No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/333 · issued 12 Dec 2012 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI clarifies that only thumb impressions on nomination forms need two witnesses; signatures don't require attestation. Banks must also offer nomination facility for all joint deposit accounts, including those with 'Either or Survivor' mandate.
What changed
RBI, after consulting IBA, clarified that for nomination forms under the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985, only thumb impressions require attestation by two witnesses; signatures of account holders need not be witnessed. Additionally, RBI reiterated that nomination facility is available for joint deposit accounts, and banks must not dissuade customers from using it.
What it means for you
Banks can simplify their nomination form processing by not insisting on witness attestation for signatures, reducing customer friction. For joint accounts, banks must proactively offer nomination, ensuring compliance and better customer service. This aligns with earlier instructions and removes any ambiguity.
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
Update branch procedures to stop requiring witness attestation for signatures on nomination forms (DA1-3, SC1-3, SL1-3A); only thumb impressions need two witnesses.
Ensure all joint deposit account opening processes include an explicit offer of nomination facility, regardless of mandate type.
Train frontline staff on these clarifications to avoid dissuading customers from nominating.
Review existing nomination forms and customer communications to align with this circular.
Who it affects
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), All bank branches handling deposit accounts, safe custody articles, and safety lockers, Customers opening or holding joint deposit accounts
❓ Common questions
Regulatory timeline
Decoded by BankPulse2026-06-18 16:58 IST
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).
Do we need witnesses for signatures on nomination forms now?
No. Only thumb impressions require attestation by two witnesses. Signatures of account holders do not need any witness attestation.
Is nomination available for joint deposit accounts with 'Either or Survivor' mandate?
Yes. Nomination facility is available for all joint deposit accounts, including those with 'Either or Survivor' or any other mandate. Banks must offer it.
📜 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)
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2012-13/333
RPCD.RRB.BC.No. 51/ 03.05.33/2012-13
December 12, 2012
All Regional Rural Banks
Dear Sir
The Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 - Clarifications 1. Witness in nomination forms
As you are aware, the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 have been framed in exercise of powers conferred by Section 52 read with Sections 45ZA, 45ZC and 45ZE of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The nomination forms (DA1, DA2 and DA3) have also been prescribed in the Nomination Rules. These forms, inter alia, prescribe that the thumb impression of the accountholder is required to be attested by two witnesses. It has come to our notice that some banks also insist on attestation of signature by witnesses.
We have examined the issue in consultation with Indian Banks' Association and clarify that for the various Forms (DA1, DA2 and DA3 for Bank Deposits, Forms SC1, SC2 and SC3 for Articles left in Safe Custody, Forms SL1, SL1A, SL2, SL3 and SL3A for Safety Lockers) prescribed under Banking Companies Nomination Rules, 1985 only thumb-impressions(s) shall be attested by two witnesses. Signatures of the account holders need not be attested by witnesses.
2. Nomination in case of joint deposit accounts
It is understood that sometimes the customers opening joint accounts with or without "Either or Survivor " mandate, are dissuaded from exercising the nomination facility. It is clarified that nomination facility is available for joint deposit accounts also. Banks are, therefore, advised to ensure that their branches offer nomination facility to all deposit accounts including joint accounts opened by the customers.
Banks are advised to ensure strict compliance of the instructions as per the clarification given above.
Yours faithfully
(C.D. Srinivasan)
Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/333 · issued 12 Dec 2012. 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=7752&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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