EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment)

An Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) is the fixed amount a borrower pays to the lender every month until the full loan amount, including interest, is repaid. EMIs are calculated using the loan principal, interest rate, and tenure. In the early stages of repayment, a larger portion of the EMI goes toward interest, while in the later stages, more goes toward principal reduction.

The EMI amount remains constant throughout the tenure in a fixed-rate loan, making budgeting easier. In floating-rate loans, EMIs may change when the benchmark rate is revised. Borrowers can use EMI calculators to estimate monthly outflows before applying for a loan.

Missing EMI payments can negatively impact the borrower’s credit score, attract penalty charges, and in the case of secured loans, may lead to collateral seizure.

Common Questions

• How is EMI calculated? EMI = [P x r x (1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n – 1], where P is principal, r is monthly interest rate, and n is tenure in months.
• Can EMI change during the tenure? Yes, in floating-rate loans the EMI can change when the benchmark lending rate changes.

EMIs determine the actual monthly financial commitment a borrower must plan for. Understanding how EMIs are calculated helps borrowers choose the right loan amount, tenure, and repayment strategy.