector in Bihar.

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