IIBF Microfinance: pattern, syllabus and eligibility
IIBF's certificate for staff of banks, MFIs and NBFC-MFIs working in microfinance.
The Certificate Course in Microfinance covers financial inclusion, microfinance delivery models (SHG-bank linkage, JLGs and MFIs), the regulatory framework for microfinance loans and the operations of a microfinance institution.
IIBF Microfinance mock tests & question bank
Coming soon
We're building IIBF Microfinance practice on PrepClever. Until it launches, this page has the pattern, syllabus and eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
schoolEducation
Open to IIBF members and non-members, including staff of banks, MFIs, NBFC-MFIs and NGOs.
cakeAge Limit
No age limit.
flagNationality
Offered within India.
Exam Pattern
IIBF Microfinance is a single online exam of 120 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks in 2 hours, in English. There is no negative marking, and the pass mark is 50 out of 100 under IIBF's current rules. Check the rules booklet for the attempt window and fee before registering.
IIBF Certificate Course in Microfinance
Online120 min| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Single paper (all modules) | 120 | 100 |
Key Topics & Syllabus
Microfinance concepts
- check_circlePoverty, financial inclusion and microfinance
- check_circleSHG-bank linkage and joint liability groups
- check_circleMicrofinance institutions and their legal forms
Products and operations
- check_circleMicrocredit, micro-savings and micro-insurance
- check_circleLoan appraisal and repayment
- check_circlePortfolio quality and risk
Regulation
- check_circleRBI framework for microfinance loans
- check_circlePricing, fair practices and over-indebtedness
- check_circleGrievance redressal
Career Roles & Salary
Microfinance Officer / Branch Manager
MFI and bank pay scales
Sources, manages and monitors group and individual microloans.
How to Prepare
Read the rules booklet
Download the current rules & syllabus PDF from iibf.org.in for the fee, attempt window and pass mark.
Register on the IIBF portal
Apply as a member or non-member and choose an exam date in the open window.
Study the courseware
IIBF publishes official courseware for the certificate through its publisher.
Take the online exam
120 questions in 2 hours with no negative marking, so answer every question. You need 50 marks to pass.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Exam windows | Several windows a year (see the IIBF exam calendar) |
* Dates are indicative based on historical patterns. Check the official website for confirmed dates.
Prepare for IIBF Microfinance the smarter way
IIBF Microfinance practice is coming soon. Use the pattern and syllabus on this page to plan your study.
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IIBF Microfinance guides
- SyllabusThe IIBF Microfinance syllabus by area, with the topics each one covers.
- Exam PatternThe IIBF Microfinance exam pattern: format, marks, duration and pass rules.
- EligibilityWho can take IIBF Microfinance: education, age and other conditions.
- Registration & DatesHow to register for IIBF Microfinance and where the dates are published.
- Study MaterialWhat to study for IIBF Microfinance, and where to find official material.
- What Is MicrofinanceMicrofinance gives small loans and other financial services to low-income households without traditional collateral.
- Poverty & InclusionLack of access to finance keeps poor households dependent on informal lenders.
- SHG-Bank LinkagePioneered by NABARD, the SHG-bank linkage programme lets banks lend to savings groups.
- Joint Liability GroupsA JLG is a small group of borrowers who take loans together and share responsibility for repayment.
- Grameen ModelThe Grameen model, from Bangladesh, lends to small groups with regular meetings and repayment.
- NBFC-MFIAn NBFC-MFI is a non-banking finance company focused on microfinance, regulated by RBI.
- Legal FormsMFIs can be societies, trusts, Section 8 companies, NBFCs or cooperatives.
IIBF Microfinance FAQ
Is there negative marking?
No. A wrong answer costs nothing, so attempt every question.
What is the pass mark?
50 out of 100 under IIBF's current rules.
Is this mandatory for MFI staff?
It is not a legal requirement, but many MFIs and banks use it to train and assess field and branch staff.
Does PrepClever have IIBF Microfinance mock tests?
Not yet. IIBF Microfinance practice is coming soon. Until then, this page covers the pattern, syllabus and eligibility.
Ready to crack IIBF Microfinance?
IIBF Microfinance practice is coming soon. Until then, this page covers the pattern, syllabus and eligibility.