The Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) conducts the CAIIB exam for banking and finance professionals who want career growth and salary benefits. The exam is held twice a year, in the May–June and November–December cycles. The CAIIB course focuses on advanced topics such as Treasury Management, Risk Management, Credit Management, Financial Management, International Banking, Economic Analysis, and Business Laws to help candidates make better professional decisions. Candidates who have passed JAIIB or Part 1 of the Associate Examination and have an active IIBF membership can apply. In this blog, we share complete details about the CAIIB 2026 exam, including exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, fees, and the registration process to help you plan your preparation with confidence.
What is CAIIB exam, and why is it being conducted?
The CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Banking and Finance) exam is a professional examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) for banking and finance sector professionals. It is conducted to help working bankers gain advanced knowledge in key areas such as credit management, risk management, treasury operations, financial management, international banking, and business laws. The CAIIB exam is designed to improve decision-making skills, support career growth, and offer salary and promotion benefits to eligible candidates.
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When will the CAIIB 2026 notification be released?
Based on the last exam cycle's notification release date and registration schedule, the IIBF CAIIB notification is expected to be released between January and February 2026. The CAIIB exam is conducted in two cycles each year in online mode. For the May-June cycle, registration usually opens in early March with normal examination fees, followed by two late registration windows with an additional fee. The exams are conducted from June onwards, starting with Advanced Bank Management, followed by Bank Financial Management, Advanced Business and Financial Management, and Banking Regulations and Business Laws. The Elective papers such as Rural Banking, Human Resources Management, Information Technology and Digital Banking, Risk Management, and Central Banking are held on the last exam date.
For the November-December cycle, registration generally begins in early September under the normal fee window, with late fees applicable in the following weeks. The examinations are conducted from late November to December, following the same subject-wise order as the earlier cycle, with the remaining papers scheduled on the last examination date.
The exam and registration dates of the last exam cycle are as follows:
| Exam Cycle | Registration Window and Fees | Exam Dates and Subjects |
|---|
| May-June (Online mode) | • 04–10 March: Normal exam fees • 11–17 March: Normal fees + ₹100 • 18–24 March : Normal fees + ₹200 | • 01 June: Advanced Bank Management • 14 June: Bank Financial Management • 22 June: Advanced Business & Financial Management • 28 June: Banking Regulations and Business Laws • 29 June : Rural Banking / HRM / IT & Digital Banking / Risk Management / Central Banking |
| November-December (Online mode) | • 02–08 September: Normal exam fees • 09–15 September: Normal fees + ₹100 • 16–22 September: Normal fees + ₹200 | • 30 November: Advanced Bank Management • 07 December: Bank Financial Management • 13 December: Advanced Business & Financial Management • 14 December: Banking Regulations and Business Laws • 21 December: Rural Banking / HRM / IT & Digital Banking / Risk Management / Central Banking |
CAIIB Notification 2026 Overview
CAIIB stands for Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. It is a professional exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance. The detailed overview of the CAIIB examination is as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Exam Name | CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) |
| CAIIB Notification 2026 | To be released soon |
| Purpose | Advanced knowledge for banking professionals |
| Eligibility | IIBF Membership + JAIIB Qualified |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
| CAIIB Exam Date | TBA |
| Papers | ABM, BFM, ABFM, BRBL and Elective Paper (Choice-based) |
| Elective Options | Retail, Rural, HRM, IT, Risk Management, and more |
| Registration Dates | TBA |
| Fees (Approx.) | ₹2,000 - ₹6,000 |
| Benefits | Salary increment, promotions, specialized roles |
| Official Website | iibf.org.in |
What are the important dates for the CAIIB 2026 exam?
The important dates for the CAIIB 2026 exam mainly include the notification and registration dates and the exam dates. Based on the last exam cycle, the CAIIB notification is expected to be released around January-February. Registration for the May-June cycle is likely to begin in early March, starting with the normal fee window, followed by late registration phases with additional fees. The exams for this cycle are usually conducted from June onwards.
