A professional loan, also known as a professional practice loan, is a type of loan offered to individuals who are professionals in various fields such as doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, engineers, architects, and other self-employed individuals. The loan is designed to meet their specific financial needs related to their profession, such as setting up or expanding their practice, purchasing equipment, or meeting working capital requirements.

Eligibility criteria for a professional loan can vary from one financial institution to another, but generally, they might include:

1. Profession: The applicant should be a qualified and practicing professional in a recognized field, such as medicine, law, accountancy, engineering, etc.

2. Experience: Some lenders might require a minimum number of years of professional experience, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years.

3. Income: Lenders usually evaluate the applicants income stability and capacity to repay the loan. A certain minimum income threshold might be required to qualify for the loan.

4. Age: The applicants age should typically fall within a certain range, often between 25 to 65 years.

5. Credit History: A good credit history and credit score are usually required to demonstrate the applicants creditworthiness.

6. Collateral or Security: Depending on the loan amount and terms, lenders might ask for collateral or security, such as property, as a form of assurance for repayment.

7. Business Plan: If the loan is for starting a new practice or expanding an existing one, a comprehensive business plan might be required to showcase the viability and potential of the professional practice.

8. Documents: Applicants are typically required to provide documents such as proof of identity, address, professional qualifications, income tax returns, bank statements, and business details.

9. Loan Purpose: The loan purpose should align with the intended professional use, such as setting up a clinic, buying medical equipment, renovating an office, etc.

It is important to note that loan terms and eligibility criteria can vary significantly among different financial institutions. Therefore, its recommended to contact banks, credit unions, or other lending institutions directly to get precise information about their professional loan offerings and eligibility requirements. Always carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan before proceeding.