MAM
New AIR package pitched as attractive for advertisers
MUMBAI: The newly developed All India Radio (AIR) packages might be something ad agencies and advertisers should have a closer look at.
Percept Picture Company division Techniche Media CEO Vivek Salian says: “AIR is offering a package on Vividh Bharati called Vividh Bharati Network (which includes 29 cities) for Rs 5,000 per 10 seconds air time. But a better alternative is a sponsored programme on the Vividh Bharati network. A half-hour slot would cost only Rs 54,000 plus production charge of anything between Rs 15,000 to 20,000. The FCT (free commercial time) of 180 seconds per city can be used for direct plug-ins. One third of the FCT can be banked, i.e. played on other time slots.”
Salian’s firm Techniche Media (a division of PPCPL) is a radio and audio production house that provides consultancy services to advertisers, ad agencies and PR agencies. “The advantage of a sponsored (recorded) radio show is that the show can be conceptualised as per the brand / target audiences requirement, so that the client derives maximum possible mileage,” adds Salian.
Rates were as high as Rs 10,000 for a 10-second spot some time back and AIR’s efforts to rationalise the rate structure is an indicator that the public radio broadcaster is becoming market savvy.
Another strong advocate of Vividh Bharati and AIR is outdoor advertising specialist company DS Mittle & Sons director and RAPA’s 2003 council president Brij Mittle. Mittle, who has been involved in radio and ad jingles software production says: “Radio hasn’t been exploited to the extent to which it should have been. Ad agencies must realise that people will come back to radio in fiscal 2003-4. The FM sector has seen a revival of sorts but Vividh Bharati is still not getting it’s due. The mainline media executives simply don’t realise the significance of Vividh Bharati as a medium. Or even if they do realise – they are aren’t doing enough to promote the stations.”
Mittle, who owns one of the oldest recording studios in Mumbai, adds: “Consider some programmes on Vividh Bharati that still have a piece of our mind space – Bhule Bisre Geet or Chitralok on Vividh Bharati still evoke some kind of a nostalgia that today’s programmes don’t. The government must must take steps to reduce licence fees and public and private radio channels must rationalise their rate structures.”
Says Salian: “Programmes such as Binaca Geet Mala anchored by the inimitable Ameen Sayani delivered tremendous value for the brand. The association was very strong and the brand was inextricably linked to the programme and the anchor. We need to replicate this success.” Techniche Media has re-positioned itself to explore the opportunity that exists in offering consultancy services to ad agencies, radio channels and advertisers.
Well, Prasar Bharati has already set the ball rolling. In fact, Prasar Bharati has grabbed Rs 906 million for the triangular one day series between India-Australia-New Zealand (10 matches during October) and two test matches ( between India and New Zealand) – with Doordarshan getting Rs 880 million and All India Radio (AIR) getting Rs 26 million.
Prasar Bharati Marketing Division director Vijay Laxmi Chhabra says: “For the first time, we created a package wherein Doordarshan and AIR were marketed jointly. The scientifically devised package ensured that AIR bagged nearly five times what it got for the India-West Indies series last year. Our effort signifies the great results that can be obtained by clubbing the two Prasar Bharati arms together and marketing them jointly.”
As Mittle says: “Most of the FM radio channels sound the same – haven’t been able to differentiate themselves much from each other. They sound like clones.”
Gold has evolved from a traditional family heritage to one of the most effective instruments for high-speed liquidity in the rapidly changing financial world of 2026. With 22K gold prices remaining stable at ₹14,440 per gram and 24K gold hitting ₹15,752 per gram as of February 21, 2026, the Indian gold market is seeing a historic increase. A rather small quantity of jewels can now unleash significant cash due to their increased worth.
Finding the best gold loan, however, takes more than simply visiting the closest branch because there are several banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) vying for your business. It necessitates a strategic grasp of how lenders set their product prices. The cost of borrowing in 2026 is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” number; rather, it is a variable that depends on your loan amount, the state of the market, and particular regulation slabs. You may make sure that you leverage your gold holdings at the best gold loan interest rates by taking a methodical approach.
Recognise the Tiered LTV Framework for 2026
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) introduction of tiered Loan-to-Value (LTV) criteria is one of the biggest changes. Depending on your unique financial needs, this policy directly affects which lender can provide you with the best gold loan.
The LTV limitations for 2026 are set up as follows:
- Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: 85% LTV eligibility
- Loans up to 80% LTV are eligible for those between ₹2.5 Lakh and ₹5 Lakh
- Loans over ₹5 lakh are eligible for up to 75% LTV
You must match your borrowing with these levels to determine the lowest gold loan interest rate. Because there is less risk involved, a lender may frequently give a cheaper rate for a 75% LTV plan than for an 85% LTV plan. Choosing a lower LTV bracket is a tried-and-true method to get the finest gold loan conditions if you don’t require the highest amount of cash on hand.