For the November-December cycle, registration is expected to start in early September, again with normal and late fee windows. The examinations for this cycle are generally held from late November to December. Candidates should regularly check the official IIBF website for the exact dates once the notification is released.
| CAIIB Exam Cycle | Expected Registration Dates | Expected Exam Date |
|---|
| May–June cycle | Early March, followed by late registration windows with additional fees | June onwards |
| November–December cycle | Early September, followed by late registration windows with additional fees | Late November to December |
What is the required eligibility criteria to appear for the CAIIB exam?
To appear for the CAIIB exam, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF). The exam is open to professionals working in banks or financial institutions who have already passed JAIIB (Junior Associate of the IIBF). Candidates must hold a valid IIBF membership at the time of registration, and there is no age limit to apply for the exam. Once registered, the CAIIB registration remains valid for three years, during which candidates can attempt the exam any number of times until they pass all the required papers.
| Eligibility Component | Requirement |
|---|
| Educational qualification | Passed JAIIB (Junior Associate of the IIBF) |
| IIBF membership | Must have a valid IIBF membership |
| Employment status | Working in a recognized bank or financial institution |
| Age limit | No age restriction |
| Registration validity | 3 years from the date of registration |
| Number of attempts | Unlimited attempts within the validity period |
What is the CAIIB 2026 application process?
Only candidates who have successfully passed the JAIIB exam are eligible to apply for the CAIIB exam. Since they are already registered with IIBF, there is no need to create a new account.
Eligible candidates can apply directly by filling out the CAIIB application form using their existing IIBF membership. The application requires entering personal and educational information, uploading the necessary documents, and paying the application fee. The complete step-by-step process is outlined in the table below.
| Action | Details |
|---|
| Visit Official IIBF Website | Go to the official site of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance. |
| Access CAIIB Notification & Apply Link | Navigate to ‘Examinations/Courses', then go to ‘Flagship Courses', select CAIIB, and click on ‘Apply Online'. |
| Login to IIBF Account | Use your Membership Number and Password. If you're new, register to get an IIBF Membership ID. |
| Fill Out the CAIIB Application Form | Enter personal, educational, and employment details. Select exam center, language, and elective paper. |
| Upload Required Documents (if asked) | Upload scanned copies of ID proof, qualification, or membership documents as per guidelines. |
| Make Online Fee Payment | Pay the CAIIB exam fee using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or other online modes. |
| Submit & Confirm Application | After payment, submit the form. Download and save the confirmation receipt for records. |
What are the application charges for the CAIIB exam?
The Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) fixes the CAIIB exam application charges based on the number of attempts and the registration period. Candidates are required to register separately for each attempt. If the application is submitted within the first week of the registration window, only the normal examination fee is applicable. Applications submitted in the second and third weeks attract a late fee of ₹100 and ₹200, respectively. For the first attempt, the CAIIB exam fee is ₹5,000, while for all subsequent attempts, the fee is ₹1,300 per attempt. GST is applicable on all exam fees.
| Fee Category | Applicable Time | Payable Amount |
|---|
| Registration-wise application charges | • 1st week of registration • 2nd week of registration • 3rd week of registration | • Normal examination fees • Normal fees + ₹100 late fee • Normal fees + ₹200 late fee |
| Attempt-wise examination charges | • First attempt • All subsequent attempts | • ₹5,000 + GST • ₹1,300 + GST per attempt |
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What are the subjects of CAIIB Exam?
The CAIIB exam consists of a total of 5 papers, with 4 compulsory papers ABM, BFM, ABFM, and BRBL along with one elective paper based on the choice of the aspirant. The details of the papers are as follows:
| Paper Type | Details |
|---|
| Compulsory Papers | Advanced Bank Management (ABM) Bank Financial Management (BFM) Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) Banking Regulations and Business Laws (BRBL) |
| Elective Papers (Choose Any One) | Rural Banking Human Resources Management Information Technology & Digital Banking Risk Management Central Banking |
Note:
- No exemption is granted for any subject based on prior qualifications.
