An in-depth guide on how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report, restoring your score and financial peace of mind.
An unauthorized inquiry is a flaw in your financial story you didn’t write. Knowing how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report allows you to edit that narrative, correct the record, and protect your score.
— Anwar Hashmi, Chief Editor, cibilized.in
Authored By: Anwar Hashmi | Last Updated: September 17, 2025
As the chief editor of cibilized.in, my work involves analyzing numerous credit reports. Through this experience, I’ve consistently seen one issue that causes immediate concern: an unfamiliar name appearing under the “Enquiries” section of a CIBIL report.
That sinking feeling you get is completely valid. An unauthorized hard inquiry isn’t just a clerical error; it’s a direct challenge to your financial integrity. It can wrongfully lower the CIBIL score you’ve diligently built, acting as a roadblock in your step by step plan on how to improve your CIBIL score when you need a lender’s trust the most.
But here’s what my experience in this field has taught me: you have the power to correct the record. That’s why we’ve created this guide. This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical, step-by-step battle plan we’ve developed to empower you. Consider this your definitive manual for cleaning up your credit report and taking back control of your financial story.
Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry: A 60-Second Explainer for Your Credit Report
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s crucial to understand the two types of inquiries that appear on your credit report. Think of it like someone checking your homework.
- A Soft Inquiry is like you reviewing your own homework before submitting it. It’s a background check that doesn’t affect your grades. This happens when you check your own CIBIL score or when a financial institution pre-approves you for a promotional offer. These do not lower your CIBIL score.
- A Hard Inquiry is like the teacher officially grading your homework. It happens when you formally apply for credit—like a loan or a credit card—and the lender pulls your full credit report to make a lending decision. A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your CIBIL score by a few points. Why does it lower your score? Because multiple applications for credit in a short period can signal to lenders that you are in financial distress, making you a higher-risk borrower.
The Golden Rule: When Can an Inquiry Be Removed from Your Credit Report?
This is the most important section of this article. Let’s be perfectly clear: you can only remove hard inquiries that are unauthorized or incorrect.
While a legitimate inquiry is a temporary factual record, it’s crucial to distinguish it from more damaging entries. For instance, the difference between a loan settlement vs loan closure can have a far more significant and lasting impact on your credit report.
So, what constitutes an inquiry you can dispute?
- You Never Applied: You see an inquiry from a bank or NBFC that you have never contacted for any product. This is a clear case of an unauthorized inquiry.
- Identity Fraud: A fraudster may have used your PAN card or other details to apply for credit without your knowledge.
- Technical Error: Sometimes, a single loan application can result in multiple hard inquiries from the same lender due to a system glitch. Legally, multiple inquiries for the same loan application within a short window (typically 14-45 days) should be treated as a single inquiry.
- Mistaken Identity: In rare cases, an inquiry meant for another person with a similar name or details gets incorrectly mapped to your credit report.
If your situation falls into any of these categories, you have a strong case and can proceed with the steps on How to Remove Hard Inquiry from CIBIL Report.
Your 4-Step Battle Plan to Remove Inquiries from Your CIBIL/Credit Report
Ready to take action? This proven, step-by-step process is how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report successfully. Follow each step meticulously to build a strong case.
Step 1: Get Your Updated CIBIL & Credit Report
You cannot fix a problem you can’t see. Your first mission is to download your latest, most detailed CIBIL report. As per RBI guidelines, you are entitled to one free full credit report from each of the four credit bureaus (TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark) every calendar year.
- How to Download: Visit the official CIBIL website (
cibil.com) to get your free report. You will need to provide your PAN, Aadhaar, and other personal details for verification. - Why It’s Important: This official document is your primary evidence. It contains all the details you need, including the name of the lender who made the inquiry and the exact date it occurred.
Step 2: Scrutinize Your Credit Report and Identify the Error
Once you have the report, navigate to the “Enquiry Information” section. This section lists every single time a lender has pulled your credit report.
Carefully review each entry. For each inquiry, ask yourself:
- Do I recognize this lender’s name?
- Did I apply for a loan or credit card around this date?
- Is it possible my broker or agent applied on my behalf? (Always check!)
Use a highlighter or circle any inquiry that you do not recognize or believe is an error. Note down the lender’s name, the date of the inquiry, and the inquiry control number (ECN) if available. This information is critical for the next steps.
Step 3: First Contact – The Lender (Don’t Skip This!)
Before escalating the issue to CIBIL, you must first contact the bank or financial institution that made the unauthorized inquiry on your credit report. This is a crucial step that many people miss.
- Why Contact the Lender First? CIBIL is a repository of information provided by lenders. They cannot alter any data without confirmation from the source (the lender). By contacting the lender first, you are going straight to the source of the data.
- How to Contact Them: Find the customer care email or the nodal officer’s email address on the lender’s official website. Draft a formal email clearly explaining the situation.
