CMR 1 to 10: what each rank means
Reviewed 4 November 2026 · Prateesh Nair, BISFIOPS Private Limited
TransUnion CIBIL defines CMR-1 as the lowest risk and CMR-10 as the highest: each step up means a higher chance the business turns into a non-performing asset within 12 months. Anything beyond that — "good", "acceptable", "high risk" — is how individual lenders group the ranks. See the CMR guide.
What TransUnion CIBIL says
- The scale runs from 1 to 10.
- CMR-1 is the least risky rank; CMR-10 the most risky.
- The rank estimates the likelihood of the business becoming a non-performing asset within the next 12 months.
- TransUnion CIBIL does not publish a pass mark.
How lenders usually group the ranks
This is lender convention, not TransUnion CIBIL's definition. Different lenders group the ranks differently and change their policies over time. A common pattern looks like this:
| Ranks | How many lenders read it | What often follows |
|---|---|---|
| CMR-1 to CMR-3 | Lower risk | Files are usually considered on normal terms |
| CMR-4 to CMR-6 | Moderate risk | Often considered, sometimes with a higher rate or extra security |
| CMR-7 to CMR-10 | Higher risk | Closer scrutiny; some lenders decline. Some lenders split 7–8 as elevated and 9–10 as high |
Treat this as a guide to conversations, not a rule. Your lender's own policy decides.
What to do at each level
- Lower ranks: keep the habits that got you there; apply with current GST returns and stock statements.
- Middle ranks: look at limit use and any recent overdues before applying — the readiness check shows which habits weigh most.
- Higher ranks: fix overdues and utilisation first, and talk to an adviser before applying, so a rejection does not add another enquiry.
Questions we are asked
What does CMR-1 mean?
CMR-1 is the lowest-risk rank on TransUnion CIBIL's 1 to 10 scale for businesses. It means the lowest estimated chance of the business becoming a non-performing asset within 12 months.
Is CMR-5 good?
TransUnion CIBIL does not label ranks as good or bad. Many lenders read the middle ranks as moderate risk and may still lend, sometimes at a higher rate or with extra security.
Do all lenders group CMR ranks the same way?
No. Grouping ranks into low, moderate and high risk is each lender's own convention, and lenders draw the lines differently.
Sources: TransUnion CIBIL — CMR and Company Credit Report
Written by Prateesh Nair, Director, BISFIOPS Private Limited (CIN U66190MH2026PTC475143), Malad East, Mumbai. General information, not personal advice; lenders decide final terms.