A CIBIL score is a three digit number ranging from 300 to 900, which represents your creditworthiness. It is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a loan or credit card. If you are wondering how to generate CIBIL score first time, the process may seem confusing at first, but it is actually simple and can be completed online in just a few steps.
What Is a CIBIL Score and Why It Matters?
A CIBIL score is generated by the Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited, commonly known as CIBIL. It reflects your credit history, repayment behavior, credit utilization, and other financial factors. If you have no credit history, you will not have a CIBIL score. Hence, the first step is to ensure you have at least one active credit account, like a credit card or a personal loan.
Check If You Already Have a Credit History
Before generating your CIBIL score, you must verify whether you have a credit history. Many people mistakenly think they don’t have a CIBIL score, but sometimes they already have one due to a loan taken earlier, a credit card, or a joint account.
How to check:
- You can visit the CIBIL website and request your report.
- If you are not listed, it means you do not have a credit history yet.
How to Generate CIBIL Score First Time by Creating Your First Credit Account
If you don’t have a credit history, you must create one. Here are common ways to start:
a) Apply for a Credit Card
This is the easiest method. Many banks offer starter credit cards or secured credit cards for beginners. A secured credit card requires a fixed deposit as collateral, which makes it easier to get approved.
b) Take a Small Personal Loan
If you need funds, a small personal loan can help build your credit history. Ensure you repay on time to maintain a positive score.
c) Apply for a Consumer Durable Loan
Loans for electronics or appliances can also help create credit history if you make timely payments.
Once you have an active credit account, your repayment behavior will start reflecting in your credit report.
How to Maintain Good Credit Behaviour as a First Time Borrower
To generate a good CIBIL score, you must follow good credit practices:
- Pay your EMIs and credit card bills on time
- Avoid missing due dates
- Keep credit utilization low (below 30%)
- Avoid applying for multiple loans or cards at once
- Maintain a stable employment and income pattern
This will help you build a positive credit history, which is essential for generating a CIBIL score.
How Long It Takes to Generate CIBIL Score First Time
Once you start using credit, it takes time for the credit bureau to receive and update your data. Typically:
- It may take 1 to 3 months for your credit activity to reflect.
- If you have a credit card or loan, the lender reports your repayment status monthly.
After a few months, you will start getting a CIBIL score.
How to Generate CIBIL Score First Time: Step-by-Step Process
Once you have credit history, you can generate your CIBIL score using these steps:
- Visit the CIBIL Website
Go to the official CIBIL portal and select the “Get Your CIBIL Score” option.
- Fill in Personal Details
You will need to provide:
Full name
Date of birth
PAN card number
Email ID
Mobile number - Verify Your Identity
CIBIL will send an OTP to your mobile number or email for verification.
- Make the Payment
CIBIL provides both free and paid options:
Free report (usually once a year)
Paid plans for monthly access and monitoring - View Your CIBIL Score
After payment and verification, your CIBIL score and credit report will be displayed.
How to Download and Review Your CIBIL Report
Once you receive your CIBIL score, download the report. Check for:
- Personal details (name, address, PAN)
- Credit accounts
- Payment history
- Any defaults or late payments
- Credit utilization ratio
If you find any errors, you can raise a dispute with CIBIL to correct them.
How to Improve Your CIBIL Score If Needed
If your score is low or you are just starting, here are ways to improve it:
- Pay EMIs and bills on time
- Reduce credit card balance
- Avoid unnecessary loan applications
- Increase credit limit responsibly
- Maintain older credit accounts
A good CIBIL score (above 750) improves your chances of loan approval and better interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. CIBIL generates your score based on credit activity. Without any credit history, you won’t have a score.
Usually, it takes 1 to 3 months after you start using credit for your activity to reflect in the report.
CIBIL offers a free annual report, but for frequent access, you need a paid subscription.
Yes. A low score may lead to loan rejection or higher interest rates.
Pay bills on time, keep credit utilization below 30%, and avoid multiple loan applications.
