What is repo rate?
The repo rate is the interest charged by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) when it lends money for the short term to commercial banks. This borrowing is done by offering government securities as collateral, which the banks agree to repurchase later. The repo rate is a critical monetary policy tool used by the RBI to maintain financial stability and control inflation.
When the repo rate rises, borrowing becomes costlier for banks, and this often leads to an increase in loan interest rates for consumers and businesses. On the other hand, a drop in the repo rate makes borrowing cheaper, which may encourage spending and investment, boosting economic growth.
Because it directly affects loan and deposit rates, the repo rate influences both everyday banking and the larger economy. By adjusting it, the RBI aims to balance inflation control with economic expansion, making it a central part of India’s financial management strategy.
With the recent repo rate cut, now is an excellent time to consider home financing options from Bajaj Finserv. Check your eligibility for a home loan today with interest rates starting at just 7.99%* p.a. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Current repo rate in India
As of 6 June 2025, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points, bringing it down to 5.5%. This marks the third straight cut in recent months. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the inflation outlook for the financial year 2025–26 has been revised to 3.7%, compared to the earlier 4%. However, the central bank has kept the projected GDP growth for the current financial year unchanged at 6.5%, citing challenges such as international tensions and unpredictable weather as risks to future economic performance.
Repo rate today news: RBI cuts repo rate by 50 bps to 5.5%
The RBI has once again lowered the repo rate by 50 basis points, now standing at 5.5%, according to the latest announcement by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. This marks the third consecutive reduction aimed at supporting economic activity while inflation remains under control. The inflation projection for the financial year 2025–26 has been revised downward to 3.7% from 4%, giving the RBI more space to stimulate growth.
As a result of the repo rate cut, it is expected that lending rates linked to the external benchmark (EBLR) will also fall. This trend was last observed in February 2025, when most banks mirrored repo rate changes in their own interest rates.
Additionally, this development is favourable for the bond market. Typically, when interest rates fall, bond prices rise, making this a positive signal for bond investors.
The RBI has also shared a real GDP growth estimate of 6.5% for FY26, matching the previous year’s growth rate. The recent moves by the central bank signal a balanced focus on both growth and price stability, and borrowers can likely look forward to more affordable loans in the near future.
Current RBI repo rate: June 2025 key highlights and announcements
The Reserve Bank of India shared its June 2025 monetary policy update, with several major announcements. A key development of this 6th June 2025 update was the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announcement of a repo rate cut of 50 basis points, bringing it down to 5.5%. This is the third time in a row the rate has been lowered, in an effort to support growth while keeping inflation in check.
Key highlights:
- CPI inflation forecast for FY26 cut to 3.7% (from 4%)
- GDP growth for FY26 projected at 6.5%
- Quarterly GDP estimates: Q1 – 6.1%, Q2 – 6.7%, Q3 – 6.6%, Q4 – 6.3%
- Non-gold imports grew in double digits
- Gross FDI rose by 14% in FY25
- Forex reserves reached $691.5 billion
- Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) balances averaged Rs. 2 lakh crore recently
- CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) reduced from 4% to 3%
- CRR cut to release Rs. 2.5 lakh crore into the banking system
- Reduction to happen in four stages of 25 bps each
Overall, the RBI’s update shows positive signs for the economy, balancing inflation control with growth support.
RBI repo rate cut history 2025 -2005
Here’s a comprehensive summary of the key changes in the RBI’s repo rate from October 2005 to June 2025, reflecting the central bank’s monetary policy stance over the years.
