If you have ever applied for a loan or credit card, you have probably heard the question – “What is your CIBIL score?” Till now, the process of updating this score was a bit slow. You used to pay EMIs and make other adjustments, but the results would take up to two weeks to reflect in your score. But that wait is about to end.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a major step towards making the credit system more real-time and robust. As a result, the entire picture is going to change completely from April 1, 2026. Credit scores will be updated every seven days. This means that your financial habits – whether good or bad – will be easily visible. This will benefit both the bank and the customer.
What will change from April 2026?
Till now, all the credit information companies (CICs) in the country – such as TransUnion, CIBIL and Experian – used to update the credit data of customers once every 15 days.
As per the new RBI proposal,
Now credit scores will be updated weekly.
The data will be refreshed five times a month.
The scheduled dates are: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of every month.
This means clearly: there will be no delay in credit scores and the impact will be immediate.
How will the new system work?
RBI has not only changed the frequency of updates, but has also finalized the entire data flow.
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1. Monthly submission of complete data
Every bank and NBFC must: Submit complete credit data by the last date of the month. All CICs must submit by the 3rd of the following month.
This will include:
All active loans and credit cards. Also accounts that have been closed recently.
2. Weekly update = only new changes
During the mid-month update (on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th), banks will- submit only new or changed data, not complete data. This will include- new loans or cards, EMI payments or defaults, changes in address, name, guarantor etc., changes in account status (like moving from SMA to NPA), banks must submit this data to CICs within two days.
3. RBI to monitor negligence
If a bank or NBFC fails to submit data within the stipulated time, CICs will report the matter to RBI. This report will be posted on the DAKSH portal twice a year on 31st March and 30th September. This means, there will be no scope for relaxation in the system.
4 What does this mean for the common man?
– If you pay EMIs on time, a good score will reflect quickly, chances of loan or credit card approval will increase, you can get lower interest rates. If you delay, even a delay of one day can reflect quickly in your score. The next loan may be costly or may be cancelled. Where mistakes were “hidden” earlier, now they will be revealed instantly.
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What will be the benefit to banks and NBFCs?
You will get the latest score. You will not be forced to lend based on old data. The risk of fraud and default will be reduced.
Simply put, banks will be more cautious and lending will be more responsible.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a 3-digit number (300-900) that indicates the reliability of your loan repayments.
Score range calculation:
300–550 Poor
550–650 Average
650–750 Good
750–900 Very Good
This score is based on the following factors:
EMI and card bill payment timing.
Total loan amount.
How long have you been using credit.
How to check your CIBIL score?
Free once a year on the TransUnion CIBIL website.
Paid plans for repeated checks.
Many banks and fintech apps also provide free scores.
Finally, the important thing is:
This new rule from the Reserve Bank sends a clear message that the lending system will be stricter, faster and more transparent. Good behavior will be rewarded quickly and bad habits will be caught quickly. If you plan to take out a loan or upgrade a credit card in the future, every EMI and every date will matter.