RBI Central Board Approves ₹2.86 Lakh Crore Surplus Transfer for FY26
New Delhi, May 2026: Reserve Bank of India held the 623rd meeting of its Central Board of Directors today in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra.
The Board reviewed the global and domestic economic situation, along with key risks to the economic outlook. It also approved the annual accounts of the Reserve Bank for the financial year 2025–26.
Strong Financial Performance in FY26
According to the approved accounts, the RBI reported a significant increase in financial metrics for FY 2025–26:
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Gross income increased by 26.42% compared to the previous year
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Expenditure (before risk provisions) increased by 27.60%
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Net income (before risk provisions and transfers) stood at ₹3,95,972.10 crore, compared to ₹3,13,455.77 crore in FY25
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Balance sheet expanded by 20.61%, reaching ₹91,97,121.08 crore as on March 31, 2026
Surplus Transfer and Risk Buffer Decision
The Central Board also reviewed the revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF), which allows flexibility in maintaining the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) between 4.5% and 7.5% of the balance sheet size.
Considering macroeconomic conditions and financial stability requirements, the Board decided:
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Transfer of ₹1,09,379.64 crore to the Contingent Risk Buffer for FY26
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Maintenance of CRB at 6.5% of the RBI balance sheet
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Approval of surplus transfer of ₹2,86,588.46 crore to the Central Government for FY 2025–26
The surplus transfer represents a key component of the fiscal support provided by the central bank to the Government of India.
Meeting Participation
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governors and members of the Central Board, including senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and eminent economists and industry leaders.
About the Meeting
The Central Board meeting is a key annual governance event where the Reserve Bank reviews its financial performance, risk buffers, and policy framework, along with broader macroeconomic developments.