New Security Features on Indian Banknotes from Aug 2005
No longer current — replaced by Mahatma Gandhi New Series banknotes (2016)
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/107 · issued 10 Aug 2005 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI advised banks that Rs.50 and Rs.100 notes with additional security features will be issued in August 2005, followed by Rs.500 and Rs.1000 in September 2005. Banks are advised to give adequate publicity to staff and public.
What changed
RBI announced the phased introduction of banknotes with additional security features. Rs.50 and Rs.100 notes will be issued in August 2005, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes in September 2005, and Rs.10 and Rs.20 notes in 2006.
What it means for you
Banks need to train staff to recognize the new security features and educate the public to prevent counterfeiting. This phased rollout requires coordination across branches for display and awareness campaigns.
Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.
What banks were required to do at the time
Display the press release at branches as advised.
Train staff to identify new security features (implied by 'adequate publicity').
Give adequate publicity to the new banknotes for staff and public awareness.
Acknowledge receipt.
Who it affects
Public sector banks, Private sector banks, Foreign banks, Bank branch staff handling cash, General public using banknotes
❓ Common questions
Regulatory timeline
Decoded by BankPulse2026-06-19 20:09 IST
Superseded by — Mahatma Gandhi New Series banknotes (2016)
Status change: superseded09 Jul 2026, 04:03 IST
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
When will the new security feature notes be issued?
Rs.50 and Rs.100 notes in August 2005, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 in September 2005, and Rs.10 and Rs.20 in 2006.
What should banks do to prepare for these new notes?
Banks should display the press release, train staff on the new features, and publicize the changes to the public.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Superseded byMahatma Gandhi New Series banknotes (2016)
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2005-06/107
DCM (Plg.) No. G 7 /10.01.00/2005-06
August 10, 2005
The Chairman/MD/CMD/CEO
Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks.
Madam/Dear Sir,
Indian banknotes with additional/new security features
Please refer to our letter RBI/2004-05/458: DCM (Plg) No. G.40/10.01.00/2004-05 dated May 07, 2005 , forwarding list of additional/new security features to be incorporated in Indian banknotes and the discussion held in the meeting of the Chairman & Managing Directors and the Chief Executive Officers of the banks at Mumbai on May 25, 2005.
2. The banknotes of Rs.50 and Rs.100 denominations with additional/new security features will be issued in August, 2005. This will be followed by issuance of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 denomination banknotes in September, 2005. Rs.10 and Rs.20 denomination banknotes with additional/new security features are targeted for issue in 2006.
3. We enclose herewith a copy of the press release on the additional/new security features for Rs.50 and Rs.100 denominations for information and necessary action at your end. The same is also being placed on our website ( www.rbi.org.in ). We advise you to give adequate publicity to the banknotes with additional / new security features for the benefit of your staff and members of public. You may also arrange for display of the same at your branches.
4. Please acknowledge receipt.
Yours faithfully
(U.S.Paliwal)
Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/107 · issued 10 Aug 2005. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.
BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 05 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=2424&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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