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The RBI says the design of the new Rs 20 notes will remain identical to those already in circulation under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
The RBI says all banknotes in the denomination of Rs 20 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday said it will shortly issue Rs 20 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of its Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The RBI clarified that the design of the new Rs 20 notes will remain identical to those already in circulation under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, ensuring ease of recognition and continued usability for the public. Only the governor’s signature will reflect the change in office.
“The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 20 denomination Banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Sanjay Malhotra, Governor. The design of these notes is similar in all respects to Rs 20 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series,” the RBI said in a statement on May 17, 2025.
All banknotes in the denomination of Rs 20 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender, it added.
This issuance follows standard protocol whenever there is a change in the RBI governor, with updated notes carrying the incumbent’s signature while maintaining all existing design and security features. Sanjay Malhotra took over as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India in December 2024.
The Rs 20 banknote is one of the most widely used small-denomination notes and features motifs such as the Ellora Caves on the reverse side, celebrating India’s cultural heritage. The base colour of the note is Greenish Yellow.
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