We have done the math below, so you have a clear picture of what lies ahead. Take a look at the EMI for a 1 lakh loan at 12.00% p.a. interest from 1 year to 5 years tenures:
| Tenure |
EMI |
Total Interest |
Total Payable |
| 1 year |
Rs 8,885 |
Rs 6,619 |
Rs 1,06,619 |
| 2 years |
Rs 4,707 |
Rs 12,976 |
Rs 1,12,976 |
| 3 years |
Rs 3,321 |
Rs 19,572 |
Rs 1,19,572 |
| 4 years |
Rs 2,633 |
Rs 26,402 |
Rs 1,26,402 |
| 5 years |
Rs 2,224 |
Rs 33,467 |
Rs 1,33,467 |
Lower EMI vs. Lower Interest Cost
- Lower EMIs over longer tenures may ease the monthly burden, but total repayment increases substantially.
- A 5-year loan tenure leads to Rs 33,467 in interest, over 5 times what you’d pay for a 1 year loan.
- Choosing a shorter tenure significantly reduces interest cost, if your monthly budget allows keeping aside essential financial goals.
- Borrowers with a limited repayment capacity can opt for longer loan tenures and prepay when they have adequate surplus funds.
Note: Prepayments should not compromise monthly contributions. Some lenders may mandate borrowers to repay a predetermined number of EMIs before allowing prepayments or foreclosures and levy penal charges for the same. Fixed-rate loans have no prepayment penalties