CAIIB Pass Marks, Attempts and Carry-Forward
You get 5 attempts in a 3-year block, and two distinct ways to clear each paper. The rules reward planning ahead.
CAIIB gives you up to 5 attempts within a 3-year block. Each paper needs 50 out of 100 to clear, with one alternative: at least 45 in every paper plus a 50% aggregate (250 out of 500) in a single sitting clears them all together. Papers you clear carry forward within the block, so you only ever re-attempt what you failed.
Those three rules, the pass mark, the block, and carry-forward, decide how you should plan your papers. This page works through each.
You save ₹500 today
- Paper-wise mock tests
- Numericals with solutions
- Case-based MCQs
One payment, no subscription · Valid for 6 months
What Are the CAIIB Pass Marks?
The CAIIB pass mark is 50 out of 100 per paper. Alternatively, a candidate who scores at least 45 in each paper in a single sitting, with an overall aggregate of 50% (250 out of 500), clears all papers at once. There is no negative marking in any paper.
The Two Routes to a Pass
Per paper
Condition
50/100 in that paper
Who it helps
Anyone, including candidates spreading papers across cycles
Aggregate
Condition
45+ in every paper and 250/500 overall, in one sitting
Who it helps
Only candidates attempting all papers in a single sitting
| Route | Condition | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Per paper | 50/100 in that paper | Anyone, including candidates spreading papers across cycles |
| Aggregate | 45+ in every paper and 250/500 overall, in one sitting | Only candidates attempting all papers in a single sitting |
How the 5-Attempt, 3-Year Block Works
- check_circleThe block gives you up to 5 attempts across 3 years from enrolment.
- check_circleA cleared paper stays cleared for the rest of the block; you re-attempt only failed papers.
- check_circleAfter 5 attempts or 3 years, whichever comes first, remaining credits lapse and you must re-enrol.
- check_circleExams run twice a year, May-June and November-December, so the block spans roughly six exam cycles.
Know your level before you spend an attempt.
Planning Papers Around the Block
The carry-forward rule rewards sequencing. Many working bankers sit two or three papers in their first cycle rather than all five, giving each paper real preparation time instead of splitting attention five ways. A cleared BFM in cycle one is banked; a narrowly failed all-five attempt banks nothing.
The counterweight is the 3-year clock. Spreading papers too thin leaves no buffer for a failed paper near the end of the block, and a lapsed block means starting over.
On Fees: Check IIBF Directly
The CAIIB examination fee is set by IIBF per attempt block and revised between cycles, so we do not quote a figure here. The current fee is shown on the IIBF portal during registration and on IIBF's CAIIB page.
FAQs
How many attempts do I get for CAIIB?expand_more
Up to 5 attempts within a 3-year block. Cleared papers carry forward within the block; once it lapses, you must re-enrol.
What happens if I fail one CAIIB paper?expand_more
Only that paper needs re-attempting. Papers already cleared stay cleared for the rest of your 3-year block.
Is 45 marks ever enough to pass a CAIIB paper?expand_more
Only via the aggregate route: at least 45 in every paper plus a 50% aggregate (250/500), all in a single sitting. Outside that, a paper needs 50/100.
What happens after the 3-year block ends?expand_more
Remaining credits lapse. Continuing means enrolling for a fresh block, so plan a buffer cycle or two before the deadline.
Next steps
Start free CAIIB practiceNo signup. Protect your attempts by testing yourself first.