BANK BRANCH STATUTORY AUDIT - CERTAIN ASPECTS

S. Item Important Audit Checks

No.
1. Deposit  Verify transactions during the year
i. Term relating to: New Accounts opened;
ii. Saving Accounts closed; Dormant Accounts;
iii. Current Interest calculations; Scrutiny of
account statements for
iv. FCNR/NRE/NRNR unusual/large/overdraft transactions;
Overdue Term deposits & its policies
and practices of renewal; Accrual of
interest; RBI Norms for Non-resident
deposits & its operations - giving due
importance to opening and operation of
accounts like NRE, NRNR, FCNR, RFC,
etc.; interest on various types of
deposits; Tax Deducted at Source.
 Large deposits placed at the end of the
year (probable window dressing).
 Examine unusual trend in account
opening or account closing, dormant
accounts that have suddenly been
reactivated by heavy cash withdrawals
or deposits, overdrawings, etc.

 Examine interest trends as compared to

average annual deposits (monthly
average figures).
2. Advances  Review monitoring reports (irregularity
reports) sent by the branch to the
controlling authorities in respect of
irregular advances.
 Review appraisal system, Files of large
as well as critical borrowers, sanctions,
disbursement, renewals,
documentation, systems, securities, etc.
 Review on test check basis operations in
the Advances Accounts.
 Compliance of sanction terms and
conditions in the case of new advances.
 Whether the borrower is regular in
submission of stock statements, book
 debt statements, insurance policies,
balance sheets, half yearly results, etc.
and whether penal interest is charged
in case of default/delay in submission
of such data.
 Charge of interest and recovery for each
quarter or as applicable to be verified.
 Review the monitoring system, i.e.
monitoring end use of funds, analytical
system prevalent for the advances, cash
flow monitoring, branch follow-up,
consortium meetings, inspection
reports, stock audit reports, market
intelligence (industry analysis),
securities updation, etc.
 Check classification of advances,
income recognition and provisioning as
per RBI Norms/Circulars.
 Examine interest trends as compared to
average annual advances (monthly
average figures).
 Scrutinise the final advances statements
with regard to assets classification,
security value, documentation, drawing
power, outstandings, provisions, etc.
 Check whether Non-Fund based (Letter
of Credits/Bank Guarantees) exposure
of the borrowers is within the
sanctioned limits.
 Compare projected financial figures
given at the time of project appraisal
with actual figures from audited
financial statements for relevant period
and ascertain reasons for large variance.

Checklist for Audit of Advances Account Sch.

4
3. Profit & Loss Account  Income/Expenditure: Verify:
 Short debit of
interest/commission on
advances;
 Excess credit of interest on
deposits;
  In case the discrepancies are
existing in large number of cases,
the auditor should consider the
impact of the same on the
accounts;
 Determine whether the
discrepancies noticed are
intentional or by error;
 Check whether the recurrence of
such discrepancies are general or
in respect of some specific
clients;
 Proper authority in sanction and
disbursement of expenses as also the
correctness of the accounting treatment
given as to revenue/capital/deferred
expenses.
 Check accrual of income/expenditure
especially for the last month of the
financial year.
 Divergent Trends:
 Divergent trends in
income/expenditure of the
current year may be analysed
with the figures of the previous
year.

 Wherever a divergent trend is

observed, obtain an explanation
along with supporting evidences
like monthly average figures,
composition of the
income/expenditure, etc.
4. Balance Sheet Cash & bank balances
 Physically verify the cash balance as on
March 31, 2003 or reconcile the cash
balance from the date of verification to
March 31, 2003.
 Confirm and reconcile the balances
with banks as on March 31, 2003.

Investments
  Physically verify the investments held
by the branch on behalf of Head Office
and issue certificate of physical
verification of investments to bank’s
Investments Department.
 Check receipt of interest and its
subsequent credit to be given to Head
Office.

Advances provisioning

 As per RBI norms, unrealised interest

on NPA accounts should be reversed
and not charged to “Advance
Accounts”. Reversal of unrealised
interest of previous years in case of
NPA accounts is required to be
checked.
 Partial recovery in respect of NPA
accounts should be generally
appropriated against principal amount
in respect of doubtful assets.

Fixed assets

Check inter-branch transfer memos relating to

fixed assets and whether they have been
correctly classified in the accounts and
depreciation accounting thereof.

Inter Branch Reconciliation (IBR)

 Understand the IBR system and

accordingly prepare an audit plan to
review the IBR transactions. The large
volume of Inter Branch Transactions
and the large number of unreconciled
entries in the banking system makes the
area fraud-prone.
 Check up head office inward
communication to branch to ascertain
date up to which statements relating to
inter-branch reconciliation have been
 sent.

Check and report

 Reversal of any large/old/unexplained

entries, which had remained
outstanding in IBR.
 Items of revenue nature, cash-in-transit
(for example, cash meant for deposit
into currency chest) which remains
pending for more than a reasonable
period.
 Double responses to the entries in the
accounts.
 Test check accuracy and correctness of
“Daily statements” which are prepared
by the branch and sent to IOR
department.

The auditor should duly consider the extent of

non-reconciliation in forming his opinion on
the financial statements. Where the amounts
involved are material, the auditor should
suitably qualify his audit report. Attention is
drawn on the paper on “Certain Significant
Aspect of Statutory Audit of banks” issued by
the Council of ICAI in March, 1994, published
in the C. A. journal.

Further, vide its circular No.

BP.BC.22/21.04.018/99 dated March 24, 1999,
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advised the
banks to maintain category-wise (head-wise)
accounts for various types of transactions put
through inter-branch accounts so that the
netting can be done category-wise. Further,
RBI advised banks to make 100 percent
provision (category-wise) for net debit
position in their inter-branch accounts arising
out of the unreconciled entries, both debit and
credit, outstanding for more than two years.

Suspense accounts, sundry deposits, etc.

 Suspense accounts are adjustment accounts in
which certain debit transactions are
temporarily posted whose authorisation is
pending for approval.

Sundry Deposit accounts are adjustment

accounts in which certain credit transactions
are temporarily posted whose authorization is
pending for approval.

As and when the transactions are duly

authorized by the concerned officials they are
posted to the respective accounts and the
Suspense account/Sundry Deposit account is
credited/debited respectively.

 Ask for and analyse their year-wise

break-up.
 Check the nature of entries parked in
such Accounts.
 Check any movement in such old
balances and whether the same is
genuine and has been properly
authorised by the competent authority.

 Check for any revenue items lying in

such accounts and whether proper
treatment has been given for the same.
5. Auditors Report &  The Auditors Report should be a self
Memorandum of Changes contained document and should
contain no reference of any point made
in any other report including the LFAR;
 Include Audit Qualifications in the
Auditors Report and not in the LFAR;
 Quantify the Audit Qualifications for a
better appreciation of the point made to
the reader;

 For suggesting any changes in the

financial statements of the branch,
quantify the same in the Memorandum
of Changes (MOC) and make it a
 subject matter of qualification and
annexe it to the Auditors Report.
6. Long Form Audit Report  Study the LFAR Questionnaire
(LFAR) thoroughly;
 Plan the LFAR work along with the
statutory audit right from day one;
 The LFAR questionnaire is a useful tool
for planning the statutory audit of a
bank’s branch;
 Complete and submit the Auditors
Audit Report as well as the LFAR
simultaneously;
 Be specific while replying the LFAR;
 Give instances of
shortcomings/weaknesses existing in
the respective areas of the branch
functioning in the LFAR;
 Advances check-list for giving list of
accounts with adverse features;

 The LFAR should be sufficiently

detailed and quantified so that they can
be expeditiously consolidated by the
bank.
7. General  Send a letter of your requirements to
the branch before commencing the
audit.
 Obtain the latest status of cases
involving fraud, vigilance and matters
under investigation having effect on the
accounts and its reporting requirement.

 Obtain a Management Representation

Letter (MRL).

INCOME RECOGNITION AND ASSET CLASSIFICATION NORMS - AT A

GLANCE

Credit Basis for treating a Credit Remarks

Facility Facility as NPA
Term loans Interest or instalment remains Overdue: An amount due to
 overdue for a period of more than the bank under any credit
180 days. facility is ‘Overdue’ if it is not
paid on the due date fixed by
Agricultural Advances: In the bank.
respect of advances granted for
agricultural purposes where
interest and/or instalment of
principal remains overdue for a
period of more than two harvest
seasons but for a period not
exceeding two half years, the
advance should be treated as
NPA.
Cash Credits The account remains Banks may not classify an
and continuously “out of order” for a account merely due to
Overdrafts period of more than 180 days; i.e., existence of some deficiencies,
outstanding balance remains which are of temporary nature
continuously in excess of the such as non-availability of
sanctioned limit/drawing power adequate drawing power,
or there are no credits balance outstanding exceeding
continuously for a period of six the limit, non-submission of
months as on the date of Balance stock statements and non-
Sheet or credits are not enough to renewal of the limits on the
cover the interest debited during due date, etc.
the same period.
However, generally stock
statements older than three
months would be deemed
irregular and the working
capital borrowal account will
become NPA if such irregular
drawings are permitted in the
account for a continuous
period of 180 days even
though the unit may be
working or the borrower’s
financial position is
satisfactory.

Further, an account where the

regular/ad-hoc credit limits
have not been
reviewed/renewed within 180
 days from the due date/date
of ad hoc sanction
respectively, will be treated as
NPA.
Bills The bills purchased/discounted Overdue interest should not
Purchased remains overdue for a period of be charged and taken to
and more than 180 days. income account in respect of
Discounted overdue bills unless it is
realised.
Other Any amount to be received in  
Accounts respect of that facility remains
overdue for a period of more than
180 days.
Government State government guaranteed The credit facilities backed by
guaranteed advances in respect of which guarantee of Central
advances guarantee has been invoked and government though overdue
has remained in default for more may be treated as NPA only
than 180 days. when the government
repudiates its guarantee when
invoked. However, income
shall not be recognised if the
interest or instalment has
remained overdue or the
account has remained
continuously out of order or
the bills or any other facility
has remained overdue for a
period of more than 180 days.

Notes:

1. For copy of Master Circular on Prudential Norms on Income Recognition,

Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to the Advances Portfolio
issued by Reserve Bank of India vide DBOD No.
BP.BC/20/21.04.048/2001-2002 dated September 1, 2001.
2. Once an account has been classified as NPA, all the facilities granted to the
borrower will be treated as NPA except in respect of Primary Agricultural
Credit Societies (PACS)/Farmers Service Societies (FSS). Also, in respect
of additional facilities sanctioned as per package finalised by BIFR and/or
 term lending institutions, provision may be made after a period of one
year from the date of disbursement in respect of additional facilities
sanctioned under the rehabilitation package. The original facilities granted
would however continue to be classified as sub-standard/doubtful, as the
case may be.

3. Interest on advances against term deposits, NSCs, IVPs, KVPs and Life
policies may be taken to income account on the due date, provided
adequate margin is available in the accounts.

4. Till the time the account is identified as NPA, income is recognised

irrespective of whether realised or not. Where an account is identified as
NPA during the year, unrealised income should not be recognised for the
year. Also, interest accrued and credited to income account in the
previous year should be reversed or provided for if the same is not
realised.

5. If the accounts of the borrowers have been regularised before the balance
sheet date by repayment of overdue amounts, the same should be handled
with care and without scope for subjectivity. Where the account indicates
inherent weakness on the basis of the data available, the account should
be deemed as a NPA. In other genuine cases, the banks must furnish
satisfactory evidence to the Statutory Auditors/Inspecting Officers about
the manner of regularisation of the account to eliminate doubts on their
performing status.

