Introduction
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued fresh guidelines for the ₹500 currency note in 2025, introducing enhanced security features and clarifying rules for its use. As the ₹500 note is a cornerstone of daily transactions for millions of Indians, understanding these updates is crucial for everyone. This move is part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of India’s currency system and combat counterfeiting.
What’s New with the ₹500 Note in 2025?
The first thing to note is that all existing ₹500 notes belonging to the Mahatma Gandhi New Series remain legal tender. There is no need to rush to banks to exchange your old notes. The recent updates are designed to be non-disruptive and seamlessly integrate into the existing currency circulation.
The key changes introduced this year include:
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New Governor’s Signature: Freshly printed ₹500 notes will now bear the signature of the new RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, who assumed office in December 2024.
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Upgraded Security Features: The RBI has incorporated advanced security elements to make counterfeiting significantly more difficult. These features are designed to be easily identifiable by the public.
How to Identify a Genuine ₹500 Note
With the introduction of new notes, it’s more important than ever to be able to distinguish between real and fake currency. Here are the key security features to check on a ₹500 note:
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See-Through Register: When held against the light, the number “500” can be seen.
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Latent Image: The number “500” is visible when the note is held at a 45-degree angle.
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Devanagari Script: The numeral “५००” is printed in Devanagari script.
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Color-Shifting Windowed Security Thread: The thread on the note changes color from green to blue when tilted.
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Mahatma Gandhi Portrait: The portrait is in the center, with “RBI” and “500” micro-letters on the left.
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For the Visually Impaired: The note features raised printing (intaglio) of the Mahatma Gandhi portrait, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, and five angular bleed lines on the right and left sides.
The 2025 guidelines bring India’s currency security closer to international standards, ensuring the money in your wallet is safe and trustworthy.
Other Important RBI Updates
Alongside the currency updates, the RBI has been active on several other fronts in September 2025. This includes changes to bank holidays, with September 8 declared a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act in Maharashtra, while a previously scheduled holiday on September 5 was cancelled. Additionally, the RBI continues to manage the country’s finances, announcing an auction of dated securities worth ₹28,000 crore to be held on September 12. These measures reflect the RBI’s proactive approach to maintaining financial stability and security in a dynamic economic environment.