Business Correspondent and Business Facilitator Apprenticeship Course Syllabus

Course Title

Business Correspondent and Business Facilitator Apprenticeship Course

Course Code

BCF101

Description

This course, under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides comprehensive training for Business Correspondents (BCs) and Business Facilitators (BFs), focusing on delivering banking services, promoting financial inclusion, and managing customer relationships in underserved areas. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in account opening, cash transactions, loan facilitation, and financial literacy promotion, preparing them for roles in the banking and financial services sector. The course aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and complies with the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of Business Correspondents and Business Facilitators in financial inclusion.
• Perform banking transactions, including account opening and cash handling, on behalf of banks.
• Promote financial literacy and banking products in rural and underserved communities.
• Ensure compliance with banking regulations and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.

Schedule

The course spans 8 weeks, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per ATS guidelines. Each week focuses on specific skills essential for BCs and BFs. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Week 1: Introduction to Financial Inclusion and BC/BF Roles

Overview of financial inclusion, roles of BCs and BFs, banking regulations, and workplace safety under ATS.

Week 2: Banking Products and Services

Understanding deposits, savings, loans, and insurance products, with a focus on rural and retail banking.

Week 3: Customer Relationship Management

Techniques for building trust, handling customer queries, and promoting banking services in communities.

Week 4: Account Opening and KYC Compliance

Learning KYC procedures, documentation, and processes for opening bank accounts.

Week 5: Cash Handling and Transactions

Performing cash deposits, withdrawals, and remittances as a BC, including use of micro-ATMs.

Week 6: Loan Facilitation and Recovery

Assisting with loan applications, credit assessment, and supporting debt recovery as a BF.

Week 7: Technology in Banking

Using banking software, mobile apps, and biometric devices for efficient service delivery.

Week 8: Final Project and Assessment

Completion of a comprehensive BC/BF project and preparation for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under NCVT.

Assessment Methods

Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC):

• Weekly Assignments: 40%
• Midterm Project: 20%
• Final Project: 30%
• Participation and Attendance: 10%

Instructor

Prof. Anil Mehra

Language

Available in: English

Status

Published

Additional Notes

Apprentices must be at least 14 years old and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, as per trade requirements). The course includes basic training (20-25% of the program) and on-the-job training, with a stipend provided as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). Successful completion leads to the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) upon passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), recognized for employment in government and private sectors. The training emphasizes skills for financial inclusion, as introduced by the Reserve Bank of India’s 2006 regulation for BCs, enabling apprentices to act as bank representatives in areas without bank branches.