RBI pays the highest dividend in financial history

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a record dividend payout of ₹2.87 lakh crore to the Central Government for the financial year 2025–26. The decision was taken during the 623rd meeting of the RBI Central Board, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The payout is expected to provide significant fiscal relief amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

The RBI generates surplus income through interest on securities, foreign exchange transactions, service fees, and returns from subsidiaries, after accounting for expenses such as currency printing, staff salaries, and operational costs. This surplus is transferred annually to the government as a dividend. The latest payout marks the highest-ever transfer, compared to ₹2.69 lakh crore in 2024–25, ₹2.10 lakh crore in 2023–24, and ₹87,416 crore in 2022–23.