CAIIB Exam Pattern: The Indian Institute of Banking & Finance conducts the Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) Exam every year to assess banking professionals' knowledge in decision-making, risk management, and advanced banking concepts. The CAIIB exam is held twice a year once in June and again in November. The June 2025 cycle has been completed, and the November–December cycle is scheduled to begin from 30th November 2025.
In this blog, we have provided the detailed exam pattern, paper-wise structure, marking scheme, and other key information to help you prepare effectively.
CAIIB Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
The CAIIB Exam consists of five papers, four compulsory and one elective. Each paper contains 100 multiple-choice questions, carrying one mark each, and has a duration of 2 hours. The detailed CAIIB Exam Pattern is as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Eligibility | JAIIB Certified Candidates |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (June & November) |
| Official Website | iibf.org.in |
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CAIIB Papers 2025
The CAIIB exam has a total of five papers, four compulsory and one elective. The elective paper allows candidates to choose a subject that matches their current role or future career goals. This helps in building deeper skills in specific areas of banking. Candidates can also change their elective paper in future attempts if needed. There are no exemptions based on past qualifications.
| Category | Paper Name |
|---|
| Compulsory Papers | 1. Advanced Bank Management (ABM) |
| 2. Bank Financial Management (BFM) |
| 3. Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) |
| 4. Banking Regulations and Business Laws (BRBL) |
Elective Papers (Choose anyone) | 1. Rural Banking |
| 2. Human Resources Management |
| 3. Information Technology & Digital Banking |
| 4. Risk Management |
| 5. Central Banking |
CAIIB Exam Pattern 2025
The CAIIB Exam 2025 is a professional certification exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF). The exam is held in an online format and includes a combination of multiple-choice questions, case-based problems, and numerical input questions to assess both conceptual understanding and practical application. The detailed exam pattern is as follows:
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Total Questions | 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions |
| Total Marks | 100 marks |
| Case-Based Questions | Includes case studies and case lets |
| Numerical Input Questions | Some subjects include numerical questions requiring direct input (no options provided) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test only) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for wrong answers |
| Assessment Areas | - Knowledge testing - Conceptual understanding - Problem-solving ability - Case analysis - Analytical/logical reasoning |
CAIIB Exam Structure 2025
The CAIIB exam pattern consists of five papers, out of which four are compulsory and two are elective. Each paper includes 100 objective type multiple choice questions for 100 marks including questions based on case studies/ case lets. The IIBF may however vary the number of questions to be asked for a subject.
| Paper Name | Total Marks | Exam Duration | Passing Marks |
|---|
| Advanced Bank Management (ABM) | 100 | 2 Hours | 50 (or 45 with 50% aggregate) |
| Bank Financial Management (BFM) | 100 | 2 Hours | 50 (or 45 with 50% aggregate) |
| Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) | 100 | 2 Hours | 50 (or 45 with 50% aggregate) |
| Banking Regulations & Business Laws (BRBL) | 100 | 2 Hours | 50 (or 45 with 50% aggregate) |
| Elective Paper (Any One) | 100 | 2 Hours | 50 (or 45 with 50% aggregate) |
CAIIB Marking Scheme & Credit Limit
The CAIIB 2025 exam, follows a clearly defined marking scheme and a structured credit retention policy to assess candidates' expertise in banking and finance. Understanding these criteria is essential for exam planning and long-term success.
| Component | Details |
|---|
| Question Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions per Paper | 100 questions |
| Total Marks per Paper | 100 marks |
| Marks per Question | 1 mark |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Case-Based & Numerical Input | Some questions may be case-based or require direct numerical input |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for incorrect answers |
| Minimum Pass Marks | 50 out of 100 OR 45 per paper with 50% aggregate (in one attempt) |
CAIIB Credit Limit Policy
The credit limit refers to the retention period for passed subjects. If a candidate clears a paper but does not complete the exam fully, they can retain the credit for that subject under specific conditions.
| Category | Subjects | Credit Status |
|---|
| Compulsory Paper | Advanced Bank Management (ABM) | Credit Allowed |
| Compulsory Paper | Bank Financial Management (BFM) |
| Elective Paper | Risk Management |
| Elective Paper | Information Technology |
| Elective Paper | Central Banking |
| Elective Paper | Human Resources Management |
| Elective Paper | Rural Banking |
| Compulsory Paper | Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) | No Credit Allowed |
| Compulsory Paper | Banking Regulations and Business Laws (BRBL) |
Note: Candidates who passed subjects under the old CAIIB syllabus can carry forward their credits to the revised syllabus. However, the validity of those credits will follow the time-limit rule of the revised syllabus:
- If a candidate has already used 3 attempts under the old syllabus, they will get 2 additional attempts under the new syllabus (total of 5 attempts).
- The 3-year validity period will start from the date of registration for the first attempt under the old syllabus.
- Credits will only be valid within this combined attempt/time limit window.
Credit Limit Duration & Attempts
The details of the credit limit duration are as follows:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Validity Period | 3 years from the date of registration |
| Maximum Attempts | 5 attempts, whichever is earlier |
| Retain Passed Papers | You can retain credits (passed subjects) during this period |
CAIIB Passing Criteria & Class of Passing
The Indian Institute of Banking & Finance sets specific criteria for passing the CAIIB 2025 examination, including minimum score requirements and classification of results. The details of the passing criteria and class of pass are as follows:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|
| Minimum Marks per Subject | 50 out of 100 |
| Alternate Pass Option | At least 45 marks in each subject + 50% aggregate across all subjects in a single attempt |
| Credit Retention | Candidates can retain marks for passed subjects within the exam time limit |
CAIIB Class of Pass Criteria
The details of the class of passing criteria are as follows:
| Class | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|
| First Class | - 60% or more aggregate marks- Pass in all subjects- In the first physical attempt |
| First Class with Distinction | - 70% or more aggregate marks- Minimum 60 marks in each subject- In the first physical attempt |
| Pass Class | - Applicable to all other candidates who pass the exam but do not meet the above class criteria |
Note:
- The first physical attempt means the first actual appearance in any subject of CAIIB. Even if you registered previously but didn't appear, it won't be counted as an attempt for class calculation.
- Candidates who re-enroll after exhausting all allowed attempts under the time-limit rule will only be awarded a Pass Class, regardless of marks scored.
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CAIIB Exam Attempts and Duration
To ensure timely certification and up-to-date knowledge in banking, the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) has set a time-bound attempt rule for the CAIIB 2025 Exam. The details of the number of attempts are as follows:
| Rule | Details |
|---|
| Maximum Attempts Allowed | 5 attempts |
| Time Limit to Complete CAIIB | 3 years from date of first registration |
| Whichever Is Earlier Rule | Candidate must complete within 5 attempts or 3 years, whichever is earlier |
| Consecutive Attempts | Attempts do not need to be consecutive |
| Counted Attempts | Every time a candidate applies for the exam, it counts as an attempt—even if absent |
| After Time Limit/Attempts Exhausted | Must re-enrol as a fresh candidate; no credits from earlier subjects will be carried forward |
| Typical Availability | Usually, 6 exams are held in 3 years; candidate can appear in any 5 of them |
CAIIB 2025 Detailed Topics and Module List
The details of the CAIIB Syllabus are as follows:
| Paper | Subject | Topics |
| Compulsory Papers | Advanced Bank Management (ABM) | Module A: Statistics for Business Decisions Module B: Human Resource Management Module C: Credit Management Module D: Compliance in Banks and Corporate Governance |
| Bank Financial Management (BFM) | Module A: International Banking Module B: Risk Management Module C: Treasury Management Module D: Balance Sheet Management |
| Advanced Business & Financial Management (ABFM) | Module A: Understanding Business Strategy Module B: Strategic Planning Process Module C: Financial Management Module D: Business Valuation |
| Banking Regulations and Business Laws (BRBL) | Module A: Regulations and Compliance Module B: Legal Aspects of Banking Operations Module C: Important Business Laws Related to Banking Module D: Commercial and Other Laws with Reference to Banking |
| Elective Papers | Rural Banking | Module A: Rural India – Structure and Economy Module B: Rural Banking and Financial Institutions Module C: Priority Sector Financing and Government Initiatives Module D: Problems and Prospects in Rural Banking |
| Human Resources Management | Module A: Human Resource Management Module B: Building an HR Strategy Module C: Motivation, Training, and Skill Development Module D: HRM in Banks |
| Information Technology & Digital Banking | Module A: Information Technology in Banking Module B: Digital Banking and Emerging Technologies Module C: Applications in Banking Module D: Security, Risks, and Controls |
| Risk Management | Module A: Risk and Risk Management Framework Module B: Credit Risk Management Module C: Operational Risk Management Module D: Market Risk Management |
| Central Banking | Module A: Rationale and Functions of Central Bank Module B: Monetary Policy and Liquidity Management Module C: Supervision and Financial Stability Module D: Currency Management and Payment Systems |
CAIIB Exam Preparation Tips 2025
Although understanding the CAIIB exam pattern is crucial for efficient preparation and maximizing your score in 2025, there are other things to follow for sure success in CAIIB. Here are the CAIIB Exam preparation tips:
- Understand the CAIIB Syllabus: Focus on all 4 compulsory & 1 elective paper.
- Master Case Studies: Practice numerical & analytical case lets regularly.
- Time Management: Solve mocks with a strict timer.
- Concept Clarity: Strengthen fundamentals in banking, finance & regulations.
- Use Short Notes: Summarize key formulas & concepts for quick revision.
- Mock Tests & PYQs: Attempt previous year papers & full-length mocks.
- Stay Updated: Follow banking news & RBI updates for practical insights.
- Smart Revision: Revise tough topics frequently, focus on weak areas.
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