RBI revises priority sector lending norms: How it will impact loans for housing, startups and agriculture

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced revised guidelines for Priority Sector Lending (PSL), effective April 1, 2025. These updates aim to improve credit flow to key economic segments, including housing, renewable energy, and education.

The revised PSL norms aim to make credit more inclusive and targeted. A few key changes for borrowers include:

More focus on underserved areas: Banks will now have more incentive to lend in districts historically receiving less credit. "This could mean better loan access for borrowers in smaller towns and rural areas, said Kunal Varma, CEO and Co-Founder at Freo.

Varma said, "These changes are likely to improve access to credit, especially for people and businesses who have traditionally been left out. For instance, borrowers in rural or low-credit areas should see better loan availability and possibly more favourable terms as banks try to meet their PSL targets. Sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and green energy will benefit the most, which could lead to growth and innovation in these areas."

To safeguard small borrowers, the RBI has barred banks from charging loan-related or ad hoc service fees on PSL loans up to ₹50,000. It also ruled that loans against gold jewellery from NBFCs won't qualify as PSL, ensuring funds benefit priority sectors like small businesses, agriculture, and weaker sections.

Overall, the new norms aim to bridge the credit gap and ensure that banking benefits reach more people on the ground. "These updates open up incredible opportunities for borrowers across India, especially those who’ve long deserved better access to financial resources. The increased focus on housing, with loan limits tailored to different population centres, is a game-changer—it’s a clear signal that affordable homes are within reach for more families," said Sahil Lakshamanan, Chief Business Officer at CarePal Money.

Push for green and sustainable sectors: Loans for renewable energy, clean mobility (like EVs), and sustainable agriculture are given more weightage. So borrowers in these sectors might find it easier to get financing.

"And the emphasis on renewable energy is visionary. Empowering individuals with up to ₹10 lakh and businesses with ₹35 crore to invest in green solutions is a bold step toward a sustainable future. What’s equally inspiring is how these norms uplift the ‘Weaker Sections’ and women borrowers through Urban Cooperative Banks. Removing caps and expanding eligibility feels like a heartfelt commitment to levelling the playing field," said Lakshamanan.

Support for small businesses and startups: There’s a stronger push to lend to MSMEs and agri-startups, which could open up new credit opportunities for entrepreneurs. "More credit flowing into priority sectors like healthcare, MSMEs, and education means more lives transformed—patients getting timely care, small businesses thriving, and students chasing their dreams. I see this as a golden moment for financial inclusion, where banks, lending marketplaces and NBFCs can partner to turn these opportunities into real impact," said Lakshamanan.

In simple terms, these changes mean credit will flow where it’s needed most—and that’s a good thing for both borrowers and the broader economy.