CIBIL Score Not Required for First-Time Loan Applicants, Announces Finance Ministry

In a landmark decision to boost financial inclusion, the Union Finance Ministry has directed banks not to reject loan applications from first-time borrowers based solely on their CIBIL score. This announcement, made by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in the Lok Sabha on August 24, 2025, aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) guidelines, ensuring that individuals without a credit history can access loans more easily. This move is expected to benefit millions of new borrowers, including young professionals, students, and small business owners seeking credit for the first time.

What is a CIBIL Score?

A CIBIL score is a three-digit numerical representation, ranging from 300 to 900, that evaluates an individual’s creditworthiness based on their financial history, including loan repayments and credit card usage. Provided by credit bureaus such as TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark, this score helps banks and financial institutions assess a borrower’s ability to repay loans. A higher score, typically between 720 and 900, increases the likelihood of loan approval, often at lower interest rates, and may even result in waived processing fees. However, first-time borrowers, such as recent graduates or those without prior loans, often lack a CIBIL score, making it difficult to secure credit.

Finance Ministry’s Directive on Loan Approvals

During a recent Lok Sabha session, Minister Pankaj Chaudhary clarified that the RBI has not set a minimum CIBIL score requirement for loan applications. He advised banks and financial institutions not to reject applications from first-time borrowers due to a low or zero CIBIL score. Instead, banks are encouraged to evaluate other factors, such as income stability, employment history, and repayment capacity, to determine loan eligibility. This directive, supported by the RBI’s Master Circular dated January 6, 2025, aims to remove barriers for new borrowers entering the financial system.

Role of Credit Bureaus in India

Credit bureaus, including TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark, are regulated by the RBI under the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005. These agencies collect and analyze data on borrowers’ credit activities, such as loan repayments, defaults, and settlements, to generate credit scores. The CIBIL score, provided by TransUnion CIBIL, is the most commonly used in India. While these scores are critical for assessing creditworthiness, the Finance Ministry’s announcement ensures that first-time borrowers are not disadvantaged by the absence of a credit history.

Borrower Protections and Credit Report Access

To ensure transparency, the RBI regulates fees charged by credit bureaus, setting a maximum of ₹100 for obtaining a credit report. Additionally, under a 2016 RBI circular, individuals with a credit history are entitled to one free full credit report annually, including their credit score, in electronic format. Borrowers are also protected by safeguards such as SMS or email alerts when their credit reports are accessed, an Internal Ombudsman within credit bureaus for grievance redressal, and access to the RBI Ombudsman under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021.

Benefits for First-Time Borrowers

This policy change is a significant step toward financial inclusion, particularly for first-time borrowers who face challenges due to the absence of a credit score. By removing the mandatory CIBIL score requirement, the Finance Ministry is enabling easier access to credit for young professionals, students, and small entrepreneurs. Banks will now focus on alternative criteria, such as income proof, employment stability, and financial behavior, to assess loan applications, fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

Future of Credit Assessment in India

While there are no plans to replace private credit bureaus like TransUnion CIBIL with a government-run agency, the Budget 2024 announcement of a National Financial Information Registry (NFIR) aims to create a centralized database for financial and credit data. This initiative will complement existing credit bureaus, enabling more comprehensive credit assessments. For now, the Finance Ministry’s directive ensures that first-time borrowers face fewer hurdles, promoting equitable access to credit across India.

For further details on loan eligibility and credit score regulations, individuals can visit the RBI’s official website or consult their banks. This announcement marks a transformative step in making credit more accessible to millions of first-time loan applicants, paving the way for greater financial inclusion in India.