Archive · 27 Jul 2026
India Approves Polymer ₹10, ₹20 Banknotes
India's government has approved a plan to introduce new ₹10 and ₹20 banknotes made from polymer, a type of plastic.
These notes are expected to last longer than the current paper notes.
The government will first test these new notes in some areas before deciding to use them everywhere.
The new polymer notes will be used along with the existing paper notes, and there are no plans to stop using paper money.
The Reserve Bank of India says that these new notes will not affect digital payment systems, and both types of payments will continue to be available.
India's Finance Ministry approved the introduction of polymer ₹10 and ₹20 banknotes.
One billion pieces of each denomination will be issued for field trials.
Polymer notes are more durable and last longer than paper notes.
The new notes will be tested in Indian conditions before wider rollout.
Paper currency will continue to be issued alongside polymer notes.
- Who
- Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of India
- What
- Approval of polymer ₹10 and ₹20 banknotes
- When
- Approval confirmed in Lok Sabha
- Where
- India
- Why
- To introduce more durable and long-lasting currency notes
Pro-Polymer Notes
Pro-Paper Notes
Durability
Pro-Polymer Notes
Polymer notes are more durable and last longer than paper notes, making them cost-effective in the long run.
Pro-Paper Notes
Paper notes are traditional and widely accepted, with no immediate need for change.
Environmental Impact
Pro-Polymer Notes
Polymer notes are more environmentally friendly as they can be recycled and have a longer lifespan.
Pro-Paper Notes
Paper notes are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact during production.
- Approval Authority
- Ministry of Finance
- Denominations
- ₹10 and ₹20
- Quantity
- One billion pieces each
- Purpose
- Field trials and regular issuance if successful
- Durability
- Polymer notes last significantly longer than paper notes
- Digital Payments
- No immediate impact on digital payment systems
- Paper Currency
- Will continue to be issued alongside polymer notes
Sources
Govt gives nod to RBI for field trials of Rs 10 and Rs 20 polymer currency notes
Explainer: Why RBI is making a fresh bid for plastic banknotes - Banking & Finance News
Finance Ministry gives nod to RBI's ₹10, ₹20 plastic banknotes proposal, but paper currency isn't going anywhere