IIBF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENTS / FACILITATORS Exam Information & Mock Tests

Certificate Examination for Business Correspondents/ Business Facilitators

(Basic and Advanced)

INTRODUCTION

In order to ensure financial inclusion, several initiatives have been taken by the Government of India and Reserve Bank of India. Business Correspondents (BCs) play an important role in achieving financial inclusion. The BCs act as a bridge between Bank branches and the people in the area. A BC is the first point of contact and the front face of the bank branch to the people. In order to enable the BCs to be more effective, they need to be imparted the desired level of knowledge. In this context, the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) has developed the Certificate Examination for Business Correspondents/Business Facilitators in two levels: Basic & Advanced Certifications.

OBJECTIVE:

This course is aimed at providing the knowledge inputs and skills set to BCs/BFs. The structure of the courses are, therefore to provide basic knowledge in banking operations and help the BCs/BFs in developing an overall understanding of the subject.

SYLLABUS:

In consultation with RBI, the syllabus for the BC certification has been revised. The detailed syllabus for both the levels of certifications the examination is indicated in IIBF website Syllabus pdf Annexure- I.

The detailed syllabus for the examination is indicated in Annexure- I of syllabus pdf(Business Correspondents page in IIBF website)

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION:

Inclusive Banking Through Business Correspondents (Basic Certification)
Inclusive Banking Through Business Correspondents (Advanced Certification)

PASSING CRITERIA:

The minimum marks for passing the BC Certification examination are detailed below:

• For Basic Certification: Minimum marks for passing will be 50%, i.e., 25 out of 50 marks.
• For Advanced Certification: Minimum marks for passing will be 50%, i.e., 50 out of 100 marks.

MEDIUM OF EXAMINATION:

Examination will be conducted in English, Hindi and other vernacular languages viz., Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Assamese. The examination will be conducted in bilingual mode.

PATTERN AND DURATION OF EXAMINATION:

• The examination will be held in Online mode only.
• There will NOT be negative marking for wrong answers.
• The pattern of exam for the BC’s of the Banks is outlined as under:

The Institute may, however, vary the number of questions to be asked for a subject.

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Syllabus for the Certificate Examination for BCs / BFs (Basic Certification)

Inclusive Banking Thro’ Business Correspondents (Basic Course)

Module A : GENERAL BANKING

• Chapter 1: Structure of Indian Banking and Types of Banks
  • 1.1 Objectives
  • 1.2 Introduction
  • 1.3 Need of Banking Services
  • 1.4 Meaning of a Bank
  • 1.5 Structure of Indian Banking System
  • 1.6 Functions of Banks
  • 1.7 Regulation and Supervision of Banking in India
  • 1.8 Recent Trends in Banking
• Chapter 2: Various Deposit Schemes and other Services
  • 2.1 Objectives
  • 2.2 Introduction
  • 2.3 Types of Deposits
  • 2.4 Demand Deposits
  • 2.5 Term Deposits (Excluding Hybrid Deposits or Flexi Deposits)
  • 2.6 Insurance of Bank Deposits by DICGC
  • 2.7 Remittances
• Chapter 3: Account Opening, on-Boarding Process, KYC Mechanism and Operations
  • 3.1 Objectives
  • 3.2 Introduction
  • 3.3 Procedure for Opening an Account (including Aadhaar based opening process)
  • 3.4 Photographs of depositors
  • 3.5 Specimen Signature
  • 3.6 Nomination
  • 3.7 Prevention of Money Laundering
  • 3.8 RBI Guidelines in regard to AML/KYC
  • 3.9 Closing an Account
• Chapter 4: Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Banks and Banking Ombudsman Scheme
  • 4.1 Objectives
  • 4.2 Introduction
  • 4.3 Meaning of Grievance
  • 4.4 Common Grievances of the Small Customers
  • 4.5 Model Policy on Grievance Redressal and its Principles
  • 4.6 Customer Complaint
  • 4.7 Present Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Banks
  • 4.8 Banking Ombudsman Scheme

