HomeCirculars › RBI/2012-13/345

NBFCs get more time for CTS-2010 cheque migration

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/345 · issued 20 Dec 2012 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI extends the deadline for NBFCs to replace non-CTS-2010 compliant cheques (including post-dated EMI cheques) from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. After this, residual non-compliant cheques will still be cleared but at less frequent intervals.

What changed

The earlier deadline of December 31, 2012 for replacing non-CTS-2010 standard cheques with CTS-2010 compliant ones has been extended to March 31, 2013. This follows representations from NBFCs seeking more time. After the new deadline, any remaining non-compliant cheques presented will be accepted but cleared less frequently.

What it means for you

NBFCs get a three-month breather to complete the migration to CTS-2010 standard cheques, reducing operational pressure. However, the penalty of slower clearing for non-compliant cheques after March 31, 2013 incentivizes timely compliance. Banks and NBFCs must coordinate to ensure customer cheques are replaced to avoid delays in EMI collections.

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

Who it affects

All NBFCs, Customers of NBFCs who use post-dated EMI cheques, Clearing banks handling NBFC cheque collections

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What is the new deadline for replacing non-CTS-2010 cheques?

The deadline has been extended from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

What happens to non-CTS-2010 cheques presented after March 31, 2013?

They will still be accepted for clearing but will be processed at less frequent intervals, potentially delaying payments.

Why was the extension granted?

RBI received representations from NBFCs requesting more time to complete the replacement of non-compliant cheques.

📜 This document’s life story (2 recorded events, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Supersedes CTS-2010 Cheque Standards: Final Migration Deadline
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #1190: DNBS.PD/CC.NO.316/03.10.001/2012-13 — "Standardisation and Enhancement of Security Features in Cheque Forms - Migrating to CTS 2010 Standards" dated December ”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2012-13/345 DNBS.PD/ CC.NO.316/03.10.001/2012-13 December 20, 2012 All NBFCs Dear Sir/Madam, Standardisation and Enhancement of Security Features in Cheque Forms - Migrating to CTS 2010 Standards A reference is invited to our Circular No DNBS.PD/ CC.NO.308 /03.10.001/2012-13 November 6, 2012 advising all NBFCs to ensure replacement of all Non-CTS-2010 standard compliant cheques received from their customers for future EMI payments by December 31, 2012. 2. Representations have been received from NBFCs requesting for extension of the time beyond December 31, 2012 for withdrawal / replacement of Non-CTS-2010 Standard cheques / post-dated EMI cheques with CTS-2010 standard compliant cheques. 3. Taking into consideration these representations, it has been decided to extend the time up to March 31, 2013 to ensure withdrawal of Non-CTS 2010 Standard compliant cheques and replace them with CTS-2010 Standard compliant cheques. However, it may be noted that the residual Non-CTS-2010 Standard compliant cheques that get presented in the clearing system beyond the extended period, will continue to be accepted for the clearing but will be cleared at less frequent intervals. 4. The above instructions are issued in terms of Section 45 JA and 45K of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (Act 2 of 1934). 5. Please acknowledge receipt and ensure withdrawal/replacement of Non-CTS-2010 Standard compliant cheques within the extended target date indicated above. Yours sincerely, (C. R. Samyuktha) Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/345 · issued 20 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=7768&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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