Are you interested in helping people who don’t have easy access to banks? The IIBF BC Basic Exam is the first step to becoming a certified Business Correspondent (BC). Conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), this exam allows you to work with banks and serve rural and underbanked areas. In this 2026 guide, you’ll find everything about the IIBF BC Basic Exam 2026 – syllabus, eligibility, pattern, registration, study material, and preparation tips.
What is the IIBF BC Basic Exam?
The IIBF BC Basic Exam is a nationally recognized certification. It is designed for those aiming to work as Business Correspondents or Business Facilitators (BC/BF) in India’s banking sector. This role bridges the gap between rural communities and formal banking services. Appointed BCs are helping deliver essential financial products and advice directly to unbanked and underbanked citizens. This certification is mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the certification ensures that candidates possess the necessary banking, technical, and customer service skills.
There are two certification levels:
- Basic Certification: Suitable for BCs handling essential transactions—deposits, cash-in/cash-out, remittances, payments, etc.
- Advanced Certification: For BCs handling full-spectrum BC responsibilities as regulated by RBI
This guide focuses on the IIBF BC Basic Exam, which remains the prerequisite for all aspiring BCs.
Eligibility Criteria for BC Basic Exam
As Per the IIBF’s official documentation, IIBF BC Basic Exam Eligibility Criteria as follows:
- Basic training of 28 hours is mandatory before appearing for the BC Basic exam.
- Training can be done via IIBF-approved institutions including Banks, BIRD, NIESBUD, or IIBM
- NIESBUD offers 4-day Basic Certification Training priced at approximately ₹2,124 (online) and ₹3,186 (offline)
- Candidates must complete training and then apply for the examination via IIBF—only those who register via the BC Programme Dashboard after training can appear for the exam niesbud.nic.in
Latest Syllabus (Updated 2026)
The IIBF BC Basic syllabus comprises four modules, covering foundational banking, financial inclusion, technical skills, and behavioural competencies.
Module A – General Banking & Financial Inclusion
- Structure of Indian Banking System & functions of banks
- Types of deposit schemes, demand deposits, remittances, DICGC insurance
- Account opening, onboarding, KYC, RBI account operations, closing accounts
- Accounting, interest basics, operations
- Grievance redressal, Banking Ombudsman Scheme
- Financial inclusion: RBI initiatives, BC/BF model, tech’s role in inclusion
- BC/BF model details: roles, eligibility, BC vs BF, responsibilities
Module B – Technical Skills
- Handling Micro-ATMs, biometric devices, connectivity issues, IT-enabled financial inclusion
- Digital banking products: cards, mobile banking, net banking, ATMs, POS, Aadhaar e-KYC, RuPay cards, UPI/BHIM/Bharat QR, APBS, AEPS
Module D – Soft Skills and Behavioural Aspects
- Communication, financial counselling, financial literacy, role of RBI in financial education
- Customer handling: different customer types, building trust, complaint handling, duties of a bank
- Soft skills strategies for recovery (only in advanced module; earlier chapters focus on counselling and customer handling)
Exam Pattern and Passing Marks
The exam structure is clearly outlined by IIBF:
| Certification Level | Basic Certification |
| Exam Mode | Online Only |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Questions Type | MCQ |
| Marks | 50 |
| Duration | 1 Hour |
| Passing Marks | 25 |
| Negative Marking | None |
Registration Process (Step by Step)
Complete 28 hours training through IIBF-approved trainer such as NIESBUD, BIRD or IIBM
Enroll in a Basic Certification Program via NIESBUD site—options include online (4 days, ₹2,124) and offline (₹3,186)
After training, visit IIBF’s BC Programme Dashboard to register for the Basic Exam niesbud.nic.in
Choose the exam date & center, pay the applicable exam fee, and download the admit card accordingly.
Appear for the online exam at the designated center on the scheduled date.
Fees & Training Requirements (28-Hours Rule)
Training Fee (via NIESBUD):
- Online Basic Program (4 days): ₹2,124 (incl. GST)
- Offline Basic Program (4 days): ₹3,186
Training Duration: Minimum 28 hours, typically delivered over 4 days
Exam Fee: ₹400/- + GST
Training is mandatory, and only after its completion you can register for the iibf bc basic exam.
FAQs
What is the training duration requirement?
A minimum of 28 hours of training is mandatory before exam eligibility.
Who provides IIBF BC Basic training?
IIBF-approved trainers including Banks, BIRD, NIESBUD, or IIBM.
How many questions and time for Basic Exam?
50 MCQs, 60 minutes, no negative marking.
What’s the passing mark?
25 out of 50 (50%) is required to pass the exam.
Fee details?
Training: ₹2,124 (online) or ₹3,186 (offline) via NIESBUD
Exam: ₹400 + GST
Validity of Certificate?
No renewal rule mentioned; certificate likely valid unless IIBF updates policy.
Language availability?
Exam is available in English, Hindi, and several vernacular languages.