IBBI Amends the IBBI (Continuing Professional Education for Insolvency Professionals) Guidelines, 2019

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has exercised its powers under Section 196 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) to amend the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Guidelines for Insolvency Professionals. These amendments, issued on August 13, 2025, introduce several important changes that all Insolvency Professionals should note.

1. CPE Credit Hour Requirements

The amended guidelines maintain the requirement for Insolvency Professionals (IPs) to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of CPE each calendar year. However, they clarify that newly registered IPs are not required to undertake any CPE in the calendar year of their registration.  Importantly, CPE must be undertaken even when registration is suspended or authorization for assignment has ceased.

2. Mandatory In-Person Learning

A significant new requirement is the introduction of mandatory in-person learning programs. IPs must now complete a minimum percentage of their total CPE credits through in-person learning programs according to the following schedule: 40% in 2026, 50% in 2027, and 60% from 2028 onwards.

3. Learning Activities and Credit Hours

The amendment completely restructures the learning activities framework with detailed credit hour allocation differentiating between in-person and virtual programs. IBBI / Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPAs) programs offer 3 credit hours for half-day in-person sessions and 6 hours for full-day, while virtual sessions earn 2 and 4 hours respectively. Other entity programs offer 2 credit hours for half-day in-person sessions and 4 hours for full-day, while virtual sessions earn 1 and 2 hours respectively.

4. Prior Approval Requirement

IPs must now obtain prior approval from their IPA before enrolling in CPE programs organized by entities other than IBBI or IPAs. The IPAs are required to process these approval requests diligently, objectively, and in a time-bound manner.

5. New Relevant Area Added

“Prevention of Money Laundering Act and fraud detection” has been added as a relevant area for continuing professional education.

These amendments aim to enhance the professional development framework for IPs ensuring they maintain current knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively.