The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, announced that it will soon release ₹20 banknotes under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series that will feature the signature of the newly appointed RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

This issuance represents a routine update to India’s currency reflecting the change in the governor’s office, and not a change in the overall design, size, or features of the ₹20 note currently in circulation. According to the official RBI release, the design of the note will be identical to the existing ₹20 notes, except for the updated signature.

“The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue ₹20 denomination Banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor. The design of these notes is similar in all respects to ₹20 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series,” the RBI stated.

No Change in Legal Status of Existing Notes

The RBI also reassured the public that all previously issued ₹20 notes — regardless of which Governor’s signature they carry — will remain legal tender and continue to be accepted for all forms of transactions.

“All banknotes in the denomination of ₹20 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender,” the RBI emphasized.

This assurance eliminates the need for citizens to exchange or dispose of older ₹20 notes and ensures uninterrupted usability of all existing currency of this denomination.

Key Features of the ₹20 Note (Mahatma Gandhi New Series)

The ₹20 banknotes to be released with the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra will maintain the same security features, size, and design as the ₹20 notes already in circulation. According to the RBI’s official guide, here are the 14-step security and design features that can help identify a genuine ₹20 note:

1. See-through register with the numeral “20” on the left side of the note

2. ₹20 in Devanagari script printed on the left

3. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in the center

4. Micro letters “Bharat” (in Hindi) and “India” beside the Gandhi portrait

5. Windowed security thread with “Bharat” and “India” written on it

6. Signature of the RBI Governor with the guarantee clause

7. Watermark of Mahatma Gandhi along with electrotype watermark

8. Number panels on the top-left and bottom-right, with size increasing left to right

9. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right

10. Year of printing on the left side of the reverse

11. Language panel in the center on the reverse side

12. Swachh Bharat logo with slogan on the back

13. Illustration of the Ellora Caves, symbolizing India’s cultural heritage

14. ₹20 in Devanagari on the top-right

About the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series ₹20 Banknote

The ₹20 note in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series was first introduced in 2019 and continues to maintain the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 63 mm x 129 mm

• Base Colour: Greenish Yellow

• Reverse Illustration: Depicts the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This note is part of the ongoing series of redesigned banknotes that began in 2016, following the demonetization policy, and includes denominations ranging from ₹10 to ₹2000 with updated security and design features.

New Governor’s Signature — A Formal Tradition

In India’s monetary system, every new RBI Governor signs banknotes issued during their tenure. This makes each signature a symbol of the tenure of monetary leadership, though it does not affect the value or validity of earlier notes.

Sanjay Malhotra, who assumed the role of RBI Governor in early 2025, becomes the latest in a line of signatories on Indian currency notes. His signature will gradually begin appearing across various denominations as new notes are printed and released into circulation.

Implications for the Public

For the general public, this update does not require any action. There is no need to exchange old ₹20 notes or rush to obtain the new ones. The transition will happen organically as banks and ATMs begin issuing newly printed notes bearing the new governor’s signature.

The RBI’s move reflects standard practice to align currency notes with changes in institutional leadership. It also helps maintain transparency and accountability within the country’s monetary system.

In Summary

The release of ₹20 banknotes bearing Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature is part of a routine currency issuance process, with no change to note design, value, or legal status. The public can continue using all versions of the ₹20 note without concern. This issuance continues to highlight India’s commitment to currency integrity, historical representation, and public trust in its financial systems.

Stay updated through the RBI’s official website and notifications for further details on currency features and guidelines for note validation.

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