RBI Clarifies 2000 Rupee Note Status: Still Legal Tender, 98% Returned

• RBI confirms over 98% of 2000 rupee notes, valued at 3.56 lakh crore rupees in May 2023, have been returned.
• As of December 31, 2025, only 5,669 crore rupees worth of notes remain in circulation.
• The 2000 rupee note remains legal tender, but individuals should return them to the central bank.
• Bank branch exchange ended October 7, 2023; now exchange/deposit at RBI's 19 Issue Offices.
• Notes can also be sent to RBI Issue Offices via India Post for direct credit to bank accounts.

Why It Matters: 2000 rupee notes are still legal tender; over 98% returned, exchange at RBI offices.