6. If the debits arising out of devolvement of letters of credit or invoked

guarantees are parked in a separate account, the balance outstanding in
that account also should be treated as a part of the borrower’s principal
operating account for the purpose of application of prudential norms on
income recognition, asset classification and provisioning.

ASSET CLASSIFICATION — AT A GLANCE

Category Conditions to be Provision amount Remarks

satisfied
Standard  Does not  General  Such an asset is
Assets disclose any provision of not a NPA.
problem and a minimum
which does not of 0.25% of  For treatment of
carry any more total restructured
than normal standard Standard Assets,
risks attached assets. refer para 4.2.13 of
to business. Master Circular on
 Prudential Norms
issued by RBI
dated September
1, 2001 .
Sub-  Classified as  A general In respect of accounts
Standard NPA for a provision of where there are potential
Assets period not 10% of total threats of recovery on
exceeding sub-standard account of erosion in the
eighteen assets. value of security or non-
months. availability of security
 For detailed and existence of other
 Classification treatment of factors such as frauds
of an asset restructured committed by borrowers,
should not be Sub-standard it will not be prudent for
upgraded assets, refer banks to first classify
merely as a para 4.2.13 of them as sub-standard
result of Master and then as doubtful
rescheduling, Circular on after expiry of eighteen
unless there is Prudential months from the date the
satisfactory Norms account has become
compliance of issued by NPA. Such accounts
the required RBI dated should be straightaway
conditions at September 1, classified as doubtful
least for one 2001. asset or loss asset, as
year. appropriate, irrespective
of the period for which it
has remained as NPA.
Doubtful  Remained NPA  100% to the  It has all the
Assets for a period extent to weaknesses
exceeding which the inherent in that of
eighteen advances are a sub- standard
months. not covered asset with the
by the added
realisable characteristic that
value of the the weaknesses
security to make the
which the collection/liquidat
bank has a ion in full, highly
valid questionable and
recourse. · improbable, on the
Over and basis of current
above the known facts,
aforesaid, conditions and
depending values.
 upon the
period for
which the
asset has
remained
doubtful,
provision on
the secured
portion to be
made on the
following
basis:
 Up to 1 year
20%
 1 to 3 years
30%

 Over 3 years
50%
Loss  Loss asset is  100% of the  Such an asset is
Assets one where loss outstanding considered
has been should be uncollectible and
identified by provided of such little value
the bank, for/written that its
external or off. continuance as a
internal bankable asset is
auditors or the not warranted
RBI inspectors, although there
but the amount may be some
has not been salvage or
written off recoverable value.
(wholly or
partly).

Draft of Management Representation Letter to be obtained from the Branch Management

Download the PDF version of the form.

Date: ____________

M/s. XYZ & Co.

Chartered Accountants
Mumbai

Dear Sirs,

Sub.: Audit for the period ended 31-3-2003

This representation letter is provided in connection with your audit of the

financial statements of _____________ branch of _______________ BANK for the
period ended 31-3-2003 for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to whether
the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of
___________ branch of _______________ BANK as of 31-3-2003 and of the results
of operations for the period then ended. We acknowledge our responsibility for
preparation of financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the
Reserve Bank of India and recognised accounting policies and practices,
including the Accounting and Auditing Standards issued by the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India.

We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following

representations:

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. The accounting policies, which are material or critical in determining the

results of operations for the period or financial position are set out in the
financial statements and are consistent with those adopted in the financial
statements for the previous period. The financial statements are prepared
on accrual basis except as stated otherwise in the financial statements.

ASSETS

2. The branch has a satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or
encumbrances on the company's assets.

FIXED ASSETS

3. The net book values at which fixed assets are stated in the balance sheet
are arrived at:
 a. after taking into account all capital expenditure on additions
thereto, but no expenditure properly chargeable to revenue;

b. after eliminating the cost and accumulated depreciation relating to

items sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed;

c. after providing adequate depreciation on fixed assets during the

period.

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

4. At the balance sheet date, there were no outstanding commitments for

capital expenditure excepting those disclosed in Note No. ___ to the
financial statements.

INVESTMENTS

5. The current investments as appearing in the balance sheet consist of only

such investments as are by their nature readily realisable and intended to
be held for not more than one year from the respective dates on which
they were made. All other investments have been shown in the balance
sheet as `long-term investments'.
6. Current investments have been valued at the lower of cost or fair value.
Long-term investments have been valued at cost, except that any
permanent diminution in their value has been provided for in ascertaining
their carrying amount.

7. In respect of offers of right issues received during the year, the rights have
been either been subscribed to, or renunciated, or allowed to lapse. In no
case have they been renunciated in favour of third parties without
consideration which has been properly accounted for in the books of
account.

8. All the investments produced to you for physical verification belong to the
entity and they do not include any investments held on behalf of any
other person.

9. The entity has clear title to all its investments including such investments
which are in the process of being registered in the name of the entity or
which are not held in the name of the entity. There are no charges against
the investments of the entity except those appearing in the records of the
entity.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

10. The following items appearing in the books as at 31st March, 2003 are
considered good and fully recoverable with the exception of those
specifically shown as "doubtful" in the Balance Sheet:
Loans and Advances Rs.

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

11. In the opinion of the Board of Directors, other current assets have a value
on realization in the ordinary course of the company's business, which is
atleast equal to the amount at which they are stated in the balance sheet.

CASH & BANK BALANCES

12. The cash balance as on 31st March, 2003 is Rs.______.

The bank balances as on ________________ is as under:
__________________ Bank Rs.______________
__________________ Bank Rs.______________
__________________ Bank Rs.______________

LIABILITIES

13. We have recorded all known liabilities in the financial statements.

14. We have disclosed in notes to the financial statements all guarantees that
we have given to third parties and all other contingent liabilities.

15. Contingent liabilities disclosed in the notes to the financial statements do

not include any contingencies, which are likely to result in a loss and
which, therefore, require adjustment of assets or liabilities.

PROVISIONS FOR CLAIMS AND LOSSES

16. Provision has been made in the accounts for all known losses and claims
of material amounts.
17. There have been no events subsequent to the balance sheet date, which
require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the financial statements or notes
thereto.

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

18. Except as disclosed in the financial statements, the results for the period
were not materially affected by:
a. Transactions of a nature not usually undertaken by the bank;

b. Circumstances of an exceptional or non-recurring nature;

 c. Charges or credits relating to prior years;

d. Changes in accounting policies.

GENERAL

19. The following have been properly recorded and, when appropriate, ade-
quately disclosed in the financial statements:
a. Losses arising from sale and purchase commitments.

b. Agreements and options to buy back assets previously sold.

c. Assets pledged as collateral.

20. There have been no irregularities involving management or employees

who have a significant role in the system of internal control that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.

21. The financial statements are free of material misstatements, including

omissions.

22. The company has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that
could have a material effect on the financial statements in the event of
non-compliance. There has been no non-compliance with requirements of
regularity authorities that could have a material effect on the financial
statements in the event of non-compliance.

23. We have no plans or intentions that may materially affect the carrying
value or classification of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial
statements.

24. The branch has not received any notice, show cause, inspection advice,
etc. from Government of India, Reserve Bank of India or any other
monitoring authority of India that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.

For & on behalf of

___________ branch of _______________ Bank

 
Authorised Signatory

Draft Letter of Requirements to be sent to the Branch

Download the PDF version of the form.

April 1, 2003

The Branch Manager

_____________ Bank

_____________ Branch

Mumbai

Dear Sir:

Sub.: Statutory Audit of your branch for the year 2002-03

As you are aware, we have been appointed as the Statutory Auditor to report on
the accounts of your Branch for the year 2002-03.

In order to enable us to finalise the audit programme and furnish our report on
the audit of the accounts for the year 2002-03 of your branch, may we request
you to keep ready the information/clarification as stated below and make the
same available to our audit team at the earliest.

1. Latest Reports
 The following latest reports on the accounts of your bank, and
compliance by the bank on the observations contained therein may
be kept ready for our perusal:

 Latest RBI Inspection Report;

 Internal/Concurrent Audit Reports;

  Head Office Inspection Reports;

 Internal Inspection Reports;

 Revenue Audit Report (if any);

 Income and Expenditure Control Report (if any);

 Report on any other Inspection/Audit that may have been

conducted during the course of the year relevant to the financial
year 2002-03.
 

2. Circulars in connection with accounts

Please let us have a copy of the Head Office circulars/instructions in

connection with the closing of your accounts for the year, to the extent not
communicated to us or incorporated in our letter of appointment.
 

3. Accounting policies

Kindly confirm whether, as compared to the earlier year, there are any
changes in the accounting policies during the year under audit.

If so, please let us have a list and a copy of the accounting policy/ies
amended by the bank during the year covered by the current audit and
compute the financial effect thereof to enable us to verify the same.
 

4. Balancing of books

Kindly confirm the present status of balancing of the subsidiary records

with the relevant control accounts. In case of differences between balances
in the control and subsidiary records, please give the details thereof and
let us know the efforts being made to reconcile/balance the same. This
information may be given head-wise for the relevant control accounts,
indicating the date when the balances were last tallied.
 

5. Deposits

a. Please let us have the interest rate structure, applicable for the
current year, for all the types of deposits accepted by the branch.
 b. Kindly confirm having transferred Overdue/Matured Term
Deposits to Current Account Deposit. If not, details/particulars of
credit balances comprising Overdue/Matured Term Deposits as at
the year-end which continue to be shown as Term Deposit,
particularly where the branch does not have any
instructions/communication for renewal of such deposits from the
account holder and amount of provision of interest made on such
overdue/matured term deposits, should be separately marked out
and be kept ready for our reference.
 

2. Advances

a. Kindly confirm whether in respect of the advances against tangible

securities, the branch holds evidence of existence and latest market
value of the relevant securities as at the year-end.

b. Kindly inform the year-end status of the accounts, particularly

those which have been adversely commented upon in the latest
reports of RBI/Internal Auditors/Concurrent Auditors/Statutory
Auditors, etc. on the branch as also accounts in respect of which
provisions have been made/recommended as at the previous year-
end.

Information in relation to such advances accounts where provision

computed/recommended may please be prepared indicating:

a. Name of the borrower

b. Type of facility

c. * Total amount outstanding as at the year-end (both for

principal and interest) specifying the date up to which
interest has been levied and recovered.

d. Particulars of securities and value on the basis of latest

report/statement.

e. Nature of default and action taken.

f. Brief history and present status of the advance.

g. * Provision already made/recommended.

h. NPA since when (please specify the date)

 * Corresponding figures for the previous year-end may please be
given.

c. Kindly confirm whether the borrowers’ account have been

categorised according to the norms applicable for the year into
Standard, Sub-standard, Doubtful or Loss assets, with special
emphasis on Non-Performing Assets (NPA) and whether such
classification has also been made applicable by the branch to
advances with balances of less than Rs. 25,000 each.
Kindly confirm whether you have examined the accounts and
applied the norms borrower-wise and not account-wise for
categorising the accounts. Please let us have the particulars of
provisions computed/recommended in respect of the above during
the financial year under audit.
d. A list of all advances accounts which have been identified as
bad/doubtful accounts and where pending formal sanction of the
higher authorities, the relevant amount have not been re-
classified/re-categorised in the book of the branch for
provision/write off. This covers all account identified by the
branch or internal/external auditor or by RBI inspectors but the
amount has not been written-off wholly or partly.
In case the bank has recommended action against the borrowers or
for initiating legal or other coercive action for recovery of dues, a
list of such borrowers’ accounts may be furnished to us.

e. Please let us have a list of borrowers’ accounts where classification

made as at the end of the previous year has been changed to a
better classification, stating reasons for the same.

f. Kindly also confirm whether any income has been

adjusted/recorded to revenue, contrary to the norms of income
recognition notified by the Reserve Bank of India and/or Head
Office circulars issued in this regards; and particularly where the
chances of recovery/realisability of the income are remote.

