RBI Consolidates Directions on Withdrawal of Pre-2005 Banknotes

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  • Last Updated on 11 June, 2026

RBI Directions on Pre-2005 Banknotes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a consolidated circular compiling all existing instructions relating to the withdrawal and exchange of ₹2,000 denomination banknotes under its Clean Note Policy.

1. Background

The ₹2,000 banknote was introduced in November 2016 under Section 24(1) of the RBI Act, 1934. Subsequently, on 19 May 2023, the RBI announced the withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes from circulation as part of its Clean Note Policy aimed at improving the quality of currency in circulation.

2. Exchange and Deposit Facility

To facilitate the withdrawal process, the RBI permitted the public to deposit or exchange ₹2,000 banknotes at all bank branches across India up to 07 October 2023. Thereafter, the facility at bank branches was discontinued.

From 09 October 2023, holders of ₹2,000 banknotes have been allowed to exchange or deposit them at any of the 19 designated RBI Issue Offices across the country. This facility remains available until further instructions from the RBI.

3. ₹2,000 Notes Continue as Legal Tender

The RBI has reiterated that the withdrawal of ₹2,000 banknotes from circulation does not affect their legal status. Accordingly, ₹2,000 banknotes continue to remain legal tender and may still be used for making payments and settling transactions.

4. Nature of the Circular

The circular dated 09 June 2026 does not introduce any new policy measures. It merely consolidates the various circulars and instructions issued since the announcement of the withdrawal of ₹2,000 banknotes, providing a single reference document for banks and other stakeholders.

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Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied