HomeCirculars › RBI/2008-09/5

NBFC Quarterly Return & Liquid Asset Norms Consolidated

NBFC Regulations
Withdrawn / supersededStatus reviewed by Vikram Jain. Verify against the official RBI source below.
Issued by RBI: 01 Jul 2008  ·  Withdrawn: w.e.f. 04 Dec 2025  ·  Decoded by BankPulse: 21 Jun 2026, 00:18 IST
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📄 Official RBI source ↗
Quick answerRBI consolidated NBFC/RNBC return filing rules (NBS-3/NBS-3A) and liquid asset requirements as of June 30, 2008. Quarterly returns due within 15 days of the month succeeding the quarter. RNBCs must maintain 10% liquid assets of outstanding deposits. NBFCs (other than RNBCs) must maintain liquid assets of at least 15% of public deposits (with specific sub-limits: 12.5% from April 1, 1998; 15% from April 1, 1999; and from January 1, 2000, 10% in approved securities and the rest in term deposits).

What changed

This master circular consolidates earlier notifications on NBFC/RNBC return specifications and liquid asset maintenance, updated as of June 30, 2008. It reaffirms the quarterly NBS-3/NBS-3A return format, the 10% liquid asset requirement for RNBCs, and the 15% liquid asset requirement for NBFCs (other than RNBCs) based on public deposits.

What it means for you

NBFCs and RNBCs must continue filing quarterly returns in prescribed forms within 15 days of the month succeeding the quarter. RNBCs face a 10% liquid asset requirement on outstanding deposits. NBFCs (other than RNBCs) must maintain liquid assets of at least 15% of public deposits (with specific sub-limits). Compliance ensures regulatory oversight and avoids penalties.

What you must do

Who it affects

All Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) other than Residuary Non-Banking Companies, Residuary Non-Banking Companies (RNBCs)

What is the deadline for submitting the quarterly return?

The quarterly return must be submitted within 15 days of the month succeeding the quarter to which it relates.

What is the liquid asset requirement for RNBCs?

RNBCs must maintain liquid assets equal to 10% of deposits outstanding at the close of business on the last working day of the second preceding quarter.

What is the liquid asset requirement for NBFCs (other than RNBCs)?

NBFCs (other than RNBCs) must maintain liquid assets of at least 15% of public deposits outstanding at the close of business on the last working day of the second preceding quarter. From January 1, 2000, this includes 10% in approved securities and the remaining in unencumbered term deposits in any scheduled commercial bank.

Where should the quarterly return be submitted?

The return should be submitted in duplicate to the Regional Office of the Department of Supervision (Financial Companies Wing) of RBI under whose jurisdiction the registered office of the NBFC/RNBC is located.

Key dataSee the live numbers behind this topic: NPA / Asset-Quality Tracker, Bank Health Scores — updated from official RBI data.
Key termsPlain-English definitions of terms in this circular — see the full Indian banking glossary. NBFC · CRAR (Capital adequacy) · Gross NPA (GNPA) · Wilful defaulter
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AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · decoded & published by BankPulse · 21 Jun 2026, 00:18 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=4280&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.