Kindly also confirm whether any income has been recorded on

Non-Performing Accounts other than on actual realisation.
 

3. Outstanding in Suspense/Sundry Account

Kindly let us have a year-wise/entry-wise break up of amounts

outstanding in Suspense/Sundry accounts as on 31-3-2003. Kindly explain
the nature of the amounts in brief. Supporting evidences relating to the
existence of such amounts in the aforesaid accounts may be kept ready at
 the branch for verification. Reasons for non-adjustment of items included
in these may be made known.
 

4. Inter-branch/Office Accounts/Head Office Account

a. Please let us have a statement of entries (head-wise) which
originated prior to the year-end at other branches, but were
responded during the period after 31-3-2003 at the branch.

b. Date-wise details of debits in various sub-heads relating to Inter-

Branch transactions and reasons for outstanding amounts
particularly those, which are over 30 days as at the Balance Sheet
date.
 

5. Contingent liabilities

a. Kindly confirm whether other than for advances, there are any
matters involving the bank in any claims in litigation, arbitration or
other disputes in which there may be some financial implications,
including for staff claim, municipal taxes, local levies etc. If so,
these may be listed for our verification, and you may confirm
whether you have included these as contingent liabilities.

b. Kindly confirm whether guarantees are being disclosed net of

margins, or otherwise as at the year-end, and whether the expired
guarantee where the claim year has also expired, continue to be
disclosed in the branch return. Please confirm specifically.
 

6. Interest provision

a. Kindly confirm whether interest provision has been made on

deposits etc. in accordance with the latest instruction of the
RBI/interest rate structure of the bank. A copy of such
instructions/rate structure may be made available for our scrutiny.

b. Kindly confirm whether any amount recorded as income up to the

year-end, which remains unrecovered or not realisable, has been
reversed from any of the income heads or has been debited to any
expenditure head during the financial year. If so, please let us have
details to enable us to verify the same.

c. Kindly confirm the accounting treatment as regards reversal, if any

of interest/other income recorded up to the previous year-end; and
 the amount reversed during the year under audit; i.e., income of
earlier years derecognised during the year.
 

7. Foreign currency outstanding transactions

a. Kindly confirm whether amount outstanding as at the year-end

have been converted as at the year-end rates prescribed by FEDAI.
An authenticated copy of the FEDAI rates applied may be given for
our records.

b. Kindly confirm the amount of inward value of foreign currency

parcels, if any, which originated prior to the year-end from other
banks, but could not be recorded as these were in transit and for
which entries were made after the year end.
 

8. Investment/Stationery

For Investment held by the branch:

a. These may be produced for physical verification and/or evidence

of holding the same be made available.
b. Stock of unused security paper stationery/numbered forms like
B/Rs, SGL forms, etc. may please be produced for physical
verification.

c. It may be confirmed whether income accrued/collected has been

accounted as per the laid down procedure.

d. It may be confirmed whether Investment Valuation has been done

as per the extant RBI guidelines.
 

9. Long Form Audit Report - Branch response to the Questionnaire

In connection with the Long Form Audit Report, please let us have
complete information as regards each item in the questionnaire, to enable
us to verify the same for the purpose of our audit.
 

10. Tax Audit in terms of section 44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961

Please let us have the information required for the tax audit under section
44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961 to enable us to verify the same for the
 purpose of our report thereon.
 

11. Other certification

Please furnish us the duly authenticated information as regards other

matters, which as per the letter of appointment require certification.
 

12. Bank reconciliation and confirmations

Please let us have the duly reconciled statements for all Nostro as well as
Local bank accounts. A copy of the year-end balance confirmation
statements should also be called for and kept ready for our review.
 

13. Books of account and records

Kindly keep ready all the books of accounts and other records like
vouchers, documents, fixed assets register, etc. for our verification.

We shall appreciate your kind co-operation in the matter.

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

Chartered Accountants

Check-list for Audit of Advance Accounts

Download the PDF version of the form.

1. Name of the borrower  

2. Address  
3. Constitution  
4. Nature of business/activity  
5. Other units in the same group  
6. Total exposure of the branch to the Group - Fund based (Rs. in  
lakhs) - Non-fund based (Rs. in lakhs)
7. Name of Proprietor/Partners/Directors  
8. Name of the Chief Executive, if any  
9. Asset classification by the branch  
a. during the current year

b. during the previous year

10. Asset classification by the Branch Auditor  
a. during the current year

b. during the previous year Are there any adverse features

pointed out in relation to asset classification by the
Reserve Bank of India Inspection or any other audit.
11. Date on which the asset was first classified as NPA (where  
applicable)
12. Facilities sanctioned:  
  Date of Nature Limit Margin% Balance Prime Collateral
Sanction of (Rs. in outstanding at security security
facilities Lakhs) the year-end
Current Previous
           
Year Year
               
Provision made: Rs.________ lakhs
13. Whether the advance is a consortium advance or an advance  
made on multiple-bank basis
14. If Consortium,  
a. names of participating banks with their respective shares

b. name of the Lead Bank in Consortium

15. If on multiple banking basis, names of other banks and evidence  
thereof
16. Has the Branch classified the advance under the Credit Rating  
norms in accordance with the guidelines of the controlling
authorities of the Bank
17. a. Details of verification of primary security and evidence thereof;
 b. Details of valuation and evidence thereof

Date verified Nature of security Value Valued by

       
       
Insured for Rs. _______ lakhs (expiring on ________)
18. a. Details of verification of collateral security and evidence thereof
b. Details of valuation and evidence thereof

Date verified Nature of security Value Valued by

       
       
Insured for Rs. _______ lakhs (expiring on ________)
19. Give details of the guarantee in respect of the advance  
a. Central Government guarantee;
b. State Government guarantee;
c. Bank guarantee or financial institution guarantee;
d. Other guarantee

Provide the date and value of the guarantee in respect of the

above.
20. Compliance with the terms and conditions of the sanction  

Terms and Conditions Compliance

i. Primary Security
a. Charge on primary security
b. Mortgage of fixed assets
c. Registration of charges with Registrar of
Companies
d. Insurance with date of validity of policy
ii. Collateral Security
a. Charge on collateral security
b. Mortgage of fixed assets
c. Registration of charges with Registrar of
Companies
d. Insurance with date of validity of policy
iii. Guarantees - Existence and execution of valid guarantees
iv. Asset coverage to the branch based upon the arrangement
(i.e., consortium or multiple-bank basis)
v. Others:
a. Submission of Stock Statements/Quarterly
 Information Statements and other Information
Statements
b. Last inspection of the unit by the Branch officials:
Give the date and details of errors/omissions
noticed

c. In case of consortium advances, whether copies of

documents executed by the company favouring the
consortium are available
     
21. Key financial indicators for the last two years and projections for the current
year (Rs. in lakhs)
Indicators Audited year Audited year Estimates for
ended 31st ended 31st year ended
March___ March___ 31st March
___
Turnover      
Increase in turnover % over      
previous year
Profit before depreciation,      
interest and tax
Less: Interest      
Net Cash Profit before tax      
Less: Depreciation      
Less: Tax/Net Profit after      
Depreciation and Tax      
Net Profit to Turnover Ratio      
Capital (Paid-up)      
Reserves      
Net Worth      
Turnover to Capital Employed      
Ratio (The term capital
employed means the sum of
Net Worth and Long Term
Liabilities)
Current Ratio      
Stock Turnover Ratio      
Total Outstanding      
Liabilities/total Net Worth
Ratio
 In case of listed companies,      
Market Value of Shares
a. High;
b. Low; and

c. Closing
Earnings Per Share      
Whether the accounts were      
audited? If yes, up to what
date; and are there any audit
qualifications
22. Observations on the operations in the account:
  Excess over Excess
drawing power over limit
1. No of occasions on which the Balance    
exceeded the drawing power/sanctioned limit
(give details)
Reasons for excess drawings, if any    
Whether excess drawings were reported to the    
Controlling Authority and approved
  Debit Credit
summation summation
(Rs. in lakhs) (Rs. in lakhs)
2. Total summation in the account during    
the year
Less: Interest    
Balance    
23. Adverse observations in other audit reports/Inspection  
Reports/Concurrent Auditor’s Report/Internal Audit
Report/Stock Audit Report/Special Audit Report or Reserve
Bank of India Inspection with regard to:
i. Documentation;
ii. Operations;
iii. Security/Guarantee; and

iv. Others
24. Branch Manager’s overview of the account and its operation.  
25. a. In case the borrower has been identified/classified as  
Non-performing Asset during the year, whether any
unrealised income including income accrued in the
previous year has been accounted as income, contrary to
 the Income Recognition Norms.

b. Whether any action has been initiated to recover accounts

identified/classified as Non-performing Assets.
     
  Date:
Signature and
Seal of
Branch-in-
Charge

Advances checklist for LFAR

Download the PDF version of the form.

1. In respect of common irregularities, the Auditors can give their comments

borrower-wise in the format given hereunder:
Na Na Re IR San Fac Li Am Irre
me me gio AC ctio ilit mit ou gul
of of n stat nin y nt arit
bor bra us g o/s. y
ro nch aut as No.
wer hor at
ity the
yea
r
end
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
                 
2. In respect of Column 9 above, “Irregularity No.”, the number as given in
the “Glossary to Irregularities” in Point 5, under the head “Item” below
should be given for the irregularity applicable to respective borrower.

In case the auditors feel that in spite of the list of irregularities given
below, there are some other irregularities, which the auditor would like to
bring to notice, the auditor may separately disclose under the given head
by giving “appropriate number”.
 For the aforesaid purpose, “appropriate number” would mean, for
example, if the auditors feels that in case of
“Review/Monitoring/Supervision”, which has the number “4”, any
additional irregularity has to be incorporated, he may give a number after
the last number appearing in the list such as “4.52”, and onwards.
Similarly in case of “Credit Appraisal” which has the number “1”, any
additional irregularity may be given “1.14”, and so on.

3. The borrower-wise details may be given in descending order based on the

Amount outstanding.
4. In addition to the above, auditors wanting to give notes in respect of
Critical Advances (large or small) with gross irregularities should give the
same as per the format given in “Point 6” below.

