Updated for 2026 Syllabus Detailed Explanations High-Yield Core Concepts

Bank Promotion Exam Guide

Banking Awareness | Banking Knowledge | for all Bank Exams

Module: | Priority Sector, Consumer Protection & Digital Lending

Q75: If a bank fails to maintain the required Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on any day, it is liable to pay penal interest to the RBI. What is the penal rate for the first day/instance of such default?

A
Repo Rate + 3%
B
Bank Rate + 3%
C
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate + 3%
D
Bank Rate + 5%
✅ Correct Answer: B
The correct answer is B. The RBI enforces strict penal provisions for the shortfall in maintaining the daily minimum Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) requirement.
According to the regulatory framework, for the first day or first instance of a CRR default, the penal interest rate is strictly calculated as the prevailing Bank Rate plus 3% per annum on the amount of the shortfall.
Option A and C are incorrect because the penalty is strictly pegged to the Bank Rate, not the Repo Rate or MSF Rate.
Option D (Bank Rate + 5%) represents the escalated penalty rate applied on subsequent, consecutive days of continued default, not the first instance.