Compare the Offerings of Banks and NBFCs
The best gold loan is determined by your preference for quickness or cheaper cost. The service and pricing differences between ordinary banks and specialised gold lending NBFCs have grown.
Public and Private Banks: The interest rates on gold loans offered by public and private banks are often the lowest on the market, frequently beginning as low as 8.75% to 9.50% annually. Borrowers seeking a long-term or overdraft-like facility who already have a savings account will find it appropriate.
NBFCs: They are the industry leader in offering a genuine, rapid gold loan experience, even if their interest rates may be a little higher than those of banks. They are frequently the best gold loan option for urgent needs when speed surpasses a 1% yearly cost difference, thanks to doorstep services and quick disbursals.
Make Use of Purity’s Power
The most potent “multiplier” in your loan computation is the karat of your jewellery. Lenders have shifted to highly standardised assaying procedures. Declaring high-purity materials helps you get a higher valuation and a better loan amount.
Make sure you are offering hallmarked jewels in order to receive the best gold loan. Because the collateral risk is essentially zero, hallmarked gold (BIS 916) lowers the lender’s uncertainty during appraisal and frequently enables them to provide a more alluring gold loan interest profile.
Consider the Mode of Repayment
The best gold loan is one that doesn’t negatively impact your monthly cash flow. Below are a few repayment options you may consider:
- Bullet Repayment: At the conclusion of the term, which is usually 12 months, you pay the whole amount. Although the cumulative interest cost of the gold loan may be somewhat greater, this is great for short-term liquidity.
- Monthly Interest Payment: You just pay the interest each month; the principal is paid at the end. As a result, the monthly burden is minimal.
- EMI (Principal + Interest): The most organised approach to loan closure is through EMI (principal + interest), which progressively lowers your principal and, as a result, your overall interest expense.
Use a computerised gold loan calculator to determine which option delivers the biggest savings before you sign the contract. Even a 0.5% change in the repayment schedule might save you thousands of rupees on a big loan in the expensive year of 2026.
Be Aware of Unexpected Fees and Penalties
High administrative costs can occasionally be concealed by a low headline interest rate on gold loans. Searching for the finest gold loan requires you to consider the “Total Cost of Credit.”
- Processing costs: For loans up to ₹3 lakh in 2026, several banks provide “Nil” processing costs.
- Make sure valuation fees are clear and do not represent a portion of the loan balance.
- Prepayment and Foreclosure Penalties: You shouldn’t have to pay a large penalty if you decide to end your gold loan early.
- Late Payment Fees: Examine gold loan interest “steps up” if you fail to make a payment. Some lenders charge 2% monthly punitive interest on the past-due balance, which can easily get out of hand.
Conclusion
Finding the greatest gold loan in 2026 requires striking a balance between the historic worth of your gold, i.e., ₹14,440 per gram, and a lender who understands your desire for quickness and transparency. You may make sure that your gold is a bridge to your financial objectives rather than a burden by comparing the tiered LTV brackets and selecting a repayment schedule that corresponds with your income. The knowledgeable borrower usually prevails in a market where gold loan interest rates are more competitive than ever. Spend some time evaluating at least three lenders, confirming that they are in accordance with the RBI as of 2026, and confidently discovering the actual worth of your assets.
FAQs
How much can I borrow in gold today, per gram?
The maximum credit amount for loans under ₹2.5 lakh (85% LTV) is around ₹12,274 per gram as of February 21, 2026, when 22K gold is valued at ₹14,440 per gram. Make sure your decorations are made of pure gold with minimal stone deductions to receive the greatest gold loan value.
Does my gold loan interest rate depend on my credit score?
In general, no. The majority of lenders offering a quick gold loan do not significantly rely on your CIBIL score because it is a secured loan. However, with certain private banks in 2026, having a solid credit history might help you get greater loan amounts or “preferred” gold loan interest rates.
How can I figure out how much interest is due on a gold loan?
The straightforward calculation is as follows: Principal x Annual Rate x Tenure (in years). Many lenders include a best gold loan calculator on their smartphones for a more accurate 2026 figure. This tool automatically adjusts for your selected repayment method and particular LTV tier.
In 2026, would I be able to obtain a gold loan for 18K jewellery?
Yes, most lenders accept 18K gold. However, the interest rate on the gold loan and the value per gram will be different because the purity is 75% as opposed to 91.6% for 22K. Before using the current market cost of ₹14,440 per gram, lenders first convert your 18K weight into a 22K equivalent.
If I close my gold loan early, will I be penalised?
Prepayment penalties are not imposed by the majority of respectable lenders providing the best gold loan in 2026. However, if you end the loan nearly immediately after disbursement, some may demand a minimum interest payment of seven to fifteen days. Verify your agreement’s “Foreclosure” clause at all times.