5. GLOSSARY TO IRREGULARITIES

Item
REMARK
1 Credit Appraisal
1.1 Loan application not on record at branch.
1.2 The appraisal form was not filled up correctly and thereby the
appraisal and assessment was not done properly.
1.3 Loan application is not in the form prescribed by Head Office.
1.4 The bank did not receive certain necessary documents and
Annexures required with the application form.
1.5 Basic documents such as Memorandum & Articles of Association,
Partnership deed, etc., which are a pre-requisite to determine the
status of the borrower, not obtained.
1.6 Certain adverse features of the borrower not incorporated in the
appraisal note forwarded to the management.
1.7 Industry/group exposure and past experience of the bank is not
dealt in the appraisal note sent to the management for sanction.
1.8 The level for inventory/book-debts/creditors for finding out the
working capital is not properly assessed.
1.9 Techno-economic feasibility report, which is required to know the
technical aspects of the borrower’s business, is not obtained from
Technical Cell.
1.10 Credit report on principal borrowers and confidential report from
their banks are not insisted from the borrowers.
1.11 The opinion reports of the associate and/or sister concerns of the
borrower are not scrutinised.
1.12 The opinion reports of the associate and/or sister concerns of the
 borrower are not called for.
1.13 The opinion reports of the associate and/or sister concerns of the
borrower are not updated.
1.14 The opinion reports of the associate and/or sister concerns of the
borrower are not satisfactory.
1.15 The opinion reports of the associate and/or sister concerns of the
borrower are not scrutinised/called for/not updated/not
satisfactory.
1.16 The procedure/instructions of head office regarding preparation of
proposals for grant not followed.
1.17 The procedure/instructions of head office regarding preparation of
proposals for renewal of advances not followed.
1.18 The procedure/instructions of head office regarding preparation of
proposals for enhancement of limits, etc. not followed.
1.19 No exposure limits are fixed for forward contract for foreign
exchange sales/purchase transactions.
2 Sanctioning and disbursement
2.1 Credit facility sanctioned beyond the delegated authority or limit of
the branch
2.2 Certain proposals were sanctioned pending approval of higher
authorities wherever required.
2.3 Ad hoc limits were granted for which sanctions were pending since
long.
2.4 Facilities were disbursed before completion of documentation.
2.5 Facilities were disbursed without following sanction terms.
2.6 Facilities were disbursed without any sanction.
2.7 Sanction letter was missing in the branch.
2.8 Guarantor as required in the sanction letter was not obtained.
2.9 Required promoters stake not invested before disbursement of loan.
2.10 Sanctions were made without proper appraisal.
2.11 Security charge not created before disbursement as required by
sanction letter/renewed letter.
2.12 Full disbursement of the facility not made.
2.13 Sanction terms were not complied with or were not recorded.
2.14 Disbursement made without proper sanction.
2.15 Term loan was disbursed by creating the cash credit or savings
account of the borrower.
3 Documentation
3.1 The security against which the advance was sanction was not
 available/was not on record.
3.2 Mortgage for the property given as security is not created.
3.3 Mortgage for the property given as security created, was inadequate,
as compared to terms of sanction.
3.4 Second charge as required, on assets is not created in favour of the
bank.
3.5 Documents of second charge on assets is not on the record.
3.6 Documents pertaining to registration of charges with ROC or any
other concerned authority requiring charging of assets is not
obtained.
3.7 Copies evidencing lodgment of the original conveyance/sale deeds
with the Sub-Registrars for registration not on record.
3.8 Authority letter/Power of Attorney to the bank to collect the original
documents from the Sub-Registrar not on record.
3.9 Documents pertaining to consortium advances not yet executed/not
available with bank.
3.10 Documents signed by persons not duly authorised to sign or who
have signed in other capacity accepted by the bank.
3.11 Signatures of the executants were not found on all the pages of the
documents
3.12 Some of the documents on record were blank, without signatures of
Branch Manager, witnesses, or guarantors, etc.
3.13 Revival letters in respect of documents to be reviewed from the
borrowers not received.
3.14 Guarantors have expired.
3.15 Guarantors not on record.
3.16 Guarantors not renewed.
3.17 Guarantors not assigned.
3.18 Worth of the guarantors not available.
3.19 Stamping not as per the amended Stamps Act.
3.20 Documents have become mutilated, soiled, time barred or not
obtained.
3.21 Opinion report by the field officer for the borrowers not found on
record.
3.23 “Nil Encumbrance Certificate/s” or “No Dues Certificate/s” or “No
Lien Letters” not obtained for the mortgage/s.
3.24 Advances for vehicle loans, Registration certificate, transfer
certificate, etc. not obtained.
3.25 Work completion certificate, sale deeds, share certificates in societies,
 etc. not on record for housing loans.
3.26 Documents are not duly attested/signed by concerned officials/not
renewed.
3.27 The agreements for hypothecation do not contain details regarding
goods hypothecated.
3.28 Copy of Bills/receipts, on the basis of which the amount was
disbursed not found on record. For example Vehicle Loans, Plant
and Machinery.
3.29 Charge on main &/or collateral securities not created in terms of
sanction letter.
3.30 Original security papers/sale deed/lease deed/title
deed/agreement of sale not available on record.
3.31 TDR are not discharged or renewed.
3.32 Control returns not sent to the H.O.
3.33 The branch has not taken any action for not compliance with terms
of agreement
3.34 No documents executed for enhancement of limit/document not on
record.
3.35 ECGC post shipment policy not obtained.
3.36 Credit facility released without execution of all necessary
documents.
3.37 Common Seal not affixed on Letter of Comfort.
3.38 Confirm orders for export credit not found on record for facilities
released.
4 Review/Monitoring/Supervision
4.1 The account is frequently overdrawn.
4.2 The account is continuously overdrawn.
4.3 The account is overdrawn and the branches have not taken sufficient
steps to regularise the accounts promptly.
4.4 The balance outstanding have exceeded the drawing power.
4.5 Balance confirmation and acknowledgment of debt not obtained.
4.6 The stock, book-debts statements not received regularly/promptly.
4.7 The FFI/financial statements/audited statements/FFR 1 & 2/other
operational data, etc., not received regularly/promptly.
4.8 The stock, book-debts statements, etc., not scrutinised and no
suitable action is taken.
4.9 The FFI/financial statements/audited statements/FFR 1 & 2/other
operational data, etc., not received regularly/promptly/not
scrutinised and no suitable action is taken.
4.10 Non-moving stock is not deducted to arrive at the drawing power.
4.11 The age-wise break-up of debtors is not found on record. The
borrowers are allowed to draw money on entire outstanding debt,
which must rather be for the recent debts as prescribed for particular
industries and as per margin prescribed in the sanction letter.
4.12 Wide discrepancies observed in the stock statements and stock
figures in the annual audited financial statements.
4.13 No penal interest has been charged for delay in submission of
various statements as per the terms of agreement depending upon
the type of loan/credit availed by the borrower.
4.14 Many branches have not adhered to the prescribed frequency of
physical verification of securities given against loans and advances.
4.15 Drawing power limits are not revised as per market value of shares
for advances against security of shares.
4.16 End-use of funds not ensured/not known funds utilised for purpose
other than for which granted.
4.17 The projections submitted by the borrower stay far beyond the actual
performance. Further, no explanation for the same is taken from the
borrower.
4.18 Major sale proceeds of the borrower not routed through the bank.
4.19 Audited statements of non-corporate borrowers having limit beyond
Rs. 10 lakhs not received.
4.20 Renewal proposals of advances not received on time and in many
cases the limits are not renewed.
4.21 Application of wrong rate of interest, processing charges,
commission, other charges, etc. resulting in income leakage/excess
booking of interest of the Bank.
4.22 Insurance cover for stock/property is inadequate/not on record/not
renewed/not endorsed in favour of the Bank.
4.23 Inspection/physical verification of security charged, not been carried
out.
4.24 Expired bills/foreign currency sight bills which are outstanding,
have not been crystallised.
4.25 EBW statements on write-off of overdue export bills of ECM not
found on record.
4.26 Confirmation as to genuineness of export transactions not obtained
from Bank’s foreign offices/correspondents/customs department.
4.27 Import credit, bill of entry evidencing import of goods not found.
4.28 Documents are not obtained for bills discounted under Letter of
Credit.
4.29 Advances, which are eligible for whole turnover packing credit
guarantee cover of ECGC, are not brought under its cover.
4.30 Though government guaranteed accounts are irregular since long,
the issue of invocation of guarantee does not seem to have been
considered.
4.31 Prescribed margins not maintained as per sanctions.
4.32 Allocated limits, full terms of sanctions, stock statements, inspection
reports, margin, etc. not available at monitoring branches.
4.33 For allocated limits, inordinate delays were noticed in responding to
transfer by the allocator branch.
4.34 Regular meetings not held with other consortium members to review
the performance of borrowers and to assess the current state of
affairs/not been held as per norms.
4.35 Individual members of the consortium are not advised about the
quarterly operating limits/D. P. allocated to each one of them.
4.36 Minutes of the consortium meetings not found on record/not been
held as per norms.
4.37 Inspection report from the consortium members not obtained.
4.38 The capital of the borrower has eroded/networth is
negative/decreasing. Close monitoring needs to be done.
4.39 The drawing power is calculated wrongly and/or hence the
borrower is allowed to enjoy excess credit than actually eligible.
4.40 Signboard of SBI is not displayed in godown, where the
pledged/hypothecated stock is stored.
4.41 Limit not fully utilised by the borrower/No commitment charge is
levied for the limit not fully utilised by the borrower.
4.42 Loan against TDR/STDR, which is matured, is neither renewed nor
credited to loan account.
4.43 The Stock and Debtors Audit Report not found on record. No audit
has been done for accounts of the borrower.
4.44 The valuation report in respect of tangible security from government
approved valuer have not been obtained.
4.45 Guarantees, Opinion Reports Financial statements, IT assessment
orders and etc. of the guarantor are not found on record.
4.46 Opinion report on guarantor is not obtained.
4.47 For small Government sponsored loan accounts, security cover could
not be ascertained since neither any record was available at branch
nor physical verification conducted by the branch.
4.48 Pre-sanctions and/or post-sanctions inspection reports were not on
record.
4.49 The account was overdue for repayment and/or no credit was
received from the borrower for a long time.
4.50 The borrower is absconding or deceased and legal formalities are
incomplete and there is wilful default from the borrower. Either
establishment was closed or security was disposed of or no action
taken by the branch.
4.51 Subsidy claim process was incomplete or subsidy was yet to be
received or needs follow-up.
4.52 Security disposed of/entity closed by borrower and no action taken
by the branch.
4.53 Irregularity not advised to controllers.
4.54 Letter of subordination of deposits not taken.
4.55 Secured and unsecured portion not segregated properly in advance
return of the branch.
4.56 Renewal of limits was done before the receipt of financial statements.
4.57 Heavy cash withdrawal for which consent of corporate Guarantor is
not taken.
4.58 Proper valuation of stock not done/needs critical scrutiny.
4.59 Security obtained is inadequate/lower as compared to amount of
outstanding/no collateral security.
4.60 The party was dealing with other bank also tough it was not
permitted.
4.61 Sticky accounts require close follow-up by the management.
5 Bad and doubtful advances
5.1 The IRAC norms for classification of advances were not followed
and the same is implemented through Memorandum of Changes by
auditors during audit.
5.2 Instalments were not received from the borrowers.
5.3 Interest was not received from the borrowers.
5.4 Legal action for recovery of advances was not taken although
authorised by the Board/Controlling Authority.
5.5 Discontinuance of application of interest not followed although
authorised by the Board/Controlling Authority.
5.6 Government guarantees have expired and fresh guarantees not
obtained/not renewed.
5.7 Terms of the BIFR scheme not complied.
5.8 Payment from government not received although guarantees were
unconditional, irrevocable and payable on demand.
5.9 Delays in the settlement/repayment in respect of sanctioned
proposals.
 5.10 The repayment accepted in case of compromise cases inadequate vis-
à-vis value of security.
5.11 Compromise proposals pending at various levels where local
government/outside agencies are involved as guarantors.
5.12 Copy of Search Report not on record.
5.13 Decree awarded but no further steps taken for recovery.
5.14 DI&CGC claims submitted/rejected/pending data not available.
5.15 Irregular/sticky advance not reported to the controlling authority
promptly.
5.16 Compromise/OTS proposal is recommended and is under
negotiation since long but not finalised. Suit is filed in the court/DRT
and pending to be finalised.
5.17 ECGC claim not submitted/lodged for recovery.
6. Format for reporting Large/Irregular Advances
Name of the Branch & Region :
Name of the Borrower :
Asset Classification (IRAC Status) :

(Rupees in lakhs)
Ou
tsta
San Dra ndi
Fac ctio wi ng
ilit ned ng as
y Li Po on
mit wer 31.3
.200
3
Fu
nd
     
bas
ed:
       
       
       
       
No      
n-
Fu
nd
 bas
ed:
       
       
       
7. Security :

o Primary :

o Collateral :

Financial performance :

Operational comments :

Other comments (if any) :

Prudential Norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning - Pertaining

to Advances

Reserve Bank of India

Department of Banking Operations & Development,
Central Office, Mumbai.

