HomeCirculars › RBI/2022-23/143

Revised FSWM Criteria for Urban Co-operative Banks

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2022-23/143 · issued 01 Dec 2022 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI has revised the criteria for UCBs to self-classify as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM). Key changes include stricter CRAR, NPA, and profitability norms, plus mandatory CBS and professional directors. UCBs must now self-certify compliance via board resolution within 15 calendar days.

What changed

RBI updated the FSWM classification criteria for UCBs, replacing the 2015 norms. The revised criteria require CRAR at least 1% above the minimum, net NPA ≤3%, net profit in 3 of last 4 years with no net loss in the immediate preceding year, no CRR/SLR default in the preceding financial year, sound internal controls with at least two professional directors, full CBS implementation, and no monetary penalty for RBI violations in the last two financial years. UCBs can now self-classify as FSWM based on audited financials or RBI inspection reports, subject to board resolution and notification to RBI within 15 calendar days.

What it means for you

For UCBs, this self-certification process reduces regulatory burden but increases accountability—boards must rigorously verify compliance annually. Stricter thresholds (e.g., CRAR buffer, NPA cap) may disqualify weaker banks from FSWM status, limiting their operational flexibility. Lenders should note that FSWM status signals stronger financial health, potentially affecting credit assessments and interbank dealings.

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 Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), Boards of UCBs, RBI Department of Supervision (Regional Offices)

❓ 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 key change in the revised FSWM criteria?

UCBs can now self-classify as FSWM based on revised criteria, including CRAR at least 1% above minimum, net NPA ≤3%, and profitability in 3 of last 4 years with no net loss in the immediate preceding year. The board must pass a resolution and inform RBI within 15 calendar days.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #204: DOR.REG.No.85/07.01.000/2022-23 — "Review of Norms for Classification of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM)" dated De”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2022-23/143 DOR.REG.No.85/07.01.000/2022-23 December 01, 2022 Madam / Sir Review of norms for classification of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) In order to ensure a financially sound and stable co-operative sector, select UCBs are termed as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) subject to fulfillment of certain parameters. In this context, a reference is made to our circular DCBR.CO.LS (PCB) Cir.No.4/07.01.000/2014-15 dated January 28, 2015 on “Review of norms for classification of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM)” for criteria prescribed for considering the UCBs as FSWM. 2. It has been decided to revise the criteria for UCBs to be classified as FSWM. The revised criteria in view of Revised Regulatory Framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) released by RBI on July 19, 2022 based on the recommendation of the Expert Committee on Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks are given in the Annex . 3. Further, the UCBs are now permitted to classify themselves as FSWM based on this revised FSWM criteria. Commencement 4. The revised instructions shall be applicable with immediate effect. Applicability 5. This circular is applicable to all Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks. (Prakash Baliarsingh) Chief General Manager Annex Review of norms for classification of Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) as Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) The revised criteria, for determining the FSWM status have been given as under: The CRAR shall be at least 1 percentage point above the minimum CRAR applicable to an UCB as on the reference date; Net NPA of not more than 3%; Net profit for at least three out of the preceding four years subject to it not having incurred a net loss in the immediate preceding year; No default in the maintenance of CRR / SLR during the preceding financial year; Sound internal control system with at least two professional directors on the Board; Core Banking Solution (CBS) fully implemented; and No monetary penalty should have been imposed on the bank on account of violation of RBI directives / guidelines during the last two financial years. 2. The process of deciding the eligibility for being classified as a FSWM UCB may be carried out by UCBs themselves as per the revised criteria based on the assessed financials and findings of RBI inspection report or audited financial statements, whichever is latest. The Boards of the banks shall examine the compliance to the FWSM criteria and pass necessary resolution approving the same and inform the concerned Regional Office of Department of Supervision, Reserve Bank of India immediately, and in any case, not later than within 15 calendar days from the date of passing the resolution. UCBs may review the compliance with FSWM criteria every year at Board level as indicated above immediately after the audit of the financial statements and RBI inspection report as and when received. This process will be subject to supervisory review. 3. The following instructions/circulars stand repealed on the issue of this circular Sl. No.
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2022-23/143 · issued 01 Dec 2022. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12415&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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