The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has once again clarified that the ₹2,000 denomination banknote remains valid legal tender. This announcement comes as a small but significant portion of these notes are still in circulation, despite the withdrawal process initiated in May 2023.
₹2,000 Notes Remain Valid
Despite the RBI's decision to withdraw the ₹2,000 notes from circulation, the central bank has consistently maintained that they continue to be legal tender. This means the notes can still be used for transactions, though the primary focus is now on their exchange or deposit.
As of April 30, 2026, ₹2,000 notes worth ₹5,451 crore were still with the public. This figure represents a drastic reduction from the ₹3.56 lakh crore in circulation when the withdrawal was announced on May 19, 2023. The RBI reported that 98.47% of the notes initially in circulation have already been returned.
How to Exchange or Deposit Your Notes
For individuals and organizations still possessing ₹2,000 notes, there are clear channels available for exchange or deposit. The facility to exchange or deposit these notes at regular bank branches concluded on October 7, 2023.
At RBI Issue Offices
Since October 9, 2023, the primary method for exchanging or depositing ₹2,000 notes has been through the 19 Issue Offices of the Reserve Bank of India. These offices accept notes for direct exchange or for deposit into bank accounts.
Via India Post
For those unable to visit an RBI Issue Office in person, the central bank has provided an alternative: sending the notes through India Post. Notes can be mailed from any post office in the country to any RBI Issue Office, and the corresponding amount will be credited directly to the sender's bank account.
Locations of RBI Issue Offices
The 19 RBI Issue Offices where ₹2,000 notes can be exchanged or deposited are located in major cities across India:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Belapur
- Bhopal
- Bhubaneswar
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Guwahati
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Jammu
- Kanpur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
- New Delhi
- Patna
- Thiruvananthapuram
The RBI continues to issue regular updates regarding the withdrawal process, with the most recent update provided on April 1, 2026.