In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through one of the most famous Panchatantra tales: The Monkey and the Crocodile. This ancient fable not only offers timeless wisdom but also provides the perfect opportunity to learn and reinforce high-level vocabulary. By immersing yourself in this story, you’ll discover new words in context, helping you understand their meanings more deeply and retain them longer. So, let’s dive into the world of Panchatantra and enrich your vocabulary while enjoying a classic tale of wit, friendship, and moral lessons!
Once upon a time, in a verdant (lush and green) forest, there stood an imposing (grand and impressive) tree beside a meandering (wandering or winding) river. This tree was the domicile (residence or home) of a sagacious (wise) and vivacious (full of life) monkey. The monkey reveled (enjoyed greatly) in the bountiful (abundant) fruits and the refreshing breeze, living an uncomplicated and contented life. In the same river lived a crocodile, whose disposition (nature, temperament) was unusually affable (friendly and pleasant). Though his outward appearance was formidable (powerful and intimidating), he was a creature of gentle temperament.
One day, the crocodile noticed the monkey perched on the tree, savoring a delectable (delicious) fruit. Intrigued (curious) by the monkey’s actions, he swam closer to the tree and greeted the monkey with a cordial (warm and friendly) salute.
“Greetings, dear friend! What are you consuming? It looks delectable,” the crocodile remarked.
The monkey, always generous, tossed a fruit to the crocodile, who eagerly accepted it and tasted it. The fruit, brimming (full, overflowing) with sweetness, delighted the crocodile. “This fruit is ambrosial (delicious, divine). Where did you find it?” the crocodile asked.
The monkey, now amused, explained that it grew from the tree. As they conversed, the two became fast friends. The monkey, in turn, would routinely drop fruits from the tree for the crocodile, while the crocodile would swim over to chat with his friend. Their camaraderie (friendship) grew, and they spent many a delightful hour together.
However, unbeknownst (unaware, unknown) to the monkey, the crocodile’s wife had grown inquisitive (eager to know) about the monkey’s heart. She had heard from the jungle’s gossipers that monkey hearts were said to be delicious and nourishing, a delicacy to behold. Her greed consumed her, and she yearned to devour (eat) the monkey’s heart. She implored (begged) her husband to bring the monkey to her, so that she could feast upon it. The crocodile, though hesitant, succumbed (yielded, surrendered) to his wife’s insistence.
“I do not wish to harm our dear friend,” the crocodile muttered, “but my wife’s desire is insatiable (impossible to satisfy). I must fulfill it, but I will seek a way to preserve our friendship.”
The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey to his abode (home) on the other side of the river, claiming that he had a surprise for him. The monkey, ever trusting, eagerly accepted the invitation and climbed onto the crocodile’s back. As they ventured (dared to go) across the river, the monkey marveled at the shimmering (glistening, shining) water and the splendor (grandeur, brilliance) of nature surrounding them.
However, when they reached the center of the river, the crocodile suddenly ceased his swimming. With an air of treachery (dishonesty), he submerged the monkey into the water.
“Why are you doing this?” the monkey demanded, his voice tinged with panic.
The crocodile, his face now twisted with malevolence (ill-willed intent), revealed his true intention. “I regret to inform you that I am bound by my wife’s wishes. She covets (desires greedily) your heart. You shall be the sacrifice (victim) so that she may satiate (satisfy) her hunger.”
The monkey, momentarily taken aback, swiftly regained his composure (calmness, self-control) and devised a stratagem (plan). He realized that monkeys are known for their adroit (skillful) wit, and so he began to speak in a calm and calculated (thoughtful) manner.
“Crocodile,” the monkey began, “I am afraid you’ve been deceived by your own misperception. I left my heart hanging on the tree. If you return me to the shore, I shall bring you my heart.”
The crocodile, blinded by his avarice (greed) and eager to please his wife, believed the monkey’s story. He turned around and swam back to the shore. As soon as they arrived, the monkey sprang from the crocodile’s back and, with a swift leap, climbed to safety on the tree.
“You are a fool!” the monkey called down. “If you had only asked for it before, I might have given my heart to you. But now, your greed has led you astray (off course). You are outwitted (outsmarted, deceived), and your plan has failed.”
