What changed
RBI specified the exact image standards for the cheque truncation pilot: three images per cheque (gray-scale front at 100 DPI JPEG, B&W front and reverse at 200 DPI TIFF CCITT G4). Gray-scale must be 8 bits/pixel. MICR line and E13B font remain unchanged. Data structures and endorsement details are pending.
What it means for you
Banks participating in the cheque truncation pilot must upgrade or configure their imaging systems to capture and store images per these specs. This ensures uniform image quality for storage, transmission, and signature verification. The unchanged MICR line means existing cheque printing and reading infrastructure remains valid.
What you must do
- Ensure your cheque imaging systems can capture three images per cheque: gray-scale front (100 DPI JPEG), B&W front (200 DPI TIFF G4), B&W reverse (200 DPI TIFF G4).
- Verify gray-scale images are 8 bits/pixel (256 levels) as required.
- Confirm MICR line and E13B font usage remains unchanged in your cheque processing.
- Prepare for future communication on data structures and endorsement formats.
Who it affects
All scheduled banks participating in the cheque truncation pilot, IT and operations teams managing cheque processing systems, Cheque imaging vendors and solution providers
What are the three image types required per cheque?
Gray-scale front image, black-and-white front image, and black-and-white reverse image.
What are the DPI and format specifications for each image?
Front gray-scale: 100 DPI, JPEG compression. Front B&W: 200 DPI, TIFF with CCITT G4 compression. Reverse B&W: 200 DPI, TIFF with CCITT G4 compression.
Will the MICR line or font change?
No, the current MICR line and E13B font remain unchanged.