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BIS Introduces IS 18663:2024 for Note Sorting Machines to Combat Fake ₹2.29 Lakh Crore Currency

EconomySecurity & DefenceCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCBankingSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
22 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:More than 2.29 lakh fake notes95% from non-RBI banks or NBFCsIS 18663:2024May 1, 2025
Bodies:Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)RBIBIS Central Laboratory, Sahibabad
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What This Article Covers

1.BIS introduces mandatory IS 18663:2024 standard for Note Sorting Machines to combat rising fake currency circulation.

2.Over 2.29 lakh fake notes detected in FY 2025-26, with 95% from non-RBI banks or NBFCs, necessitating this move.

3.BIS certification is mandatory for all Note Sorting Machines deployed by Indian banks from May 1, 2025, with BIS's Sahibabad lab as the only authorized testing facility.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

BIS has introduced a new Indian Standard (IS 18663:2024) for Note Sorting Machines to combat the rising threat of counterfeit currency. With over 2.29 lakh fake notes detected in the last fiscal year (95% from non-RBI sources), this standard mandates advanced authentication and safety benchmarks for all machines used by Indian banks from May 1, 2025.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Fake Currency Detected (FY 2025-26)More than 2.29 lakh notes
Source of Fake Notes95% from non-RBI banks or NBFCs
Indian StandardIS 18663:2024
Mandatory Compliance DateMay 1, 2025
Authorized Testing LabBIS Central Laboratory, Sahibabad

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Fake Currency Detected (FY 2025-26): More than 2.29 lakh notes
  • ›Source of Fake Notes: 95% from non-RBI banks or NBFCs
  • ›Target this Data: More than 2.29 lakh fake notes detected in FY 2025-26; 95% from non-RBI banks or NBFCs
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) - under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
  • ›Target this Legal Point: IS 18663:2024 - mandatory for Note Sorting Machines from May 1, 2025

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry/department is primarily responsible for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding IS 18663:2024:

1. IS 18663:2024 is an Indian Standard for Note Sorting Machines.

2. BIS certification for these machines is mandatory for all Indian banks from May 1, 2025.

3. The BIS Central Laboratory in Sahibabad is one of several authorized labs for testing these machines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What percentage of fake currency notes detected in the last fiscal year were from non-RBI banks or NBFCs?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the new Indian Standard (IS 18663:2024) for Note Sorting Machines?

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