RBI Update: Only 1.74% of ₹2,000 Notes Remain in Circulation

In a major update to India’s currency management, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revealed that 98.26% of the ₹2,000 denomination banknotes in circulation have been returned as of May 31, 2025. The note, once introduced post-demonetisation in 2016, is now being gradually withdrawn under the RBI’s Clean Note Policy, though it continues to remain legal tender.

Why in News?

The RBI, on June 3, 2025, announced that only ₹6,181 crore worth of ₹2,000 notes remain in circulation out of the original ₹3.56 lakh crore as of May 19, 2023. The withdrawal process was initiated in May 2023, with facilities available at RBI Issue Offices and India Post to ensure a smooth phase-out.

Background & Purpose of ₹2,000 Note

• Introduced in November 2016 after demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes.
• Aimed to meet urgent currency requirements.
• Most notes (89%) were printed before March 2017, nearing the end of their 4–5-year lifespan.

Reason for Withdrawal

• Not commonly used for daily transactions.
• High denomination raises risks of hoarding and illicit storage.
• RBI has enough supply of other denominations to meet demand.
• Aligns with the “Clean Note Policy”—ensuring availability of clean, good-quality currency.

Current Status (as of May 31, 2025)

• 98.26% of ₹2,000 notes returned.
• Only ₹6,181 crore remains out of ₹3.56 lakh crore.

Public can still,

• Deposit or exchange at 19 RBI Issue Offices.
• Send notes via India Post for bank account credit.

Deposit & Exchange Mechanism

• Since May 19, 2023: Exchange available at RBI Issue Offices.
• Since October 9, 2023: Direct deposit into bank accounts also allowed.
• India Post facilitating note return from anywhere in the country.