Effective date |
Repo rate |
% change |
6 June 2025 |
5.5% |
0.50% |
9 April 2025 |
6.00% |
0.25% |
7 February 2025 |
6.25% |
0.25% |
6 December 2024 |
6.50% |
|
18 September 2024 |
6.50% |
- |
8 June 2023 |
6.50% |
- |
8 February 2023 |
6.50% |
0.25% |
7 December 2022 |
6.25% |
0.35% |
30 September 2022 |
5.90% |
0.5% |
5 August 2022 |
5.40% |
0.5% |
8 June 2022 |
4.90% |
0.5% |
May 2022 |
4.40% |
0.4% |
09 Oct 2020 |
4.00% |
0.00% |
06 Aug 2020 |
4.00% |
0.00% |
22 May 2020 |
4.00% |
0.40% |
27 March 2020 |
4.40% |
0.75% |
6 February 2020 |
5.15% |
0.25% |
07 August 2019 |
5.40% |
0.35% |
06 June 2019 |
5.75% |
0.25% |
04 April 2019 |
6.00% |
0.25% |
07 February 2019 |
6.25% |
0.25% |
01 August 2018 |
6.50% |
0.25% |
06 June 2018 |
6.25% |
0.25% |
02 August 2017 |
6.00% |
0.25% |
04 October 2016 |
6.25% |
0.25% |
05 April 2016 |
6.50% |
0.25% |
29 September 2015 |
6.75% |
0.50% |
02 June 2015 |
7.25% |
0.25% |
04 March 2015 |
7.50% |
0.25% |
15 January 2015 |
7.75% |
0.25% |
28 January 2014 |
8.00% |
-0.25% |
29 October 2013 |
7.75% |
-0.25% |
20 September 2013 |
7.50% |
-0.25% |
03 May 2013 |
7.25% |
-0.50% |
17 March 2011 |
6.75% |
-0.25% |
25 January 2011 |
6.50% |
-0.25% |
02 November 2010 |
6.25% |
-0.25% |
16 September 2010 |
6.00% |
-0.25% |
27 July 2010 |
5.75% |
-0.25% |
02 July 2010 |
5.50% |
-0.25% |
20 April 2010 |
5.25% |
-0.25% |
19 March 2010 |
5.00% |
-0.25% |
21 April 2009 |
4.75% |
0.25% |
05 March 2009 |
5.00% |
0.50% |
05 January 2009 |
5.50% |
1.00% |
08 December 2008 |
6.50% |
1.00% |
03 November 2008 |
7.50% |
0.50% |
20 October 2008 |
8.00% |
1.00% |
30 July 2008 |
9.00% |
-0.50% |
25 June 2008 |
8.50% |
-0.50% |
12 June 2008 |
8.00% |
-0.25% |
30 March 2007 |
7.75% |
-0.25% |
31 January 2007 |
7.50% |
-0.25% |
30 October 2006 |
7.25% |
-0.25% |
25 July 2006 |
7.00% |
-0.50% |
24 January 2006 |
6.50% |
-0.25% |
26 October 2005 |
6.25% |
00.00 |
Historical repo rates in India from 2010 to 2025
Tracking the trends of repo rate movements offers valuable insight into India’s monetary policy and economic shifts—here’s a detailed look at the historical repo rates from 2010 to 2025.
Year |
Repo rate (%) |
2010 |
5.25 to 6.25 |
2011 |
6.50 to 8.50 |
2012 |
8 to 8.50 |
2013 |
7.25 to 8 |
2014 |
7.75 to 8 |
2015 |
6.75 |
2016 |
6.50% |
2017 |
6% |
2018 |
6.25 |
2019 |
5.15 to 6.25 |
2020 |
4.00 |
2021 |
4.00 |
2022 |
4.40 to 5.90 |
2023 |
6.25 |
2024 |
6.50 |
2025 |
6.25% |
2025 |
6% (as on 9 April 2025) |
2025 |
5.5% (as on 6 June 2025) |
Other topics you might find interesting |
||
Why RBI has cut the repo rate?
The RBI’s decision to lower the repo rate has been shaped by various economic developments:
- Global Trade Uncertainty: Rising tensions in global trade, especially due to recent tariff changes by the U.S. and retaliatory moves from China, have increased international instability. Lowering the repo rate can help cushion the domestic economy from these external pressures by encouraging spending.
- India’s Economic Outlook: The impact of trade disturbances is likely to affect India’s exports and overall growth. With signs of slowing economic momentum and reduced GDP growth, the RBI has acted in advance to manage the situation with a policy that encourages economic activity.
- Decline in Inflation: A downward trend in retail inflation has created room for the RBI to cut rates without the immediate worry of increasing inflation. This gives the central bank more space to support growth through monetary easing.
Impact of repo rate cut
Reducing the repo rate is expected to bring about several positive outcomes:
- Boost to Economic Activity: Lower interest rates make it easier and cheaper for both individuals and companies to borrow money. This can lead to more consumer spending and business investment, giving a lift to economic growth.
- Improved Investor Sentiment: The change in the RBI's policy tone to "accommodative" may build confidence among investors, showing the central bank’s readiness to support the economy during uncertain global times.
