Mumbai, Feb 9 (PTI) The RBI on Monday said banks can extend collateral-free loans up to Rs 25 lakh to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) units on the basis of their good track record and financial position.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended the directions related to 'Lending to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector'.

The amendments have been carried out to enhance the extant Collateral-Free Loan Limit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to Rs 20 lakh, it said.

"Banks may, on the basis of good track record and financial position of the MSE units, increase the limit to dispense with the collateral requirement for loans up to Rs 25 lakh as per their internal policy," the RBI said.

Also, banks may avail the benefit of Credit Guarantee Scheme cover, where applicable, it added.

"However, accepting gold and silver as collateral pledged voluntarily by borrowers for loans sanctioned by the banks upto the collateral-free limit, will not be construed as a violation of the above mandate," said the amended directions.

On the need for the amendments, the RBI further said the objective is to strengthen last-mile credit delivery for Micro and Small Enterprises with limited assets to provide as collateral.

The amended Directions shall come into effect from April 01, 2026. PTI NKD NKD MR

Banks may extend collateral-free loans up to Rs 25 lakh to MSEs based on their track record. Banks may dispense with collateral for loans to Micro and Small Enterprises up to a base limit of Rs 20 lakh and, based on the MSE unit's good track record and financial position, increase that dispensation up to Rs 25 lakh under their internal policy; banks may use Credit Guarantee Scheme cover where applicable and accepting voluntarily pledged gold and silver for loans within the collateral-free limit will not breach the mandate. The amended lending directions become effective April 1, 2026.