Comprehensive 2026 guide to Companies Registered Valuer rules — eligibility, IBBI registration, asset classes, scope, and disciplinary framework.
Registered Valuers are the gatekeepers of fair value in India's corporate ecosystem — from share valuations for issuances and transfers to asset valuations in M&A, insolvency, and financial reporting. The Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017, framed under Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013, set out who can value, how, and what credentials they need. The MCA has periodically amended these rules — and IBBI, as the authority, continues to evolve the framework into 2026.
Who is a Registered Valuer?
A Registered Valuer is a person registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) — the designated authority — to undertake valuation under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Valuers are registered in one or more asset classes: Securities or Financial Assets, Plant and Machinery, and Land and Building. Each asset class has its own eligibility and educational qualification.
Eligibility for registration
- Indian citizen, of sound mind, not declared insolvent, no convictions involving moral turpitude in the past five years.
- Qualification — varies by asset class: e.g., CA/CMA/CS with at least three years' post-membership experience, MBA/PG in specific streams, or graduation with prescribed experience for Plant and Machinery and Land and Building classes.
- Membership of a Registered Valuer Organisation (RVO) recognised by IBBI.
- Successful clearance of the IBBI Valuation Examination for the relevant asset class.
- 50 hours of educational course conducted by an RVO.
Process to become a Registered Valuer
- Acquire the prescribed educational qualification and post-qualification experience.
- Become a member of an RVO recognised by IBBI (such as ICAI RVO, IOV RVF, ICMAI RVO, etc.).
- Complete the 50-hour educational programme from the RVO.
- Clear the IBBI Valuation Examination — a computer-based test of 80 questions in 2 hours.
- Apply to IBBI in Form A through the RVO, paying the prescribed fees.
- On approval, obtain the Registered Valuer Number, which is mandatory on every valuation report.
Scope of valuation work
Under Section 247, a Registered Valuer is required for: valuation of shares, debentures, or other securities under Sections 62 (further issue), 192 (related-party transactions involving non-cash), 230-232 (compromises, arrangements), 281 (winding up), and various other instances. Beyond Companies Act, Registered Valuers are mandated under IBC for resolution professionals' fair value and liquidation value determinations.
Recent amendments and themes
- Continuing professional education (CPE) requirements introduced — valuers must complete prescribed hours annually.
- Stricter peer-review and quality-control norms via the RVOs.
- Mandatory disclosures of conflicts of interest, fee, and qualifications in every valuation report.
- Tighter rules around independence — a valuer cannot value an entity where he or his relative has business or shareholding interest within prescribed thresholds.
- Digital signature and DIN-style identification numbers on every valuation report.
Penalties and disciplinary action
A Registered Valuer in breach of the Code of Conduct can face disciplinary action by the RVO and IBBI — ranging from monetary penalties to suspension or cancellation of registration. Negligent or fraudulent valuation can also attract liability under Section 247(3), with the valuer being responsible for any loss arising from the report. Civil suits and prosecution under the Companies Act remain possible.
Career landscape for Registered Valuers in 2026
The demand for Registered Valuers has grown sharply with India's M&A activity, the IBC's ongoing resolution pipeline, and the Ind AS fair-value reporting requirements. Banks and lenders also engage RVs for collateral valuation under SARFAESI and ARC asset transfers. Average professional fees range from ₹25,000 for a small valuation to ₹15 lakh+ for complex business valuations of unlisted entities. The Securities/Financial Assets class commands the highest fees due to its analytical complexity. With over 5,000 RVs registered across the three asset classes by 2026, competition is meaningful but specialisation creates a moat — RVs focusing on intangible assets (brands, IP, software), start-up valuations, ESOP valuations, or distressed-asset valuations command premium fees. Continuing Professional Education is mandatory and shapes ongoing competence. For young CAs and CMAs, becoming an RV early in their career adds a high-value skill set that complements audit, advisory, and consulting practices. The profession's regulatory rigour also enhances credibility with courts and tribunals.
Conclusion
Being a Registered Valuer in 2026 is a regulated, prestigious profession with growing demand thanks to IBC resolutions, M&A activity, and Ind AS fair value requirements. For aspirants, the path is clear: qualify, join an RVO, clear the IBBI exam, and maintain CPE. For companies engaging valuers, always verify the RV number on the report and the asset-class match — using an unregistered valuer for a statutory valuation can invalidate the underlying corporate action.
