
By the FlexiLoans Editorial Desk · Reviewed by a business-lending specialist · Updated August 2026
Quick answer: A ₹10 lakh term loan at an indicative 18% p.a. over 36 months carries an EMI of about ₹36,152. The EMI stays fixed, but its split shifts every month. Early instalments carry the most interest. Later ones repay mostly principal. Total interest across the tenure is roughly ₹3,01,486.
Amortization is just a repayment map. It shows how each EMI clears your loan, month by month, until the balance hits zero.
Most business term loans in India use the reducing-balance method. Lenders regulated by the Reserve Bank of India charge interest only on the amount you still owe. So your interest cost falls as the principal drops.
The EMI amount stays the same, but the split between interest and principal changes every single month. That one idea explains the whole schedule. A clear schedule also helps you plan cash flow. You know each month’s outgo well in advance. You can even time big-ticket spending around your slow season.
Let us use a clear, realistic example. Loan amount ₹10 lakh. Interest an indicative 18% per annum. Tenure 36 months. That gives an EMI of ₹36,152.
Here is how the first six months break down.
| Month | EMI (₹) | Interest (₹) | Principal (₹) | Closing balance (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36,152 | 15,000 | 21,152 | 9,78,848 |
| 2 | 36,152 | 14,683 | 21,470 | 9,57,378 |
| 3 | 36,152 | 14,361 | 21,792 | 9,35,586 |
| 4 | 36,152 | 14,034 | 22,119 | 9,13,468 |
| 5 | 36,152 | 13,702 | 22,450 | 8,91,017 |
| 6 | 36,152 | 13,365 | 22,787 | 8,68,230 |
Indicative figures. ₹10 lakh at 18% p.a. reducing balance, 36-month tenure. Rounded to the nearest rupee.
Notice the pattern. The interest slice drops a little each month. The principal slice grows by the same amount. Zoom out to full years and the shift is dramatic.
| Year | Principal paid (₹) | Interest paid (₹) | Balance left (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,75,853 | 1,57,976 | 7,24,147 |
| 2 | 3,29,815 | 1,04,014 | 3,94,332 |
| 3 | 3,94,332 | 39,496 | 0 |
Indicative, same assumptions as above. Totals may vary by a rupee due to rounding.
In year one you pay ₹1,57,976 in interest; by year three that falls to just ₹39,496. Same EMI, very different make-up.
The reason is simple. Interest is charged on what you still owe.
In month one you owe the full ₹10 lakh. So the interest portion is at its largest. As you repay principal, the base shrinks, and the interest on each following EMI shrinks with it.
Longer tenures and higher rates make this front-loading even sharper. On a five-year loan, the first EMIs can be more than half interest. That is why prepaying early — when the balance is high — saves the most money on term loans. It attacks the principal before years of interest can pile up.
Tenure is the biggest lever you control. Stretch it out and the EMI feels lighter each month. But you pay for that comfort in total interest.
| Tenure | Monthly EMI (₹) | Total interest (₹) | Total repaid (₹) | Balance after 24 months (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 months | 49,924 | 1,98,178 | 11,98,178 | 0 |
| 36 months | 36,152 | 3,01,486 | 13,01,486 | 3,94,332 |
| 42 months | 32,264 | 3,55,099 | 13,55,099 | 5,05,664 |
Indicative. ₹10 lakh at 18% p.a. reducing balance across three tenures.
The trade-off is clear. Moving from 24 to 42 months cuts the EMI by about ₹17,660, but adds roughly ₹1,56,921 in interest. Pick the shortest tenure your monthly cash flow can comfortably handle. As a rule, match the tenure to how long the asset keeps earning for you. A machine that pays back over three years suits a three-year loan. To test combinations quickly, use our business loan EMI calculator before you commit.
Reading a sample is useful. Running your own numbers is better.
The amortization schedule generator tool below lets you set three inputs:
The tool below then builds a full month-by-month schedule. You see each EMI, its interest and principal split, and the closing balance for every month. Change any input and the whole schedule updates instantly, so you can compare tenures and rates side by side in seconds.
Rates and terms vary by lender and profile. A quick reality check helps you plan.
A FlexiLoans business term loan is unsecured and comes with these indicative terms:
Basic eligibility for most unsecured business loans looks like this:
A stronger credit profile usually earns a lower rate. Even a small rate cut trims thousands off your total interest. Across the market, indicative rates run from about 9–16% p.a. at banks to 14–30% p.a. at NBFCs and fintech lenders. Always confirm the live rate and fees in writing before you sign.
Q: What does the repayment schedule for a ₹10 lakh term loan look like? At an indicative 18% p.a. over 36 months, the EMI is about ₹36,152. The first EMI splits into roughly ₹15,000 interest and ₹21,152 principal. Interest then falls every month while principal rises. Total interest over the tenure is around ₹3,01,486.
Q: How is the EMI on term loans calculated? Lenders use a standard reducing-balance formula based on your loan amount, monthly interest rate and number of months. Interest applies only to the outstanding balance. The EMI stays fixed, while its interest-principal mix shifts each month.
Q: Does a longer tenure cost more on a ₹10 lakh loan? Yes. A longer tenure lowers your monthly EMI but increases the total interest. In our example, 42 months costs about ₹1,56,921 more in interest than 24 months. Choose the shortest tenure your cash flow allows.
Q: Can I reduce interest by prepaying my term loan? Usually yes. Prepaying early — when the outstanding balance is high — saves the most interest. Check your loan agreement for any foreclosure or part-payment charges before you prepay.
Q: What documents do I need for a ₹10 lakh business loan? Typically KYC, business proof, bank statements and GST returns. For loans above ₹20 lakh, lenders also ask for audited financials and ITRs. Requirements vary, so confirm the exact list with your lender.
A clear schedule turns a big number into a manageable monthly plan. Know your EMI, understand the interest-principal split, and pick a tenure that protects your cash flow. When you are ready, compare options and apply for a business loan with FlexiLoans, or explore more guides on the FlexiLoans blog.