The Diploma in Banking and Finance (DB&F) examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) is designed for candidates who want to start a career in the banking and financial services sector. The exam consists of four compulsory papers, each carrying 100 marks and conducted in online mode. Understanding the latest DB&F exam pattern, marking scheme, and paper structure helps candidates prepare better and perform well in the upcoming exam.
What is the Diploma in Banking and Finance exam pattern 2026?
The IIBF DB&F exam is conducted in online mode and consists of objective-type MCQs. The exam evaluates candidates understanding of banking concepts, financial systems, accounting principles, and retail banking practices. The examination is conducted only in English and follows a standardized pattern across all papers.
| Feature | Details |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English Only |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Questions | Approximately 100 Questions per Paper |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks per Paper |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Calculator Allowed | Yes (Basic 8-function calculator only) |
How many papers are there in the IIBF DB&F exam?
The DB&F exam consists of 4 compulsory papers covering important areas of banking and finance. Each paper focuses on a different aspect of banking operations and financial management.
| Paper | Subject Name |
| Paper 1 | Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE & IFS) |
| Paper 2 | Principles & Practices of Banking (PPB) |
| Paper 3 | Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers (AFM) |
| Paper 4 | Retail Banking & Wealth Management (RBWM) |
What is the DB&F Indian Economy & Indian Financial System exam pattern?
Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE & IFS) paper is the 1st paper of the DB&f exam. It assesses candidates’ knowledge of the Indian economy, banking system, financial institutions, financial markets, and the basic financial products and services used in the banking sector.
| Feature | Details |
| Paper Name | Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE & IFS) |
| Paper Code | Paper 1 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Key Areas Assessed | Indian Economy, Financial System, Banking Structure, Financial Markets, Financial Products |
| Modules Covered | Indian Economic Architecture, Economic Concepts, Financial Architecture, Financial Products & Services |
What is the Diploma in Banking and Finance PPB exam pattern?
The Principles & Practices of Banking (PPB) paper focuses on day-to-day banking operations, lending functions, customer service, banking regulations, technology, and ethics.
| Feature | Details |
| Paper Name | Principles & Practices of Banking (PPB) |
| Paper Code | Paper 2 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Key Areas Assessed | Banking Operations, Lending, KYC, Customer Service, Banking Technology, Ethics |
| Modules Covered | General Banking Operations, Functions of Banks, Banking Technology, Ethics in Banks & Financial Institutions |
What is the IIBF DB&F Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers exam pattern?
The Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers (AFM) paper covers accounting, financial statements, taxation, costing, and financial management. As it includes many numerical and calculation-based topics, candidates should focus on clear concepts and regular practice to score well.
| Feature | Details |
| Paper Name | Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers (AFM) |
| Paper Code | Paper 3 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Key Areas Assessed | Accounting, Financial Statements, Financial Management, Taxation, Costing |
| Modules Covered | Accounting Principles & Processes, Financial Statements & CBS, Financial Management, Taxation & Costing |
What is the Diploma in Banking and Finance RBWM exam pattern?
The Retail Banking & Wealth Management (RBWM) paper covers retail banking products, digital banking services, customer relationship management, investment planning, and wealth management concepts.
| Feature | Details |
| Paper Name | Retail Banking & Wealth Management (RBWM) |
| Paper Code | Paper 4 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Key Areas Assessed | Retail Banking, Loans, Digital Banking, CRM, Investment & Wealth Management |
| Modules Covered | Retail Banking, Retail Products & Recovery, Marketing of Banking Services, Wealth Management |
Also Check:
What is the DB&F November 2026 exam schedule?
The DB&F examination is conducted by IIBF in online mode. November 2026 cycle exam consists of 4 papers covering banking, finance, accounting, retail banking, and the Indian financial system.
| 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 are the modules covered in the DB&F paper 1 IE and IFS?
The Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE & IFS) paper helps candidates understand the Indian economy, banking structure, financial institutions, and financial markets.
| Module | Topics Covered |
| Module A | Indian Economic Architecture |
| Module B | Economic Concepts Related to Banking |
| Module C | Indian Financial Architecture |
| Module D | Financial Products and Services |
What are the modules covered in the DB&F paper 2 PPB?
The Principles & Practices of Banking (PPB) paper focuses on banking operations, customer service, lending activities, banking technology, and professional ethics.
| Module | Topics Covered |
| Module A | General Banking Operations |
| Module B | Functions of Banks |
| Module C | Banking Technology |
| Module D | Ethics in Banks and Financial Institutions |
What are the modules covered in the DB&F Paper 3 AFM?
The Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers (AFM) paper covers accounting principles, financial statements, taxation, costing, and financial management concepts.
| Module | Topics Covered |
| Module A | Accounting Principles and Processes |
| Module B | Financial Statements and Core Banking Systems |
| Module C | Financial Management |
| Module D | Taxation and Fundamentals of Costing |
What are the modules covered in the DB&F paper 4 RBWM?
The Retail Banking & Wealth Management (RBWM) paper focuses on retail banking products, customer relationship management, digital banking services, and wealth management solutions.
| Module | Topics Covered |
| Module A | Retail Banking |
| Module B | Retail Products and Recovery |
| Module C | Support Services – Marketing of Banking Services and Products |
| Module D | Wealth Management |
What is the marking scheme for the DB&F exam?
The DB&F examination follows a straightforward marking system without any penalty for incorrect answers. Candidates can attempt all questions without worrying about negative marks.
| Component | Details |
| Questions per Paper | Approximately 100 |
| Marks per Question | 1 Mark |
| Total Marks per Paper | 100 Marks |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Unanswered Questions | No Penalty |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
When will the Diploma in Banking & Finance registration process start?
The DB&F August 2026 cycle registration process has started from 12th August 2026. Candidates can register with the normal examination fee until 18th August 2026. After this, registration will continue with an additional ₹100 fee from 19th to 25th August 2026 and an additional ₹200 fee from 26th August to 1st September 2026.
| Registration Phase | Registration Dates | Fee Applicable |
| Phase 1 | 12th August to 18th August 2026 | Normal Examination Fee |
| Phase 2 | 19th August to 25th August 2026 | Normal Examination Fee + ₹100 |
| Phase 3 | 26th August to 1st September 2026 | Normal Examination Fee + ₹200 |
What is the passing criteria for Diploma in Banking and Finance exam?
Candidates must achieve the required aggregate marks to qualify for the DB&F certification. The class of pass is determined based on overall performance in the first physical attempt.
| Class of Pass | Requirement |
| Pass | Qualify as per IIBF norms |
| First Class | 60% or more aggregate marks in the first physical attempt |
| First Class with Distinction | 70% or more aggregate marks and at least 60 marks in each paper in the first physical attempt |
What is the exam medium and duration for DB&F?
The examination is conducted only in English. Candidates are given sufficient time to complete the objective-type questions.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Language | English |
| Duration per Paper | 2 Hours |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Question Format | MCQs |
FAQs
The DB&F examination is conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
The DB&F exam consists of 4 compulsory papers.
Each paper contains approximately 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions.
Each paper carries a maximum of 100 marks.
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
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