IBBI Mandates Stricter CPE Norms for Insolvency Professionals: Higher Credit Hours and In-Person Learning Introduced
- REEDLAW
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
REEDLAW Legal News Network reports: In a landmark regulatory development, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) notified on 13 August 2025 significant amendments to the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Guidelines for Insolvency Professionals. The revised framework mandated a higher minimum of 30 annual credit hours, stricter in-person learning requirements, and detailed credit allocations for publications, research, and professional examinations, thereby strengthening the accountability and professional standards of insolvency practitioners.
The amendments, introduced under Section 196 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, underscored IBBI’s commitment to the continuous upskilling of insolvency professionals. With a graded structure requiring 40% in-person learning in 2026, 50% in 2027, and 60% from 2028 onwards, the guidelines reduced dependence on virtual sessions and encouraged direct engagement through seminars, workshops, and training. This shift was designed to enhance competence, ethical conduct, and regulatory compliance in managing complex insolvency cases.
Further, the scope of learning activities eligible for CPE credit hours was elaborated. IPs could now earn credits either by attending programs organised by IBBI, Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPAs), Registered Valuer Organisations, universities, professional institutes, or other entities approved by IBBI, or by contributing to knowledge dissemination through publications, lectures, or faculty roles. A detailed credit-hour allocation was specified—for instance, four hours for an article in a national newspaper, eight hours for a journal article, thirty hours for a published book, and forty hours for completing a Ph.D. Similarly, credit hours were prescribed for passing professional examinations such as the Limited Insolvency Examination or valuation exams.
The guidelines also refined the credit hour structure for different modes of participation in workshops, seminars, and training. In-person learning conducted by IBBI or IPAs would carry higher credit hours (six hours for a full day) compared to similar events organised by other entities (four hours for a full day). Moreover, IPs were required to seek prior approval from their respective IPAs before enrolling in programs conducted by entities other than IBBI or IPAs. IPAs, in turn, were directed to process these approvals in a diligent, objective, and time-bound manner to ensure seamless professional development.
The scope of relevant learning areas for IPs was also expanded. In addition to existing subjects, “Prevention of Money Laundering Act and fraud detection” was expressly included, reflecting the growing importance of compliance and financial integrity in insolvency proceedings.
Through these amendments, IBBI reinforced its emphasis on continuous upskilling of insolvency professionals and ensured that the profession adheres to evolving regulatory and financial standards. By mandating higher in-person participation and structured learning activities, the regulatory framework sought to strengthen professional competence, ethical standards, and accountability of IPs in handling complex insolvency cases.
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