
Reserve Bank of India has not issued any fresh guidelines allowing the exchange of old ₹500 and ₹1000 currency notes that were demonetised in 2016. Several social media posts claiming otherwise are misleading.
The central bank has made no changes to its earlier stance, and there is no open window for the general public to exchange these discontinued notes.
The Press Information Bureau Fact Check team has confirmed that such claims are fake. It has urged citizens to avoid believing or sharing unverified information circulating on social media platforms. The official RBI website remains the most reliable source for any updates related to currency, banking rules, or exchange facilities.
On November 8, 2016, the Government of India announced demonetisation, withdrawing the legal tender status of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes from the Mahatma Gandhi Series. The move aimed to curb black money, counterfeit currency, and corruption. These notes were later replaced with new ₹500 and ₹2000 denominations under the updated currency series.
Citizens who come across suspicious claims or misleading messages can report them to the PIB Fact Check team. Complaints can be sent via WhatsApp at +91 8799711259 or through email at factcheck@pib.gov.in. Reporting such misinformation helps prevent its further spread.
If customers face issues related to banking services, including refusal to accept valid currency, they can approach the RBI under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2021. Complaints can be filed online through the RBI’s complaint management system or submitted via email or physical mode.
Also Read: Can You Sell Old Banknotes and Coins in India?
The viral claims about exchanging old ₹500 and ₹1000 notes are false and have been officially debunked. Individuals should rely only on verified sources like RBI announcements and PIB Fact Check updates to stay informed and avoid falling prey to misinformation.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a private recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Apr 21, 2026, 11:00 AM IST

Nikitha Devi
Nikitha is a content creator with 7+ years of experience in the financial domain. Specialising in personal finance, investments, and market insights, Nikitha simplifies complex financial topics, making them accessible to readers.
Know MoreWe're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
