
If you are working in a bank or planning a long-term career in banking, you must have heard about JAIIB and CAIIB exams. These exams are conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) and are considered career-boosting certifications for banking professionals.
Every year, thousands of candidates search for answers to questions like Who can give JAIIB exam?, What is CAIIB eligibility? Is IIBF membership compulsory? What are the exam rules?, etc. Let us understand JAIIB and CAIIB eligibility criteria 2026, exam rules, registration process, and qualification requirements in a clear and simple way.
Before talking about JAIIB or CAIIB separately, it is important to understand the basic IIBF exam eligibility 2026. Both JAIIB and CAIIB are conducted only for IIBF members, which means membership is compulsory.
The IIBF conducts these exams mainly for people already working in the banking and finance sector. Only eligible candidates who meet IIBF conditions can apply.
The purpose of JAIIB and CAIIB exams is to improve professional knowledge, banking skills, and operational efficiency of bankers. That is why eligibility is linked with employment status.
To appear in JAIIB or CAIIB exams, IIBF membership is mandatory. Without membership, registration is not allowed.
You can apply for IIBF membership if you are:
Working in a public sector bank
Working in a private sector bank
Employed in RRBs, cooperative banks, or foreign banks in India
Working in NBFCs, financial institutions, or payment banks approved by IIBF
Both officers and clerical staff are eligible for membership.
Membership must be active at the time of exam registration
Each member gets a unique IIBF membership number
This number is required for JAIIB CAIIB registration process
Membership is usually valid for a long period, but must not expire
Without IIBF membership, JAIIB and CAIIB eligibility 2026 is incomplete.
The Junior Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (JAIIB) exam is the first level certification in the IIBF professional exam structure.
To appear for JAIIB exam 2026, a candidate must:
Be an IIBF member
Be working in the banking or financial sector
Have passed Class 12 or equivalent (Relaxation may be given to clerical/supervisory staff at IIBF’s discretion)
There is no age limit for JAIIB exam.
This makes JAIIB a highly accessible exam for bank employees.
Academic background forms a critical part of eligibility. Meeting these standards is essential for registration. The JAIIB qualification requirements differ from those for CAIIB.
Minimum Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10th standard (matriculation) examination or its equivalent.
Special Condition: If a candidate does not hold a matriculation degree, approval from a bank manager or officer-in-charge is necessary. This ensures they meet the functional literacy standards.
Subject Requirements: No specific subject requirements are stated.
Minimum Marks/Percentage: IIBF does not specify a minimum percentage for matriculation.
Appearing Candidates Eligibility: Not applicable, as candidates must be current employees.
The Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) is an advanced-level exam. It focuses on decision-making, risk management, and advanced banking concepts.
To be eligible for CAIIB exam 2026:
You must be an IIBF member
You must have passed JAIIB exam
Your membership should be active and valid
CAIIB cannot be attempted directly. Passing JAIIB is compulsory.
Prerequisite: Candidates must have successfully passed the JAIIB or DB&F (Diploma in Banking & Finance) examination.
Subject Requirements: Not specified, as it builds on prior banking knowledge.
Minimum Marks/Percentage: Not applicable, focus is on passing the prerequisite.
Appearing Candidates Eligibility: Not applicable.
Understanding JAIIB CAIIB exam rules and conditions is very important before applying.
Maximum 5 attempts or 3 years, whichever is earlier, counted from first application
Attempts need not be consecutive
An attempt is counted once registered, even if the candidate does not appear
Candidates may appear for any 5 out of 6 papers during the validity period
If not cleared within 5 attempts or 3 years, re-enrolment is required
No credit will be given for previously passed subjects after re-enrolment
A candidate can pass with 45 marks in a subject if the overall average is 50% or more across all papers.
This relaxation is valid only when all subjects are attempted in the same exam attempt.
JAIIB must be passed before registering for CAIIB
Credits earned in passed papers remain valid within the allowed attempts
Exams are conducted in online mode
Language options usually include English and Hindi
The JAIIB CAIIB registration process is completely online and simple.
Visit the official IIBF portal
Login using membership number and password
Select JAIIB or CAIIB exam
Choose exam center and medium
Pay exam fee online
Download confirmation receipt
Make sure all details are correct before final submission.
Beyond educational criteria, additional conditions apply for both exams. These ensure candidates are established professionals in the banking domain. This section details these mandatory aspects.
IIBF Membership: Candidates must be members of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance. This is a primary condition for IIBF member eligibility 2026. Their membership subscription must be current and not backlogged.
Work Experience: All applicants must be employees of banking or financial institutions. This work experience is fundamental to who is eligible for JAIIB exam and CAIIB. They must hold an affiliated post in a registered bank in India.
Language Proficiency: No specific language proficiency test is required. The exams are conducted in English.
Professional Conduct: Candidates must adhere to the IIBF's code of conduct.