EconomyBanking_Regulation
News 14 of 17

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 from FY28: 100 Crore Pieces Each

EconomyCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCBankingSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
09 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Rs 10 and Rs 20100 crore pieces eachRs 3,000 crore2-4 times lifeAustralia 1988over 50 countries
Bodies:RBIBRBNMPLSPMCILTERI
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What This Article Covers

1.RBI to launch polymer banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 from FY28, with 100 crore pieces each totaling Rs 3,000 crore.

2.Benefits: durability (2-4 times paper), lower lifecycle costs, recyclability, counterfeit resistance.

3.Concerns: import dependency on foreign sheets, need for gradual transition due to existing investment.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The RBI plans to introduce polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations from FY28 to enhance durability and expand capacity. This move has significant environmental benefits and security advantages, but raises concerns about import dependency. Students should note the global adoption, cost-benefit analysis, and legal tender definitions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

First issued byAustralia in 1988
Denominations to launchRs 10 and Rs 20
Total pieces each100 crore (1 billion)
Total valueRs 3,000 crore
Life relative to paper2-4 times
Countries usingOver 50

1-Minute Revision

  • ›First issued by: Australia in 1988
  • ›Denominations to launch: Rs 10 and Rs 20
  • ›Target this Data: 100 crore pieces each of Rs 10 and Rs 20, total value Rs 3,000 crore.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – introduced polymer notes.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Section 26 of RBI Act, 1934 – legal tender of banknotes.

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

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

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which of the following is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India responsible for printing banknotes?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding polymer banknotes:

1. Polymer notes last 2-4 times longer than paper notes.

2. The first polymer banknotes were issued by Australia in 1988.

3. India's polymer notes will be printed entirely using domestically produced polymer sheets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the total value (in rupees) of the polymer banknotes to be introduced by the RBI in the initial phase?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason cited for the RBI to start with lower denomination notes (Rs 10 and Rs 20) for the polymer banknote pilot?

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