- What to Include: State that you have found an unauthorized inquiry on your CIBIL report, you did not apply for any product, and you request its immediate removal. Attach a copy of your credit report with the inquiry highlighted.
Keep a record of all communication. If the lender agrees it was an error, they will inform CIBIL to remove it. This is often the fastest way to resolve the issue.
Step 4: Escalate to CIBIL – The Online Dispute
If the lender is unresponsive, it’s time to escalate the matter directly to CIBIL. Their streamlined online portal is not just for inquiries; it’s the official channel where you can dispute any errors on your CIBIL report, from incorrect account details to payment history mistakes.
- Go to the Official CIBIL Website: Navigate to the “Dispute Resolution” section. You will need to log in to your myCIBIL account.
- Raise a Dispute: Once logged in, go to the “Credit Reports” section and find the “Dispute Center.” Click on “Dispute an Item.”
- Select the Enquiry Section: The form will show different sections of your credit report. Choose the “Enquiry” section.
- Select the Specific Inquiry: A list of your inquiries will appear. Select the unauthorized one you wish to dispute.
- State Your Reason: You will be asked to provide a reason for the dispute. Clearly state that the inquiry is not yours and you did not authorize it.
- Submit and Track: Once submitted, you will receive a Dispute ID. You can use this ID to track the status of your request. CIBIL will mark the disputed item on your report and contact the lender for verification.
The entire process, as mandated by the RBI, should ideally be completed within 30 days.
The Ultimate Tool: Inquiry Removal Request Letter Template
To make Step 3 easier, here is a professional, copy-paste email template you can use to contact the lender. As the author, I, Anwar Hashmi, have crafted this to be clear, firm, and effective.
Subject: Urgent: Remove Hard Inquiry from CIBIL Report/Credit Report
To: [Lender’s Customer Support / Nodal Officer Email Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally report an unauthorized hard inquiry on my credit report from your institution. My name is [Your Full Name], and my PAN is [Your PAN Number].
Upon reviewing my CIBIL report (dated [Date of Report]), I noticed an inquiry made by [Lender’s Name as mentioned in the report] on [Date of Inquiry].
I wish to state clearly that I have not applied for any loan, credit card, or any other product from your institution, nor have I authorized any third party to do so on my behalf. This inquiry is incorrect and is negatively impacting my CIBIL score.
I have attached a copy of my CIBIL report with the said inquiry highlighted for your reference.
As per RBI guidelines, I request you to investigate this matter urgently and arrange for the immediate removal of this unauthorized inquiry from my CIBIL report and all other credit bureau records. Please provide me with a written confirmation once the removal process has been initiated with the credit bureaus.
I look forward to a prompt resolution within the next 7-10 working days.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name] [Your Mobile Number] [Your Email Address]
Checklists, Timelines, and Key Data
Navigating the process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report can feel overwhelming. Use this table and checklist to stay organized and informed.
Dispute Process Quick-Reference Table
| Step | Action | Estimated Timeline | Key Tip |
| 1 | Download Credit Report | 10 Minutes | Get the full, official report from CIBIL’s website. |
| 2 | Identify Error | 30 Minutes | Check the “Enquiry Information” section carefully. |
| 3 | Contact the Lender | 1-2 Weeks (for response) | Be formal, attach evidence, and keep records. |
| 4 | Raise CIBIL Dispute | ~30 Days (for resolution) | Use the online portal and save your Dispute ID. |
| 5 | Follow Up | Ongoing | Check your CIBIL report again after 30-45 days. |
Export to Sheets
Your Hard Inquiry Removal Checklist
- [ ] Downloaded my latest CIBIL Report.
- [ ] Identified the exact unauthorized inquiry (Lender Name, Date).
- [ ] Drafted and sent a formal email to the lender.
- [ ] Saved a copy of the email sent to the lender.
- [ ] Waited 1-2 weeks for the lender’s response.
- [ ] Filed an online dispute with CIBIL.
- [ ] Saved the Dispute ID provided by CIBIL.
- [ ] Set a calendar reminder to check my report in 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many points does a hard inquiry reduce from a CIBIL score? A single hard inquiry typically reduces your score by 5-10 points. The impact is minor but can be significant if you have multiple inquiries in a short period. The effect lessens over time and is usually negligible after 12 months.
Q2: How long does a hard inquiry stay on my CIBIL report? A hard inquiry remains visible on your CIBIL and credit report for up to 24 months (2 years). However, its negative impact on your score calculation typically fades after the first year.
Q3: Can I remove a legitimate hard inquiry if I was rejected for the loan? No. The inquiry on your credit report is a record of the application, not the outcome. Whether the loan was approved or rejected, a legitimate inquiry cannot be removed.
Q4: What if CIBIL and the lender both reject my dispute? If you are certain the inquiry is fraudulent and have exhausted all options, you can file a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman. This is a final step for cases where you believe the financial institution has not resolved your grievance fairly.
