RBI's 2025 Branch Authorisation Directions: Key Changes for Banks
Current · Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/DOR/2025-26/147 · issued 28 Nov 2025 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI has issued consolidated Branch Authorisation Directions 2025, replacing older circulars. The new rules cover banking outlets, DBUs, BCs, doorstep banking, and reporting. Banks must align board-approved policies and reporting systems immediately.
The rule, in the simplest words
A banking outlet must be manned for at least 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, with clear signage and a way for customers to raise complaints.
Digital Banking Units (DBUs) must meet rules on infrastructure, cyber‑security, and must educate customers on how to use digital services.
Banks must review and update their board‑approved branch authorisation policy to match the new definitions and reporting requirements.
All outlets, DBUs, and customer service points must be recorded in the bank’s reporting system as required by Chapter VII.
Foreign banks must also follow the special provisions in paragraphs 28‑39 of the directions.
How it plays out — a real example
A branch manager in Indore, named Rohan, checks that his outlet is open for at least 4 hours each day, has a visible sign with the bank’s logo, and a complaint box for customers. He updates the bank’s policy to reflect the new definition and ensures the outlet’s details are entered into the reporting system, so the bank stays compliant with the 2025 Branch Authorisation Directions.
What changed
RBI has consolidated and updated all prior branch authorisation guidelines into a single comprehensive direction effective November 28, 2025. The new framework includes specific chapters on Digital Banking Units, Business Correspondent model, doorstep banking, and information reporting. It also defines key terms like 'Banking Outlet' and 'Administrative Office' uniformly.
What it means for you
Banks must review and update their board-approved policies to align with the new definitions and requirements, especially around banking outlets, DBUs, and BC engagement. The consolidated framework reduces ambiguity but demands stricter compliance on reporting and customer service standards. Foreign banks have additional specific provisions (paragraphs 28-39) they must follow.
What you must do
Review and update board-approved branch authorisation policy to comply with the 2025 Directions.
Ensure all banking outlets meet the new definition: manned, minimum 4 hours/day, 5 days/week, uniform signage, and complaint escalation details.
Align Digital Banking Unit operations with Chapter IV requirements on infrastructure, cyber security, and customer education.
Update information reporting systems to capture all banking outlets, DBUs, and customer service points as per Chapter VII.
For foreign banks, ensure compliance with paragraphs 28-39 specifically applicable to them.
Who it affects
All commercial banks (excluding SFBs, Payment Banks, LABs), Foreign banks operating in branch mode, Board of Directors of banks, Compliance and branch operations teams, Digital Banking Unit managers
❓ Common questions
Regulatory timeline
Stated effective dateeffective November 28, 2025
Decoded by BankPulse2026-06-17 20:01 IST
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
What is the effective date of these Directions?
The Directions came into force with immediate effect from the date of issuance, which is November 28, 2025.
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/DOR/2025-26/147 · issued 28 Nov 2025. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Review and update board-approved branch authorisation policy to comply with the 2025 Directions.
⚙️ Operations
Align Digital Banking Unit operations with Chapter IV requirements on infrastructure, cyber security, and customer education.
💻 IT / Systems
Update information reporting systems to capture all banking outlets, DBUs, and customer service points as per Chapter VII.
📜 Compliance
Ensure all banking outlets meet the new definition: manned, minimum 4 hours/day, 5 days/week, uniform signage, and complaint escalation details.
For foreign banks, ensure compliance with paragraphs 28-39 specifically applicable to them.
Grouped from the action items above — a single circular may involve more than one team.
Worked example & action-note template
Example: if you are a Branch Manager at a bank this circular applies to (All commercial banks (excluding SFBs, Payment Banks, LABs), Foreign banks operating in branch mode, Board of Directors of banks, Compliance and branch operations teams, Digital Banking Unit managers), your first concrete step on “RBI's 2025 Branch Authorisation Directions: Key Changes for Banks” is: “Review and update board-approved branch authorisation policy to comply with the 2025 Directions.” (RBI issued this 28 Nov 2025).
Action required: Review and update board-approved branch authorisation policy to comply with the 2025 Directions.
Action required: Ensure all banking outlets meet the new definition: manned, minimum 4 hours/day, 5 days/week, uniform signage, and complaint escalation details.
Action required: Align Digital Banking Unit operations with Chapter IV requirements on infrastructure, cyber security, and customer education.
Action required: Update information reporting systems to capture all banking outlets, DBUs, and customer service points as per Chapter VII.
Action required: For foreign banks, ensure compliance with paragraphs 28-39 specifically applicable to them.
Owner: ____________ Target date: ____________
Board/committee approval needed? Y / N
Evidence filed in compliance register on: ____________
Built only from this circular’s own published fields — not legal advice; always confirm against the official RBI source.
💬 Banker Discussion
Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.
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=13164&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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