- Candidates can choose their elective based on their current job role or career interests.
- It is recommended to select an elective paper based on your present role for better understanding and skill development.
- Candidates may change their elective paper in any subsequent attempt if desired.
What is the CAIIB exam structure?
The CAIIB 2026 exam pattern, as prescribed by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) in the last exam cycle, consists of a total of five papers: four compulsory papers (ABM, BFM, ABFM, and BRBL), each conducted separately with 100 questions for 100 marks and a duration of 2 hours, and one elective paper, which candidates can choose based on their area of work or personal preference, also conducted with 100 questions for 100 marks and a duration of 2 hours. The details of the CAIIB exam structure are as follows:
| Paper | Type | Questions/Marks | Time Duration |
|---|
| Advanced Bank Management | Compulsory | 100/100 | 2 Hours |
| Bank Financial Management | Compulsory | 100/100 | 2 Hours |
| Advanced Business and Financial Management | Compulsory | 100/100 | 2 Hours |
| Banking Regulations and Business Laws | Compulsory | 100/100 | 2 Hours |
| Elective Paper | To Be Chosen From 5 Optional Subjects | 100/100 | 2 Hours |
What are the passing criteria for the CAIIB exam?
To successfully clear the CAIIB exam, candidates must meet the minimum marks requirement set by the IIBF. The minimum qualifying marks for each paper are 50, with an aggregate of 45% in each paper and a total of 50% overall aggregate. The details of the CAIIB passing criteria are as follows:
- Minimum Marks per Paper: 50 out of 100 marks required to pass each subject.
- Aggregate Pass Rule: 45 marks in each paper with 50% overall aggregate (in a single attempt) also qualifies as pass.
- Credit Retention: Marks obtained in passed subjects are retained until the expiry of the registration validity.
- Validity Period: Credits remain valid within the 3-year period or 5 attempts allowed from the date of registration.
- No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for wrong answers in CAIIB exams.
How many attempts are allowed for the CAIIB exam?
Candidates appearing for the CAIIB exam are allowed a maximum of five attempts to clear all the required papers. These five attempts must be completed within a three-year period from the date of first registration, whichever comes earlier. An attempt is counted once a candidate registers for an exam, even if they do not appear for it. The attempts do not need to be consecutive, giving candidates flexibility to plan their preparation. However, if a candidate exhausts all five attempts before three years or if the three-year validity ends before using all attempts, they must re-enroll, and any subjects passed earlier will not be carried forward.
| Component | Details |
|---|
| Maximum attempts allowed | 5 attempts |
| Validity period | 3 years from first registration |
| Attempt counting | Counted on registration, even if absent |
| Consecutive attempts | Not mandatory |
| Re-enrollment condition | Required if 5 attempts are used or 3 years expire |
| Carry forward of subjects | Not allowed after re-enrollment |
| Exam cycles in 3 years | Usually 6 cycles; candidates can choose any 5 |
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What is the CAIIB exam syllabus?
