Question 1

Which of the following is the primary objective of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, as it applies to banking regulation in India?

Accepted Answer

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, established the RBI as the central bank of India with the primary objective of regulating the issue of banknotes and maintaining monetary stability. The Act empowers RBI to regulate the banking system, control credit and money supply, and act as banker to the government and other banks. Section 45 of the RBI Act, 1934, specifically grants RBI the authority to issue currency notes. The Act also established the framework for RBI's regulatory powers over scheduled and non-scheduled banks. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 2

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which of the following statements correctly defines the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)?

Accepted Answer

SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) is the minimum percentage of a bank's Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) that must be maintained in the form of liquid assets — primarily government securities, gold, or cash. It is prescribed by RBI under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The current SLR requirement is 18% of NDTL. SLR is maintained by the bank itself in its balance sheet, unlike CRR which is deposited with RBI. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 3

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 empowers RBI to regulate and supervise banks. Under which section of the RBI Act is RBI authorized to issue directions to banks regarding their operations and compliance?

Accepted Answer

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 grants RBI extensive powers to regulate and supervise banks. Section 45 of the RBI Act empowers RBI to issue directions to banks regarding their operations, management, and compliance with banking regulations. These directions are binding on all banks and are issued in the public interest or to ensure financial stability. Additionally, Section 35A (inserted later) gives RBI the power to issue directions to banks regarding prudential norms, capital adequacy, and other regulatory matters. However, the primary section for general operational directions is Section 45. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 4

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, a cheque is defined as a bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and payable on demand. Which of the following statements about cheques is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

A cheque, as defined in Section 6 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, is a bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and payable on demand. Key characteristics include: (1) it must be drawn on a bank, (2) it is payable on demand (no grace period), (3) it is a written order, and (4) the drawer must have funds in the account. A cheque is NOT a legal tender — it is a negotiable instrument that represents a promise to pay. Legal tender refers to currency notes and coins issued by the RBI. Therefore, the answer is D.

Question 5

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 was amended to extend its applicability to cooperative banks in which year?

Accepted Answer

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 was originally applicable only to commercial banks. However, the Act was amended in 1966 to extend its applicability to cooperative banks (with certain modifications). This amendment was significant as it brought cooperative banks under the regulatory framework of the Banking Regulation Act, thereby standardizing banking practices across both commercial and cooperative banking sectors. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT covered under the definition of 'Scheduled Bank' as per the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934?

Accepted Answer

A Scheduled Bank is defined in the RBI Act, 1934 as a bank whose name appears in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act. The key criteria for inclusion in the Second Schedule are: (1) minimum paid-up capital and reserves of ₹5 lakhs (as per historical definition, now superseded by modern norms), (2) solvency and financial position, and (3) willingness to comply with RBI directions. Cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are NOT automatically scheduled banks unless they meet specific criteria and are separately notified by RBI. Payment banks and Small Finance Banks are relatively newer categories and most are not scheduled banks. Therefore, the answer is D.

Question 7

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which of the following best describes the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)?

Accepted Answer

SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) is the minimum percentage of a bank's Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) that must be maintained in the form of liquid assets — primarily government securities, gold, or cash. It is prescribed by RBI under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. As of 2024, the SLR is maintained at 18% of NDTL. The key distinction is that SLR assets are held by the bank itself, whereas CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) is deposited with RBI. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 8

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which of the following correctly describes the liability of a bank as a collecting agent when it collects a cheque on behalf of a customer?

