Follow Us:

RBI Credit Information Reporting Amendment Directions, 2025: Key Changes, New Reporting Timelines and Compliance Roadmap for NBFCs

1. Introduction

In a major regulatory development aimed at strengthening India’s credit information ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Credit Information Reporting) Amendment Directions, 2025 vide Circular No. RBI/DOR/2025-26/117 dated 04 December 2025.

The amendments represent a significant shift in the manner in which Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) report borrower information to Credit Information Companies (CICs). Moving beyond the traditional monthly reporting framework, RBI has introduced a more dynamic and near real-time reporting mechanism that requires multiple reporting cycles during a month. The amendments also mandate reporting of Central KYC (CKYC) numbers, introduce incremental reporting requirements, and prescribe stricter timelines for rectification of rejected data.

These measures are expected to enhance the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of credit information available in the financial system, thereby facilitating better credit assessment, reducing information asymmetry, and strengthening financial stability.

The amended provisions shall come into force with effect from 1 July 2026.

2. Regulatory Background

Credit Information Companies (CICs) play a crucial role in the Indian financial system by collecting, maintaining, and disseminating credit information relating to borrowers. Banks, NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies, and other lending institutions rely heavily on credit reports generated by CICs for evaluating the creditworthiness of prospective borrowers.

To ensure that CICs maintain updated and accurate records, Credit Institutions (CIs) are required to furnish borrower information periodically under the provisions of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

With rapid growth in digital lending, increasing loan origination volumes, and rising dependence on credit bureau data for underwriting decisions, RBI observed the need for a more frequent and robust reporting mechanism. Consequently, the existing Directions have been amended to improve data quality and reporting efficiency.

3. Applicability

The Amendment Directions apply to all NBFCs functioning as Credit Institutions and reporting data to Credit Information Companies.

The framework is applicable to:

√ Asset Finance Companies (AFCs)

√ Investment and Credit Companies (ICCs)

√ NBFC-Micro Finance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs)

√ Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)

√ Infrastructure Finance Companies

√ Infrastructure Debt Funds

√ Other RBI-regulated NBFCs reporting borrower data to CICs

4. Effective Date

Particulars Date
Amendment Directions Issued 04 December 2025
Effective Date 01 July 2026

NBFCs are expected to upgrade their systems and reporting processes before the effective date to ensure seamless compliance.

5. Key Amendments at a Glance

Area Existing Framework Revised Framework
Reporting Frequency Monthly Four reporting cycles every month
Reporting Format Full File Full File + Incremental Reporting
CKYC Reporting Not mandatory Mandatory wherever available
Rectification Timeline General requirement Specific timeline prescribed
DPD Reporting Monthly updates Every DPD change reportable
Regulatory Monitoring Limited DAKSH Portal monitoring by RBI

6. Amendment 1: Introduction of Multiple Reporting Cycles

> Existing Position

Under the earlier framework, NBFCs generally submitted credit information to CICs once every month.

Although monthly reporting served the purpose of maintaining borrower information, there was often a time lag between borrower actions and their reflection in credit bureau records.

> Revised Requirement

The amendment introduces four reporting reference dates during every month:

√ 9th Day

√ 16th Day

√ 23rd Day

√ Last Day of the Month

NBFCs are now required to furnish credit information based on these reporting dates.

> Significance of the Change

The amendment effectively transforms the reporting system from a monthly cycle into a near real-time reporting framework.

This will ensure:

  • Faster updation of borrower records
  • More accurate credit scores
  • Improved underwriting decisions
  • Better monitoring of stressed borrowers
  • Enhanced transparency in the credit ecosystem

7. Amendment 2: Full File and Incremental Reporting Framework

One of the most important changes introduced by RBI is the distinction between Full File Reporting and Incremental Reporting.

A. Full File Reporting

NBFCs shall continue to submit a complete database of borrower information.

i. Submission Timeline

Data as on the last day of the month must be submitted by the 5th day of the succeeding month.

ii. Full File Shall Include

1. All active accounts in the books of the NBFC.

2. Accounts where the relationship between the borrower and the NBFC has ended since the previous reporting cycle.

Examples include:

  • Closed loans
  • Foreclosed loans
  • Settled accounts
  • Matured loans

B. Incremental Reporting

For reporting dates falling on the 9th, 16th and 23rd of the month, NBFCs are required to submit only incremental data.

i. Submission Deadline

Within four calendar days from the respective reporting reference date.

ii. What Constitutes Incremental Accounts?

RBI has prescribed four categories of accounts that must be included in incremental reporting.

> Category A – Newly Opened Accounts

All accounts opened since the previous reporting date.

Examples:

  • Personal Loans
  • Vehicle Loans
  • Gold Loans
  • Business Loans

> Category B – Closed Accounts

All accounts where the borrower relationship has ended after the previous reporting cycle.

Examples:

  • Loan closure
  • Foreclosure
  • Settlement
  • Loan maturity

> Category C – Borrower-Initiated Changes

Any borrower action resulting in changes to account information must be reported.

Examples include:

  • EMI repayments
  • Outstanding balance changes
  • Address modifications
  • Mobile number updates
  • Email updates
  • Change in guarantor
  • Change in ownership
  • Change in account type

> Category D – Overdue Accounts

Accounts where:

  • Interest becomes overdue, or
  • Principal instalment becomes overdue

must be reported.

C. Special Requirement: Reporting of DPD Changes

RBI has specifically clarified that even if there is no change in any field except Days Past Due (DPD), the account shall still be reported.

