
India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) completed 10 years on Thursday, marking a major milestone in the country’s financial reform journey. Introduced in 2016 to address mounting bad loans and lengthy insolvency procedures, the Code has significantly changed how distressed companies and loan defaults are handled in India.
Over the past decade, the IBC has emerged as a critical tool for banks, creditors, and investors by improving recoveries, reviving stressed businesses, and strengthening overall credit discipline in the economy.
According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, creditors have realised more than ₹4 lakh crore under the insolvency resolution framework since the Code came into effect.
As of March 2026, a total of 1,419 cases resulted in approved resolution plans, with recovery values reaching nearly 95% of fair value and 167% of liquidation value. Out of the 8,987 admitted insolvency cases, around 7,102 have been closed so far.
The government also highlighted that nearly 42% of companies resolved under the IBC were previously financially defunct or stuck under older restructuring mechanisms, reflecting the Code’s role in reviving stressed enterprises.
One of the biggest achievements of the IBC has been the revival of distressed businesses. Out of the closed cases, nearly 58%, or 4,099 companies, were successfully rescued through settlements, appeals, reviews, or withdrawals.
Studies conducted by IIM Ahmedabad showed that resolved firms witnessed strong operational recovery after resolution. Average sales reportedly increased by nearly 89%, while capital expenditure rose by over 100% within five years after resolution.
The market valuation of resolved listed companies also jumped from around ₹2.8 lakh crore to nearly ₹9 lakh crore, indicating stronger investor confidence.
The IBC has also played a key role in reducing stress in the banking sector. India’s gross NPA ratio declined sharply from around 11.8% in 2017 to 2.1% by September 2025.
The Ministry noted that over 30,000 cases involving nearly ₹14 lakh crore were settled even before formal admission into the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), showcasing the behavioural impact of the law on borrowers and promoters.
A decade after its launch, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code has become one of India’s most impactful economic reforms. With over ₹4 lakh crore recovered, thousands of companies revived, and bank NPAs significantly reduced, the IBC has strengthened India’s financial ecosystem and improved confidence in the country’s credit markets.
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Published on: May 29, 2026, 12:44 PM IST

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