The crocodile, crestfallen (disappointed), swam away, his face burning with humiliation. From that day onward, the monkey and the crocodile never spoke again, their friendship severed (cut off) by the crocodile’s greed.
Ready to build a stronger vocabulary for GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL? Explore more tips and learning resources on the Dilip Oak Academy — start your journey today!
Moral of the Story:
The story imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom, quick thinking, and the destructive nature of greed. It underscores how intelligence and cleverness can triumph over brute strength, while unchecked desire often leads to one’s downfall.
If you are planning to study in the US and you’ve completed your applications, the next step is securing an F1 student visa. This visa is for students pursuing full-time academic programs such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. In this guide, we will walk you through the F1 visa application process and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is an F1 Visa and How Can You Apply for It?
The F1 visa is designed for students planning to attend a full-time degree program in the United States, lasting at least two semesters – Fall and Spring. If you’re applying for a non-academic or vocational program lasting less than a year, you may be eligible for an M1 visa instead.
Where Can You Apply for an F1 Visa?
You can apply for your F1 visa at any US Consulate with available appointment slots. In India, the five consulates are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. We recommend applying at the consulate closest to you for convenience.
The current F1 visa application fee is $185, which must be paid in Indian Rupees at the rate declared by the US consulate each month. Right now, the fee is Rs. 15,540, but this may rise due to fluctuations in the exchange rate as the US Dollar is strengthening.
When Can You Apply for an F1 Visa for Fall 2025?
The F1 visa application can begin up to 365 days before the course start date mentioned on your I-20 form. To secure an early and timely interview slot, it’s best to apply for your visa as soon as you receive your I-20 from any university. While the US consulate makes efforts to accommodate all students, the high volume of applicants, especially in June and July, can make it difficult to get an interview date during those months. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply for your visa appointment as soon as you have your I-20.
Also read our blog on how to finance your education with an education loan!
If you receive an I-20 from your preferred university after booking your appointment, simply fill out a new DS-160 form with the updated university information. On the day of your interview, bring both the original DS-160 confirmation page (used to schedule your appointment) and the updated DS-160 confirmation page. If you cannot bring both confirmation pages, you will need to cancel your current visa appointment and reschedule it using the application number from your corrected DS-160 form.
What is an I-20 Form and How Do You Get One?
The I-20 form, officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility,” is issued by a certified school to confirm your acceptance into a full-time study program in the United States and makes you eligible to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa. The form contains important details such as your name, country of birth and citizenship, the university you’re attending, your program of study, the program start and end dates, estimated costs, and your sources of funding.
The form includes your SEVIS identification number, which begins with an “N” followed by 10 digits, located in the top-left corner and other information required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for your visa, and gain entry into the United States.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was introduced by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to track students. Before attending your F1 visa interview at the consulate, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee of $350.
What If My F1 Visa Application Gets Rejected? Can I Reapply?
Yes! If your visa is rejected the first time, you are allowed to reapply as many times as needed. Don’t be discouraged—many applicants go through this process multiple times before successfully securing their visa.
What is the Dropbox Facility (Interview Waiver)?
Starting January 2024, applicants with a valid US visa (excluding B1/B2) may qualify for the Dropbox facility. This allows you to skip the in-person interview and instead submit your documents at a designated Dropbox location.
To be eligible for Dropbox:
- Your previous visa must have been issued after January 1, 2008
- Your previous visa must have been issued after your 14th birthday.
- If your visa has expired, it must have expired within the last 4 years.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Passport After the Dropbox Interview?
If you apply through the Dropbox facility, you can typically expect to receive your passport within 7 working days.
How to Book Your F1 Visa Appointment?
Follow these steps to book your F1 visa appointment:
- Complete the DS-160 form online.
- Create a profile at www.ustraveldocs.com.
- Select “Schedule Appointment” and choose “Non-Immigrant Visa” as the visa type.
- Follow the instructions on the website to complete the process.
Need Help with the F1 Visa Process?