Illustration

Previous Reporting Date:
DPD = 15 Days

Current Reporting Date:
DPD = 22 Days

Although no other information has changed, the account must be included in incremental reporting.

This is expected to significantly improve the quality of credit bureau data and provide lenders with a more accurate view of borrower repayment behaviour.

8. Amendment 3: Mandatory CKYC Number Reporting

Existing Position

There was no explicit requirement to furnish CKYC numbers to Credit Information Companies.

Revised Requirement

A new paragraph has been inserted requiring Credit Institutions to report the CKYC number of borrowers wherever available.

In case the CKYC number is allotted subsequently, the same must be reported once available.

9. Benefits of CKYC Reporting

 a) Better Customer Identification

Facilitates accurate identification of borrowers across financial institutions.

b) Reduction in Duplicate Records

Helps eliminate multiple borrower profiles.

c) Enhanced Data Integrity

Improves consistency and reliability of bureau records.

d) Improved Fraud Detection

Strengthens verification and monitoring mechanisms.

10. Amendment 4: Time-Bound Rectification of Rejected Data

Existing Position

While rejected records were generally corrected and resubmitted, there was no clearly prescribed regulatory timeline.

Revised Requirement

Where data submitted by an NBFC is rejected by a CIC, the NBFC must:

  • Rectify the rejected records.
  • Resubmit the corrected data.
  • Complete rectification before or along with the next reporting cycle.

Compliance Impact

NBFCs will need:

√ Automated validation mechanisms

√ Data quality monitoring systems

√ Exception reporting framework

√ Maker-checker controls

√ Dedicated rectification process

11. Amendment 5: Regulatory Monitoring Through DAKSH Portal

To strengthen supervisory oversight, CICs are now required to report non-compliant Credit Institutions through RBI’s DAKSH Portal.

> Reporting Frequency

Half-yearly reporting shall be made as on:

  • 31 March
  • 30 September

> Purpose

The objective is to identify institutions that:

  • Delay submission of data
  • Fail to comply with reporting timelines
  • Frequently submit inaccurate information
  • Exhibit persistent reporting deficiencies

12. New Reporting Timeline Matrix

Reporting Date Submission by CI Rectification Report by CIC Corrected Data by CI
9th 13th 16th 20th
16th 20th 23rd 27th
23rd 27th 30th 5th of Next Month
Month End 5th of Next Month 8th of Next Month 13th of Next Month

13. Challenges for NBFCs

The revised framework will require significant operational and technological preparedness.

i. Technology Challenges

√ Core system modifications

√ Automated data extraction

√ CKYC integration

√ Real-time DPD monitoring

ii. Operational Challenges

√ Increased reporting frequency

√ Faster reconciliation processes

√ Continuous monitoring of borrower transactions

 iii. Data Governance Challenges

√ Data validation

√ Error reduction

√ Timely rectification

√ Audit trail maintenance

14. Action Plan for NBFCs

To ensure readiness before 1 July 2026, NBFCs should undertake the following steps:

Step 1 – Conduct Gap Analysis

Assess current reporting capabilities and identify system gaps.

Step 2 – Upgrade Technology Infrastructure

Modify Loan Management Systems and bureau reporting utilities.

Step 3 – Integrate CKYC Data

Ensure CKYC numbers are captured and maintained.

Step 4 – Implement Incremental Reporting Logic

Develop automated mechanisms for identifying reportable changes.

Step 5 – Strengthen Data Governance

Introduce validation controls and maker-checker mechanisms.

Step 6 – Conduct User Acceptance Testing

Perform trial runs with CICs before implementation.

Step 7 – Train Employees

Educate operations, compliance, risk, and IT teams regarding the revised requirements.

15. Conclusion

The RBI Credit Information Reporting Amendment Directions, 2025 represent a landmark reform in India’s credit reporting framework. By introducing multiple reporting cycles, incremental reporting, mandatory CKYC reporting, and stricter rectification timelines, RBI aims to create a more transparent, accurate, and responsive credit information ecosystem.

For NBFCs, the amendments will necessitate substantial investments in technology, data governance, and operational controls. However, these measures are expected to significantly improve the quality of credit information available to lenders and contribute to a stronger and more resilient financial system.

With the implementation date of 1 July 2026 approaching, NBFCs should begin their compliance preparations immediately to ensure a smooth transition to the new reporting framework.

*******

Disclaimer: – The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be considered as professional advice. The author shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or incidental damage resulting from, arising out of, or in connection with the use of the information.

Author Bio

I am a Practicing Company Secretary (PCS) based in Delhi, heading S Kothiyal & Associates, a firm specializing in corporate compliance and governance. I hold professional qualifications as a Company Secretary, Certified CSR Professional, and GST Professional from the Institute of Company Secreta View Full Profile

My Published Posts

From Grant to Allotment: Hidden ESOP Compliance Checklist No One Talks About Union Budget 2026: Redefining Growth, Governance And Fiscal Discipline RBI’s Internal Ombudsman Directions, 2026: A New Compliance Reality for NBFCs From Manual to Online: Big GST Change for Hotel Accommodation Services A Complete Guide to IBC: Claims, Creditors, RPs & Insolvency Timeline View More Published Posts

Join Taxguru’s Network for Latest updates on Income Tax, GST, Company Law, Corporate Laws and other related subjects.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search Post by Date
June 2026
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930