Will 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes become unavailable? Is there a shortage? Here is what the RBI says.

An RBI circular is spreading rapidly on social media, claiming that the RBI is gradually reducing the printing of low-denomination currency notes, which will lead to a shortage of 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes ahead of Diwali.

With Diwali approaching, this news has raised public concern—traders, in particular, are significantly affected. A message circulating on WhatsApp, which appears to be an official RBI circular, claims that there will soon be a nationwide shortage of small-denomination notes, specifically the 10, 20, and 50-rupee denominations.

The message also purports to explain the reasons behind this alleged shortage. But is this claim true? And if it is, what impact would a reduction in 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes have on the market? Let’s take a closer look.

What does the viral image contain?

The image circulating on social media claims that a shortage of 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes is imminent, which could cause significant difficulties during the Diwali festival.

The image features the RBI’s name, its logo, and the signature of the RBI Governor. It further suggests that the printing of low-denomination notes is being phased out in line with the government’s vision of a "cashless society." It also encourages customers to shift toward digital payment methods, such as UPI, cards, and net banking.

What is the truth?

The PIB Fact Check unit has declared this viral image to be fake via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The PIB has stated that a message circulating on WhatsApp—claiming that the RBI has announced an impending shortage of new ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 currency notes before Diwali—is false.

In reality, the RBI has made no such announcement regarding the availability of currency notes. You should remain cautious of such false claims.

What should you do if you come across a fake message?

If you receive such a message on WhatsApp, first verify it through an official source. Do not, under any circumstances, share unverified claims.

Additionally, you can send such messages or images to the PIB (+91 8799711259) for a fact check.

An RBI circular is spreading rapidly on social media, claiming that the RBI is gradually reducing the printing of low-denomination currency notes, which will lead to a shortage of 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes ahead of Diwali.

With Diwali approaching, this news has raised public concern—traders, in particular, are significantly affected. A message circulating on WhatsApp, which appears to be an official RBI circular, claims that there will soon be a nationwide shortage of small-denomination notes, specifically the 10, 20, and 50-rupee denominations.

The message also purports to explain the reasons behind this alleged shortage. But is this claim true? And if it is, what impact would a reduction in 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes have on the market? Let’s take a closer look.

What does the viral image contain?

The image circulating on social media claims that a shortage of 10, 20, and 50-rupee notes is imminent, which could cause significant difficulties during the Diwali festival.

The image features the RBI’s name, its logo, and the signature of the RBI Governor. It further suggests that the printing of low-denomination notes is being phased out in line with the government’s vision of a "cashless society." It also encourages customers to shift toward digital payment methods, such as UPI, cards, and net banking.

What is the truth?

The PIB Fact Check unit has declared this viral image to be fake via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The PIB has stated that a message circulating on WhatsApp—claiming that the RBI has announced an impending shortage of new ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 currency notes before Diwali—is false.

In reality, the RBI has made no such announcement regarding the availability of currency notes. You should remain cautious of such false claims.

What should you do if you come across a fake message?

If you receive such a message on WhatsApp, first verify it through an official source. Do not, under any circumstances, share unverified claims.

Additionally, you can send such messages or images to the PIB (+91 8799711259) for a fact check.