Dilip Oak’s Academy offers expert guidance to help you through every step of the F1 visa process. Our services include:
- A webinar with detailed information about the visa process and guidelines.
- Assistance in preparing your financial documents.
- One-on-one mock visa interview sessions with Mr. Dilip Oak.
- A pre-departure orientation program in June 2025.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!
If you’re planning to study abroad for Fall 2025, probably you must have already received admission offers or must be waiting for them. Either way, one big question on your mind may be: “How do I pay for my education?” Don’t worry, this blog will help you understand everything about an education loan—what does it cover, who can apply, and how to get one. Let us break it down!
What does an education loan cover?
An education loan helps you pay for:
- tuition fees
- living expenses (rent, food, transport, etc.)
- health insurance
- other study-related costs (books, laptop, etc.)
Who provides an education loan?
You can apply for an education loan from:
- Nationalised Bank like State Bank of India, Canara Bank
- Private Bank like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank
- Cooperative Bank like Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank
- NBFC (Non-Banking Finance Corporation) like Credila Financial Services, InCred finance
Who is eligible for an education loan?
Each bank has different rules, but the common requirements are as below:
If you need guidance on the best universities in USA and Germany or need overseas education consultants, reach out for expert advice.
- The applicant and co-applicant (usually parents/guardian) should be citizens of India and over 18 years of age.
- Student should have a confirmed admission from an accredited and recognised overseas university.
- The co-applicant should have a regular source of income and security to offer if it is a secured loan
- The co-applicant should have a good CIBIL score, generally 750 and above.
What is the maximum amount of loan one can avail of?
The maximum loan amount you can avail of depends on several factors, including:
- Your profile
- The university you are applying to
- Your financial background
That being said:
- Secured loans (with collateral): Many lenders offer loans without an upper limit if you provide sufficient collateral.
- Unsecured loans (without collateral): The maximum loan amount typically ranges from Rupees 45 to 50 lakhs.
It is important to note that these amounts can vary depending on the lender and other specific conditions.
If you are applying for Fall 2026, read this blog to know more about how to building a strong profile.
What is the tenure of a student loan?
The tenure of an education loan typically ranges from 10 to 14 years, depending on the lender and the loan amount. In addition, most of the loan providers offer a moratorium (or grace) period of about 2 to 3 years, during which you are not required to repay the loan, often allowing you time to complete your studies and settle into your career.
How much time is required for processing an education loan?
Under normal conditions, student loans are processed in 15 to 30 days.
Documents required for applying for an education loan:
- Duly filled application form
- Passport-sized photographs of the applicant and the co-applicant
- Photo ID: PAN/ Passport/ Driving License/ Aadhaar Card of the applicant and co-applicant
- Proof of Residence.
- Academic documents:
- HSC Mark sheet
- Mark sheet of subsequent years of graduation
- Mark sheet of entrance exams like GRE, IELTS, TOEFL etc.
- Scholarship documents (if applicable)
- Proof of admission: Printed admission letter/I-20 form received from the college or university
- Bank statements of co-applicant: Usually statements of the last 8 to 12 months
- Income proof of co-applicant:
- For a salaried person:
- The last three salary slips
- Form 16 of the last two years
- For a self-employed person:
- Income Tax returns of the last two years
- Financial statements of the last two years certified by CA
- Proof of office (Lease deed, a Title deed, Utility bill etc.)
- For a salaried person:
- Collateral documents:
- Property title deed
- 7 / 12 extracts in case of land
- Registered sale deed.
The list above is for reference purposes only. Requirements may vary depending on the financial institution. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to verify the specific requirements with an authorized representative of the institution in question.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for a loan even if my admission is yet to be confirmed?
Yes, you can! Most banks accept loan applications even if your university admission is yet to be confirmed or is still in process. This is called Pre-Sanction of loan Here’s how it typically works:
- Application assessment: The loan application will be evaluated based on your overall student profile, which includes:
- Academic performance
- Other factors such as the credit profile of your co-applicant
- Approval process: The bank may approve the loan and issue a sanction letter, but it will typically include the condition that:
- Admission must be confirmed before the loan is disbursed.
This way, you can proceed with your loan application even before your admission is finalized.
