How to Choose Your Personal Loan Tenure: 3 Tests

How to Choose Your Personal Loan Tenure: 3 Tests

Your loan tenure sets both your equated monthly instalment (EMI) and the total interest you pay. Three tests help you pick the right point between a high EMI and high interest.

Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 75 lakh

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In summary

The right personal loan tenure is the repayment period that fits your monthly budget without unnecessarily increasing the total interest paid. A shorter tenure means a higher EMI but less total interest. A longer tenure lowers the EMI but increases the total interest for the same loan amount and interest rate.


  • Test 1: Monthly budget. Check how much you can pay after essential expenses, existing EMIs and planned savings.
  • Test 2: Upcoming expenses. Account for known costs that could reduce the money available for repayments.
  • Test 3: Repayment resilience. Assess whether you could continue paying the EMI if your income fell or expenses increased.
  • Compare four tenures. Use the same loan amount and interest rate to understand how repayment periods affect your EMI and total interest.
  • Review the loan terms. Check applicable charges and the conditions for part-prepayment or foreclosure before deciding.

A lower EMI is not automatically the better choice. Compare the monthly commitment with the total borrowing cost, then select a tenure your budget can sustain.


The tenure that looks manageable on paper still needs to fit your actual finances. Start by reviewing the loan amount and repayment options available to you, then use the three tests below to judge what you can comfortably repay. Check your offer in just 2 steps to explore the possibilities.

What does loan tenure change?

Loan tenure determines how long you have to repay the borrowed amount. For the same principal and interest rate, a shorter tenure increases the EMI but reduces the total interest paid.


FactorShorter tenureLonger tenure
Monthly EMIHigherLower
Total interestLowerHigher
Repayment periodEnds soonerContinues for longer
Monthly cash flowRequires more money each monthLeaves more money available each month
Main trade-offHigher monthly commitmentHigher overall interest cost

The difference matters when a lower EMI makes a longer tenure seem preferable. Check how much extra interest you would pay in return for reducing your monthly commitment.

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Which 3 tests help you choose a tenure?

Apply the tests in order: establish your repayment capacity, account for upcoming costs, then check whether the plan can withstand a change in circumstances.


Test 1: How much can you pay each month?

Calculate the amount remaining after essential expenses, existing EMIs, and planned savings. This gives you a starting point for assessing a new repayment.


Available monthly amount = Take-home income − Essential expenses − Existing EMIs − Planned savings


Use the result to compare the proposed EMI with your actual budget.

  • Enough money remains: Check whether the EMI still leaves room for irregular expenses.
  • Little money remains: Compare a longer tenure or reconsider the amount you intend to borrow.
  • The EMI depends on cutting essential spending: Do not treat the repayment as affordable without revising your budget.

The available balance is a ceiling for planning, not a target to spend entirely on the EMI. Keep a buffer for costs that do not occur every month.


Test 2: What expenses are coming up?

List the major expenses expected during the repayment period. Include education fees, planned purchases, rent changes, and family commitments where relevant.


Expense to assessWhat to check
Education or family costsAmount due and payment date
Planned purchaseWhether it requires savings or additional borrowing
Housing costsExpected changes to rent or household expenses
Irregular billsWhether you have money set aside for them

Compare your budget before and after each known expense. If the EMI would leave insufficient funds when a payment falls due, assess whether a longer tenure would make the monthly commitment manageable.


A longer tenure also increases total interest for the same loan amount and rate. Weigh that additional cost against the monthly room it creates rather than choosing it solely to reduce the EMI.


Test 3: Could you manage a change in circumstances?

Test your repayment plan against a plausible setback, such as reduced income, higher household expenses or an unexpected bill.

  • Income falls: Check whether your remaining income can cover essential spending and the EMI.
  • Expenses rise: Work out how much of your monthly surplus would remain after the increase.
  • Savings are needed elsewhere: Assess whether the EMI would force you to use money reserved for another essential purpose.

A plan that uses nearly all your monthly surplus leaves little room to absorb these changes. A longer tenure can reduce the immediate repayment burden, but the additional interest and longer commitment still need to fit your plans.


Your monthly budget sets the repayment limit, upcoming expenses show where that limit could tighten, and the final test checks how much room your plan has for change.

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How does one loan compare across 4 tenures?

Compare the same loan amount at the same interest rate across four repayment periods. This isolates the effect of tenure on the EMI and total interest.


The following illustration assumes a loan of Rs. 2,80,000 at 14.5% per annum. These figures are illustrative, not a quoted loan offer.


TenureMonthly EMITotal interest over tenure
24 monthsRs. 13,510Rs. 44,236
36 monthsRs. 9,638Rs. 66,963
48 monthsRs. 7,722Rs. 90,648
60 monthsRs. 6,588Rs. 1,15,275

The 24-month option has the highest EMI and lowest total interest. The 60-month option has the lowest EMI but the highest total interest.


