Mandatory IIBF-BC Certification Examination for Banking Correspondents – Compliance and Logistics

File Number: No. 3-1/2019-PBI

Issuing Authority: Government of India, Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts (PBI Division)

Date: 09 May 2025

Subject: IIBF-BC Certification Examination

Key Points:

Mandatory Certification:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates all Banking Correspondents (BCs) to be certified exclusively through the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF).

Referenced RBI letter: FIDD.CO.FID.No.783/12.01.2011/2018-19 dated 03.10.2018.

• Indian Banks' Association (IBA) reinforced this requirement via Circular No. SB/CIR./FI-BC/2019-20/7551 dated 05.07.2019, with recertification deadline set for 31.03.2022.

Certification Process Update:

• Approximately 70,000 end-users were certified through Western Union Certified Training Centers (WCTC) until the process was paused by IIBF from 01.04.2024.
• Certification has now resumed, with tentative exam dates in May 2025: 22nd May and 29th May.

Instructions for Circles:

• Provide logistical support for smooth conduct of IIBF exams at WCTCs.

Direct BCs (End Users) to:

• Register for the exam by paying ₹250 + GST (hybrid mode at WCTC centers).
• Fees will be reimbursed upon passing, credited to their IPPB account.
• Re-examination fee remains ₹250 + GST.
• IPPB Branches will assist candidates with registration and preparation.

Enclosure:

• A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been circulated by IPPB to all branches and Circles.

Signatory:

(Withilesh Kumar Mandal), Assistant Director General (PBI-II)

Distribution:

To: All Chief Postmasters General (CPMsG).

Copy to: Managing Director & CEO, IPPB (for information).