The Diploma in Banking and Finance (DB&F) is one of the most popular banking certification examinations conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF). The syllabus is designed to help candidates build a strong understanding of banking operations, financial systems, accounting, retail banking, and wealth management. Candidates preparing for the DB&F Exam 2026 should carefully study the latest syllabus to understand the important topics covered in each paper.
What is the Diploma in Banking and Finance syllabus 2026?
The Diploma in Banking and Finance syllabus covers four major papers that focus on banking, economics, financial management, accounting, and retail banking. The syllabus is designed to provide practical and theoretical knowledge required in the banking and financial services sector.
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper 1 | Indian Economy & Indian Financial System |
| Paper 2 | Principles & Practices of Banking |
| Paper 3 | Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers |
| Paper 4 | Retail Banking & Wealth Management |
What are the subjects included in the Diploma in Banking and Finance syllabus 2026?
The DB&F examination consists of four papers, and each paper is divided into multiple modules. These modules cover important concepts related to banking operations, financial markets, accounting principles, customer service, wealth management, and banking technology. Understanding the subject-wise syllabus helps candidates create an effective preparation strategy.
What is the IIBF DB&F November 2026 exam schedule?
The DB&F exam is conducted by IIBF in online mode. The November 2026 cycle consists of 4 papers covering banking, finance, accounting, retail banking, and the Indian financial system. Candidates should prepare according to the official syllabus and examination schedule released by IIBF.
| Exam Date | Mode | Subject |
| 1st November 2026 | Online | Indian Economy & Indian Financial System |
| 22nd November 2026 | Online | Principles & Practices of Banking |
| 28th November 2026 | Online | Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers |
| 29th November 2026 | Online | Retail Banking & Wealth Management |
What is covered in Paper 1 Indian Economy and Indian Financial System?
Paper 1 covers the Indian economy, banking system, financial markets, and basic economic concepts. It helps candidates understand how the financial system works, how economic policies affect banking operations, and the key financial products and services available in India.
- Module A: Indian Economic Architecture
- Overview of Indian Economy
- Economic Planning in India
- Sectors of the Indian Economy
- Priority Sector and MSME
- Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure
- Globalisation and Economic Reforms
- Foreign Trade Policy
- International Economic Organizations
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Issues Facing the Indian Economy
- Module B: Economic Concepts Related to Banking
- Fundamentals of Economics
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Supply and Demand
- Money Supply and Inflation
- Theories of Interest
- Business Cycles
- Monetary Policy and Fiscal Policy
- National Income and GDP
- Union Budget
- Module C: Indian Financial Architecture
- Indian Financial System
- Indian Banking Structure
- RBI Act, 1934
- Banking Regulation Act, 1949
- Development Financial Institutions
- Microfinance Institutions
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
- Insurance Companies
- Financial Sector Regulators
- Banking Sector Reforms
- Module D: Financial Products and Services
- Financial Markets
- Money Market and Capital Market
- Debt and Bond Markets
- Stock Exchanges
- Forex Markets
- Merchant Banking
- Derivatives Market
- Factoring and Forfaiting
- Venture Capital
- Mutual Funds
- Insurance Products
- Pension Funds
- REITs and InvITs
What topics are included in Principles and Practices of Banking?
Paper II focuses on banking operations, customer service, lending, recovery mechanisms, banking laws, technology, and ethics. This paper provides knowledge about day-to-day banking activities and important banking regulations followed in India.
Module A – General Banking Operations
This module consists of 3 sections. The detailed topics from each section are as follows:
| Main Topics | Subtopics |
| Banker Customer Relationship | – Requirements to be called a bank – Rights & Obligations – Banker as Trustee – Bailee–Bailor – Agent–Principal – Lessor–Lessee – Indemnifier–Indemnified |
| Deposit Products & Services | – Types of Deposits – Services to Customers – Services to Investors |
| AML & KYC Guidelines | – Risks of Money Laundering & Terrorism Financing – AML Framework in India – KYC Policy – Organisational Setup for AML – Obligations under PMLA |
Module B – Functions of Banks
This module consists of 5 sections. The detailed topics from each section are as follows:
| Main Topics | Subtopics |
| Retail Banking | – Features – Products – Technology – Risks |
| Wholesale Banking | – Characteristics – Products – Recent Trends |
| Treasury Management | – Functions – Objectives – Risks – Key Aspects |
| International Banking | – Exchange Rates – FEMA Guidelines – NRI Deposits – Remittances |
| Non-Fund Based Facilities | – Letters of Credit (LCs) – Bank Guarantees – Types & Applications |
Module C – Banking Technology
This module consists of 3 sections. The detailed topics from each section are as follows:
| Main Topics | Subtopics |
| Electronic Banking | – Core Banking Solutions – Digital Banking Channels – FinTech Applications – Payment Systems (UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, Cards, Wallets) |
| IT Security | – Cyber Security Risks – Banking Frauds – Preventive Measures – IT Governance – RBI Guidelines |
| Emerging Technologies | – Artificial Intelligence – Blockchain – RegTech – SupTech – Open Banking – CBDC – Digital Identity – APIs – Cloud Computing |
Module D – Ethics in Banking & Financial Institutions
This module consists of 4 sections. The detailed topics from each section are as follows:
| Main Topics | Subtopics |
| Business Ethics | – Definition – Principles – Ethical Theories – Ethical Dilemmas in Banking |
| Workplace Ethics | – Employee Obligations – Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics – Whistleblowing |
| Banking & Customer Ethics | – Responsible Banking – Fair Treatment of Customers – Ethical Sales Practices |
| Corporate Governance in Banks | – Importance – RBI Guidelines – Role of Board of Directors – SEBI Regulations – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) |
What is included in Accounting and Financial Management for Bankers syllabus?