The middle options show the cost of reducing the monthly commitment:

  • 36 months versus 48 months: Pay Rs. 1,916 more per month and Rs. 23,685 less in total interest.
  • 48 months versus 60 months: Pay Rs. 1,134 more per month and Rs. 24,627 less in total interest.

Use these differences to identify which additional monthly payment your budget can support. Then apply the three tests before deciding whether the interest saving justifies the higher EMI.

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How do the 3 tests work in practice?

Consider Rohan, a 33-year-old salaried technical officer at an ordnance factory in Jabalpur. He earns Rs. 72,000 per month, has a CIBIL score of 748 and wants Rs. 2,80,000 to set up a shop for his wife’s tailoring business.


His illustrative loan comparisons are based on an assumed interest rate of 14.5% per annum.


DetailRohan’s situation
Age and city33 years, Jabalpur
EmploymentSalaried technical officer
Monthly salaryRs. 72,000
CIBIL score748
Loan amount consideredRs. 2,80,000
Intended useSetting up a tailoring shop

Test 1: Monthly budget


TenureEMIEMI as a share of monthly salary
24 monthsRs. 13,51018.8%
36 monthsRs. 9,63813.4%
48 monthsRs. 7,72210.7%
60 monthsRs. 6,5889.1%

These percentages show how the EMI compares with Rohan’s salary; they do not establish affordability. He must first account for household spending, existing repayments and planned savings.


Test 2: Upcoming expenses

Rohan needs to estimate the shop’s initial and recurring costs, including rent, equipment and operating expenses. Money reserved for these costs should not be counted as available for loan repayment.

 

Test 3: Repayment resilience

If the shop takes longer than expected to generate income, Rohan may need to pay the EMI from his salary for longer than planned. He should assess whether the repayment remains manageable without relying on immediate business earnings.

 

What does the comparison tell him?

The 36-month option costs Rs. 1,916 more each month than the 48-month option, but saves Rs. 23,685 in total interest under the illustration.


Rohan should choose 36 months only if the higher EMI leaves enough room for household expenses and the shop’s costs. If it puts those commitments under pressure, the 48-month option offers a lower monthly payment at a higher overall interest cost.


Apply the same comparison to your own budget. The lowest EMI is only one part of the decision; the monthly surplus and total interest determine whether the tenure makes sense

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What if your financial plans change?

Before committing to a tenure, understand what happens if you want to repay early or find it difficult to meet an instalment. Your options depend on the loan terms and the lender’s applicable process.


What if you want to repay early?

Part-prepayment means repaying part of the outstanding principal before the scheduled end of the loan. Foreclosure means repaying the outstanding amount in full before the tenure ends.


Before relying on either option, check:

  • Whether the applicable loan facility permits the repayment.
  • What charges or conditions apply.
  • Whether the expected interest saving justifies any charge.
  • How the payment would affect your remaining repayment schedule.

Do not choose a longer tenure on the assumption that you can close the loan early at no cost. Review the applicable terms before accepting the offer.


What if your EMI becomes difficult to manage?

Review your budget as soon as you identify a repayment problem. Prioritise essential expenses, establish what has changed and contact the lender to understand the options available under your loan terms.


Do not ignore a due instalment or assume the lender will automatically extend the tenure. Any change depends on the applicable process and approval.


For a future loan, use the three tests before borrowing. A repayment plan that leaves room for essential costs is less dependent on everything going according to plan.

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What should you know about a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan?

Before choosing a tenure, review the product’s eligibility criteria, required documents, charges and application process. These details help you assess the terms alongside the EMI and total interest.


What are the eligibility criteria?

The stated criteria for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan cover nationality, age, employment profile and CIBIL score. Meeting the published criteria does not guarantee approval or a particular loan amount.


CriterionStated requirement
NationalityIndian
Age21 years to 80 years
EmploymentPublic, private or MNC
CIBIL score650 or higher
Customer profileSelf-employed or Salaried

*You should be 80 years or younger, at the end of the loan tenure.

Last updated: 23rd October, 2026


Applicants should verify the applicable age condition at the end of the tenure and the terms presented during the application process.


Your preferred tenure only becomes a workable plan when the available loan terms fit your circumstances. After reviewing the stated criteria, check your personal loan eligibility and assess the offer alongside your monthly budget before moving to the application.


Which documents should you prepare?

Prepare the documents applicable to your profile. The lender’s verification process determines which documents are required for your application.

  • KYC documents: Aadhaar/ passport/ voter's ID/ driving license/ Letter of National Population Register/ NREGA job card
  • PAN card
  • Employee ID card
  • Salary slips of the last 3 months
  • Bank account statements of the previous 3 months
  • Piped gas bill
  • Pension order
  • Letter of Allotment of Accommodation Issued by Employer
  • Property / Municipal tax receipt
  • Utility bill
  • Phone bill
  • Real-time image / photograph

Not every applicant needs every document. Confirm the final list of required personal loan documents during your application.


Which charges affect the borrowing cost?

The interest rate affects the EMI and total interest. Processing fees and other applicable charges also contribute to the overall cost of borrowing.

