INR 10, INR 20 Polymer Notes Approved for Field Trials: When Will They Be Introduced?

The government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes each in the INR 10 and INR 20 denominations for field trials, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, August 11. The proposed polymer notes are expected to be issued alongside existing paper substrate-based banknotes, subject to the successful completion of the trials.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), based on the recommendation of its central board, had sent a proposal to the government under Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The proposal covers one billion pieces each of INR 10 and INR 20 polymer banknotes for field trials and, after successful completion, regular issuance of polymer notes in the two denominations. When Will RBI Launch Polymer Currency Notes? Governor Sanjay Malhotra Shares Timeline.

Government Approves Polymer Note Proposal

"The proposal has been approved by the government. As per the RBI, these polymer banknotes are proposed to be issued along with paper substrate-based banknotes," the Finance Minister said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The approval clears the way for the RBI to proceed with the proposed field trials of the polymer currency. The government has not, however, announced a date for when the notes will enter circulation.

RBI Procurement Process At Initial Stage

According to the Finance Minister, the RBI has informed the government that the procurement process is presently at an initial stage. This means the proposed polymer banknotes are still some way from becoming widely available to the public. The field trials will be important in assessing the performance and suitability of the polymer substrate before any decision is taken on regular issuance. Polymer Notes in India: RBI To Test Plastic INR 10 and INR 20 Banknotes, Paper Currency To Remain.

No Timeline Yet For Launch

The government said it is currently not possible to determine the exact timeframe for the introduction of polymer banknotes. The expenditure involved also cannot be determined at this stage, the Finance Minister said, as the procurement process is still in its initial phase. A decision on regular issuance will depend on the outcome of the field trials.

If the field trials are successful and regular issuance begins, polymer banknotes will not immediately replace paper currency in the INR 10 and INR 20 denominations. The RBI has proposed that the polymer notes be issued along with paper substrate-based banknotes. The latest move therefore marks the beginning of a field-testing process rather than an immediate change to the country's currency system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2026 08:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).