DBOD No. BP.BC/20 /21.04.048 /2001-2002

September 1, 2001

Chief Executives of all Commercial Banks

(excluding RRBs and LABs)

Dear Sir

Master Circular - Prudential Norms on Income recognition, Asset

Classification and Provisioning pertaining to the Advances Portfolio

As you are aware, the Reserve Bank of India has, from time to time, issued a
number of circulars containing instructions/guidelines to banks on matters
relating to prudential norms on income recognition, asset classification and
provisioning. In order to enable the banks to have all the existing operating
instructions on the subject at one place, this Master Circular has been prepared.

2. It may be noted that all the instructions contained in circulars listed in Part A
of the Appendix as well as in the relevant paragraphs indicated in Column 3 of
Part B of the Appendix have been consolidated. We advise that this master
Circular is a compilation of all the instructions contained in these circulars issued
by the RBI, which are operational as on the date of this circular.

Yours faithfully

(M. R. Srinivasan)

Chief General Manager- in- Charge

Encl.: As above

Prudential norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning - Pertaining

to Advances

1. General
2. Definitions
3. Income Recognition
4. Asset Classification
5. Provisioning Norms

Annexure
Appendix

1. General

1.1 In line with the international practices and as per the recommendations made
by the Committee on the Financial System (Chairman Shri M. Narasimham), the
Reserve Bank of India has introduced, in a phased manner, prudential norms for
income recognition, asset classification and provisioning for the advances
portfolio of the banks so as to move towards greater consistency and
transparency in the published accounts.

1.2 The policy of income recognition should be objective and based on record of
recovery rather than on any subjective considerations. Likewise, the classification
of assets of banks has to be done on the basis of objective criteria which would
ensure a uniform and consistent application of the norms. Also, the provisioning
should be made on the basis of the classification of assets based on the period for
which the asset has remained non-performing and the availability of security and
the realisable value thereof.

1.3 With the introduction of prudential norms, the Health Code-based system for
classification of advances has ceased to be a subject of supervisory interest. As
such, all related reporting requirements, etc. under the Health Code system also
cease to be a supervisory requirement. Banks may, however, continue the system
at their discretion as a management information tool.

2. Definitions

2.1 Non-performing assets

2.1.1 An asset, including a leased asset, becomes non-performing when it ceases

to generate income for the bank. A ‘non-performing asset’ (NPA) was defined as
a credit facility in respect of which the interest and/or instalment of principal has
remained ‘past due’ for a specified period of time. The specified period was
reduced in a phased manner as under:

Yea
r Spe
end cifi
ing ed
Ma per
rch iod
31
fou
r
199
qua
3
rter
s
thr
ee
199
qua
4
rter
s
199
two
5
qua
on
rter
war
s
ds

 
 

2.1.2 An amount due under any credit facility is treated as "past due" when it has
not been paid within 30 days from the due date. Due to the improvements in the
payment and settlement systems, recovery climate, upgradation of technology in
the banking system, etc., it was decided to dispense with ‘past due’ concept, with
effect from March 31, 2001. Accordingly, as from that date, a Non-performing
Asset (NPA) shall be an advance where;

i. interest and/or instalment of principal remain overdue for a period of

more than 180 days in respect of a Term Loan,
ii. the account remains ‘out of order’ for a period of more than 180 days, in
respect of an Overdraft/Cash Credit (OD/CC),

iii. the bill remains overdue for a period of more than 180 days in the case of
bills purchased and discounted,

iv. interest and/or instalment of principal remains overdue for two harvest
seasons but for a period not exceeding two half years in the case of an
advance granted for agricultural purposes, and

v. any amount to be received remains overdue for a period of more than 180
days in respect of other accounts.

2.1.3 With a view to moving towards international best practices and to ensure
greater transparency, it has been decided to adopt the ‘90 days’ overdue’ norm
for identification of NPAs, from the year ending March 31, 2004. Accordingly,
with effect from March 31, 2004, a non-performing asset (NPA) shall be a loan or
an advance where;

i. interest and/or instalment of principal remain overdue for a period of

more than 90 days in respect of a term loan,
ii. the account remains ‘out of order’ for a period of more than 90 days, in
respect of an Overdraft/Cash Credit (OD/CC),

iii. the bill remains overdue for a period of more than 90 days in the case of
bills purchased and discounted,

iv. interest and/or instalment of principal remains overdue for two harvest
seasons but for a period not exceeding two half years in the case of an
advance granted for agricultural purposes, and

v. any amount to be received remains overdue for a period of more than 90

days in respect of other accounts.
2.2 'Out of Order' status

An account should be treated as 'out of order' if the outstanding balance remains

continuously in excess of the sanctioned limit/drawing power. In cases where
the outstanding balance in the principal operating account is less than the
sanctioned limit/drawing power, but there are no credits continuously for six
months as on the date of Balance Sheet or credits are not enough to cover the
interest debited during the same period, these accounts should be treated as 'out
of order'.

2.3 ‘Overdue’

Any amount due to the bank under any credit facility is ‘overdue’ if it is not paid
on the due date fixed by the bank.

3. Income recognition

3.1 Income recognition - Policy

3.1.1 The policy of income recognition has to be objective and based on the
record of recovery. Internationally income from non-performing assets (NPA) is
not recognised on accrual basis but is booked as income only when it is actually
received. Therefore, the banks should not charge and take to income account
interest on any NPA.

3.1.2 However, interest on advances against term deposits, NSCs, IVPs, KVPs
and Life policies may be taken to income account on the due date, provided
adequate margin is available in the accounts.

3.1.3 Fees and commissions earned by the banks as a result of re-negotiations or

rescheduling of outstanding debts should be recognised on an accrual basis over
the period of time covered by the re-negotiated or rescheduled extension of
credit.

3.1.4 If Government guaranteed advances become NPA, the interest on such

advances should not be taken to income account unless the interest has been
realised.

3.2 Reversal of income

3.2.1 If any advance, including bills purchased and discounted, becomes NPA as
at the close of any year, interest accrued and credited to income account in the
corresponding previous year, should be reversed or provided for if the same is
not realised. This will apply to Government guaranteed accounts also.
3.2.2 In respect of NPAs, fees, commission and similar income that have accrued
should cease to accrue in the current period and should be reversed or provided
for with respect to past periods, if uncollected.

3.2.3 Leased Assets

i. The net lease rentals (finance charge) on the leased asset accrued and
credited to income account before the asset became non-performing, and
remaining unrealised, should be reversed or provided for in the current
accounting period.
ii. The term 'net lease rentals' would mean the amount of finance charge
taken to the credit of Profit & Loss Account and would be worked out as
gross lease rentals adjusted by amount of statutory depreciation and lease
equalisation account.

iii. As per the 'Guidance Note on Accounting for Leases' issued by the
Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a
separate Lease Equalisation Account should be opened by the banks with
a corresponding debit or credit to Lease Adjustment Account, as the case
may be. Further, Lease Equalisation Account should be transferred every
year to the Profit & Loss Account and disclosed separately as a deduction
from/addition to gross value of lease rentals shown under the head 'Gross
Income'.

3.3 Appropriation of recovery in NPAs

3.3.1 Interest realised on NPAs may be taken to income account provided the
credits in the accounts towards interest are not out of fresh/additional credit
facilities sanctioned to the borrower concerned.

3.3.2 In the absence of a clear agreement between the bank and the borrower for
the purpose of appropriation of recoveries in NPAs (i.e., towards principal or
interest due), banks should adopt an accounting principle and exercise the right
of appropriation of recoveries in a uniform and consistent manner.

3.4 Interest application

There is no objection to the banks using their own discretion in debiting interest
to an NPA account taking the same to Interest Suspense Account or maintaining
only a record of such interest in proforma accounts.

3.5 Reporting of NPAs

3.5.1 Banks are required to furnish a Report on NPAs as on 31st March each year
after completion of audit. The NPAs would relate to the banks’ global portfolio,
including the advances at the foreign branches. The Report should be furnished
as per the prescribed format given in the Annexure.

3.5.2 While reporting NPA figures to RBI, the amount held in interest suspense
account, should be shown as a deduction from gross NPAs as well as gross
advances while arriving at the net NPAs. Banks which do not maintain Interest
Suspense account for parking interest due on non-performing advance accounts,
may furnish the amount of interest receivable on NPAs as a foot note to the
Report.

3.5.3. Whenever NPAs are reported to RBI, the amount of technical write off, if
any, should be reduced from the outstanding gross advances and gross NPAs to
eliminate any distortion in the quantum of NPAs being reported.

4. ASSET CLASSIFICATION

4.1 Categories of NPAs

Banks are required to classify non-performing assets further into the following
three categories based on the period for which the asset has remained non-
performing and the realisability of the dues:

a. Sub-standard Assets
b. Doubtful Assets

c. Loss Assets

4.1.1 Sub-standard assets

A sub-standard asset was one, which was classified as NPA for a period not
exceeding two years. With effect from 31st March 2001, a sub-standard asset is
one, which has remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 18 months. In
such cases, the current net worth of the borrower/guarantor or the current
market value of the security charged is not enough to ensure recovery of the
dues to the banks in full. In other words, such an asset will have well defined
credit weaknesses that jeopardise the liquidation of the debt and are
characterised by the distinct possibility that the banks will sustain some loss, if
deficiencies are not corrected.

4.1.2 Doubtful assets

A doubtful asset was one, which remained NPA for a period exceeding two
years. With effect from 31st March 2001, an asset is to be classified as doubtful, if
it has remained NPA for a period exceeding 18 months. A loan classified as
doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in assets that were classified as sub-
standard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or
liquidation in full - on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values -
highly questionable and improbable.

4.1.3 Loss assets

A loss asset is one where loss has been identified by the bank or internal or
external auditors or the RBI inspection but the amount has not been written off
wholly. In other words, such an asset is considered uncollectible and of such
little value that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted although
there may be some salvage or recovery value.

4.2 Guidelines for classification of assets

4.2.1 Broadly speaking, classification of assets into above categories should be

done taking into account the degree of well-defined credit weaknesses and the
extent of dependence on collateral security for realisation of dues.

4.2.2 Banks should establish appropriate internal systems to eliminate the

tendency to delay or postpone the identification of NPAs, especially in respect of
high value accounts. The banks may fix a minimum cut off point to decide what
would constitute a high value account depending upon their respective business
levels. The cut off point should be valid for the entire accounting year.
Responsibility and validation levels for ensuring proper asset classification may
be fixed by the banks. The system should ensure that doubts in asset
classification due to any reason are settled through specified internal channels
within one month from the date on which the account would have been
classified as NPA as per extant guidelines.

