The RBI Annual Report 2025-26 is one of the most important documents for banking and regulatory exam aspirants. It provides a complete picture of India’s economy, banking sector, financial markets, inflation, monetary policy, digital payments, and financial stability. For candidates preparing for RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade A, SEBI Grade A, SIDBI, and banking exams, this report serves as a valuable source of current affairs and economic developments. To help you revise effectively, we have provided the RBI Annual Report 2025-26 PDF and a practice quiz based on the most important highlights of the report.
What is the RBI Annual Report 2025-26?
The RBI Annual Report is the official yearly publication released by the Reserve Bank of India. It reviews economic developments during the financial year and outlines future prospects for the Indian economy. The report covers monetary policy decisions, financial sector performance, inflation trends, external sector developments, digital payments, financial inclusion initiatives, and RBI’s internal operations.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Name | RBI Annual Report 2025-26 |
| Published By | Reserve Bank of India |
| Publication Date | May 2026 |
| Report Period | April 2025 to March 2026 |
| Governor | Sanjay Malhotra |
| Coverage | Economy, Banking, Inflation, Financial Markets, Payments, Financial Inclusion |
| Importance | RBI Grade B, NABARD, SEBI, Banking Exams |
Download RBI Annual Report 2025–26 PDF
Prepare for Reserve Bank of India Grade B, NABARD Grade A, SEBI Grade A, and other banking and financial sector exams with RBI Annual Report 2025–26 PDF. This eBook covers key updates from the report, including external sector performance, monetary policy developments, financial stability indicators, banking sector trends, and major economic reforms.
| Particulars | Link |
| RBI Annual Report 2025–26 Important Highlights PDF | Download Free PDF |
| RBI Annual Report 2025–26 Quiz PDF | Download Now |
Attempt RBI Annual Report 2025–26 Quiz
Attempt the Reserve Bank of India Annual Report 2025–26 live quiz to quickly revise key economic indicators, banking sector updates, and major regulatory developments. This quiz is designed to help you strengthen your understanding of important facts and improve your preparation for banking and financial sector exams.
1. What was India’s GDP growth rate in 2025-26 as per the Second Advance Estimate (SAE) released by NSO?
2. Which quarter of 2025-26 recorded the highest GDP growth, described as a ‘six-quarter high’?
3. What was India’s average headline CPI inflation in 2025-26?
4. By how many basis points did the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee reduce the policy repo rate during 2025-26?
5. What was the policy repo rate at the end of the financial year 2025-26?
6. During which months of 2025 was the MPC’s monetary policy stance ‘accommodative’?
7. To what level was the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) reduced during September–November 2025?
8. What is the operating target of India’s monetary policy framework?
9. What is India’s GDP growth projection for 2026-27 as per the Monetary Policy Statement of April 2026?
10. What is India’s CPI inflation target as renewed under FIT framework for 2026-31?
11. What was the Manufacturing GVA growth rate in 2025-26?
12. What share of India’s real GVA growth was contributed by the Services sector in 2025-26?
13. What was India’s merchandise trade deficit in 2025-26?
14. What were India’s foreign exchange reserves as of end-March 2026?
15. What was the Current Account Deficit (CAD) of India during April-December 2025 as a percentage of GDP?
16. What was the net FPI flow during 2025-26?
17. What was the achievement of SCBs in Priority Sector Lending (PSL) as % of ANBC?
18. What was the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) recorded in March 2025?
19. What was the growth in MSME credit outstanding (YoY) as of Dec 2025?
20. The UPI share in total retail payment transactions in 2025-26 was approximately:
Quiz Summary
Why is the RBI Annual Report 2025-26 important for competitive exams?
The RBI Annual Report contains information directly from India’s central bank. Many questions in RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade A, SEBI Grade A, and banking examinations are based on facts, data, schemes, and economic trends discussed in this report.
- GDP Growth and Economic Outlook
- Inflation and Monetary Policy
- Banking Sector Performance
- Financial Inclusion Initiatives
- Digital Payment Developments
- Foreign Exchange Reserves
- Government Finances
- Financial Stability Measures
- Payment System Innovations
- RBI’s New Frameworks and Reports
What are the key highlights of RBI Annual Report 2025-26?
