8 Essential Topics That Appear Every Year in JAIIB PPB Exams

The PPB (Principles & Practices of Banking) exam is a crucial assessment for banking professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge in banking operations, lending, digital banking, and regulatory compliance. For aspirants preparing for upcoming exams, focusing on high-frequency topics that repeatedly appear in past exams can greatly improve your chances of scoring well.

Based on previous cycles and expert insights, certain topics in PPB have consistently contributed significant marks in each attempt. In this guide, we provide a detailed module-wise breakdown of must-know PPB topics so that you can focus your preparation strategically.

8 Essential Topics of JAIIB PPB

The 8 important JAIIB PPB topics are as follows:

  1. KYC and AML Norms
  2. Priority Sector Lending
  3. Lending Principles and Loan Products
  4. Digital Banking and Payment Systems
  5. Banker-Customer Relationship
  6. Ethics in Banking
  7. Negotiable Instruments Act
  8. Non-Performing Assets

Module-wise Breakdown of Important Topics

The detailed module-wise important topics for the JAIIB PPB exam, scheduled to be held on 8th November, are as follows:

Module A: KYC & AML Compliance

This module is high-yield and focuses on regulatory compliance and risk management. Questions often come directly from procedures and roles.

TopicDescriptionApprox. Marks
Customer Identification ProcedureSteps for verifying customers, documents required3–4
Risk CategorizationClassification of customers into low, medium, high risk3–4
PMLA Compliance & STRReporting suspicious transactions, record-keeping norms4–5
Principal Officer & Director RolesResponsibilities of designated officers in AML2–3
Cash Transaction Limits & Due DiligenceThresholds and reporting requirements2–3

Module B: Priority Sector Lending & Loans

Covers agriculture, MSME, export, and retail loans. Practical calculations often appear from working capital, cash budget, and term loans.

TopicDescriptionApprox. Marks
Agriculture AdvancesDirect, Indirect, Crop Loan Mechanism3–4
MSME & Export CreditCredit procedures, documentation3–4
Lending PrinciplesWorking capital, turnover method, inventory financing4–5
Retail & Term LoansAuto, personal loans, credit appraisal3–4
Non-Fund Based FacilitiesBank guarantees, letters of credit2–3

Module C: Digital Banking & Payment Systems

Focuses on delivery channels, digital banking operations, and customer experience.

TopicDescriptionApprox. Marks
Core Banking & Digital ChannelsCBS, internet banking, mobile banking, ATMs3–4
Payment SystemsNEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI3–4
Digital Threats & MitigationCybersecurity, regulatory compliance2–3
Digital TransformationRecent trends & regulatory updates2–3

Module D: Banker-Customer Relationship & Ethics

Scenario-based questions dominate this module, testing ethics, governance, and regulatory compliance.

TopicDescriptionApprox. Marks
Banker-Customer RelationshipRoles: Debtor, Creditor, Trustee, Beneficiary, Agent3–4
Duty of Secrecy & Right of Set-OffLegal rights and obligations2–3
Ethics & GovernanceEmployee ethics, corporate ethics, regulatory compliance4–5
Committee RecommendationsKey recommendations by RBI/IRDA/Banks2–3

Module E: Negotiable Instruments & Recovery

Includes key instruments and recovery mechanisms under NPA/IBC framework.

TopicDescriptionApprox. Marks
Negotiable InstrumentsPromissory note, bill of exchange, cheque, endorsement4–5
Banker’s ProtectionSections 85, 131, 1383–4
NPA & RecoveryInsolvency, SARFAESI, DRT4–5

Last-Minute Preparation Strategy

The last-minute preparation strategy for the JAIIB PPB paper is as follows:

  • Prioritize High-Weightage Modules – Focus on Modules B, D, and E first.
  • Practice Numericals & Case Studies – Especially for lending and NPA recovery.
  • Revise Regulatory Updates – Keep updated with recent circulars, PMLA amendments, and digital banking changes.
  • Use Scenario-Based Questions – Ethics and governance often appear in case-based format.
  • Attempt Mock Tests – Full-length and module-wise to improve accuracy and timing.

JAIIB PPB May Memory-Based Questions

Question: Which of the following methods is commonly used by commercial banks in
India for assessing and calculating the working capital limits for large borrowers?

Options 1: a) Debt-Equity Ratio Method b) Cash Budget Method c) Tandon Committee
Methods d) Discounted Cash Flow Method

Correct Answer: c) Tandon Committee Methods
Solution: The Tandon Committee (1975) and Chore Committee (1979)
recommendations laid down the framework for working capital financing by
commercial banks in India, including various methods (like the Maximum Permissible
Bank Finance – MPBF) for assessing limits.

Question 2: What is the full form of ‘MMID’ in the context of mobile banking
transactions in India?

Options: a) Mobile Money Identification Document b) Mobile Money Identifier c)
Mobile Merchant ID d) Main Money Identification Digit

Correct Answer: b) Mobile Money Identifier
Solution: MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) is a 7-digit number issued by a bank to its
customers for conducting IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) transactions using
mobile phones.

FAQs

Q1. How many marks do these topics cover?

Together, these modules cover maximum marks, forming the core of the exam.

Q2. Can minor topics be skipped?

Yes, focus on high-frequency topics first. Minor topics can be partially revised.

Q3. How should I prepare for scenario-based questions?

Understand principles and roles rather than rote memorization. Practice past year case-based questions.

Q4. Are digital banking and cybersecurity topics important?

Yes, they are high-priority topics in Module C and repeatedly appear in exams.

Q5. What are key modules for lending?

Modules B and E cover agriculture, MSME, retail loans, term loans, non-fund based facilities, and NPA recovery.