October 31 deadline nears for feedback on IRDAI's insurance distribution reforms: How to submit your comments

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has extended the deadline for submitting feedback on its proposed insurance distribution reforms to October 31, 2026, following an encouraging response to its consultation paper.

In a press release dated October 24, 2026, the regulator said it had received more than 650 comments on its two-part consultation paper, ‘Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution’, which was released on September 23, 2026.

The extension gives policyholders, insurers, insurance intermediaries and other stakeholders additional time to submit their comments and suggestions on the proposed changes.

Why has IRDAI extended the deadline?

The consultation paper seeks public and industry views on changes relating to insurance distribution, with the objective of fostering a more efficient and inclusive distribution ecosystem.

The revised deadline for submitting feedback is October 31, 2026.

What could the proposed reforms mean for policyholders?

Insurance distribution refers to the channels through which insurance products reach customers, including agents, brokers and other intermediaries.

The economics of distribution can influence how insurance products are marketed and sold, how intermediaries are remunerated and how insurers manage their selling costs.

For policyholders, the key issues to watch include whether the proposed changes could improve transparency, strengthen customer-focused selling practices and widen access to insurance products.

However, the final impact on consumers will depend on the proposals that IRDAI adopts after examining the feedback. It is too early to conclude that the reforms will directly reduce premiums or change the cost of insurance.

How to submit feedback on IRDAI's consultation paper

• Online portal: Submit feedback at https://iib.gov.in/dr.
• Excel template: Complete the template available on the portal and upload it through the website.
• Email: Send the completed Excel template to drfeedback@iib.gov.in with the subject line ‘Reforms for Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution’.

The last date for submission is October 31, 2026.

What happens next?

IRDAI said the feedback received would help inform the further examination and refinement of the proposed reforms.

The regulator has clarified that all other details and terms of the consultation paper remain unchanged.

For policyholders and insurance industry participants, the next development to watch will be how IRDAI evaluates the submissions and whether the consultation leads to changes in the proposed distribution framework.