Basics3 min read · Updated 17 October 2026
Home loan amortisation schedule: why early EMIs are mostly interest
Read your repayment schedule: how each EMI splits into interest and principal, why the first years are almost all interest, and when the balance finally falls fast.
What the schedule shows
An amortisation (repayment) schedule lists every EMI with how much is interest, how much is principal and the balance left. Interest each month is the balance times the monthly rate, and the rest of the EMI repays principal. Early on the balance is high, so interest is high.
The split by year on ₹50 lakh
| Year | Interest paid | Principal repaid | Interest share of EMIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ₹4,21,182 | ₹99,511 | 81% |
| 5 | ₹3,81,053 | ₹1,39,641 | 73% |
| 10 | ₹3,07,420 | ₹2,13,274 | 59% |
| 15 | ₹1,94,961 | ₹3,25,733 | 37% |
| 20 | ₹23,202 | ₹4,97,492 | 4% |
What this means for you
- Prepaying in the first years removes the most future interest. See the extra EMI trick.
- A switch to a cheaper lender pays most when the balance is still high. See is a balance transfer worth it.
- Tax benefits on interest are largest in the early years, when you pay the most interest.
How to get your own schedule
Ask your lender for the repayment schedule or download it from its app. Check it after any rate change or part-payment, because the tenure or EMI may have changed. If your EMI did not change after a rate cut, see why.
Common questions
What is an amortisation schedule?
A table of every EMI showing the interest, the principal repaid and the balance left.
Why is most of my EMI interest in the early years?
Interest is charged on the balance, which is highest at the start, so a bigger share of the EMI goes to interest.
When does principal start to exceed interest?
On this example, after about 11.9 years. It depends on the rate and tenure.