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

Q89: Identify the INCORRECT statement regarding the "Operating Procedure" of Monetary Policy:

A
CRR is counted as part of the "Reserve Money" (M0).
B
Excess SLR holdings can be used by banks to borrow under the Repo window.
C
If a bank's NDTL decreases, its absolute CRR requirement in Rupee terms increases.
D
A cut in SLR is generally seen as a liquidity-augmenting measure.
✅ Correct Answer: C
The correct answer is C. This statement is mathematically flawed.
The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is maintained as a strict percentage of a bank's Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL). If the base (NDTL) shrinks, the absolute required CRR amount (in Rupee terms) will proportionally decrease, not increase, assuming the percentage rate remains constant.
Option A is correct, as CRR balances held with the RBI are a core component of Reserve Money (M0). Option B is correct, as banks frequently use their excess SLR holdings (government securities over and above the mandated requirement) as collateral to borrow funds from the RBI's LAF Repo window.
Option D is correct; cutting the SLR frees up bank capital from mandatory G-Sec investments, augmenting liquidity for commercial lending.