Q5: Will checking my own CIBIL score result in a hard inquiry? No. Checking your own CIBIL score or credit report is always a soft inquiry and has zero impact on your score. It is a healthy financial habit to monitor your report regularly.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Credit Report
Discovering an unauthorized inquiry on your credit report can be alarming, but it is solvable. Our structured 4-step plan is exactly how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report by systematically challenging these errors.
Maintaining a clean and accurate CIBIL report is a cornerstone of your financial health. It’s not just about getting a higher score; it’s about ensuring your financial identity is secure and accurate. By taking these proactive steps, you are not just fixing a number; you are protecting your financial future. This process is a critical action item in your journey towards a better credit score, perfectly complementing our main guide, “How to Increase Your CIBIL Score From 600 to 750: A Proven Step by Step Guide.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the first step in how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report?
The absolute first step for anyone learning how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report is to download your latest, official CIBIL report. Without this document, you cannot verify the details of the inquiry. The entire process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report depends on having this primary evidence.
2. Is it really possible how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report?
Yes, it is absolutely possible. The guide on how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report is specifically for unauthorized or incorrect inquiries. While legitimate inquiries cannot be removed, you have the right to dispute errors. Successfully learning how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report can positively impact your score.
3. How long does the process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL and credit report usually take?
The standard timeline for the process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL and credit report is around 30 days after you raise a dispute with CIBIL. This is the period mandated for the lender and the bureau to resolve the issue. Therefore, patience is key when you are trying how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report.
4. What is the most important document needed for how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report?
The most crucial document for how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report is a clear copy of the CIBIL report itself, with the unauthorized inquiry highlighted. Additionally, keeping a record of your communication with the lender is vital evidence. These documents are fundamental to the process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report.
5. Does this guide on how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report apply to all credit bureaus?
While this guide focuses on CIBIL, the principles of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report are similar for other bureaus like Experian or Equifax. The core steps of contacting the lender and then raising a formal dispute apply to all. Learning how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report gives you the knowledge to handle disputes anywhere.
6. What if the lender denies my request in the process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report?
If the lender is uncooperative, your next step in how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report is to immediately file an online dispute directly with CIBIL. CIBIL will then formally request verification from the lender. Don’t be discouraged; escalating to CIBIL is a standard part of knowing how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL report.
7. Can a bank make a hard inquiry without my permission?
No, a lender cannot make a hard inquiry without your explicit consent, which is usually given when you formally apply for a credit product. An inquiry made without your application is considered an unauthorized hard inquiry and can be disputed.
8. How many points does a hard inquiry reduce my CIBIL score?
A single hard inquiry typically lowers your CIBIL score by 5 to 10 points. While the initial impact of a hard inquiry is minor, multiple inquiries in a short span can cause a significant drop, signaling credit-seeking behavior to lenders.
9. What is the difference between a soft and hard inquiry on my credit report?
A soft inquiry occurs when you or a company checks your credit as part of a background check or for pre-approved offers; it does not affect your score. A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit and gives the lender full access to your report, which can lower your score temporarily.
10. How long will a disputed inquiry stay on my report?
Once you raise a CIBIL dispute, the inquiry is often marked as “Under Dispute.” If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the inquiry will be removed from your credit report permanently. If it is rejected, it will remain for its original tenure of 24 months.
11. Do I need a lawyer for the CIBIL inquiry removal process?
No, for most cases of incorrect inquiries, you do not need a lawyer. The online CIBIL dispute mechanism is designed to be user-friendly. You can follow the steps outlined in our guide to manage the process yourself effectively.
12. Will closing a credit card account remove its past inquiries?
No, closing an account does not remove any historical data associated with it. The hard inquiries made when you applied for that credit card will still remain on your credit report for the standard 24-month period.
13. Can I dispute a hard inquiry over the phone with CIBIL?
CIBIL’s official and recommended method for dispute resolution is through their online portal. This creates a digital trail with a dispute ID for tracking. Raising a dispute online is more effective and reliable than attempting to do so over the phone.
14. What should be included in an inquiry removal letter to the bank?
Your letter should be formal and include your full name, PAN, the date of the inquiry, and the lender’s name as it appears on your report. Clearly state that you did not authorize the inquiry and request its immediate removal. Attach a copy of your credit report as proof.
15. If an inquiry is removed, will my credit score increase immediately?
Once the unauthorized inquiry is successfully removed, your score should be recalculated in the next CIBIL report update. You will likely see an improvement, as the negative factor has been eliminated. The point increase will reflect the score you would have had if the inquiry had never occurred.
About the Author
Anwar Hashmi is the chief editor of cibilized.in, where he is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of the Indian credit system. He provides clear, actionable strategies on crucial topics, including the step-by-step process of how to remove hard inquiry from CIBIL and credit report. His expertise also extends to international finance as the founder of claimcredits.online, a venture focused on helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of US Tax Credits.
Pingback: Home Loan with a Low CIBIL Score? Your Proven 6-Month Action Plan
Pingback: Home Loan Rejected After Sanction Letter? 3 Point Action Plan