"How much personal loan can I get on my salary?" is one of the most-searched loan questions in India — and the answer isn't a single number. Lenders look at your salary, but also your existing EMIs, credit score and employer. Here's exactly how they calculate it, with a salary-wise table you can use right now.
The Salary Multiplier Method
The quickest estimate lenders use is a multiplier on your net monthly salary, typically between 10× and 24×:
Eligible loan ≈ Net monthly salary × multiplier (10–24)
Where you land in that range depends on your CIBIL score, employer category, city, and current debts. A salaried professional at a top company with a 780 score gets the higher multiples; a borrower with existing EMIs and an average score gets the lower end.
The FOIR Rule (the Real Constraint)
The more important rule is FOIR — Fixed Obligation to Income Ratio. Lenders ensure that all your EMIs combined (existing + the new one) stay within 40%–50% of your monthly income.
For a ₹30,000 salary at 40% FOIR with no current EMIs:
- Maximum total EMI = ₹30,000 × 40% = ₹12,000
- At ~12% interest over 5 years, that EMI supports a loan of about ₹5.4 lakh
If you already pay ₹5,000 in other EMIs, only ₹7,000 is left — cutting your eligibility to roughly ₹3 lakh.
Salary-Wise Personal Loan Eligibility (Approximate)
Assuming no existing EMIs, 40% FOIR, ~12% interest and a 5-year tenure:
| Net Monthly Salary | Max EMI (40%) | Approx. Loan Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| ₹20,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹3.5 Lakh |
| ₹30,000 | ₹12,000 | ₹5.4 Lakh |
| ₹50,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹9 Lakh |
| ₹75,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹13.5 Lakh |
| ₹1,00,000 | ₹40,000 | ₹18 Lakh |
These are indicative — your actual offer depends on the lender's policy and your profile.
Minimum Salary Requirements
- Banks: usually ₹20,000–₹30,000/month (higher in metros)
- NBFCs: ₹15,000–₹20,000/month
- Fintech lenders: as low as ₹12,000/month (higher rates)
How to Increase Your Eligibility
- Clear existing EMIs to lower your FOIR before applying.
- Improve your CIBIL score — read our 10 tips to improve your CIBIL score.
- Choose a longer tenure — it lowers the EMI and raises the eligible amount (though total interest rises).
- Add a co-applicant to combine incomes.
Check Your EMI Before You Apply
Once you know your target amount, use our Personal Loan EMI Calculator to see the exact monthly EMI, or the general EMI Calculator for a full repayment breakup. Comparing with a credit card or other loan? The amortization schedule makes the real cost obvious.