Banks have extended over Rs 577 crore education loans during 2008-2009 to Bihari students, which is nearly double the amount (Rs 280.93 crore) extended during 2007-08. Education loans have been extended by banks to Bihari students who have secured admissions in technical and professional courses.

The number of students who were given education loans has increased to 23,348 in FY 2008-09 from 10,181 during 2007-08 indicating a 130 percent increase.

Education loan has been a priority for bank in state of Bihar. The State Bank of India offered a major portion of education loans, amounting to Rs 204.36 crore to 10,611 students, followed by PNB and Bank of India, which extended a sum of Rs 72.60 crore and Rs 57.12 crore respectively.

Education loans were also provided by HDFC Bank and four other rural banks -