Accepted Answer

The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, governs cheques and other negotiable instruments in India. Section 131 of the Act defines the duties and liabilities of a collecting bank (a bank that collects cheques on behalf of customers). A collecting bank acts as an agent of the customer and is liable for negligence in the collection process. However, Section 131 provides that a collecting bank is not liable for the negligence of other banks in the chain of collection (e.g., if a cheque is lost by another bank in the clearing process), unless the collecting bank itself was negligent in selecting or instructing those banks. The collecting bank is liable for its own negligence but protected from liability for the negligence of other banks in the collection chain if it exercised due diligence in selecting them. Option B correctly identifies this principle. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct statement regarding the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms in India, as per RBI guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Know Your Customer (KYC) norms in India are prescribed by RBI under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and RBI's Master Circular on KYC. The primary objective of KYC is to prevent banks from being used for money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. KYC requires banks to verify the identity and address of customers, understand the nature of their business, and maintain records. Simplified KYC is available for low-risk customers with limited transaction thresholds (currently up to Rs. 1 lakh per annum for savings accounts). Full KYC is mandatory for accounts exceeding these limits. Option D correctly identifies the dual purpose of KYC and the existence of simplified KYC for low-risk customers. Therefore, answer is D.

Question 10

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which category of institutions is explicitly regulated as a 'banking company'?

Accepted Answer

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949, defines a 'banking company' as any company which transacts the business of banking in India. Section 5(c) of the Act defines banking as the accepting of deposits of money from the public repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawal by cheque, draft, order or otherwise. This definition includes all scheduled and non-scheduled commercial banks that accept deposits and provide lending services. Cooperative banks, RRBs (Regional Rural Banks), and small finance banks operating under banking licenses also fall under this regulatory framework. Option A correctly identifies the core characteristic of a banking company under the Act. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 11

Which of the following statements regarding the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, is correct in the context of RBI's regulatory powers?

Accepted Answer

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, is the foundational legislation that established RBI and granted it extensive regulatory and supervisory powers over the banking system. Under this Act, RBI has the authority to regulate the monetary policy, manage foreign exchange, supervise banks, and issue currency notes. Section 45 of the RBI Act, 1934, specifically empowers RBI to issue directions to banks regarding their operations and compliance with banking regulations. Option C correctly identifies RBI's regulatory authority under this Act. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 12

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirement?

Accepted Answer

SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) is a regulatory requirement under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, that mandates commercial banks to maintain a minimum percentage of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) in the form of liquid assets. These liquid assets include government securities, gold, and cash. The primary objective is to ensure banks maintain sufficient liquidity to meet depositor withdrawals and support the economy's credit needs without excessive dependence on RBI support. Option B correctly identifies this dual purpose of liquidity assurance and credit regulation. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 13

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, a cheque is defined as a bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and payable on demand. Which section of this Act specifically addresses the liability of a bank for wrongful dishonour of a cheque?

Accepted Answer

The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 is the foundational legislation governing cheques, promissory notes, and bills of exchange in India. Section 138 of this Act deals with the criminal liability for cheque dishonour due to insufficient funds. However, the civil liability of a bank for wrongful dishonour of a cheque — meaning dishonour when there are sufficient funds — is addressed under Section 31 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. This section establishes that a bank is liable to the drawer for damages if it wrongfully dishonours a cheque when the drawer has sufficient funds in the account. Therefore, the answer is A.

Question 14

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, Section 45-IA empowers RBI to issue directions to banks regarding asset classification and provisioning norms. Which of the following statements correctly reflects the scope of this provision?

Accepted Answer

Section 45-IA of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 grants RBI the authority to issue directions to scheduled banks concerning prudential norms, including asset classification, income recognition, and provisioning standards. This section is the legal foundation for RBI's Master Circular on Asset Classification and Provisioning. The key distinction is that Section 45-IA applies specifically to scheduled commercial banks and cooperative banks, not to all financial institutions. The provision enables RBI to enforce standardized asset quality management across the banking system, which is critical for financial stability. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 15

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the term 'depositor' is defined with specific legal implications. Which of the following is the CORRECT definition of a 'depositor' as per the Act?

Accepted Answer

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 does not provide a single statutory definition of 'depositor' in a specific section. However, the Act and banking practice define a depositor as a person who has deposited money with a bank and has a contractual right to withdraw it. The key element is the existence of a deposit relationship — the person must have actually deposited funds or be entitled to withdraw funds. Option A is correct — a depositor is a person who has deposited money with a bank. Option B is incorrect because it adds a requirement of 'minimum balance,' which is not part of the legal definition (though banks may impose such requirements contractually). Option C is incorrect because it restricts depositors to 'individuals only' — depositors can be individuals, businesses, government, or other entities. Option D is incorrect because it requires 'collateral security,' which is not a defining characteristic of a depositor. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 16

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) grants the RBI authority to regulate payment systems in India. Which of the following payment systems is EXEMPT from the licensing requirement under the PSS Act?

Accepted Answer

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 requires most payment system operators to obtain RBI authorization/license. However, the Act provides exemptions for certain systems. Key exemptions include: (1) Systems operated by the RBI itself (e.g., RTGS, NEFT). (2) Systems operated by the Government of India. (3) Systems operated by stock exchanges and clearing corporations for securities settlement (under certain conditions). Option A (NEFT) is operated by RBI and is exempt. Option B (RTGS) is operated by RBI and is exempt. Option C (UPI) is operated by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), which is a licensed entity and NOT exempt. Option D (Government treasury systems) are exempt as they are operated by the Government. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 17

Under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, a cheque is defined as a bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and payable on demand. Which of the following statements regarding cheque crossing is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Sections 123-131) governs cheque crossing. Cheque crossing is a safety mechanism that restricts the payment of a cheque to a bank account only, not over the counter. Key rules: (1) A cheque can be crossed by drawing two parallel lines across its face. (2) General crossing means the cheque can be paid to any bank. (3) Special crossing means the cheque can be paid only to a specified bank. (4) An uncrossed cheque can be paid over the counter to the bearer. Option A is correct — a crossed cheque cannot be paid over the counter. Option B is correct — general crossing allows payment through any bank. Option C is INCORRECT — a crossed cheque CAN be further crossed by the payee or any subsequent holder; crossing is not final. Option D is correct — special crossing restricts payment to a named bank. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 18

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 established the RBI as a central bank. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of RBI as per the Act?

Accepted Answer

The RBI Act, 1934 (and subsequent amendments including the RBI Act, 2016) establishes RBI's primary functions as: (1) monetary policy regulation, (2) banker to the government, (3) banker to banks, (4) regulator and supervisor of the banking system, and (5) manager of foreign exchange reserves. Option A (monetary policy) is a primary function. Option B (banker to government) is a primary function. Option C (direct lending to individuals) is NOT a primary function — RBI does not directly lend to individuals or businesses; it operates through the banking system. Option D (regulator of banks) is a primary function. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 19

Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which of the following statements correctly defines the scope of 'banking' as per Section 5(b)?

Accepted Answer

Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 defines 'banking' as the accepting, for the purpose of lending or investment, of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise. The key element is that deposits must be accepted from the PUBLIC and be repayable/withdrawable. This distinguishes banking from other financial activities. Option A is correct because it captures the public deposit and repayment/withdrawal mechanism. Option B is incorrect because it excludes the public deposit requirement — private lending alone is not banking. Option C is incorrect because it adds a non-existent 'collateral security' requirement to the definition. Option D is incorrect because it conflates banking with investment banking exclusively, which is a narrower scope. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 20

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) is the primary legislation governing payment systems in India. Under this Act, which of the following is NOT a designated system that RBI can regulate and supervise?

Accepted Answer

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 grants RBI the authority to designate and regulate payment systems in India. Under this Act, RBI has designated several systems including NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) as regulated payment systems. However, the Act specifically excludes certain systems from its scope. Informal money transfer systems, hawala networks, and unregistered remittance channels are NOT designated systems under the PSS Act — they operate outside the regulatory framework. Among the options, informal remittance networks or unregistered systems would not be designated systems. Therefore, the answer is D.

IBPS Clerk Banking Acts & Regulations

Banking Acts & Regulations— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Banking Acts & Regulations — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Banking Acts & Regulations