Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/21 · issued 01 Jul 2011 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI consolidated all return-filing instructions for NBFCs (excluding RNBCs) into a single master circular as of July 1, 2011. It lists mandatory returns for deposit-taking NBFCs, systemically important non-deposit-taking NBFCs, and others, covering deposits, prudential norms, ALM, and compliance certificates.
What changed
RBI issued a master circular compiling all existing instructions on returns to be submitted by NBFCs, effective July 1, 2011. The circular consolidates requirements for deposit-taking NBFCs, NBFCs-ND-SI, and other NBFCs, including specific return formats and due dates. It replaces earlier individual circulars with a single reference document.
What it means for you
NBFCs now have a single source for all return-filing obligations, reducing confusion from multiple circulars. Lenders must ensure timely submission of returns like NBS-1, NBS-2, ALM statements, and auditor certificates to avoid compliance gaps. The circular also clarifies reporting for NBFCs with FDI and those opening overseas branches.
Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.
What banks were required to do at the time
Review the master circular and identify all applicable returns for your NBFC type (deposit-taking, ND-SI, or other).
Update internal compliance calendars with due dates for each return, especially NBS-1 (due by 30th Sept) and ALM returns.
Ensure statutory auditors are briefed on the annual certificate requirement regarding asset/income pattern and CoR eligibility.
For NBFCs with FDI, arrange half-yearly certification on minimum capitalisation and FEMA compliance.
Submit quarterly returns for overseas branch/subsidiary openings to the regional DNBS office and DSIM.
Who it affects
All NBFCs excluding RNBCs, Deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFCs-D), Systemically important non-deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFCs-ND-SI), Non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets between Rs 50 crore and Rs 100 crore, NBFCs with foreign direct investment (FDI)
repealed_by — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
Status change: withdrawn03 Aug 2026, 04:00 IST
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
What is the purpose of this master circular?
It consolidates all instructions on returns to be submitted by NBFCs (excluding RNBCs) issued up to June 30, 2011, into one document for easy reference.
Which NBFCs need to submit the NBS-2 return?
NBS-2 is a half-yearly return on prudential norms required specifically from NBFCs that accept public deposits.
What is the due date for the annual NBS-1 return?
The NBS-1 return, detailing assets and liabilities, is due by September 30 each year, based on data as of March 31.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed byRBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #1487: DNBS.PD.CC.No.227/03.10.042/2011-12 — "Master Circular - Returns to be submitted by NBFCs" dated July 1, 2011”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2011-12/21
DNBS.PD.CC. No.227/ 03.10.042/ 2011-12
July 1, 2011
All NBFCs (Excluding RNBCs)
Dear Sirs,
Master Circular-Returns to be submitted by NBFCs
In order to have all current instructions in one place, the Reserve Bank of India has issued master circulars to NBFCs on various subjects. It is advised that instructions on various returns to be submitted by NBFCs issued upto June 30, 2011, have been compiled herein. A consolidated list of all such instructions is enclosed for ready reference. The master circular has also been placed on the RBI web-site ( http://www.rbi.org.in ).
Yours sincerely
(Uma Subramaniam)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge
NBFCs are required to submit various returns to RBI w.r.t their deposit acceptance, prudential norms compliance, ALM etc. Detailed instructions regarding submission of returns by NBFCs have been issued through various company circulars. A list of such returns to be submitted by NBFCs-D, NBFCs-ND-SI and others is as under:
A. Returns to be submitted by deposit taking NBFCs
NBS-1 Annual Returns on deposits in First Schedule. 1
NBS-2 Half-yearly return on Prudential Norms is required to be submitted by NBFC accepting public deposits. 2
NBS-3 Quarterly return on Liquid Assets by deposit taking NBFC. 3
NBS -4 Yearly return of critical parameters by a rejected company holding public deposits 4
NBS-5 Monetary and supervisory return by NBFC having public deposits of Rs.20 core and above. 5
NBS-6 Monthly return on exposure to capital market by deposit taking NBFC with total assets of Rs 100 crore and above . 6
Half-yearly ALM return by NBFC holding public deposits of more than Rs.20 crore or asset size of more than Rs. 100 crore. 7
Audited Balance sheet and Auditor’s Report by NBFC accepting public deposits. 8
B. Returns to be submitted by NBFCs-ND-SI
1. NBS-7 An annual statement of capital funds, risk weighted assets, risk asset ratio etc., as at end of March every year for NBFC-ND-SI 9
2. Monthly Return on Important Financial Parameters of NBFCs-ND—
3. SI 10
4. ALM returns :
5. (i) Statement of short term dynamic liquidity in format ALM [NBS-ALM1] -Monthly,
6. (ii) Statement of structural liquidity in format ALM [NBS-ALM2] Half Yearly
7. (iii) Statement of Interest Rate Sensitivity in format ALM -[NBS-ALM3], Half yearly. 11
C. Quarterly return on important financial parameters of non deposit taking NBFCs having assets of more than Rs, 50 crore and above but less than Rs 100 crore
Basic information like name of the company, address. NOF, profit / loss during the last three years has to be submitted quarterly by non-deposit taking NBFCs with asset size between Rs 50 crore and Rs 100 crore. 12
D. Other Returns
1. As at the end of March every year, all NBFCs are required to submit an annual certificate duly certified by the Statutory Auditors that the company is engaged in the business of NBFI requiring it to hold the CoR. The certificate shall also indicate the asset / income pattern of the NBFC for making it eligible for classification as AFC, Investment Company, or Loan Company. 13
2. NBFC with FDI has to submit a half yearly ( half year ending March and September) certificate to the effect that it has complied with the minimum capitalisation norms and that its activities are restricted to the activities prescribed under FEMA. 14
3. 15 Opening of Branch/Subsidiary/Joint Venture/Representative Office or Undertaking Investment Abroad by NBFCs
Quarterly Return is to be submitted by all NBFCs to the Regional Office of DNBS and also Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM)
A table showing periodicity and particulars of returns is as per Annex .
Reporting dates and Due dates for Returns to be submitted by NBFCs
Sr No
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2011-12/21 · issued 01 Jul 2011. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 03 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=6578&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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