RBI recommends IPv6 migration for banks preferably by Dec 2012
No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/279 · issued 05 Nov 2012 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI advises all scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs) and Local Area Banks to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6 preferably by December 2012, aligning with the National Telecom Policy 2012. Banks must form special teams to complete the transition and ensure payment gateways and websites are compliant.
The rule, in the simplest words
Banks must switch from IPv4 (old internet system) to IPv6 (new internet system) by December 2012.
Banks need to form a special team to make sure all their websites and payment systems work with IPv6.
This change is needed because the old internet addresses (like house numbers for websites) are running out.
If banks don't switch, online banking and payments might stop working.
How it plays out — a real example
A branch operations officer in Indore, Priya, gets an email from her bank's IT head saying they must upgrade to IPv6 by December 2012. She joins a special team that works with the tech team to update the bank's website and payment gateway, so customers can still apply for gold loans online without any glitches.
What changed
RBI issued a circular on November 5, 2012, advising banks to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6 preferably by December 2012, as part of the government's National Telecom Policy 2012. The DoT is leading the migration initiative, and banks must set up special teams to meet the preferred timeline.
What it means for you
Banks must urgently upgrade their internet infrastructure to IPv6 to support the growing demand for broadband and citizen services. Failure to comply could disrupt online banking and payment systems, as IPv4 addresses are nearly exhausted. This is a proactive move to avoid last-minute chaos.
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
Form a special team to oversee IPv6 migration for all systems, including payment gateways and websites.
Complete the migration preferably by December 2012 as per government timeline.
Contact Shri R. M. Agarwal at DoT (mobile 9868133440) for clarifications or assistance on IPv6 implementation.
Who it affects
All scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs) and Local Area Banks, Payment gateways and financial institutions, Bank IT and network teams
❓ Common questions
Regulatory timeline
Decoded by BankPulse2026-06-18 17:23 IST
repealed_by — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
Why is IPv6 migration necessary for banks?
IPv4 addresses are nearly exhausted, and the National Telecom Policy 2012 aims to expand broadband access. IPv6 ensures continued internet growth and supports citizen-centric services.
What is the deadline for IPv6 migration?
The government has set a preferred timeline of December 2012 for completing migration of all payment gateways, banks, and financial institutions.
Who can I contact for help with IPv6 implementation?
Shri R. M. Agarwal, DDG (NT) at DoT, is heading the support team. His mobile number is 9868133440.
📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed byRBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #95: DBOD.CO.BP.BC.No.55/21.04.178/2012-13 — "National Telecom Policy, 2012 - Migration of current version of Internet Protocol IPv4 to IPv6" dated November 05, 2012”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2012-13/279
DBOD.CO.BP.BC No. 55/21.04.178/2012-13
November 05, 2012
The Chairman/ Managing Director/
Chief Executive Officer
All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) and Local Area Banks
Dear Sir / Madam,
National Telecom Policy, 2012- Migration of current version of Internet Protocol IPv4 to IPv6
As you may be aware, the Government of India has envisaged providing ”Broadband on Demand” by 2015 in the recently unveiled National Telecom Policy (NTP) - 2012 emphasizing the role of Internet as catalyst for socio-economic development of the country and also as an effective medium of various citizen centric services in today’s information economy. Since the current version of Internet Protocol (IPv4) has almost run out of addresses, the broadband revolution is sure to ride on next generation Internet Protocol (IPv6). The NTP - 2012 recognizes the futuristic role of IPv6 and aims to achieve substantial transition to IPv6 in the country.
2. Department of Telecommunication under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of India has undertaken the initiative of migration from IPv4 to IPv6.
3. Since migration to IPv6 is an eventuality that has to be accepted and managed proactively, government wants it to be done in a planned way rather than against time. They have expressed that the migration of all payment gateways, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, etc. including their websites should be completed preferably by December 2012. You may initiate necessary action by constituting a special team to complete the migration within the stipulated time.
4. In case you need any clarifications/assistance on IPv6 implementation kindly contact Shri R. M. Agarwal, DDG (NT), DoT (Mobile number 9868133440) who is heading the team which is providing relevant support to all stakeholders.
Yours faithfully,
(Deepak Singhal)
Chief General Manager-in-charge
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2012-13/279 · issued 05 Nov 2012. 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 03 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=7673&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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