Archive · 7 Oct 2026
RBI Set to Announce Rate Decision Amid Hike Expectations
The Reserve Bank of India is meeting to decide whether to change its main interest rate.
The meeting runs from October 5 to October 7, 2026.
Governor Sanjay Malhotra is scheduled to announce the decision at 10 a.m.
on October 7.
A press conference is planned for noon.
The rate is currently 5.25% and has stayed the same for four policy reviews.
Many economists expect a small increase, but some reports say a larger increase is possible.
Rising prices, costly oil and global uncertainty are among the concerns mentioned.
The reports describe predictions, not the RBI’s final decision.
The RBI’s three-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting runs from October 5 to 7, 2026, with the decision scheduled for October 7 at 10 a.m.
Governor Sanjay Malhotra is scheduled to hold a post-policy press conference at noon.
The current repo rate is 5.25%, unchanged for four consecutive policy reviews after cumulative rate cuts of 125 basis points since February 2025.
Most economists cited expect a 25-basis-point increase to 5.50%; reports also mention the possibility of a 50-basis-point hike, while Bandhan Life cited 50–75 basis points.
Reports cite inflation, high crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and pressure on the rupee as factors shaping rate expectations; the decision had not yet been reported.
- Who
- The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee and Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
- What
- The RBI is scheduled to announce its October monetary policy decision, amid expectations of a possible repo-rate increase.
- When
- October 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.; the press conference is scheduled for noon. The meeting runs October 5–7.
- Where
- The announcement and press conference are scheduled to stream on the RBI’s YouTube channel, X account and website.
- Why
- Reports cite inflationary pressures, high crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, global monetary tightening and pressure on the rupee.
Rate-hike expectations
Caution on the decision and its scale
Possible size of a rate increase
Rate-hike expectations
Most economists cited expect a 25-basis-point increase; other reports mention a possible 50-basis-point hike, and Bandhan Life cited a possible 50–75-basis-point increase.
Caution on the decision and its scale
These are forecasts, not an announced decision; the RBI’s decision was still scheduled for October 7 at 10 a.m.
Domestic factors versus following the US Federal Reserve
Rate-hike expectations
Inflation, high crude oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, global monetary tightening and pressure on the rupee are cited as reasons for expecting a rate increase.
Caution on the decision and its scale
Avinash Agarwal said the RBI is unlikely to simply mirror the US Federal Reserve and should base any action on domestic inflation, growth, liquidity and financial stability.
- MPC meeting
- October 5–7, 2026.
- Decision announcement
- Scheduled for October 7 at 10 a.m.
- Press conference
- Scheduled for noon on October 7.
- Current repo rate
- 5.25%, unchanged for four consecutive policy reviews.
- Economists’ expectation
- Most cited economists expect a 25-basis-point increase to 5.50%; a 50-basis-point hike is also mentioned as possible.
- Bandhan Life view
- Avinash Agarwal said a 50–75-basis-point increase was possible and that any policy action should depend on domestic conditions.
- Where to watch
- The RBI’s official YouTube channel, X account and website.
Sources
RBI MPC Meeting Live: 25 Bps Or 50 Bps? Governor Sanjay Malhotra To Announce Repo Rate Hike Decision at 10 AM Today
RBI MPC Meeting Oct 7 Live: Will the RBI increase repo rate?
RBI MPC Meeting October 2026 outcome announcement today at 10 am: When, where to watch LIVE Guv Sanjay Malhotra’s speech