Module B : FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ROLE OF BCAs

• Chapter 5: Financial Inclusion and Banking for the Unbanked
  • 5.1 Objectives
  • 5.2 Introduction
  • 5.3 What is Financial Inclusion?
  • 5.4 Need for Financial Inclusion
  • 5.5 Present Banking Scenario
  • 5.6 Initiatives of Reserve Bank of India
  • 5.7 Business Correspondent and Business Facilitator Model
  • 5.8 Role of Technology in Financial Inclusion
• Chapter 6: BC/BF Model: A Vehicle for Financial Inclusion
  • 6.1 Objectives
  • 6.2 Introduction
  • 6.3 Need for the BC/BF Model
  • 6.4 Role and Responsibilities of Business Correspondents/ Business Facilitators
  • 6.5 Who can be the Business Facilitators?
  • 6.6 Who can be Business Correspondents?
  • 6.7 Business Facilitators: Scope of Activities
  • 6.8 Business Correspondents: Scope of Activities
  • 6.9 Business Correspondent VS. Business Facilitator
  • 6.10 Eligibility Criteria for Engaging Business Correspondents/Business Facilitators
• Chapter 7: Risk and Fraud Management
  • 7.1 Objectives
  • 7.2 Introduction
  • 7.3 Risk and fraud from the perspective of BCAs
  • 7.4 Risk and Fraud Management
  • 7.5 Do's and Don'ts for BC/BF including ethical practices to be followed while sourcing asset and liability products.
• Chapter 8: PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY AND APY
  • 8.1 Objective
  • 8.2 Introduction
  • 8.3 Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
  • 8.4 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
  • 8.5 Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
  • 8.6 Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
  • 8.7 NPS/NPS – Swavalamban

Module C : TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Chapter 9: Basic Technical Skills (handling Micro-ATMs, Biometric and other Devices, Basic Connectivity issues)
  • 9.1 Objectives
  • 9.2 Introduction
  • 9.3 IT Enabled Financial Inclusion Using BC Model
  • 9.4 Technology for Low Cost Financial Inclusion
• Chapter 10: Digital Banking Products
  • 10.1 Objectives
  • 10.2 Introduction
  • 10.3 Need for Digital Banking
  • 10.4 Various types of Cards
  • 10.5 Mobile Banking
  • 10.6 Internet Banking
  • 10.7 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
  • 10.8 POS (Point-Of-Sale) Terminals and Micro ATM
  • 10.9 Aadhaar Seeding and e-KYC
  • 10.10 APBS and AEPS
  • 10.11 RuPay Cards
  • 10.12 UPI, BHIM and Bharat QR

Module D : SOFT SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS

• Chapter 11: Communication and Financial Counselling (Including Financial Literacy and Financial Education)
  • 11.1 Importance of Financial Education for Banks
  • 11.2 Role of RBI in Financial Literacy
• Chapter 12: How to Deal with Different Types of Customers?
  • 12.1 Objective
  • 12.2 Introduction
  • 12.3 Soft skills and hard skills
  • 12.4 Soft Skills to Build Relationships
  • 12.5 Dealing with different types of customers
  • 12.6 How to maintain trust in the client relationship?
  • 12.7 How to deal with a complaint?
  • 12.8 Do's and Don'ts for handling Customer Complaints
  • 12.9 Duties of a Bank

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Syllabus for the Certificate Examination for BCs / BFs (Advanced Certification)

Inclusive Banking Thro’ Business Correspondents (Advanced Course)

Module A : GENERAL BANKING

• Chapter 1: Structure of Indian Banking and Types of Banks
  • 1.1 Objectives
  • 1.2 Introduction
  • 1.3 Need of Banking Services
  • 1.4 Meaning of a Bank
  • 1.5 Structure of Indian Banking System
  • 1.6 Functions of Banks
  • 1.7 Regulation and Supervision of Banking in India
  • 1.8 Recent Trends in Banking
• Chapter 2: Various Deposit Schemes and other Services
  • 2.1 Objectives
  • 2.2 Introduction
  • 2.3 Types of Deposits
  • 2.4 Demand Deposits
  • 2.5 Term Deposits (Excluding Hybrid Deposits or Flexi Deposits)
  • 2.6 Insurance of Bank Deposits by DICGC
  • 2.7 Remittances
• Chapter 3: Account Opening, On-Boarding Process, KYC Mechanism and Operations
  • 3.1 Objectives
  • 3.2 Introduction
  • 3.3 Procedure for Opening an Account (including Aadhaar based opening process)
  • 3.4 Photographs of depositors
  • 3.5 Specimen Signature
  • 3.6 Nomination
  • 3.7 Prevention of Money Laundering
  • 3.8 RBI Guidelines in regard to AML/KYC
  • 3.9 Closing an Account
• Chapter 4: Accounting, Finance & Operations
  • 4.1 Objectives
  • 4.2 Introduction
  • 4.3 Finance and Operations
  • 4.4 What is Interest? (excluding Front ended interest & flat rate of Interest)
  • 4.5 Equated Monthly Installment (EMI)
• Chapter 5: Loans Advances : Retail Lending
  • 5.1 Objectives
  • 5.2 Introduction
  • 5.3 Loans and Types of Loans
  • 5.4 Retail Lending
  • 5.5 Education Loans
  • 5.6 Housing Loans
  • 5.7 Overdrafts
  • 5.8 Micro and Small Enterprises
  • 5.9 Kisan Credit Card Scheme
• Chapter 6: Principles of Sound Lending
  • 6.1 Objectives
  • 6.2 Introduction
  • 6.3 Principles of Lending
• Chapter 7 : Asset Classification and Methods of Recovery
  • 7.1 Objectives
  • 7.2 Introduction
  • 7.3 Definition of NPA
  • 7.4 Asset Classification
  • 7.5 Important Aspects of Recovery
• Chapter 8: Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Banks and Banking Ombudsman Scheme
  • 8.1 Objectives
  • 8.2 Introduction
  • 8.3 Meaning of Grievance
  • 8.4 Common Grievances of the Small Customers
  • 8.5 Model Policy on Grievance Redressal and its Principles
  • 8.6 Customer Complaint
  • 8.7 Present Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Banks
  • 8.8 Banking Ombudsman Scheme
• Chapter 9: Overview of Financial Market
  • 9.1 Objectives
  • 9.2 Introduction
  • 9.3 Banking Sector
  • 9.4 Insurance Market
  • 9.5 Pension Market
• Chapter 10: Recent Developments in Digital Domain
  • 10.1 Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
  • 10.2 Accounts and Payments Aggregators
  • 10.3 Jan Samarth Portal
  • 10.4 Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

