FREEDOM / WISE
Worked Example

What is the EMI and total interest on a ₹5 lakh loan at 9% over 5 years?

Scenario

Rohit, age 30, software professional in Pune, ₹12 lakh annual income, ₹50K monthly expenses, exploring this question for his financial plan

Inputs

Rate %
9
Tenure years
5
Loan amount INR
5,00,000

Calculation

  1. 1.

    Monthly rate

    9% / 120.75%

  2. 2.

    Monthly EMI

    P×r×(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n − 1)₹10,379

  3. 3.

    Total paid over tenure

    EMI × 60₹6.23 L

  4. 4.

    Total interest

    Total paid − Principal₹1.23 L

  5. 5.

    Interest-to-principal ratio

    Interest ÷ Principal0.25x

Conclusion

EMI of ₹10,379/month over 5 years; total interest ₹1.2 lakh — 25% of principal.

Tradeoffs

Reducing-balance method; flat-rate quotes look cheaper but cost the same. Prepaying in early years saves disproportionate interest (₹5L early-year prepay can save ₹15L+ in interest vs late-year). Tax deductions (Section 24/80EEA for home loans) reduce effective rate by 25-35% in 30% slab old regime.

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