KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- No new RBI rule to exchange old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes.
- PIB confirms viral social media claims are completely fake.
- Only official RBI updates should be trusted to avoid confusion.
The rumour about “new RBI rules” for exchanging old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes has once again started making rounds online.
And once again, PIB has shut it down — the news is fake, boss.
There is no new rule, no new window, no new notification from RBI.
Just another WhatsApp forward trying to confuse people.
Quick Comparison: What’s Real vs What’s Fake
| Topic | Actual Status | What People Are Claiming | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange of old ₹500/₹1,000 notes | Window closed years ago | “New RBI rule for exchange” | Fake – RBI issued no guideline |
| New notification | None issued | Viral post claiming a circular | PIB confirms it’s fake |
| Source of truth | RBI website & govt handles | WhatsApp/YouTube rumours | Always rely on official channels |
| Action for public | Verify before sharing | Forwarding viral posts | Report suspicious messages |
New Fake Claim Busted by PIB
A social media post recently claimed that RBI has rolled out fresh guidelines to exchange the demonetised notes from 2016.
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सोशल मीडिया पर प्रसारित एक न्यूज आर्टिकल में दावा किया जा रहा है कि भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक (@RBI) ने ₹500 और ₹1000 के पुराने बंद हो चुके नोट बदलने के लिए नए नियम जारी किए हैं।#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) October 29, 2025
✅ यह दावा #फर्जी है। आरबीआई ने ऐसा कोई नियम जारी नहीं किया है।
▶️ कृपया वित्तीय नियमों… pic.twitter.com/Z0FXECXzWJ
The PIB Fact Check team stepped in and clarified that the information is 100% fake.
RBI has not announced any such rule, nor is there any plan to reopen the exchange facility.
People are advised to cross-check every financial message through:
- RBI website: rbi.org.in
- Verified govt handles
- Official circulars
Because let’s be honest — WhatsApp University has confused enough people already.
RBI’s Actual Recent Update (This One Is Real)
In August 2025, the Ministry of Finance shared a legit update:
- All banks and White Label ATM operators must ensure 75% ATMs dispense ₹100 or ₹200 notes by 30 September 2025.
- This target increases to 90% by 31 March 2026.
This step is aimed at improving the availability of smaller currency notes for day-to-day use.
Are ₹2,000 Notes Still Valid?
Short answer: Yes, valid.
The RBI stopped printing ₹2,000 notes and withdrew them from circulation in May 2023, but they still remain legal tender.
You can use them for transactions, although they are rarely seen now.
How to Exchange Old ₹2,000 Notes
People holding ₹2,000 notes can:
- Visit designated RBI Issue Offices
- Contact the nearest RBI Regional Office for the current process
Banks no longer exchange them, but RBI offices continue to guide citizens.
Which Banknotes Can Be Exchanged at Banks?
You can exchange:
- Soiled notes
- Mutilated notes
- Imperfect notes
Banks will handle these as per RBI’s rules.
But there’s a limit:
- Notes that are extremely brittle, burnt, charred, or stuck together must be taken to the nearest RBI Issue Office.
Regular bank branches won’t accept them.
So if your note looks like it survived a mini bonfire, better go straight to RBI.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still exchange old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes anywhere?
No. The window closed long ago and RBI has issued no new rule to reopen it.
2. Are ₹2,000 notes still valid for buying and selling?
Yes, they are still legal tender, though not actively circulated.
3. Where can I report fake financial messages?
You can report them to the cybercrime portal or the respective social media platform.