Is there any tax benefit on availing of student loans?
Yes, there is! Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961, individuals can claim a tax deduction on the interest paid on student loans. This benefit applies if the individual is filing their Income Tax Return only under the old tax regime.
What is acceptable as collateral?
Collateral can be classified into two categories:
- Movable Assets:
- Financial assets such as fixed deposits in the respective bank.
- Immovable Property:
- Flat, house, or non-agricultural land.
These are the common forms of collateral that banks typically accept when securing a loan.
Final Thoughts
An education loan can make studying abroad possible, even if you don’t have all the funds right now. The key is to apply early, compare options, and be prepared with all documents. Wishing you all the best for your studies and future!
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.
Many Students have already submitted their applications for Fall (August) 25. Of course, many universities are still accepting applications since their deadlines are available until March 31, 2025. However, since universities process applications on a rolling basis, students have already started receiving admissions and will continue getting decisions till May/June 2025.
Congratulations on receiving admission offers for Fall 2025. Having achieved this huge milestone, you are now entering the crucial phase of planning your next steps till your Visa is approved.
Selection of Final University
Once you have received an offer, here’s what you need to do next:
- Evaluate the university’s ranking, course curriculum, job opportunities, and tuition fees before making a decision.
- Consider factors like location and cost of living.
- Check for merit-based scholarships and assistantships (RA/TA positions) at your university.
- Part-time on-campus jobs can help cover living expenses.
Types of Admission Offers
Each university follows a different process when it comes to issuing admission letters and the I-20 form, a crucial immigration document that is necessary for obtaining a student visa. Here are the most common types of admission offers you might receive:
1. Admission Letter with I-20 Form
- Some universities issue both the admission letter and the I-20 form simultaneously.
- This is the most convenient scenario, as you can accept the admission and still wait for responses from other universities before making your final decision.
2. Admission Letter Without I-20 Form
- In some cases, universities send an acceptance letter but will not issue the I-20 until you formally accept their offer.
- You can accept their offer, request to issue the I-20 form and keep your options open while you wait for decisions from other universities.
3. I-20 to be issued Based on Financial Documents
Some universities require proof of financial capability before issuing the I-20. Students must submit a bank certificate or a letter of a sanctioned education loan to demonstrate sufficient funds.
- The required amount should cover two semesters of tuition, one year of living expenses and other costs, if any.
- You can include funds in Savings Bank account, Fixed Deposits and Public Provident Fund. Some universities also accept funds in the General Provident Fund.
- Students can also temporarily borrow funds from family or friends to obtain a bank certificate and repay the amount immediately after issuance of the bank certificate.
- Since students apply to multiple universities, it is advisable to get around eight copies of the bank certificate, which is valid for three months. The bank certificate should be equal to the cost of the most expensive university among your options so that it can be used for all the universities you have applied.
- If personal funds cannot be arranged, a loan sanction letter from a bank or non-banking financial institution (NBFC) can be submitted instead.
4. Non-Refundable Deposit Requirement
- Some universities require a non-refundable deposit (ranging from $100 to $750) as a confirmation of admission before issuing the I-20.
- If you are unsure about enrolling at that university, it is better to delay the payment.
- However, if the university is your preferred choice, paying the deposit within the deadline is advisable.
Cost of Education:
Studying for a master’s in the USA is a significant financial investment. Unlike domestic students who may qualify for in-state tuition, international students must pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are typically higher.
For example, if the annual in-state tuition fee is $10,000, the out-of-state tuition fee can go up to $25,000 or more. Additionally, due to the appreciation of the USD and increasing living costs in the U.S., education costs have risen further.
On average, a master’s degree from a decent university can cost between ₹45–50 lakhs, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.
Education Loans for MS in the USA
Due to the high cost, many students choose to fund their education through education loans. These loans can be obtained from:
- Nationalized Banks (State Bank of India,Bank of Baroda, etc.)
- Private Banks (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, etc.)
- Cooperative Banks (Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank etc.)
- NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Institutions) (Credila Financial Services, etc.)
Interest Rates and Loan Benefits
- Education loan interest rates generally range between 8.50 to 12%.
