RBI Continues Accepting ₹2000 Notes via Issue Offices and Post

The Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, has come up with an important update regarding the withdrawal process of ₹2000 banknotes. As per the latest RBI statistics, a staggering 98.41% of the entire series of ₹2000 banknotes returned to the banking channels after being withdrawn from circulation. The withdrawal process started on May 19, 2023, and there are very few banknotes remaining in circulation now.

As per an official release issued by the Reserve Bank of India, the aggregate face value of the ₹2000 currency notes in circulation, as on the date of the withdrawal of these notes, i.e., May 19, 2023, was ₹3.56 lakh crores. By the end of business on Dec 31, 2025, it was reduced to ₹5,669 crores only. This data shows that over the past two and a half years, Indian citizens and institutions have actively returned this high-value currency.

The RBI has clarified that although these notes are no longer accepted at bank branches for general transactions, they remain legal tender. Several changes were made to the deadline for returning the notes. The facility to deposit or exchange ₹2000 notes was available at all bank branches across the country until October 7, 2023.

From October 9, 2023, individuals or institutions can deposit these notes directly into their bank accounts at the Reserve Bank of India's 19 issue offices. To simplify the process for the general public, the notes can also be sent through India Post from any post office across the country. These notes are sent directly to the RBI issue offices, and the amount is credited to the bank account of the individual concerned.

The decision to withdraw ₹2000 notes was part of the RBI's 'Clean Note Policy'. These notes were introduced to address the immediate shortage of currency in the market following demonetization in November 2016. Experts believe that the withdrawal of these notes has improved banking liquidity and curbed potential hoarding through high-value notes.

Although more than 98% of the notes have been returned, the process of returning the remaining ₹5,669 crore worth of notes is still ongoing. The RBI has appealed to the public who still have these notes to deposit them as soon as possible at designated RBI offices or by using the postal service. Currently, the RBI has not announced a deadline for closing this process, leaving citizens with the opportunity to secure their remaining balance.