What changed
The definition of 'fortnight' for CRR and SLR maintenance by Regional Rural Banks changes from a Saturday-to-second-Friday period to the 1st-15th and 16th-last day of each calendar month, effective December 15, 2025. Consequently, references to 'Friday' in reporting timelines are replaced with 'day', and the provisional and final Form A returns are abolished in favor of a single fortnightly Form A return. Reporting deadlines shift to the last day of each fortnight, with a five-day submission window instead of seven days. Note: Transition period from Dec 13-15, 2025 has specific maintenance rules (based on NDTL as of Nov 28, 2025, with minimum 100% CRR) and Form A for Dec 12, 2025 under old structure.
What it means for you
RRBs must overhaul their internal CRR/SLR computation and reporting schedules to align with calendar-month fortnights, eliminating the old Friday-based cycle. The move to a single Form A return on CIMS with digital signatures reduces paperwork but requires robust IT compliance. Monthly Form VIII submissions also move to CIMS, increasing reliance on electronic systems. Banks should update their treasury and compliance workflows immediately to avoid reporting gaps.
What you must do
- Update internal systems to compute CRR/SLR based on new fortnight definitions (1st-15th and 16th-last day of month) from December 15, 2025.
- Transition to single fortnightly Form A return on CIMS portal; discontinue provisional and final Form A submissions.
- Ensure digital signatures of two authorized officials are in place for electronic Form A and Form VIII submissions.
- Train staff on revised reporting timelines: Form A due within five days of fortnight end, Form VIII monthly from December 2025.
- Review and amend any internal policies or contracts referencing old 'Friday' or 'reporting Friday' terminology.
Who it affects
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Treasury and compliance departments of RRBs, CIMS portal users at RRBs, Auditors and regulators monitoring RRB CRR/SLR compliance
When does the new fortnight definition take effect?
The new definition applies from December 15, 2025, as notified in the Gazette of India on December 8, 2025.
What happens to the old Form A returns?
Provisional, final, and special Form A returns are abolished. RRBs must submit a single fortnightly Form A return on the CIMS portal within five days of the fortnight's end.
Are hard copy returns still accepted?
No. RRBs must submit Form A and Form VIII only in electronic form on the CIMS portal using digital signatures of two authorized officials.