What is a moratorium period in an education loan?
It's the period during your course (plus usually 6-12 months after) when you're not required to make EMI payments. Interest still accrues during this time and is typically added to your principal — this calculator factors that in.
Can I claim tax benefits on education loan interest?
Yes, in India, interest paid on education loans qualifies for a deduction under Section 80E, with no upper limit on the deduction amount, for up to 8 years or until the interest is fully repaid.
Should I pay interest during the moratorium period if I can afford it?
Paying interest during the moratorium (simple interest, before it compounds into principal) can reduce your total loan cost significantly — many lenders offer a discount for this.
How is the EMI calculated after the moratorium ends?
The accrued interest during the moratorium is added to the principal, and EMIs are then calculated on this new (higher) principal amount over the remaining tenure.