- Nationalized and Cooperative banks usually offer lower interest rates compared to private banks and NBFCs.
- Female students can benefit from a 0.5% interest rate discount at Nationalized and Cooperative banks.
Loan Sanction Process
To get your loan approved, you need:
- Admission letter from the university
- KYC documents (passport, ID proofs)
- Academic transcripts and test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS)
- Income proof of co-applicant (if applicable)
- Collateral (for secured loans)
However, before the loan is disbursed, the student must submit the I-20 form issued by the university and a photocopy of the F1 Visa approved by the US consulate.
Apply for Your Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
- Once you receive your I-20 form, pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and fill out the DS-160 visa application form.
- Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
For a detailed guide on Student Visa, wait for our next blog.
If you need personalized guidance on university selection, loan applications, or visa preparation, our counseling team is here to help!
Stay tuned for more updates and expert tips on your study abroad journey with one of the best abroad educational consultants!
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.
The United States is undoubtedly the first choice when thinking about studying abroad for a master’s degree. To convert this dream into reality, many of you may have already started with your applications for the Fall 2025 intake. Most universities began accepting applications in October 2025. It is still not too late to apply for the Fall of 2025 since many Universities have deadlines up to March 2025.
Why Apply for Fall 2025?
- Fall intake offers a more diverse range of courses
- It allows students better access to funding
- Many universities have waived the GRE requirement for Fall 2025
- It also allows students to explore funding opportunities such as research assistant, teaching assistant and graduate assistant
- After completing two semesters (Fall and Spring), you are allowed to apply for an internship during summer vacation.
Here’s your ultimate guide to taking the leap and submitting your application in time.
- Many universities have rolling admissions, while others have fixed deadlines stretching into February, March, or even April.
- Roughly 10% of universities had their final deadlines on December 31
- Around 10% will have their deadlines by January 31.
- The majority (about 80%) of universities allow you to apply until March, and some even accept applications until May.
This means that you can still secure admission to a good university even if you start your applications now!
Steps to Get Started
Finalize Your Program Choices:
Narrow down the universities and programs that align with your goals. Look for those with open application windows.
Prepare Your Application Documents:
- Transcripts: Ensure your academic records are up-to-date.
- Test Scores: GRE (if required), TOEFL, or IELTS scores should be ready or scheduled soon.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a compelling SOP that highlights your aspirations.
- Personal Essays: Draft essays that reflect your personal journey, goals, and unique experiences.
- Letters of Recommendation: Request these from your mentors or professors as soon as possible.
Focus on Financial Planning:
- Look for available scholarships and financial aid.
- Research education loan options that specialize in funding for pursuing studies abroad.
Submit Your Application before the deadline:
Once everything is in place, don’t delay submitting your application before the deadline.
You Must Move Quickly
Although most universities will still be accepting applications until March 2025, you need to consider the time required for documentation and university shortlisting. Documentation includes procuring transcripts, drafting SOPs, personal statements, diversity statements, LORs, and resumes. University shortlisting involves extensive research to select the right universities according to your profile and interests.
We Are Here to Help You
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, we are here to make the process easier for you:
- We provide the best admissions counseling services, offering a well-balanced list of universities with safe as well as ambitious options, increasing your chances of admission.
- Our services include assistance with SOPs, LORs, resumes, personal statements, and diversity statements.
- We provide comprehensive visa guidance, including mock visa interviews.
- We offer coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as a self-prep module to help students prepare effectively at their own pace.
Watch our exclusive video on YouTube to get insider insights directly from Mr. Dilip Oak himself!
Dilip Oak’s Academy can be your perfect guide into this often confusing admission process. We have been in this business since 1996, and we have more than 33,000 success stories to attest to our expertise in this field. Our experienced counselors interact with every student personally to understand their unique requirements and provide tailored guidance.
The Time to Act is Now
Applying for Fall 2025 is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about taking the first step toward your future. The opportunities are endless, but only if you take action. Remember, every day you delay is a day closer to missing out on your dream.
Let’s make Fall 2025 your time to shine. Start your application today!
Best wishes, and happy applying!