Public sector lender Indian Bank has decided to give focus in increasing the offtake of education loans in Karnataka in this fiscal. The outstanding loan amount of the bank in this segment presently stands at Rs 44.67 crore.

So far the south based lender has offered loans to 1698 students in Karnataka.

Speaking on an occasion of felicitation of toppers in Common Entrance Test-2011, CMD of the bank Mr TM Bhasin said that the education loan book of the bank stands at Rs 2,810.67 crore.

He announced that course fees would be reimbursed by the bank for the 17 toppers of CET 2011 for joining courses in medicine, engineering, architecture and Indian medical streams.

He also said, "The bank at present has 1,173 ATMs spread all over the country; is planning to add 75 more in Karnataka before this financial year (2011-12)."