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Microlesson · 5-min read

NPA Classification and Provisioning Requirements

## NPA Classification and Provisioning

### What is an NPA?

A Non-Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan/advance where interest or principal repayment has remained overdue for more than 90 days.

### Classification Categories and Minimum Provision

CategoryDefinitionProvision Required
SubstandardRemained NPA for ≤ 12 months15% of outstanding amount
Doubtful D1In substandard category ≤ 12 months (Doubtful up to 1 year)25% (secured) + 100% (unsecured)
Doubtful D2Doubtful 1–3 years40% (secured) + 100% (unsecured)
Doubtful D3Doubtful >3 years100% (secured) + 100% (unsecured)
Loss AssetIdentified as uncollectible; loss not yet written off100% of outstanding

### Critical Principle: Security ≠ NPA Classification

> NPA classification is based solely on the record of recovery. Availability of security or net worth of the borrower/guarantor is irrelevant for classifying an account as NPA.

However, security does matter when calculating the provision amount for Doubtful assets (secured vs unsecured split).

Worked example

### Example 1

Agrim — Audit of Madurai Branch of ARB Bank

Verify provisions on fully secured NPA accounts as at 31 March 2024:

AccountNPA CategoryOutstanding (₹ lakhs)Provision MadeRequired ProvisionVerdict
AK IndustriesDoubtful D110.00₹5.00 lakhs25% × 10 = ₹2.50 lakhsOverprovided — should be ₹2.50 lakh
Jupiter TradersSubstandard50.00₹7.50 lakhs15% × 50 = ₹7.50 lakhsCorrect
VT & Co.Doubtful D230.00₹30.00 lakhs40% × 30 = ₹12.00 lakhsOverprovided — should be ₹12 lakh
ASD & SonsLoss1.00₹1.00 lakh100% × 1 = ₹1.00 lakhCorrect

Note on ASD & Sons: Only a personal guarantee (proprietor net worth ₹50 lakhs) is available — no tangible security. Even so, NPA classification is based on record of recovery, not security or guarantor net worth. Loss asset classification stands.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Confusing Doubtful D1/D2/D3 provision percentages — D1 = 25%, D2 = 40%, D3 = 100% (all on the secured portion)
  • Thinking a fully secured account cannot be classified as NPA — security has no bearing on NPA classification, only record of recovery matters
  • Forgetting the 100% provision requirement on the unsecured portion of all Doubtful categories
  • Applying 15% Substandard provision on only secured portion — for Substandard, provision is 15% of the total outstanding without splitting secured/unsecured
  • Mixing up Loss Asset (100% of total outstanding) with Doubtful D3 (100% secured + 100% unsecured, which are separate line items)
Reference:
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