If you are planning to become a Debt Recovery Agent (DRA) in India, passing the IIBF DRA certification exam is mandatory. This exam ensures that agents working in banks and NBFCs follow legal and ethical debt recovery practices. But before you apply, you must know about the DRA exam fees, eligibility, syllabus, and other details.
In this article, we will cover:
✅ What is the DRA exam?
✅ Eligibility criteria for the exam
✅ DRA exam fees (2025 latest update)
✅ Exam pattern and syllabus
✅ How to apply for the exam
✅ Preparation tips to pass on the first attempt
Let’s get started!
What is the DRA Exam?
The Debt Recovery Agent (DRA) exam is a certification test conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF). The exam is designed to train professionals in proper loan recovery methods, including legal and ethical practices.
✔ Regulated by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
✔ Conducted by: Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF)
✔ Purpose: Certification for individuals working in loan collection and debt recovery
✔ Mode: Online examination
✔ Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
✔ Validity: Lifetime certification (once passed, no need to reappear)
Who Needs to Take the DRA Exam?
The RBI mandates that all individuals working as debt recovery agents (DRAs) for banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions must complete this certification. This includes:
👉 Bank-employed recovery agents
👉 Third-party loan collection agents
👉 Call center executives handling loan recovery
👉 Self-employed debt collection professionals
Now that we know the basics, let’s discuss the DRA exam fees and other costs.
DRA Exam Fees 2025
The cost of the DRA certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member of IIBF or not. Below is the updated fee structure:
| Category | Exam Fees (INR) Excluding GST | Total Fees (Including 18% GST) |
|---|---|---|
| For IIBF Members | ₹1,200 | ₹1,416 |
| For Non-Members | ₹1,500 | ₹1,770 |
👉 Late fees: If you miss the application deadline, IIBF may charge additional late fees.
👉 Re-examination fees: If you fail the exam and want to retake it, you will need to pay the full fee again.
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Eligibility Criteria for DRA Exam
Before applying for the DRA certification, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
✔ Minimum 10th Pass (SSC) from a recognized board.
✔ Higher qualifications (Graduation/Post-graduation) are accepted.
2. Age Requirement
✔ The minimum age to apply is 18 years.
✔ There is no upper age limit.
3. Mandatory Training Hours
The training duration depends on your qualification level:
| Qualification | Training Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 10th Pass (SSC) | 100 hours |
| Graduate or above | 50 hours |
✔ The training must be completed only through an IIBF-approved training institute.
DRA Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The DRA exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and candidates need to score at least 50% marks to pass.
Exam Pattern:
✔ Total Questions: 90 MCQs
✔ Duration: 90 minutes
✔ Passing Marks: 50% (45 correct answers)
✔ Mode: Online
Syllabus for DRA Exam:
The syllabus covers topics related to debt recovery and legal guidelines:
📌 Basics of Banking and Finance
📌 Principles of Lending & Loan Documentation
📌 Debt Recovery Mechanisms
📌 Legal Framework – SARFAESI Act, DRT Act, Lok Adalat
📌 Fair Practices Code & RBI Guidelines
📌 Soft Skills & Negotiation Techniques
📌 Ethics in Debt Recovery
✔ Study materials are available on the IIBF website and through authorized training institutes.
How to Register for the DRA Exam?
Step 1: Enroll for Training
✔ Select an IIBF-approved training institute and complete your required 50-100 hours of training.
Step 2: Apply for the Exam
✔ Visit the official IIBF website → www.iibf.org.in
✔ Click on ‘Examinations / Courses’ → DRA Exam
✔ Fill out the online application form with your details.
✔ Upload the required documents (ID proof, qualification proof, training certificate).
Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee
✔ Select the payment mode (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking).
✔ Pay the applicable DRA exam fees (₹1,200 for members, ₹1,500 for non-members).
✔ Download the payment receipt for future reference.
Step 4: Appear for the Exam
✔ IIBF will send your exam schedule and login details via email.
✔ Take the online test at the scheduled date and time.
Tips to Pass the DRA Exam on the First Attempt
✔ Complete your training seriously – Most questions come from training materials.
✔ Refer to IIBF study material – Download books from the IIBF website.
✔ Practice mock tests – Attempt previous question papers and mock exams online.
✔ Improve your soft skills – The exam tests negotiation skills in debt recovery.
✔ Understand legal guidelines – RBI rules, SARFAESI Act, and Debt Recovery Tribunal laws are important topics.
✅ Pro Tip: IIBF provides an official DRA Question Bank on their website – use it for practice!
Final Thoughts – Is the DRA Exam Worth It?
The DRA certification exam is essential for anyone pursuing a career in loan recovery. Banks and financial institutions prefer certified agents who understand ethical and legal debt collection practices.
✔ Recognized by RBI & IIBF
✔ Increases job opportunities in banks, NBFCs, and finance companies
✔ Improves negotiation & communication skills for debt recovery
💡 If you want to work as a certified Debt Recovery Agent (DRA), passing this exam is mandatory!
FAQs on DRA Exam Fees & Certification
🔹 Q1. How much does the DRA exam cost?
✅ The DRA exam fee is ₹1,200 for IIBF members and ₹1,500 for non-members (excluding GST).
🔹 Q2. Is the DRA exam difficult?
✅ The exam is moderately difficult. If you study the IIBF materials and practice mock tests, you can pass easily.
🔹 Q3. What happens if I fail the DRA exam?
✅ If you fail, you need to re-register and pay the full exam fee again.
🔹 Q4. Can I take the DRA exam online from home?
✅ No, you must appear for the exam at an IIBF-approved test center.
🔹 Q5. How long does the DRA certificate remain valid?
✅ The DRA certification is valid for a lifetime – no need for renewal!