ChargeApplicable amount or terms
Interest rate10% to 30.5% per annum, subject to applicable terms and customer eligibility
Processing feeUp to 4.13% of the loan amount, inclusive of applicable taxes
Bounce chargeRs. 700 to Rs. 1,200 per bounce
Penal chargeUp to 36% per annum on the overdue instalment
Part-prepayment, Term LoanUp to 4.72% of the principal prepaid, inclusive of taxes
Foreclosure, Term LoanUp to 4.72% of the outstanding principal, inclusive of taxes
Part-prepayment, Flexi Dropline and Flexi HybridNo charge
Flexi facility chargeRs. 11, inclusive of taxes

Last reviewed: 23rd October, 2026



Charges depend on the facility and applicable terms. Review the personal loan fees and charges before accepting an offer, particularly if you intend to repay early.


How do you apply with your chosen tenure?

You can apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online in five steps, starting with the “CHECK LOAN OFFER” button.

  1. Check your loan offer: Enter the required loan amount and preferred repayment tenure, then click “CHECK LOAN OFFER”.
  2. Enter your details: Provide your personal, financial and employment information to receive a personalised offer.
  3. Review the offer: Check the available loan amount and tenure. Compare two or three repayment periods to see how each changes your EMI and total interest.
  4. Complete verification: Complete the KYC process and verify your bank details.
  5. Discuss the next steps: After you submit the application, a loan executive will contact you to explain the next steps.

The process can differ for new and existing customers, and additional documents may be required in some cases.


Before accepting the offer, apply the three tests from this guide to two or three available tenures. Check that the EMI fits your monthly budget, account for upcoming expenses and leave room for unexpected costs. Choose the tenure based on the repayment you can sustain, not simply the lowest EMI.

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Key offerings: 3 loan types

Personal loan interest rate and applicable charges

Type of fee

Applicable charges

Rate of interest per annum

10% to 30.5% p.a.

Processing fees

Up to 4.13% of the loan amount (inclusive of applicable taxes).

Flexi Facility Charge

Term Loan – Not applicable

Flexi Loans –Up To Rs 1,999 To Up To Rs 18,999/- (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes)

Will be deducted upfront from loan amount.

Bounce charges

Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200/- per bounce

“Bounce charges” shall mean charges for (i) dishonor of any payment instrument; or (ii) non-payment of instalment (s) on their respective due dates due to dishonor of payment mandate or non-registration of the payment mandate or any other reason.

Part-prepayment charges

Full Pre-payment:

  • Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on the date of full pre-payment

  • Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

  • Flexi Hybrid Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

Part Pre-payment

  • Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the principal amount of Loan prepaid on the date of such part Pre-Payment.

  • Not Applicable for Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan and Flexi Hybrid Term Loan.

Penal charge

Delay in payment of instalment(s) shall attract Penal Charge at the rate of up to 36% per annum per instalment from the respective due date until the date of receipt of the full instalment(s) amount.

Stamp duty (as per respective state)

Payable as per state laws and deducted upfront from loan amount.

Annual maintenance charges

Term Loan: Not applicable

Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan:

Up to 0.295% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the Dropline limit (as per the repayment schedule) on the date of levy of such charges.


Flexi Hybrid Term Loan:

Up to 0.472% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of The Dropline Limit During Initial Tenure. Up to 0.295% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of Dropline Limit During Subsequent Tenure

Credit guarantee scheme feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (pro-rated daily till 31st March) (inclusive of all applicable taxes) of the loan amount
Credit guarantee scheme renewal feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (inclusive of all applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on April 01 of the subsequent Financial Year.
*Renewal Fee to be collected only for 3 subsequent financial years.
 
**If the Remaining Tenure is less than 12 months, the CG Fee in subsequent years shall be charged prorated.

Frequently asked questions

Choosing a repayment period

Changing course

Is a shorter or longer personal loan tenure better?

A shorter tenure is suitable when you can manage the higher EMI and want to reduce the total interest paid. A longer tenure lowers the monthly instalment but increases the total interest for the same principal and interest rate. Compare both figures with your budget and upcoming expenses. The right tenure is the one you can sustain without leaving too little money for essential spending or relying on uncertain future income.

The available tenure for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is 12 months to 108 months months, subject to the applicable terms and offer. Compare the EMI and total interest across the tenures available to you. A lower EMI can free up monthly cash flow, but check the additional interest before choosing a longer repayment period.

You can reduce the outstanding balance through part-prepayment or close the loan through foreclosure, subject to the charges listed in the fee table and your Key Fact Statement. Either step reduces the interest you pay. Weigh that charge against the interest you would save, and keep the revised repayment schedule for your records.

The tenure itself does not lower your score. What matters is paying every EMI on time for as long as the loan runs. A longer loan tenure means more months of EMIs, so set up auto-debit for the day after your salary arrives to avoid any missed payment over the loan tenure.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application. Terms and conditions apply*.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000