Personal loans are a popular credit option in India, offering quick access to funds for a range of purposes—from medical emergencies to weddings and travel. While most borrowers focus on the interest rate and EMI amount, many overlook an equally important aspect: amortisation. Understanding how amortisation works can help you plan your finances better, save on interest costs, and make informed decisions about prepayments and loan tenure.
In this article, we’ll break down what amortisation means, how it impacts your monthly payments (EMIs), and what borrowers in India should consider when taking or managing a personal loan.
What Is Personal Loan Amortisation?
Amortisation refers to the process of repaying a loan through regular instalments (EMIs) over a fixed tenure. Each EMI consists of two components:
- Principal – The amount you initially borrowed
- Interest – The cost charged by the lender for providing the loan
At the beginning of your repayment cycle, a larger portion of your EMI goes toward interest. As the loan matures, the interest component decreases while the principal repayment increases. This gradual shift is governed by an amortisation schedule—essentially a repayment roadmap that shows how your loan reduces over time.
How Amortisation Works: A Simple Example
Let’s say you borrow ₹5 lakh at an interest rate of 12% per annum for 5 years (60 months). Your monthly EMI would be approximately ₹11,122. Over the course of 60 months:
- You will pay ₹6,67,320 in total
- ₹5,00,000 is your principal
- ₹1,67,320 is the total interest
But here’s the catch: in the first year, you might pay around ₹53,000 in interest and only ₹80,000 in principal. By the last year, this will flip, with most of your EMI going toward the principal. This is the essence of amortisation.
Amortisation Schedule: Why You Should Check It
Many Indian borrowers don’t request or study their amortisation schedule, which is a missed opportunity. The amortisation table tells you:
- How much of your EMI goes toward principal and interest each month
- Your remaining balance after every EMI
- The total interest paid over time
Understanding this schedule can help you:
- Evaluate if a prepayment makes sense
- Decide on loan refinancing or restructuring
- Spot errors in bank statements
The Role of Tenure in Amortisation
The loan tenure plays a crucial role in how your loan amortises:
- Longer tenure = smaller EMIs but higher overall interest outgo
- Shorter tenure = higher EMIs but lower total interest
Let’s go back to our ₹5 lakh loan example. If you reduce the tenure to 3 years:
- EMI jumps to ₹16,607
- Total interest paid drops to ₹97,852 (saving ₹69,468)
This shows how a shorter tenure can help you save money, provided you can manage the higher EMI.
Why Early Repayment Matters
One of the smartest financial moves a borrower can make is prepaying a loan in the early stages. Because interest dominates the EMI in the initial months, reducing your outstanding principal early can lead to substantial interest savings.
For instance, prepaying ₹1 lakh in the first year can reduce your loan tenure by several months and save thousands in interest. Most banks in India now allow partial prepayments without penalties, especially on floating rate loans—take advantage of this flexibility.
Fixed vs Floating Interest Rate Loans
Amortisation behaves slightly differently for fixed and floating rate personal loans:
- Fixed rate loans have consistent EMIs and an unchanging amortisation schedule
- Floating rate loans may have EMIs or tenures that change based on market conditions
If the RBI hikes repo rates, banks may increase interest rates on personal loans, leading to either:
- Higher EMIs, or
- Extension of the loan tenure
Understanding how these changes affect your amortisation can help you prepare and adjust your repayment strategy.
How to Use Amortisation to Your Advantage
Here are a few smart moves Indian borrowers can make using amortisation knowledge:
- Track your repayment progress – Don’t wait for a loan statement once a year. Use online EMI calculators with amortisation tables to stay informed.
- Time your prepayments – Try to make lump-sum payments early in the loan tenure to maximise interest savings.
- Compare loans better – When shopping for a loan, don’t just compare interest rates. Ask for sample amortisation schedules and compare total interest paid.
- Opt for increasing EMIs if possible – Some lenders offer EMI plans where your EMI increases gradually. If your income is expected to rise, this can help pay off your loan faster and cheaper.
Conclusion
Personal loan amortisation is more than just a technical term—it’s a powerful tool for financial planning. By understanding how your EMI is split between principal and interest, you gain visibility into your debt, empowering you to make smarter financial choices. Whether you’re planning to prepay, refinance, or simply understand your obligations better, mastering amortisation gives you control over your personal loan.
As Indian borrowers become more credit-savvy, tools like amortisation schedules and EMI calculators will no longer be optional—they’ll be essential to building a strong financial foundation.
