"Rejected." That is the message you will see when you apply for your first Personal Loan or Credit Card if you have no CIBIL score. In India, "No Credit History" is almost as bad as "Bad Credit History." Whether you want to buy an iPhone on EMI, get a bike loan, or apply for a Premium Credit Card, you need a CIBIL score of 750 or higher . But how do you build a score if no bank will give you a loan? This is the classic "Chicken and Egg" problem. Fortunately, in 2025, there are 3 guaranteed ways to build a perfect score without having a job or salary slip. 1. The "FD-Backed" Credit Card (The Golden Ticket) This is the fastest way to build a score from scratch (0 to 750). How it works: You give the bank a small Fixed Deposit (e.g., ₹2,000 or ₹5,000). In return, they give you a Credit Card with a limit of 90% of your deposit. Why banks love it: Since they have your deposit, there is zero risk for them. Best Cards for this: IDFC First WOW...
"I want to go to Goa/Manali, but I have no money." Every student group has said this sentence. We assume travel is only for rich people. But in India, that is simply not true.
You don't need flights or 5-star hotels to see the world. If you travel like a student (and not a tourist), you can explore amazing places for less than ₹3,000. Here is how I plan my budget trips.
1. The "Sleeper Class" Rule
Stop looking at 3AC or Flights.
The Hack: Indian Railways Sleeper Class (SL) is the cheapest way to travel long distances in the world.
Cost: A ticket from Delhi to Mumbai can cost as little as ₹600 in Sleeper, compared to ₹4,000 for a flight.
Experience: Open windows, chai vendors, and stories. It’s not just travel; it’s a vibe.
2. Stay in Youth Hostels (Not Hotels)
Hotels charge for "Luxury." Hostels charge for a "Bed."
What is a Hostel? You get a bunk bed in a shared dormitory. You get a clean locker, free WiFi, and a common room to meet other travelers.
Top Chains: Look for Zostel, The Hosteller, or Backpacker Panda.
Price: You can find beds for ₹399 to ₹599 per night even in expensive cities like Goa or Udaipur.
3. Eat "Local," Not "Viral"
Instagram cafes are traps. They charge ₹300 for a coffee.
The Rule: Eat where the locals eat.
Breakfast: Poha/Paratha on the street (₹30).
Lunch: Thali (₹80-₹100).
Dinner: Street food or Dhaba (₹150).
Total Food Cost: You can eat like a king for ₹300/day.
4. Use Student IDs at Monuments
This is a hidden secret.
The Hack: Almost every historical monument in India (Taj Mahal, Forts, Museums) has a separate ticket price for students.
Savings: Always carry your College ID. You can often get entry tickets for ₹20 instead of ₹50 or ₹100.
5. Night Travel = Free Hotel
This is the ultimate budget hack.
Strategy: Always book trains or buses that travel at night.
Why? If you travel from 10 PM to 6 AM, you sleep on the train. This means you don't have to pay for a hotel for that night. You save roughly ₹500 every time you do this.
Conclusion
Travel is the best education. Don't wait until you have a job. You have the time and energy now—you just need to be smart with your cash.
Need extra cash for your next trip?
Start saving with a zero-balance account: 👉
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