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Certificate Examination for Business Correspondents (BC/BF): A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

To promote financial inclusion in India, the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have launched several initiatives. One of the key players in achieving financial inclusion is the Business Correspondent (BC), who acts as a bridge between the bank and the local community, especially in rural and underserved areas. BCs play a critical role as the first point of contact for people looking to access banking services, making their training and certification essential.

 

In this context, the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) conducts a certificate examination designed to provide BCs with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform their roles. This article provides an overview of the certificate examination for Business Correspondents (BCs), its structure, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and other essential details.

Objective of the Certification

The IIBF’s certificate examination for Business Correspondents is aimed at enhancing the BCs’ understanding of banking operations. The certification equips BCs with knowledge about banking services, remittances, and payment systems, thereby enabling them to contribute effectively to the financial inclusion agenda. This course ensures that BCs have the necessary skillset to assist customers, especially those from marginalized sections, in accessing banking services.

Syllabus Outline

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has designated IIBF as the sole certifying agency for the BCs working with Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Payments Banks. The syllabus has been structured to meet the different needs of BCs working with various banks. Since the scope of Payments Banks is narrower compared to SCBs, the syllabus for Payments Banks’ BCs has been rationalized.

Syllabus Details:

  1. Module A:
  • Relevant to Payments Banks, covering topics such as liability management, remittances, and general banking services.
  • 50 questions, 50 marks, 1-hour duration.
  1. Module B:
  • Covers additional topics applicable to BCs of SCBs.
  • 50 questions, 50 marks, 1-hour duration.

Examination Pattern

  • Each module consists of 50 objective-type questions.
  • No negative marking for wrong answers.
  • The examination is conducted online.

Subject of Examination

The certification exam has two modules:

  1. Module A: Inclusive Banking through Business Correspondents – Payments Banks (covers liability management, remittances, and general banking).
  2. Module B: Inclusive Banking through Business Correspondents – SCBs (covers additional topics required by SCBs).

Passing Criteria

  • To pass the exam, candidates must score a minimum of 40% in each module, i.e., at least 20 out of 50 marks.

Eligibility

  • Module A: Applicable to BCs of Payments Banks.
  • Module B: Applicable to BCs of SCBs, but only for those who have cleared Module A and are subsequently appointed by an SCB.

Mode of Conduct and Examination Fees

  • The exam will be conducted under a Hybrid Model.
  • IIBF, in consultation with banks, will decide the modalities for conducting the exams.
  • Examination fees and other related details are outlined in Annexure II of the official notification.

Medium of Examination

The examination is conducted in multiple languages to cater to a wide audience. The languages available include:

  • English, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Assamese.

The exam is conducted in bilingual mode, allowing flexibility for candidates.

Pattern and Duration of Examination

  • For both Module A and Module B:
  • Each module will contain 50 questions for 50 marks.
  • The duration of each module is 1 hour.
  • The exam will be held in online mode only.

Periodicity and Examination Centers

  • The frequency of examinations and the availability of centers will be determined by the banks in consultation with IIBF. Exams will be conducted on mutually agreed dates.

Pre-Application Requirements

Before applying online for the examination, candidates need to ensure the following:

  1. Scanned documents:
  • Photograph (100 x 120 pixels, size 8KB–20KB)
  • Signature (140 x 60 pixels, size 8KB–20KB)
  • ID Proof (400 x 420 pixels, size 8KB–25KB)
  • Accepted ID proofs include Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Employer ID, PAN Card, or Passport.
  1. Online payment: Candidates should have their credit/debit card or net banking details ready for payment.
  2. Email ID: Candidates must have a valid email ID to receive the admit letter, which will be sent electronically and will also be available on the IIBF website.

Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) and Financial Literacy Credit Counseling Centres (FLCCs) are available to help familiarize candidates with the online registration process.

Study Material/Courseware

IIBF has developed comprehensive courseware that covers the syllabus for both modules. The Institute has also published a book titled ‘Inclusive Banking Through Business Correspondents’ in multiple languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Oriya, Telugu, Bengali, Assamese, and Malayalam). The courseware is available at the outlets of M/s. Taxmann Publication Pvt. Ltd. and can be accessed for in-depth study.

Question Answer Link: Click

Conclusion

The Business Correspondent Certification Examination conducted by IIBF is an essential qualification for individuals involved in promoting financial inclusion through Payments Banks and SCBs. It not only provides BCs with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective banking services but also ensures that they can confidently represent banks in remote areas, helping to bridge the financial gap between rural and urban India.

For more details, candidates are encouraged to visit the IIBF website or consult with their respective banks for guidance on the examination process and materials.