4.2.3 Accounts with temporary deficiencies

i. The classification of an asset as NPA should be based on the record of

recovery. Bank should not classify an advance account as NPA merely
due to the existence of some deficiencies which are temporary in nature
such as non-availability of adequate drawing power based on the latest
available stock statement, balance outstanding exceeding the limit
temporarily, non-submission of stock statements and non-renewal of the
limits on the due date, etc. In the matter of classification of accounts with
such deficiencies banks may follow the following guidelines:
a. Banks should ensure that drawings in the working capital accounts
are covered by the adequacy of current assets, since current assets
are first appropriated in times of distress. Drawing power is
required to be arrived at based on the stock statement which is
current. However, considering the difficulties of large borrowers,
stock statements relied upon by the banks for determining drawing
 power should not be older than three months. The outstanding in
the account based on drawing power calculated from stock
statements older than three months, would be deemed as irregular.
A working capital borrowal account will become NPA if such
irregular drawings are permitted in the account for a continuous
period of 180 days even though the unit may be working or the
borrower's financial position is satisfactory.

b. Regular and ad hoc credit limits need to be reviewed/regularised

not later than three months from the due date/date of ad hoc
sanction. In case of constraints such as non-availability of financial
statements and other data from the borrowers, the branch should
furnish evidence to show that renewal/review of credit limits is
already on and would be completed soon. In any case, delay
beyond six months is not considered desirable as a general
discipline. Hence, an account where the regular/ad hoc credit
limits have not been reviewed/renewed within 180 days from the
due date/date of ad hoc sanction will be treated as NPA.

4.2.4 Accounts regularised near about the balance sheet date

The asset classification of borrowal accounts where a solitary or a few credits are
recorded before the balance sheet date should be handled with care and without
scope for subjectivity. Where the account indicates inherent weakness on the
basis of the data available, the account should be deemed as a NPA. In other
genuine cases, the banks must furnish satisfactory evidence to the Statutory
Auditors/Inspecting Officers about the manner of regularisation of the account
to eliminate doubts on their performing status.

4.2.5 Asset classification to be borrower-wise and not facility-wise

i. It is difficult to envisage a situation when only one facility to a borrower

becomes a problem credit and not others. Therefore, all the facilities
granted by a bank to a borrower will have to be treated as NPA and not
the particular facility or part thereof which has become irregular.
ii. If the debits arising out of devolvement of letters of credit or invoked
guarantees are parked in a separate account, the balance outstanding in
that account also should be treated as a part of the borrower’s principal
operating account for the purpose of application of prudential norms on
income recognition, asset classification and provisioning.

4.2.6 Advances under consortium arrangements

Asset classification of accounts under consortium should be based on the record

of recovery of the individual member banks and other aspects having a bearing
on the recoverability of the advances. Where the remittances by the borrower
under consortium lending arrangements are pooled with one bank and/or where
the bank receiving remittances is not parting with the share of other member
banks, the account will be treated as not serviced in the books of the other
member banks and therefore, be treated as NPA. The banks participating in the
consortium should, therefore, arrange to get their share of recovery transferred
from the lead bank or get an express consent from the lead bank for the transfer
of their share of recovery, to ensure proper asset classification in their respective
books.

4.2.7 Accounts where there is erosion in the value of security

i. A NPA need not go through the various stages of classification in cases of

serious credit impairment and such assets should be straightaway
classified as doubtful or loss asset as appropriate. Erosion in the value of
security can be reckoned as significant when the realisable value of the
security is less than 50 per cent of the value assessed by the bank or
accepted by RBI at the time of last inspection, as the case may be. Such
NPAs may be straightaway classified under doubtful category and
provisioning should be made as applicable to doubtful assets.
ii. If the realisable value of the security, as assessed by the bank/approved
valuers/RBI is less than 10 per cent of the outstanding in the borrowal
accounts, the existence of security should be ignored and the asset should
be straightaway classified as loss asset. It may be either written off or fully
provided for by the bank.

4.2.8 Advances to PACS/FSS ceded to Commercial Banks

In respect of agricultural advances as well as advances for other purposes

granted by banks to ceded PACS/FSS under the on-lending system, only that
particular credit facility granted to PACS/FSS which is in default for a period of
two harvest seasons (not exceeding two half years)/two quarters, as the case
may be, after it has become due will be classified as NPA and not all the credit
facilities sanctioned to a PACS/FSS. The other direct loans and advances, if any,
granted by the bank to the member borrower of a PACS/FSS outside the on-
lending arrangement will become NPA even if one of the credit facilities granted
to the same borrower becomes NPA.

4.2.9 Advances against Term Deposits, NSCs, KVP/IVP, etc

Advances against term deposits, NSCs eligible for surrender, IVPs, KVPs and life
policies need not be treated as NPAs. Advances against gold ornaments,
government securities and all other securities are not covered by this exemption.

4.2.10 Loans with moratorium for payment of interest

 i. In the case of bank finance given for industrial projects or for agricultural
plantations etc. where moratorium is available for payment of interest,
payment of interest becomes 'due' only after the moratorium or gestation
period is over. Therefore, such amounts of interest do not become overdue
and hence NPA, with reference to the date of debit of interest. They
become overdue after due date for payment of interest, if uncollected.
ii. In the case of housing loan or similar advances granted to staff members
where interest is payable after recovery of principal, interest need not be
considered as overdue from the first quarter onwards. Such
loans/advances should be classified as NPA only when there is a default
in repayment of instalment of principal or payment of interest on the
respective due dates.

4.2.11 Agricultural advances

i. In respect of advances granted for agricultural purpose where interest

and/or instalment of principal remains unpaid after it has become past
due for two harvest seasons but for a period not exceeding two half-years,
such an advance should be treated as NPA. The above norms should be
made applicable only in respect of short-term agricultural loans for
production and marketing of seasonal agricultural crops such as paddy,
wheat, oilseeds, sugarcane etc. In respect of other activities like
horticulture, floriculture or allied activities such as animal husbandry,
poultry farming etc., assessment of NPA would be done as in the case of
other advances.
ii. Where natural calamities impair the repaying capacity of agricultural
borrowers, banks may decide on their own as a relief measure -
conversion of the short-term production loan into a term loan or re-
schedulement of the repayment period; and the sanctioning of fresh short-
term loan, subject to various guidelines contained in RBI circulars
RPCD.No.PLFS.BC.128/05.04.02/97-98 dated 20.06.98 and
RPCD.No.PLFS.BC.9/05.01.04/98-99 dated 21.07.98.

iii. In such cases of conversion or re-schedulement, the term loan as well as

fresh short-term loan may be treated as current dues and need not be
classified as NPA. The asset classification of these loans would thereafter
be governed by the revised terms and conditions and would be treated as
NPA if interest and/or instalment of principal remains unpaid, after it has
become past due, for two harvest seasons but for a period not exceeding
two half years.

4.2.12 Government guaranteed advances

The credit facilities backed by guarantee of the Central Government though

overdue may be treated as NPA only when the Government repudiates its
guarantee when invoked. This exemption from classification of Government
guaranteed advances as NPA is not for the purpose of recognition of income.
With effect from 1st April 2000, advances sanctioned against State Government
guarantees should be classified as NPA in the normal course, if the guarantee is
invoked and remains in default for more than two quarters. With effect from
March 31, 2001 the period of default is revised as more than 180 days.

4.2.13 Restructuring/Rescheduling of loans

i. A standard asset where the terms of the loan agreement regarding interest
and principal have been renegotiated or rescheduled after commencement
of production should be classified as sub-standard and should remain in
such category for at least one year of satisfactory performance under the
renegotiated or rescheduled terms. In the case of sub-standard and
doubtful assets also, rescheduling does not entitle a bank to upgrade the
quality of advance automatically unless there is satisfactory performance
under the rescheduled /renegotiated terms. Following representations
from banks that the foregoing stipulations deter the banks from
restructuring of standard and sub-standard loan assets even though the
modification of terms might not jeopardise the assurance of repayment of
dues from the borrower, the norms relating to restructuring of standard
and sub-standard assets were reviewed in March 2001. In the context of
restructuring of the accounts, the following stages at which the
restructuring /rescheduling /renegotiation of the terms of loan agreement
could take place, can be identified:
a. before commencement of commercial production;

b. after commencement of commercial production but before the asset

has been classified as sub-standard;

c. after commencement of commercial production and after the asset

has been classified as sub-standard.

In each of the foregoing three stages, the rescheduling, etc., of principal

and/or of interest could take place, with or without sacrifice, as part of the
restructuring package evolved.

ii. Treatment of Restructured Standard Accounts

a. A rescheduling of the instalments of principal alone, at any of the
aforesaid first two stages would not cause a standard asset to be
classified in the sub-standard category provided the loan/credit
facility is fully secured.

b. A rescheduling of interest element at any of the foregoing first two

stages would not cause an asset to be downgraded to sub standard
 category subject to the condition that the amount of sacrifice, if any,
in the element of interest, measured in present value terms, is
either written off or provision is made to the extent of the sacrifice
involved. For the purpose, the future interest due as per the
original loan agreement in respect of an account should be
discounted to the present value at a rate appropriate to the risk
category of the borrower (i.e., current PLR+ the appropriate credit
risk premium for the borrower-category) and compared with the
present value of the dues expected to be received under the
restructuring package, discounted on the same basis.

c. In case there is a sacrifice involved in the amount of interest in

present value terms, as at (b) above, the amount of sacrifice should
either be written off or provision made to the extent of the sacrifice
involved.

iii. Treatment of restructured sub-standard accounts

a. A rescheduling of the instalments of principal alone, would render

a sub-standard asset eligible to be continued in the sub-standard
category for the specified period, provided the loan/credit facility
is fully secured.

b. A rescheduling of interest element would render a sub-standard

asset eligible to be continued to be classified in sub-standard
category for the specified period subject to the condition that the
amount of sacrifice, if any, in the element of interest, measured in
present value terms, is either written off or provision is made to
the extent of the sacrifice involved. For the purpose, the future
interest due as per the original loan agreement in respect of an
account should be discounted to the present value at a rate
appropriate to the risk category of the borrower (i.e., current PLR +
the appropriate credit risk premium for the borrower-category) and
compared with the present value of the dues expected to be
received under the restructuring package, discounted on the same
basis.

c. In case there is a sacrifice involved in the amount of interest in

present value terms, as at (b) above, the amount of sacrifice should
either be written off or provision made to the extent of the sacrifice
involved. Even in cases where the sacrifice is by way of write off of
the past interest dues, the asset should continue to be treated as
sub-standard.

iv. Upgradation of restructured accounts

 The sub-standard accounts which have been subjected to restructuring
etc., whether in respect of principal instalment or interest amount, by
whatever modality, would be eligible to be upgraded to the standard
category only after the specified period; i.e., a period of one year after the
date when first payment of interest or of principal, whichever is earlier,
falls due, subject to satisfactory performance during the period. The
amount of provision made earlier, net of the amount provided for the
sacrifice in the interest amount in present value terms as aforesaid, could
also be reversed after the one year period. During this one year period, the
sub-standard asset will not deteriorate in its classification if satisfactory
performance of the account is demonstrated during the period. In case,
however, the satisfactory performance during the one year period is not
evidenced, the asset classification of the restructured account would be
governed as per the applicable prudential norms with reference to the pre-
restructuring payment schedule.

4.2.14 Availability of security/net worth of borrower/guarantor

The availability of security or net worth of borrower/guarantor should not be

taken into account for the purpose of treating an advance as NPA or otherwise,
as income recognition is based on record of recovery.

4.2.15 Take-out finance

Takeout finance is the product emerging in the context of the funding of long-
term infrastructure projects. Under this arrangement, the institution/the bank
financing infrastructure projects will have an arrangement with any financial
institution for transferring to the latter the outstanding in respect of such
financing in their books on a pre-determined basis. In view of the time-lag
involved in taking-over, the possibility of a default in the meantime cannot be
ruled out. The norms of asset classification will have to be followed by the
concerned bank/financial institution in whose books the account stands as
balance sheet item as on the relevant date. If the lending institution observes that
the asset has turned NPA on the basis of the record of recovery, it should be
classified accordingly. The lending institution should not recognise income on
accrual basis and account for the same only when it is paid by the
borrower/taking over institution (if the arrangement so provides). The lending
institution should also make provisions against any asset turning into NPA
pending its takeover by taking-over institution. As and when the asset is taken
over by the taking-over institution, the corresponding provisions could be
reversed. However, the taking over institution, on taking over such assets,
should make provisions treating the account as NPA from the actual date of it
becoming NPA even though the account was not in its books as on that date.

