What does a B rating mean for a bond?

A B rating means the rating agency sees a high risk of default regarding timely payment of interest and principal. It is the agency's opinion on the chance of default, not a guarantee.

Indian rating agencies registered with SEBI (CRISIL, ICRA, CARE Ratings, India Ratings, Acuité, Infomerics and others) use the same long-term scale, from AAA down to D. A rating of B means the rating agency sees a high risk of default regarding timely payment of interest and principal. The agency's name comes first, so "CRISIL B" and "CARE B" are the same grade from different agencies.

A B rating means the agency sees a real chance that the issuer will not pay on time. Such bonds rarely trade, and buyers should read the agency's rationale and the latest financial results with care.

A "+" or "-" after the grade ranks a bond within the grade: AA+ is above AA, and AA- is below it. The rating comes with an outlook (Stable, Positive, Negative or Developing) that shows which way the agency expects it may move. Ratings change: check the agency's latest press release before investing, not the rating printed in an old offer document.

Bond issuers rated B

23 issuers on Bond Interpretation have a current B-grade rating (including B+ and B-) on their outstanding bonds:

Data as of 5 Nov 2026 (snapshot 20261105-2032). Methodology and sources

Related

Related terms: Credit rating · Investment grade · Rating outlook · Credit enhancement (CE) · Rating downgrade

Before investing, look up the issuer: all its outstanding bonds, rating history and disclosure documents.

All bond terms explained →

This page is for information only. It is not investment advice, a credit rating or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Facts are taken from the issuer's own documents and the sources linked on this page; check them with the source before investing.

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