How to remove inquiry from CIBIL report: The 30-day dispute process

You can only remove an unauthorized credit check from your CIBIL report. You cannot remove a valid hard inquiry for a loan you actually requested. You must raise a free dispute on the TransUnion CIBIL official website to delete a fake entry. The bank and the bureau have 30 days to fix the error.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-11-01

You can check credit score apps on Qrates to find tools that monitor your score without triggering hard inquiries. You can also use the Qrates loan apps directory to verify if an unknown inquiry came from a licensed lender.

Quick answer: How to remove a loan enquiry from CIBIL

A hard inquiry is an official record of a lender checking your credit file. You can only remove an unauthorized credit check from your report. You cannot remove a valid hard inquiry that you actually made.

To remove a fake enquiry in a CIBIL report, you must raise a dispute on the TransUnion CIBIL official website. You can also ask the bank that made the enquiry what led to it. CIBIL says that if the bank cannot provide documents proving you applied, you can ask the bank to tell the bureau to remove the enquiry. When you raise a dispute, CIBIL takes it up with the bank or lender concerned and follows up until it is resolved.

CIBIL describes this process as free. RBI sets the time limits for credit report corrections.

What you need before you start

Gather these details before you open the dispute form.

Your Control Number: The dispute form asks for this number, so keep your latest CIBIL report handy. CIBIL describes the Enquiry Control Number as 9 to 10 digits long, and up to 13 digits for a microfinance report. CIBIL also asks that your report be no older than 60 days when you start a dispute. You can learn how to download your free CIBIL report PDF using a PAN card if you do not have one handy.
An active account: You need a login on the TransUnion CIBIL website to access the dispute form.
The inquiry details: Keep the exact date and the name of the bank or NBFC that made the unauthorized credit check.
Identity proof: Keep a copy of your PAN card or Aadhaar card ready in case the bureau asks for identity proof.

The steps: How to delete a CIBIL inquiry online

Follow these steps to file your complaint on the bureau website.

Step 1: Log in and find the dispute section

Log in to your account on the TransUnion CIBIL official website and refresh your report. Open the Credit Reports section, then the Dispute Center. Menu names can vary.

Step 2: Fill out the credit bureau dispute form

Click on 'Dispute an Item' to start the process. Enter your Control Number if the form asks for it. Go to the 'Enquiry' section of your report.

Step 3: Select the specific hard inquiry and submit

This section lists every bank that has checked your credit. Select the specific fake loan enquiry you want to dispute. Choose the reason that says you did not make this enquiry, and submit the form. The wording on the form can vary. CIBIL emails you a dispute summary with a Dispute ID to track the status. The disputed field shows as 'Under Dispute' until it is resolved.

How long it takes and what it costs

CIBIL describes its dispute process as free. Under RBI's framework on delayed credit information updates, the overall limit is 30 calendar days from the date you file the complaint (RBI circular dated 26 October 2023).

The bank gets 21 calendar days to investigate the credit report dispute and send the corrected information to the bureau. The credit bureau then gets the remaining 9 days to complete the resolution and update the report.

If the complaint is not resolved within 30 calendar days, you get ₹100 as compensation for every calendar day of delay (RBI circular dated 26 October 2023, in force since April 2024). The bank pays if it missed its 21 days. The bureau pays if it missed the 30-day limit even though the bank was on time. If both are late, the amount is shared. It is credited to your bank account within 5 working days of resolution, so give correct bank or UPI details. Credit score model disputes are not covered. You will be told the outcome, including the reasons if your request is rejected.

If it does not work: Escalate the fake enquiry

If the credit bureau rejects your dispute, contact the nodal officer of the bank that made the inquiry. Tell the bank that the unauthorized credit check is causing a loan application rejection or a negative credit score impact.

If the bank provides an unsatisfactory reply, does not reply within 30 days, or refuses to remove the inquiry, file a complaint on the RBI CMS portal within 90 days of that 30-day period ending or of the last reply. You can read our guide on how to complain to the RBI Ombudsman against a bank or loan app for detailed steps. The Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, in force since 1 July 2026, covers banks, certain NBFCs and credit information companies. Filing is free.

If a complaint is not settled and the Ombudsman finds a deficiency in service, it can direct the bank or bureau to take remedial action or pay compensation. You can also go to the Ombudsman if the ₹100 daily compensation is wrongly denied.

FAQs

Can I remove hard inquiries from my CIBIL report?

Yes, but only if you did not apply for that loan or credit card. You cannot remove valid inquiries. A hard inquiry is a factual record of a lender checking your file.

Does loan enquiry reduce CIBIL score?

It can. CIBIL says a lender's check during a loan or card application may have a marginal impact on your score. Applying for credit too often in a short period may lower it.

Will soft inquiry affect my CIBIL score?

Checking your own score does not affect it. CIBIL says that when you check your own score and report directly, the enquiry does not show in your report and has no impact on your score (TransUnion CIBIL official website).

How many days it takes to remove inquiry from CIBIL?

The overall limit is 30 calendar days from the date you submit the dispute. The bank has up to 21 days to send corrected information, and the bureau has the remaining 9 days.

The short version

You can only remove an unauthorized credit check from your report, not a valid inquiry.
To remove a fake enquiry, you must raise a free dispute on the TransUnion CIBIL official website.
You need your Control Number from your latest credit report to file the dispute.
The bank and the bureau have up to 30 calendar days to resolve your complaint.
You are entitled to ₹100 compensation for every calendar day of delay beyond 30 days.

You can verify the latest figures for all licensed lending apps and credit score services at Qrates.