4.2.16 Post-shipment supplier's credit

 i. In respect of post-shipment credit extended by the banks covering export
of goods to countries for which the ECGC’s cover is available, EXIM Bank
has introduced a guarantee-cum-refinance programme whereby, in the
event of default, EXIM Bank will pay the guaranteed amount to the bank
within a period of 30 days from the day the bank invokes the guarantee
after the exporter has filed claim with ECGC.
ii. Accordingly, to the extent payment has been received from the EXIM
Bank, the advance may not be treated as a non-performing asset for asset
classification and provisioning purposes.

4.2.17 Export project finance

i. In respect of export project finance, there could be instances where the

actual importer has paid the dues to the bank abroad but the bank in turn
is unable to remit the amount due to political developments such as war,
strife, UN embargo, etc.
ii. In such cases, where the lending bank is able to establish through
documentary evidence that the importer has cleared the dues in full by
depositing the amount in the bank abroad before it turned into NPA in the
books of the bank, but the importer's country is not allowing the funds to
be remitted due to political or other reasons, the asset classification may
be made after a period of one year from the date the amount was
deposited by the importer in the bank abroad.

4.2.18 Advances under rehabilitation approved by BIFR/TLI

Banks are not permitted to upgrade the classification of any advance in respect of
which the terms have been re-negotiated unless the package of re-negotiated
terms has worked satisfactorily for a period of one year. While the existing credit
facilities sanctioned to a unit under rehabilitation packages approved by
BIFR/term lending institutions will continue to be classified as sub-standard or
doubtful as the case may be, in respect of additional facilities sanctioned under
the rehabilitation packages, the Income Recognition, Asset Classification norms
will become applicable after a period of one year from the date of disbursement.

5. Provisioning Norms

5.1 General

5.1.1 The primary responsibility for making adequate provisions for any
diminution in the value of loan assets, investment or other assets is that of the
bank managements and the statutory auditors. The assessment made by the
inspecting officer of the RBI is furnished to the bank to assist the bank
management and the statutory auditors in taking a decision in regard to making
adequate and necessary provisions in terms of prudential guidelines.
5.1.2 In conformity with the prudential norms, provisions should be made on the
non-performing assets on the basis of classification of assets into prescribed
categories as detailed in paragraphs 4 supra. Taking into account the time lag
between an account becoming doubtful of recovery, its recognition as such, the
realisation of the security and the erosion over time in the value of security
charged to the bank, the banks should make provision against sub-standard
assets, doubtful assets and loss assets as below:

5.2 Loss assets

The entire asset should be written off. If the assets are permitted to remain in the
books for any reason, 100 per cent of the outstanding should be provided for.

5.3 Doubtful assets

i. 100 per cent of the extent to which the advance is not covered by the
realisable value of the security to which the bank has a valid recourse and
the realisable value is estimated on a realistic basis.
ii. In regard to the secured portion, provision may be made on the following
basis, at the rates ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent of the secured
portion depending upon the period for which the asset has remained
doubtful:

Per
iod
for
wh
ich
the
adv Pro
anc visi
e on
has req
bee uir
n em
con ent
sid (%)
ere
d
as
do
ubt
ful
Up 20
 to
one
yea
r
On
e to
thr
30
ee
yea
rs
Mo
re
tha
n
50
thr
ee
yea
rs
iii. Additional provisioning consequent upon the change in the definition of
doubtful assets (vide para 4.1.2 above) effective from March 31, 2001 has
to be made in phases as under:

iv. As on 31.03.2001, 50 per cent of the additional provisioning

requirement on the assets which became doubtful on account of
new norm of 18 months for transition from sub-standard asset to
doubtful category.

v. As on 31.03.2002, balance of the provisions not made during the

previous year, in addition to the provisions needed, as on
31.03.2002.

Note: Valuation of Security for provisioning purposes

With a view to bringing down divergence arising out of difference in assessment

of the value of security, in cases of NPAs with balance of Rs. 5 crore and above
stock audit at annual intervals by external agencies appointed as per the
guidelines approved by the Board would be mandatory in order to enhance the
reliability on stock valuation. Collaterals such as immovable properties charged
in favour of the bank should be got valued once in three years by valuers
appointed as per the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.

5.4 Sub-standard assets

A general provision of 10 per cent on total outstanding should be made without
making any allowance for DICGC/ECGC guarantee cover and securities
available.

5.5 Standard assets

i. From the year ending 31.03.2000, the banks should make a general
provision of a minimum of 0.25 per cent on standard assets on global loan
portfolio basis.
ii. The provisions on standard assets should not be reckoned for arriving at
net NPAs.

iii. The provisions towards Standard Assets need not be netted from gross
advances but shown separately as 'Contingent Provisions against
Standard Assets' under 'Other Liabilities and Provisions - Others' in
Schedule 5 of the balance sheet.

5.6 Floating provisions

Some of the banks make a 'floating provision' over and above the specific
provisions made in respect of accounts identified as NPAs. The floating
provisions, wherever available, could be set off against provisions required to be
made as per above stated provisioning guidelines. Considering that higher loan
loss provisioning adds to the overall financial strength of the banks and the
stability of the financial sector, banks are urged to voluntarily set apart
provisions much above the minimum prudential levels as a desirable practice.

5.7 Provisions on leased assets

i. Sub-standard assets

10 percent of the 'net book value'.

As per the 'Guidance Note on Accounting for Leases' issued by the ICAI,
'Gross book value' of a fixed asset is its historical cost or other amount
substituted for historical cost in the books of account or financial
statements. Statutory depreciation should be shown separately in the
Profit & Loss Account. Accumulated depreciation should be deducted
from the Gross Book Value of the leased asset in the balance sheet of the
lessor to arrive at the 'net book value'.

Also, balance standing in 'Lease Adjustment Account' should be adjusted

in the 'net book value' of the leased assets. The amount of adjustment in
respect of each class of fixed assets may be shown either in the main
 balance sheet or in the Fixed Assets Schedule as a separate column in the
section related to leased assets.

ii. Doubtful assets

100 per cent of the extent to which the finance is not secured by the
realisable value of the leased asset. Realisable value to be estimated on a
realistic basis. Over and above provision as per (a) above, the following
provision on the net book value of the secured portion should be made,
depending upon the period for which asset has been doubtful:

%a
ge
Per of
iod pro
visi
on
Up
to
one 20
yea
r
On
e to
thr
30
ee
yea
rs
Mo
re
tha
n
50
thr
ee
yea
rs

iii. Loss assets

The entire asset should be written-off. If for any reason, an asset is

allowed to remain in books, 100 per cent of the 'net book value' should be
provided for.

5.8 Guidelines for provisions under special circumstances

5.8.1 Government guaranteed advances

i. With effect from 31st March 2000, in respect of advances sanctioned

against State Government guarantee, if the guarantee is invoked and
remains in default for more than two quarters (180 days at present), the
banks should make normal provisions as prescribed in paragraph 4.1.2
above.
ii. As regards advances guaranteed by State Governments, in respect of
which guarantee stood invoked as on 31.03.2000, necessary provision was
allowed to be made, in a phased manner, during the financial years
ending 31.03.2000 to 31.03.2003 with a minimum of 25 per cent each year.

5.8.2 Advances granted under rehabilitation packages approved by BIFR/term

lending institutions

i. In respect of advances under rehabilitation package approved by

BIFR/term lending institutions, the provision should continue to be made
in respect of dues to the bank on the existing credit facilities as per their
classification as sub-standard or doubtful asset.
ii. As regards the additional facilities sanctioned as per package finalised by
BIFR and/or term lending institutions, provision on additional facilities
sanctioned need not be made for a period of one year from the date of
disbursement.

iii. In respect of additional credit facilities granted to SSI units which are
identified as sick [as defined in paragraph 5(a) of RPCD circular
No.PLNFS.BC.99/06.02.031/92-93 dated 17.04.93] and where
rehabilitation packages/nursing programmes have been drawn by the
banks themselves or under consortium arrangements, no provision need
be made for a period of one year.

5.8.3 Advances against term deposits, NSCs eligible for surrender, IVPs, KVPs,
and life policies are exempted from provisioning requirements.

5.8.4 However, advances against gold ornaments, government securities and all
other kinds of securities are not exempted from provisioning requirements.

5.8.5 Treatment of interest suspense account

Amounts held in Interest Suspense Account should not be reckoned as part of

provisions. Amounts lying in the Interest Suspense Account should be deducted
from the relative advances and thereafter, provisioning as per the norms, should
be made on the balances after such deduction.

5.8.6 Advances covered by ECGC/DICGC guarantee

In the case of advances guaranteed by DICGC/ECGC, provision should be made
only for the balance in excess of the amount guaranteed by these Corporations.
Further, while arriving at the provision required to be made for doubtful assets,
realisable value of the securities should first be deducted from the outstanding
balance in respect of the amount guaranteed by these Corporations and then
provision made as illustrated hereunder:

Example

Out
sta
Rs.
ndi
4
ng
lak
bal
hs
anc
e
DI
50
CG
per
C
cen
Co
t
ver
Per
iod
for Mo
whi re
ch tha
the n 3
adv yea
anc rs
e re
has mai
re ned
mai do
ned ubt
do ful
ubt
ful
Val Rs.
ue 1.50
of lak
sec hs
urit
y
hel
d
(ex
clu
des
wo
rth
of
Rs.)

Provision required to be made

Out
sta
Rs.
ndi
4.00
ng
lak
bal
hs
anc
e
Les
s:
Val
ue Rs.
of 1.50
sec lak
urit hs
y
hel
d
Un
real
Rs.
ise
2.50
d
lak
bal
hs
anc
e
Les Rs.
s: 1.25
DI lak
CG
C
cov
er
(50
%
of
hs
unr
eali
sab
le
bal
anc
e)
Net
uns
Rs.
ecu
1.25
red
lak
bal
hs
anc
e
Rs.
Pro 1.25
visi lak
on hs
for (@
uns 100
ecu per
red cen
por t of
tion uns
of ecu
adv red
anc por
e tion
)
Pro Rs.
visi 0.75
on lak
for h
sec (@
ure 50
d per
por cen
 t of
tion sec
of ure
adv d
anc por
e tion
)
Tot
al
pro
visi
on Rs.
req 2.00
uir lak
ed hs
to
be
ma
de

5.8.7 Advance covered by CGTSI guarantee

In case the advance covered by CGTSI guarantee becomes non-performing, no

provision need be made towards the guaranteed portion. The amount
outstanding in excess of the guaranteed portion should be provided for as per
the extant guidelines on provisioning for non-performing advances. Two
illustrative examples are given below:

Example I

Do
Ass ubt
et ful
clas -
sifi Mo
 
cati re
on tha
stat n3
us yea
rs;
 75
%
of
the
am
oun
t
out
sta
ndi
ng
or
75
%
of
CG the
TSI uns
 
Co ecu
ver red
am
oun
t or
Rs.
18.7
5
lak
hs,
whi
che
ver
is
the
leas
t:
Rea
lisa
ble
Rs.
val
1.50
ue  
lak
of
hs
Sec
urit
y
Bal Rs.  
anc
e 10.0
out 0
sta lak
ndi hs
ng
Les
s
Rea
lisa
Rs.
ble
1.50
val  
lak
ue
hs
of
sec
urit
y
Un
sec
Rs.
ure
8.50
d  
lak
am
hs
oun
t
Les
s
CG Rs.
TSI 6.38
 
cov lak
er hs
(75
%)
Net
uns
ecu
red
Rs.
and
2.12
unc  
lak
ove
hs
red
por
tion
:
 Pro
visi
on
   
