RBI Annual Report 2025-26: RBI’s Balance Sheet for FY26 Expands

Current Context: On May 28, 2026, RBI’s Annual Report showed its balance sheet expanded 20.6% to ₹91.97 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026.

• The increase was ₹15.72 lakh crore over FY25, driven mainly by asset growth. 
• Gold investments rose 63.8%, becoming the biggest contributor, with holdings reaching 880.5 tonnes.
• Domestic investments grew 44.9%, while foreign investments increased 7.9%, ensuring diversified reserves.
• A record ₹2.86 lakh crore surplus transfer was made to the government, alongside ₹1.09 lakh crore to the Contingency Fund.
• Despite higher expenditure, RBI maintained a healthy surplus, aided by reduced currency printing costs.
• On the liabilities side, revaluation accounts jumped 63.4%, notes issued rose 11.8%, and deposits increased 11.6%.
• The expansion reflects RBI’s stronger reserves, fiscal support, and resilience amid global economic volatility.

Question:

Q.1 According to the RBI Annual Report released on May 28, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India's balance sheet expanded by what percentage as of March 31, 2026?
a) 15.8%
b) 18.4%
c) 20.6%
d) 22.9%

Answer: c) RBI's balance sheet increased by 20.6%, reaching ₹91.97 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026, mainly due to growth in assets.