IIBF BC/BF: pattern, syllabus and eligibility
The certificate bank business correspondents need: Basic and Advanced levels.
Banks appoint Business Correspondents and Facilitators (BCs/BFs) to offer basic banking in villages and towns without a branch. The RBI expects BC agents to be trained and certified, and IIBF's BC/BF certificate is the standard route. It has a Basic level and an Advanced level, and candidates usually complete training at an RBI-mandated institute first.
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Eligibility Criteria
schoolEducation
Open to persons working, or wishing to work, as business correspondents or facilitators of a bank. Candidates generally complete training at an RBI-mandated institution (such as NIESBUD, BIRD or IIBM) first, unless exempted.
cakeAge Limit
No upper age limit; the bank engaging the BC sets its own minimum.
flagNationality
Offered within India.
Exam Pattern
The certificate has two levels. The Basic exam is out of 50 marks with a pass mark of 25, and the Advanced exam is out of 100 marks with a pass mark of 50. Exams are held in classroom mode at test centres, with registration windows of about two weeks each quarter. Check the current rules document for question counts and timing.
Basic level
Classroom, objective| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Banking basics for BCs | - | 50 |
Advanced level
Classroom, objective| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced BC operations | - | 100 |
Key Topics & Syllabus
Banking for BCs
- check_circleDeposit and loan products
- check_circleFinancial inclusion and PMJDY
- check_circleRemittances and micro-insurance
BC operations
- check_circleOpening accounts and KYC
- check_circleCash handling and record keeping
- check_circleDigital and Aadhaar-enabled payments
Conduct and customer care
- check_circleCode of conduct for BCs
- check_circleFraud prevention
- check_circleGrievance redressal
Career Roles & Salary
Bank Business Correspondent / CSP operator
Commission-based, set by the bank or BC company
Runs a customer service point offering deposits, withdrawals, remittances and account opening for a bank.
How to Prepare
Get engaged by a bank or BC company
Most candidates register through the bank or corporate BC they will work for.
Complete mandated training
Finish the training at an RBI-mandated institute, or claim an exemption where allowed.
Register in the quarterly window
IIBF publishes BC/BF exam schedules each quarter.
Pass the Basic or Advanced exam
Basic needs 25 of 50 marks; Advanced needs 50 of 100.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Exam schedule | Published quarterly on iibf.org.in |
* Dates are indicative based on historical patterns. Check the official website for confirmed dates.
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IIBF BC/BF practice is coming soon. Use the pattern and syllabus on this page to plan your study.
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- CAIIBCertified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers
- IIBF AML/KYCIIBF Certificate in AML / KYC
- IIBF DRA (Debt Recovery Agent)IIBF Certificate Examination for Debt Recovery Agents
- IIBF International Trade FinanceIIBF Certificate in International Trade Finance
IIBF BC/BF guides
- SyllabusThe IIBF BC/BF syllabus by area, with the topics each one covers.
- Exam PatternThe IIBF BC/BF exam pattern: format, marks, duration and pass rules.
- EligibilityWho can take IIBF BC/BF: education, age and other conditions.
- Registration & DatesHow to register for IIBF BC/BF and where the dates are published.
- Study MaterialWhat to study for IIBF BC/BF, and where to find official material.
- Financial InclusionFinancial inclusion means giving people affordable access to banking, credit, insurance and pensions.
- Business CorrespondentA business correspondent is an agent engaged by a bank to give basic banking services where it has no branch.
- Business FacilitatorA business facilitator supports a bank by identifying customers, spreading awareness and helping with paperwork, but does not handle cash transactions.
- PMJDYPradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is the national mission for financial inclusion, launched in 2014.
- BSBDAA Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account is a no-frills account with no minimum balance requirement, meant to make banking easy to start.
- KYC BasicsKYC, or Know Your Customer, is how a bank confirms a customer's identity and address.
- AePSThe Aadhaar Enabled Payment System lets customers do basic banking through a BC using Aadhaar number and biometric authentication.
IIBF BC/BF FAQ
Is the BC/BF certificate mandatory?
Banks follow RBI guidance that business correspondent agents be trained and certified, so most banks require it before or soon after engagement.
What is the difference between Basic and Advanced?
Basic covers what every BC agent needs (50 marks). Advanced goes further into operations and products (100 marks).
Does PrepClever have IIBF BC/BF mock tests?
Not yet. IIBF BC/BF practice is coming soon. Until then, this page covers the pattern, syllabus and eligibility.
Ready to crack IIBF BC/BF?
IIBF BC/BF practice is coming soon. Until then, this page covers the pattern, syllabus and eligibility.