The RBI is piloting polymer ₹10 and ₹20 notes, expected from next year.

The RBI is piloting polymer ₹10 and ₹20 notes, expected from next year. These plastic-based notes are tougher, water-resistant, and last 2–3x longer than paper currency — while packing sharper security features to fight counterfeiting. A similar trial in 2012 didn’t scale up, but this time it’s backed by a global tender for polymer substrate. If it succeeds, wider rollout could follow by 2027. Big change, tiny notes.