The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will soon release new ₹20 currency notes under the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. But before you start digging through your wallet in worry, here’s the key thing:
Your old ₹20 notes will remain fully valid.
What’s Changing in the New ₹20 Notes?
Here’s the only change you’ll notice in the updated ₹20 notes:
New signature of the current RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra
That’s it.
According to the RBI, all other aspects of the note — including:
- Colour
- Design
- Size
- Security features
will remain unchanged. So if you’re used to identifying the ₹20 note by its size or colour, nothing will feel unfamiliar.
Will Old ₹20 Notes Still Be Accepted?
Yes, absolutely.
RBI has clearly stated that existing ₹20 notes — regardless of which governor’s signature they carry — will continue to be legal tender.
This is a routine practice every time a new RBI Governor is appointed. Fresh notes with the updated signature are introduced, while older notes continue in circulation.
Design & Features of the ₹20 Note (Mahatma Gandhi New Series)
If you’ve ever looked closely at a ₹20 note, here’s what you’re actually holding:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colour | Greenish-yellow |
| Size | 63 mm x 129 mm |
| Back Design | Illustration of the Ellora Caves, representing India’s rich cultural heritage |
| Security | Features remain unchanged — designed to prevent counterfeiting |
| Geometric Patterns | Help visually impaired users and support easy note identification |
When Will the New Notes Be Released?
There’s no fixed date yet, but the RBI has said the rollout of new ₹20 notes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature will begin “soon”.
The process is already in motion and will likely happen in the coming month.
Quick Summary
- New ₹20 notes with the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra are coming soon.
- Old ₹20 notes will remain fully valid and usable.
- No design or security changes — just a routine signature update.
- A normal RBI process whenever a new governor takes charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to exchange my old ₹20 notes?
A. No. Your old notes are still valid and do not need to be exchanged.
Q. Will the new ₹20 notes look different?
A. Not really. Only the signature will change — the rest stays the same.
Q. Is this related to demonetization or a currency withdrawal?
A. Not at all. This is just a standard procedure during a change in RBI leadership.
Final Thought
This update might seem small, but it’s a reminder of how seamlessly India’s currency system adapts to leadership transitions. So next time you receive a ₹20 note, you might spot a different signature — but rest assured, it’s still good to go.
If you want to verify this announcement, you can always check RBI’s official press release.