Re
qui
red
Rs.
Sec 0.75
Rs.
ure lak
1.50
d hs
lak
por (@
hs
tion 50
%)
Un
sec
Rs.
ure
Rs. 2.12
d&
2.12 lak
unc
lak hs
ove
hs (10
red
0%)
por
tion
Tot
al
pro Rs.
visi 2.87
 
on lak
req hs
uir
ed

Example II

Ass Do  
et ubt
clas ful
sifi -
cati Mo
 re
on tha
stat n 3
us yea
rs;
75
%
of
the
am
oun
t
out
sta
ndi
ng
or
75
%
of
CG the
TSI uns
 
Co ecu
ver red
am
oun
t or
Rs.
18.7
5
lak
hs,
whi
che
ver
is
the
leas
t
Rea Rs.  
lisa 10.0
ble 0
val lak
ue hs
of
Sec
urit
y
Bal
anc Rs.
e 40.0
out 0  
sta lak
ndi hs
ng
Les
s
Rea
lisa Rs.
ble 10.0
val 0  
ue lak
of hs
sec
urit
y
Un
sec Rs.
ure 30.0
d 0  
am lak
oun hs
t
Les
s
Rs.
CG
18.7
TSI
5  
cov
lak
er
hs
(75
%)
Net Rs.  
uns 11.2
ecu 5
red lak
and hs
unc
ove
red
por
tion
.
Pro
visi
on
   
Re
qui
red
Rs.
Sec Rs. 5.00
ure 10.0 lak
d 0 hs
por lak (@
tion hs 50
%)
Un
sec Rs.
ure Rs. 11.2
d & 11.2 5
unc 5 lak
ove lak hs
red hs (10
por 0%)
tion
Tot
al
Rs.
pro
16.2
visi
  5
on
lak
req
hs
uir
ed

5.8.8 Take-out finance

The lending institution should make provisions against a 'take-out finance'

turning into NPA pending its take-over by the taking-over institution. As and
when the asset is taken-over by the taking-over institution, the corresponding
provisions could be reversed.

5.8.9 Reserve for Exchange Rate Fluctuations Account (RERFA)

When exchange rate movements of Indian rupee turn adverse, the outstanding
amount of foreign currency dominated loans (where actual disbursement was
made in Indian Rupee) which becomes past due, goes up correspondingly, with
its attendant implications of provisioning requirements. Such assets should not
normally be revalued. In case such assets need to be revalued as per requirement
of accounting practices or for any other requirement, the following procedure
may be adopted:

 The loss on revaluation of assets has to be booked in the bank's Profit &
Loss Account.

 Besides the provisioning requirement as per Asset Classification, banks

should treat the full amount of the Revaluation Gain relating to the
corresponding assets, if any, on account of Foreign Exchange Fluctuation
as provision against the particular assets.

5.9 Writing-off of NPAs

5.9.1 In terms of Section 43(D) of the Income-tax Act 1961, income by way of
interest in relation to such categories of bad and doubtful debts as may be
prescribed having regard to the guidelines issued by the RBI in relation to such
debts, shall be chargeable to tax in the previous year in which it is credited to the
bank’s profit and loss account or received, whichever is earlier.

5.9.2 This stipulation is not applicable to provisioning required to be made as

indicated above. In other words, amounts set aside for making provision for
NPAs as above are not eligible for tax deductions.

5.9.3 Therefore, the banks should either make full provision as per the guidelines
or write-off such advances and claim such tax benefits as are applicable, by
evolving appropriate methodology in consultation with their auditors/tax
consultants. Recoveries made in such accounts should be offered for tax
purposes as per the rules.

5.10 Write-off at Head Office level

Banks may write-off advances at Head Office level, even though the relative
advances are still outstanding in the branch books. However, it is necessary that
provision is made as per the classification accorded to the respective accounts. In
other words, if an advance is a loss asset, 100 per cent provision will have to be
made therefor.

Annexure

Reporting Format for Non-Performing Assets - Gross and Net Position

Download the PDF version of the form.

[Vide paragraph 3.5]

Name of the Bank:

Position as on …………………………..

(Rupees in crore up to two decimals)

Particulars Amount
1. Gross advances *  
2. Gross NPAs *  
3. Gross NPAs as a percentage of gross advances  
4. Total Deductions (i+ii+iii+iv)
i. Balance in Interest Suspense account $
ii. DICGC/ECGC claims received and held pending
adjustment  
iii. Part payment received and kept in suspense account

iv. Total provisions held **

5. Net advances (1-4)  
6. Net NPAs (2-4)  
7. Net NPAs as a percentage of net Advances  

*excluding Technical write off of Rs. ………. crore.

** excluding amount of technical write off (Rs…….. …crores) and provision on

standard assets (Rs………..crore)
$ banks which do not maintain an Interest Suspense account to park the accrued
interest on NPAs, may furnish the amount of interest receivable on NPAs as a
foot note to this statement

Note: For the purpose of this Statement, ‘gross advances’ mean all outstanding
loans and advances including advances for which refinance has been received
but excluding rediscounted bills, and advances written off at Head Office level
(Technical write off).

Appendix

Master Circular

PRUDENTIAL NORMS

Part-A

List of Circulars superseded by the Master Circular

No. Circular No. Date Subject Para No.

1. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 14.06.2001 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.2, 4.2.3,
132/21.04.048/2000- Classification and 4.2.4,
2001 Provisioning for Advances 4.2.5(ii),
4.2.6, 4.2.7
2. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 07.06.2001 SSI Advances Guaranteed by 5.8.7
128/21.04.048/00-01 CGTSI -Risk-weight and
Provisioning norms
3. DBOD. No. BP. BC. 02.05.2001 Monetary & Credit Policy 2.1.2, 2.1.3
116 /21.04.048/2000- Measures 2001-02
2001
4. DBOD. No. BP. BC. 30.03.2001 Treatment of Restructured 4.2.13
98/21.04.048/2000- Accounts
2001
5. DBOD. No. BP. BC. 30.10.2000 Income Recognition, Asset 3.5
40/21.04.048/2000- Classification and
2001 Provisioning - Reporting of
NPAs to RBI
6. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 24.04.2000 Prudential Norms on Capital 5.5
 161/21.04.048/2000 Adequacy, Income
Recognition, Asset
Classification and
Provisioning, etc.
7. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 29.02.2000 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.15,
144/21.04.048/2000 Classification and 5.8.8
Provisioning and Other
Related Matters and
Adequacy Standards -
Takeout Finance
8. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 07.02.2000 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.17
138/21.04.048/2000 Classification and
Provisioning - Export Project
Finance
9. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 21.10.99 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.8
103/21.04.048/99 Classification and
Provisioning - Agricultural
Finance by Commercial Banks
through Primary Agricultural
Credit Societies
10. DBOD. No. FSC.BC. 17.07.99 Equipment Leasing Activity - 3.2.3, 5.7
70/24.01.001/99 Accounting/Provisioning
Norms
11. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 10.05.99 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.13
45/21.04.048/99 Classification and
Provisioning - Concept of
Commencement of
Commercial Production
12. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 29.12.98 Prudential Norms on Income 4.2.11(ii) &
120/21.04.048/98 Recognition, Asset (iii)
Classification and
Provisioning - Agricultural
Loans Affected by Natural
Calamities
13. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 31.10.98 Monetary & Credit Policy 4.1.1, 4.1.2,
103/21.01.002/98 Measures 5.5, 5.8.1
14. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 04.03.98 Prudential Norms on Income 4.2.11
17/21.04.048/98 Recognition, Asset
Classification and
Provisioning - Agricultural
Advances
15. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 09.04.97 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.11
 29/21.04.048/97 Classification and
Provisioning - Agricultural
Advances
16. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 19.02.97 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.11
14/21.04.048/97 Classification and
Provisioning - Agricultural
Advances
17. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 29.01.97 Prudential Norms - Capital 4.2.3, 4.2.4,
9/21.04.048/97 Adequacy, Income 4.2.6
Recognition, Asset
Classification and
Provisioning
18. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 24.12.96 Classification of Advances 4.1
163/21.04.048/96 with Balance less than Rs.
25,000/-
19. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 04.06.96 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.6
65/21.04.048/96 Classification and
Provisioning
20. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 19.03.96 Non-Performing Advances - 3.5
26/21.04.048/96 Reporting to RBI
21. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 19.03.96 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.6,
25/21.04.048/96 Classification and 4.2.12, 5.10
Provisioning
22. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 20.11.95 EXIM Bank's New Lending 4.2.16
134/21.04.048/95 Programme Extension of
Guarantee-cum-Refinance to
Commercial Bank in respect
of Post-shipment Supplier's
Credit
23. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 03.04.95 Income Recognition, Asset 3.2.2, 3.3,
36/21.04.048/95 Classification and 4.2.18,
Provisioning 5.8.2(i), (ii)
24. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 14.11.94 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.16,
134/21.04.048/94 Classification, Provisioning 5.8.2
and Other Related Matters
25. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 16.05.94 Income Recognition, Asset 5.8.6
58/21.04.048-94 Classification and
Provisioning and Capital
Adequacy Norms -
Clarifications
26. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 30.04.94 Income Recognition, Asset 5.8.6
50/21.04.048/94 Classification and
 Provisioning
27. DOS. 19.03.94 Credit Monitoring System - 1.3
BC.4/16.14.001/93-94 Health Code System for
Borrowal Accounts
28. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 04.02.94 Income Recognition, 3.1.2, 3.4,
8/21.04.043/94 Provisioning and Other 4.2.9,
Related Matters 4.2.18,
5.6,5.8.3,
5.8.4, 5.8.5
29. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 24.11.93 Income Recognition, Asset 4.2.12
195/21.04.048/93 Classification and
Provisioning - Clarifications
30. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 23.03.93 Income Recognition, Asset 5.9.1 to
95/21.04.048/93 Classification, Provisioning 5.9.3
and Other Related Matters
31. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 17.12.92 Income Recognition, Asset 2.1.2, 3.2.1,
59/21.04.043-92 Classification and 3.2.2,
Provisioning - Clarifications 4.2.5(i),
4.2.6,
4.2.7(ii),
4.2.10,
4.2.11,
4.2.12,
4.2.14
32. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 27.04.92 Income Recognition, Asset 1.1, 1.2,
129/21.04.043-92 Classification, Provisioning 2.1.1, 2.2,
and Other Related Matters 3.1.1, 3.1.3,
4.1, 4.1.1,
4.1.2, 4.1.3,
4.2, 5.1,
5.1.2, 5.2,
5.3, 5.4
33. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 31.10.90 Classification of Non- 3.1.1
42/C.469(W)-90 Performing Loans
34. DBOD. No. Fol.BC. 07.11.85 Credit Monitoring System - 1.3
136/C.249-85 Introduction of Health Code
for Borrowal Accounts in
Banks

Part-B
 List of Other Circulars containing Instructions/
Guidelines/Directives related to Prudential Norms

No. Circular No. Paragraph in Date Subject Para No.

the circular
which is
superseded
1. DBOD. No. BP.BC. 2(iii) 24.04.99 Monetary & 4.2.13(i),
35/21.01.002/99 Credit Policy 4.2.13(iv)
Measures
2. DBOD. No. FSC.BC. 1(ii), 1(v) 19.02.94 Equipment 2.1, 3.2.3
18/24.01.001/93-94 Leasing, Hire
Purchase,
Factoring, etc.
Activities