The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a historic dividend of approximately Rs 2.87 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, aimed at assisting the government in addressing challenges linked to the current West Asia crisis. The RBI’s balance sheet saw a 20.61% expansion, reaching Rs 91.97 lakh crore by March 31, 2026.
This decision was made during the 623rd meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the RBI in Mumbai, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The Board discussed both global and domestic economic conditions, evaluating associated risks.
Reviewing the annual accounts for FY 2025-26, the Board noted a 26.42% rise in the Bank’s gross income compared to the previous year, with a 27.60% increase in expenditure before risk provisions. The net income, excluding risk provisions and transfers to statutory funds, stood at Rs 3,95,972.10 crore for FY 2025-26, up from Rs 3,13,455.77 crore in FY 2024-25.
Considering various macroeconomic factors, financial performance, and risk buffers, the Central Board decided to allocate Rs 1,09,379.64 crore towards the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) for FY 2025-26, maintaining it at 6.5% of the RBI’s Balance Sheet size.
The Central Board sanctioned the transfer of a surplus amounting to Rs 2,86,588.46 crore to the Central Government for the financial year 2025-26. The government anticipates receiving dividends and surpluses totaling Rs 3.16 lakh crore from the RBI, nationalized banks, and financial institutions in 2026-27.
