CIBIL report error? You are entitled to free correction

Industry estimates suggest that 25–35% of Indian credit reports contain at least one inaccuracy. This includes loans showing as open when they are closed, incorrect outstanding balances, wrong DPD (Days Past Due) figures, accounts belonging to other people with similar names, and errors in personal identification information.

Each of these errors can cost you loan approvals, increase the interest rate you're offered, and damage a credit score you've worked hard to build.

The good news: you are entitled to dispute every single error — for free. And CIBIL is legally obligated to investigate and correct genuine errors within 30 days.

Here is the complete guide.

Types of Errors You Might Find

Account errors: Loan account showing as "Open" when it was closed years ago Incorrect outstanding balance (showing more than you owe) Wrong DPD (showing you were late when you weren't, or more days late than actual) A loan marked "Settled" when you paid in full Duplicate entries for the same loan (same account appearing twice)

Personal information errors: Wrong name (spelling variation from a different account's KYC) Wrong date of birth Wrong PAN number associated with your credit file Wrong address causing mixing with another person's credit file

Identity mix-up errors: Loans taken by another person (with a similar name or stolen identity) appearing on your file This is the most serious type — it may indicate fraud

How to Get Your Free CIBIL Report

Under RBI's Credit Information Companies Regulations 2006, every credit bureau must provide each individual with one free credit report per year.

At cibil.com, go to "Get Your Free Credit Score" and complete the verification process (you will need your PAN and basic personal information). Download your full credit report — not just the score.

Read the full report. The score number alone doesn't show you errors. The detailed report shows: Every credit account in your name Balance and payment history for each Inquiry history (every time you applied for credit) Personal information on file

How to File a CIBIL Dispute (Step by Step)

Step 1: Identify the specific error(s) in your report

For each error, note: The account number and lender name What the report shows (the error) What it should show (the correct information) What evidence you have (bank statement, payment receipt, loan closure letter, etc.)

Step 2: Go to CIBIL's dispute portal

Visit: cibil.com > Dispute Centre > Online Dispute

You must log in (create a free account or use your existing login).

Step 3: Select "Dispute Credit Report"

Choose the specific account you wish to dispute from your report.

Step 4:** Select the type of error

CIBIL's system will ask you to categorise the dispute: Account information (status, balance, DPD) Personal information (name, DOB, PAN) Ownership (not my account)

Step 5: Upload supporting evidence

For each dispute, upload: Bank statement showing the payment you made (if disputing a payment record) Loan closure letter/NOC (if disputing an "Open" account that is closed) Payment receipts Any correspondence with the lender

The stronger and more specific your evidence, the faster the resolution.

Step 6:** Submit and note your dispute ID

You will receive a dispute ID. CIBIL has 30 days to investigate and respond.

CIBIL's Resolution Process

CIBIL's process involves: Forwarding your dispute to the lender for verification The lender reviews your evidence and either confirms or contests the dispute If the lender confirms the error, CIBIL updates the report If contested, CIBIL weighs the evidence and makes a decision

Timeline: By law, 30 days. In practice, most disputes are resolved in 15–21 days.

After resolution: CIBIL sends you a notification. Pull your report again and confirm the correction is reflected.

What If CIBIL or the Lender Doesn't Correct It?

Escalation path:

File a complaint with the lender's Nodal Officer citing the incorrect information and requesting correction File with RBI Ombudsman if the lender does not respond within 30 days — the Ombudsman has ordered compensation in cases where lenders refused to correct CIBIL errors File a complaint with the Credit Information Bureau Ombudsman (CIBO) — a dedicated body for credit bureau disputes

HeyZ AI helps you identify errors in your credit report and draft your CIBIL dispute — free at www.sahisujhav.com

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