The CAIIB Syllabus covers four compulsory papers: ABM, BFM, ABFM, and BRBL, along with one elective paper focusing on specialized banking areas like Retail, Rural, HRM, IT, Risk, and Central Banking. The syllabus of CAIIB is as follows:
CAIIB Compulsory Papers Syllabus
The details of the CAIIB Compulsory Papers Syllabus are as follows:
| Paper Name | Main Topics Covered |
|---|
| Advanced Bank Management (ABM) | Economic Analysis, Business Mathematics, Human Resource Management in Banks, Credit Management, Compliance, Risk Management, Treasury, Balance Sheet Management |
| Bank Financial Management (BFM) | International Banking, Risk Management, Treasury Operations, Balance Sheet, Forex Business, Capital Adequacy, Basel Norms, Asset Liability Management (ALM) |
| Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) | Business Strategy, Financial Management, Valuation, Investment Decisions, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Ethics |
| Banking Regulations & Business Laws (BRBL) | Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, SARFAESI Act, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Consumer Protection Act, Law of Contracts, Securities Laws, Compliance |
CAIIB Elective Papers Syllabus (Choose Any One)
The details of the CAIIB Elective Paper Syllabus are as follows:
| Elective Paper | Main Topics Covered |
|---|
| Rural Banking | Rural Credit, Priority Sector Lending (PSL), Financial Inclusion, NABARD, Microfinance, SHGs, Government Schemes |
| Human Resource Management (HRM) | HRM Concepts, Leadership, Motivation, Training, Industrial Relations, Labour Laws, Grievance Handling |
| Information Technology & Digital Banking | Core Banking Systems, Cyber Security, IT Governance, Emerging Tech, FinTech, Blockchain, Digital Banking Products |
| Risk Management | Types of Risk (Credit, Market, Operational), Risk Mitigation Techniques, Basel Framework, ICAAP, Stress Testing |
| Central Banking | Role of RBI, Monetary Policy, Financial System Structure, Currency Management, Supervision, Developmental Functions of RBI |
How much salary is increased after clearing the CAIIB exam?
Clearing the CAIIB exam leads to a noticeable salary increase for bank employees, as it adds to the increments already earned through JAIIB. After qualifying both JAIIB and CAIIB, a Probationary Officer (PO) receives a total monthly increment of ₹6,000, while a Clerk receives a total monthly increment of ₹4,020. These increments are added to the basic pay and result in a higher annual salary, making CAIIB a financially rewarding certification for banking professionals.
| Employee Category | Total Monthly Increment after CAIIB | Approximate Annual Increment |
|---|
| Probationary Officer (PO) | ₹6,000 | ₹72,000 |
| Clerk | ₹4,020 | ₹48,240 |
Also check the increased salary details after clearing the CAIIB exam.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Key Takeaways |
|---|
| What is CAIIB & Purpose | Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) is conducted by IIBF for banking professionals to gain advanced knowledge in credit, risk, treasury, financial management, and business laws. Helps improve decision-making, career growth, and salary benefits. |
| Exam Frequency & Mode | Conducted twice a year: May–June and November–December cycles. Online (CBT) mode. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must have passed JAIIB or Part 1 of Associate Examination, hold valid IIBF membership, employed in a bank/financial institution. No age limit. Registration valid for 3 years. |
| Application Process | Apply via IIBF portal using existing membership, fill personal/employment details, upload documents, select exam center/elective, pay fees, submit form. |
| Application Fees | First attempt: ₹5,000 + GST Subsequent attempts: ₹1,300 + GST Late registration: ₹100–₹200 additional per week. |
| Exam Papers | 4 Compulsory: ABM, BFM, ABFM, BRBL 1 Elective: Rural Banking, HRM, IT & Digital Banking, Risk Management, Central Banking |
| Exam Structure | Each paper: 100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours Elective paper optional based on role/interest |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 50 marks per paper; aggregate 45% per paper, 50% overall. Credits valid within 3-year registration period. No negative marking. |
| Attempts Allowed | Maximum 5 attempts within 3 years. Attempts counted on registration, not necessarily consecutive. Re-enrollment required if exhausted. |
| Syllabus Overview | ABM: Economic Analysis, HR, Credit, Treasury, Risk BFM: International Banking, ALM, Basel norms ABFM: Business strategy, M&A, Financial management BRBL: Banking laws, RBI Act, IBC Electives: Specialized areas based on choice (Rural, HRM, IT, Risk, Central Banking) |
| Salary Increment after CAIIB | Clerks: ₹4,020/month (~₹48,240/year) POs: ₹6,000/month (~₹72,000/year) including JAIIB + CAIIB increments |
| Benefits | Salary increment, specialized roles, faster promotions, career growth, improved decision-making, enhanced job security |