RBI Approves Record ₹2.86 Lakh Crore Surplus Transfer to Central Government for FY26

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of a record ₹2.86 lakh crore surplus to the Central Government for the financial year 2025–26, marking one of the highest dividend payouts in the central bank’s history.

The decision was taken during the 623rd meeting of the Central Board of Directors, chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in Mumbai.

According to an official RBI statement, the central bank recorded strong financial growth during FY26. RBI’s gross income increased by 26.42% compared with the previous financial year, while expenditure before risk provisions rose by 27.60%.

The central bank also reported that net income before risk provisions and transfer to statutory funds reached ₹3.95 lakh crore in FY26, significantly higher than ₹3.13 lakh crore in FY25.
Further highlighting its financial strength, the RBI stated that its balance sheet expanded by 20.61%, reaching ₹91.97 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026.

The record surplus transfer is expected to provide a major fiscal boost to the Central Government, potentially strengthening public spending, infrastructure investments, and overall economic management.