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RBI MPC Holds Repo Rate at 5.25%, Raises FY26 GDP Growth Projection to 7.4% and Inflation to 2.1%

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCBankingSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
05 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Repo rate 5.25%GDP growth projection 7.4% for FY26Retail inflation projection 2.1% for FY26CPI inflation Q1 4%CPI inflation Q2 4.2%Cumulative rate reduction 125 bps in 2025
Bodies:RBIMonetary Policy Committee (MPC)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The RBI MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its February 2026 policy review, retaining a neutral stance.

2.GDP growth projection for FY26 was revised upward to 7.4%, while retail inflation forecast was raised marginally to 2.1%.

3.The decision reflects confidence in domestic resilience post-Budget, balanced against external risks and recent trade agreements.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to maintain a status quo on the policy repo rate at 5.25%, prioritizing stability amidst a favourable inflation outlook and robust growth. This pause follows a period of sustained monetary easing and aims to preserve policy flexibility amid global uncertainties, impacting loan EMIs and deposit rates for millions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Repo Rate5.25%
GDP Growth Forecast (FY26)7.4%
CPI Inflation Forecast (FY26)2.1%
Cumulative Rate Cut in 2025125 basis points
RBI GovernorSanjay Malhotra
MPC StanceNeutral

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Repo Rate: 5.25%
  • ›GDP Growth Forecast (FY26): 7.4%
  • ›Target this Data: Repo Rate unchanged at 5.25%; FY26 GDP Growth forecast revised to 7.4%.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: MPC's mandate under the RBI Act, 1934 to maintain inflation within 4% +/- 2% band.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

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

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) that decides the policy repo rate is constituted under which Act?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the recent RBI MPC decision:

1. The MPC decided to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.

2. The MPC retained its 'neutral' monetary policy stance.

3. The GDP growth projection for FY26 was revised downwards to 7.3%.

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the February 2026 MPC announcement, what is the revised projection for Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for FY26?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary implication of the RBI MPC maintaining a 'neutral' policy stance, as mentioned in the news?

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