Paper III helps candidates understand accounting concepts, financial statements, financial management, taxation, costing, and investment decisions. The paper is useful for developing financial analysis and decision-making skills required in banking.
- Module A: Accounting Principles and Processes
- Accounting Standards
- Basic Accounting Procedures
- Cash Book and Ledger
- Bank Reconciliation Statement
- Trial Balance
- Rectification of Errors
- Depreciation Accounting
- Bills of Exchange
- Bank Audit and Inspection
- Module B: Financial Statements and Core Banking Systems
- Balance Sheet Equation
- Final Accounts Preparation
- Company Accounts
- Cash Flow Statement
- Banking Company Accounts
- Core Banking Systems
- Computerized Accounting
- Module C: Financial Management
- Financial Management Concepts
- Ratio Analysis
- Interest and Annuities
- Yield to Maturity (YTM)
- Forex Arithmetic
- Capital Structure
- Cost of Capital
- Working Capital Management
- Equipment Leasing
- Derivatives
- Module D: Taxation and Fundamentals of Costing
- Income Tax
- TDS and TCS
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Cost Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Costing Methods
- Standard Costing
- Marginal Costing
- Budgetary Control
Also Check:
What are the important topics in Retail Banking and Wealth Management?
Paper 4 focuses on retail banking products, customer service, marketing, digital banking, loan recovery, investment planning, and wealth management. It helps candidates understand customer-centric banking services and modern banking practices.
- Module A: Retail Banking
- Introduction to Retail Banking
- Retail Banking Business Models
- Retail Banking Operations
- Branch Profitability
- Future of Retail Banking
- Module B: Retail Products and Recovery
- Credit Scoring
- Retail Liability Products
- Savings and Current Accounts
- Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits
- Home Loans
- Personal Loans
- Vehicle Loans
- Education Loans
- Credit and Debit Cards
- Digital Lending
- Recovery of Retail Loans
- Securitization
- Module C: Support Services and Marketing
- Marketing in Retail Banking
- Delivery Channels
- Mobile Banking
- Internet Banking
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Service Standards
- Marketing Information Systems
- Module D: Wealth Management
- Wealth Management Process
- Investment Management
- Portfolio Management
- Tax Planning
- Mutual Funds
- Insurance Products
- Estate Planning
- Private Banking
- Financial Planning Services
What is the IIBF DB&F exam pattern for 2026?
Candidates should be familiar with the exam pattern before starting their preparation. The examination is conducted online and consists of objective-type questions.
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Medium | English Only |
| Type of Questions | Objective MCQs |
| Questions | Approximately 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Conducting Body | IIBF |
When will the DB&F registration starts?
The DB&F November 2026 cycle registration process has started from 12th August 2026. The registration dates and applicable fee details will be updated soon after they are officially released by the IIBF.
| Registration Phase | Revised Registration Dates | Fee Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Started from 12th August 2026 | Normal Examination Fee |
| Phase 2 | TBA | Normal Examination Fee + ₹100 |
| Phase 3 | TBA | Normal Examination Fee + ₹200 |
What is the passing criteria for Diploma in Banking and Finance 2026?
Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying requirements prescribed by IIBF to successfully clear the examination. Higher performance can also help candidates achieve First Class or First Class with Distinction.
| Class of Pass | Requirement |
| Pass | As per IIBF qualifying criteria |
| First Class | 60% or more aggregate marks in first physical attempt |
| First Class with Distinction | 70% or more aggregate marks and at least 60 marks in each subject in first physical attempt |
IIBF DB & F Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Link
Candidates can click on the link given below to download the syllabus PDF. Aspirants can also take a printout of the syllabus to make their preparation systematic.
FAQs
The DB&F syllabus covers banking, finance, accounting, economics, retail banking, and wealth management topics.
The examination consists of four papers covering different areas of banking and finance.
The subjects are Indian Economy & Indian Financial System, Principles & Practices of Banking, Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers, and Retail Banking & Wealth Management.
Yes, the same syllabus applies to all candidates appearing for the examination.
Yes, questions related to recent banking and financial developments may be asked in the examination.
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