The report highlights India’s strong economic performance despite global uncertainties. It also discusses inflation moderation, monetary policy easing, digital payment growth, and financial sector resilience.
| Indicator | 2025-26 |
| GDP Growth | 7.6% |
| CPI Inflation | 2.1% |
| Repo Rate | 5.25% |
| Bank Credit Growth | 15.9% |
| FI Index | 67.0 |
| Forex Reserves | US$ 691.1 Billion |
| UPI Transactions | 2,416.2 Crore |
| Merchandise Trade Deficit | US$ 333.2 Billion |
| Current Account Deficit | 1.0% of GDP |
| Surplus Transfer to Government | ₹2,86,588 Crore |
How did the Indian economy perform in 2025-26?
India remained the fastest-growing major economy in the world during 2025-26. Growth was supported by strong domestic demand, private consumption, and capital expenditure.
| Economic Indicator | Performance |
| GDP Growth | 7.6% |
| Q1 Growth | 7.8% |
| Q2 Growth | 8.2% |
| Private Consumption Growth | 7.7% |
| Gross Fixed Capital Formation | 7.1% |
| Agriculture GVA Growth | 2.4% |
| Industrial GVA Growth | 9.5% |
| Manufacturing Growth | 11.5% |
| Services Growth | 8.7% |
What were the major monetary policy developments?
The Monetary Policy Committee continued its easing cycle due to declining inflation and strong economic growth.
| Monetary Policy Indicator | Details |
| Repo Rate (March 2026) | 5.25% |
| Total Repo Rate Cut | 100 Basis Points |
| CRR | 3.0% |
| Policy Stance | Neutral |
| Inflation Target | 4% ± 2% |
| FIT Framework Validity | April 2026 – March 2031 |
What does the report say about inflation in 2025-26?
Inflation witnessed a sharp decline due to lower food prices and improved supply conditions.
| Inflation Indicator | Value |
| CPI Inflation | 2.1% |
| Previous Year CPI | 4.6% |
| Lowest Inflation Month | October 2025 |
| Core Inflation | Moderately Firm |
| Inflation Target | 4% |
How did the banking sector perform in 2025-26?
The banking sector remained healthy with strong credit growth, lower NPAs, and adequate capital buffers.
| Banking Indicator | Performance |
| Credit Growth | 15.9% |
| Non-Bank Credit Growth | 13.3% |
| GNPA Ratio | Multi-Decadal Low |
| CRAR | Above Regulatory Requirement |
| FI Index | 67.0 |
What are the major financial inclusion achievements mentioned in the report?
Financial inclusion remained a key focus area for RBI during 2025-26.The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2025–30 has been launched to strengthen access to financial services across the country. Along with this, Re-KYC awareness campaigns have been conducted to help customers update their KYC details smoothly.
Financial Literacy Week was also organised nationwide to improve awareness about banking and financial products. In addition, Ombudsman services have been extended to rural cooperative banks to improve grievance redressal and support customers in rural areas.
| Indicator | Status |
| FI Index | 67.0 |
| Bank Branches | 1,70,189 |
| BC Outlets | 11,75,250 |
| BSBDA Accounts | 730.4 Crore |
| EDDPE Coverage | 710+ Districts |
What are the important external sector highlights of RBI Annual Report 2025-26?
The external sector of India in the Reserve Bank of India Annual Report 2025–26 reflects a stable position despite global economic uncertainties. It highlights key indicators such as foreign exchange reserves, trade balance, capital flows, and current account performance. These factors show how India managed its external stability through strong reserves and controlled deficits, even with challenges in global trade and financial markets.
| Indicator | Value |
| Forex Reserves | US$ 691.1 Billion |
| Import Cover | 11 Months |
| CAD | 1.0% of GDP |
| FDI Inflows | US$ 7.7 Billion |
| FPI Flow | -US$ 16.5 Billion |
| Trade Deficit | US$ 333.2 Billion |
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What are the key fintech and technology initiatives mentioned in the report?
The report highlights RBI’s increasing focus on innovation, digital banking, and artificial intelligence.
- Unified Lending Interface (ULI)
- CBDC Pilot Expansion
- FREE-AI Framework
- MuleHunter.AI
- Tokenised Asset Pilot
- Digital Banking Units
- Cyber Range Initiative
- Bharat Gen Integration Opportunities
FAQs
It provides key data and updates frequently asked in banking and regulatory exams.
India’s GDP grew at 7.6% in 2025–26.
The average CPI inflation stood at 2.1%.
The RBI reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points.
The CAD was 1.0% of GDP during 2025–26.
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