Module B : FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND ROLE OF BCAs

• Chapter 11: Financial Inclusion and Banking for the Unbanked
  • 11.1 Objectives
  • 11.2 Introduction
  • 11.3 What is Financial Inclusion?
  • 11.4 Need for Financial Inclusion
  • 11.5 Present Banking Scenario
  • 11.6 Initiatives of Reserve Bank of India
  • 11.7 Business Correspondent and Business Facilitator Model
  • 11.8 Role of Technology in Financial Inclusion
• Chapter 12: Microfinance and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
  • 12.1 What is Microfinance ?
  • 12.2 SHG – Definition
• Chapter 13: BC/BF Model: A Vehicle for Financial Inclusion
  • 13.1 Objectives
  • 13.2 Introduction
  • 13.3 Need for the BC/BF Model
  • 13.4 Role and Responsibilities of Business Correspondents/ Business Facilitators
  • 13.5 Who can be the Business Facilitators?
  • 13.6 Who can be Business Correspondents?
  • 13.7 Business Facilitators: Scope of Activities
  • 13.8 Business Correspondents: Scope of Activities
  • 13.9 Business Correspondent VS. Business Facilitator
  • 13.10 Eligibility Criteria for Engaging Business Correspondents/Business Facilitators
• Chapter 14: Risk and Fraud Management
  • 14.1 Objectives
  • 14.2 Introduction
  • 14.3 Risk and fraud from the perspective of BCAs
  • 14.4 Risk and Fraud Management
  • 14.5 Do's and Don'ts for BC/BF including ethical practices to be followed while sourcing asset and liability products.
• Chapter 15: PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY AND APY
  • 15.1 Objective
  • 15.2 Introduction
  • 15.3 Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
  • 15.4 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
  • 15.5 Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
  • 15.6 Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
  • 15.7 NPS / NPS – Swavalamban

Module C : TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Chapter 16: Basic Technical Skills (handling Micro-ATMs, Biometric and other Devices, Basic Connectivity Issues)
  • 16.1 Objectives
  • 16.2 Introduction
  • 16.3 IT Enabled Financial Inclusion Using BC Model
  • 16.4 Technology for Low Cost Financial Inclusion
• Chapter 17: Digital Banking Products
  • 17.1 Objectives
  • 17.2 Introduction
  • 17.3 Need for Digital Banking
  • 17.4 Various types of Cards
  • 17.5 Mobile Banking
  • 17.6 Internet Banking
  • 17.7 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
  • 17.8 POS (Point-Of-Sale) Terminals and Micro ATM
  • 17.9 Aadhaar Seeding and e-KYC
  • 17.10 APBS and AEPS
  • 17.11 RuPay Cards
  • 17.12 UPI, BHIM and Bharat QR

Module D : SOFT SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS

• Chapter 18: Communication and Financial Counselling (Including Financial Literacy and Financial Education)
  • 18.1 Importance of Financial Education for Banks
  • 18.2 Role of RBI in Financial Literacy
• Chapter 19: How to Deal with Different Types of Customers?
  • 19.1 Objective
  • 19.2 Introduction
  • 19.3 Soft skills and Hard skills
  • 19.4 Soft Skills to Build Relationships
  • 19.5 Dealing with different types of customers
  • 19.6 How to maintain trust in the client relationship?
  • 19.7 How to deal with a complaint?
  • 19.8 Do's and Don'ts for handling Customer Complaints
  • 19.9 Duties of a Bank
• Chapter 20: Soft Skills and Strategies for Recovery of Bank Loans
  • 20.1 Objective
  • 20.2 Introduction
  • 20.3 Negotiation skills
  • 20.4 Dealing with difficult borrowers
  • 20.5 Strategy for Recovery
  • 20.6 Farmers clubs and SHGs

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