Found old ₹2000 notes in your cupboard? RBI says you can still exchange them — here's how

If you still have ₹2000 notes tucked away in an old wallet or cupboard, the Reserve Bank of India has once again reminded citizens that these notes remain legal tender and can still be exchanged — though the window will not stay open forever.

RBI issued a circular on May 19, 2023, announcing the withdrawal of ₹2000 notes from circulation. The pink ₹2000 notes were originally introduced after the 2016 demonetisation of old ₹500 and ₹1000 notes — but were pulled back from the market relatively quickly.

An important update most people miss: ₹2000 notes can no longer be exchanged at regular bank branches. You must now visit one of RBI's 19 regional offices across India — or use the postal route if your city does not have an RBI regional office.

If you cannot visit an RBI regional office, you can send your ₹2000 notes by post to any RBI issue office. Along with the notes, you must include your bank account number and all required personal details so the equivalent amount can be credited directly to your account.

RBI has 19 regional offices across major Indian cities where ₹2000 notes can be exchanged in person. These include offices in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and others across the country.

RBI has confirmed that ₹2000 notes remain legal tender — meaning they can still be used for transactions and exchanges. However, the central bank continues to urge citizens to return them as soon as possible, as most notes have already come back into the system.