- Industry-Wide Gains: Sectors that rely heavily on borrowing, such as real estate and infrastructure, may benefit from reduced loan costs. This could lead to growth in these interest-sensitive industries.
As interest rates decrease following the repo rate cut, this presents an ideal opportunity to invest in property with affordable financing. Check your home loan offers from Bajaj Finserv with flexible repayment terms up to 32 years. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
How Does RBI Calculate Repo Rate?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) calculates the repo rate by considering a variety of factors, including:
Economic indicators:
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) analyses economic data and macroeconomic indicators like inflation, GDP growth, and employment.
Inflation:
The RBI sets an inflation target to control inflation. If inflation is high, the RBI may increase the repo rate to reduce demand and curb spending.
Economic growth:
The RBI considers the state of economic growth. Higher repo rates can slow economic growth by making it more expensive for businesses and individuals to borrow.
Liquidity:
The RBI assesses the liquidity conditions in the banking system. If there is excess liquidity, the RBI may increase the repo rate to absorb the surplus funds.
External factors:
The RBI also considers global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and international trade dynamics.
Forward-looking approach:
The MPC takes into account both current economic conditions and future projections.
How does repo rate work?
The application of repo rates is based on the same concept and works in line with this borrowing-lending functionality. While financial institutions lend money to the public, they also need to borrow money during fund shortages/ financial crunch.
RBI fulfils this requirement of commercial financial organisations by initiating a repo transaction, i.e. lending money, and charging interest as per the existing repo rate.
The repo transaction completed between RBI and any commercial bank comprises specific components listed below:
- Financial institutions must provide RBI with eligible security that the RBI recognises and that exceeds the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) limit when borrowing.
- Loans provided to commercial lenders can be as per overnight or term agreements.
- The applicable RBI repo rate charges interest on the loan amount.
- On loan repayment, financial lenders repurchase the security provided to RBI as collateral.
There are multiple ways money circulates through the economy, and one of the most significant channels is through commercial banks. When the central bank changes the repo rate, it can have an impact on the cost of credit for financial companies. This change in cost can, in turn, affect the lending policies of financial companies, leading to changes in the interest rates at which they offer loans to the public.
With the current repo rate affecting lending rates across financial institutions, Bajaj Finserv offers competitive home loan options to help you realize your dream of homeownership. Check your eligibility for a home loan of up to Rs. 15 crore* with our quick online process. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Impact of repo rate cut
RBI reduced the repo rate due to a drop in liquidity in the country's money market. It impacts economic aspects that increase the flow of money, making finances more readily available to the public.
Since commercial financial institutions can obtain loans from RBI at reduced rates, they extend the advantages of decreased interest rates to their customers. One can consequently avail of different types of loans at a lower cost of credit. An overall increase in affordable finances allows borrowers to avail of loans of a higher amount and spend more, thus increasing monetary flow.
- Availability of loans to consumers at cheaper rates
- Increase in affordability
- Increased ticket size of loans from retail consumers, thus improving liquidity
- Significant growth in the economy’s overall consumption
- Increased consumption, driving the economy toward growth
The RBI cuts repo rates to increase liquidity and stimulate economic growth when necessary. On the other hand, increased liquidity can also pose challenges for the economy in the form of inflation. For this reason, central banks initiate rate cuts in smaller percentages such as 25 bps or 0.25%.
How repo rate impacts your taxes and financial planning
The repo rate, set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), indirectly influences your tax liabilities and financial strategy. A change in the repo rate affects loan interest rates, EMIs, and disposable income, which can alter your financial planning. Understanding these effects can help you align with the current tax concept.
For instance, lower interest rates may increase borrowing capacity, indirectly impacting your taxable income bracket. To know how this ties into the income tax slab, consider how adjusted finances due to loans or investments influence your overall tax outflow. Learn more about navigating income tax implications to optimise savings.
Importance of repo rate
- The importance of repo rate extends to its effects on various aspects of a country’s economy
- The RBI uses it as a control mechanism to infuse or decrease liquidity in the financial system
- Repo rate change affects bank funding costs and thus impacts retail lending policies
- Repo rate cuts aid inflation control and price stability in finance
- Change in repo rates affects other rates like home loan interest rates, rates on bank deposits, etc
Commercial lending companies are offering loans and advances at reduced rates due to the current trend of rate cuts. It increases competition in the market, thus encouraging other financial institutions to reduce interest rates on various credits.
As an NBFC, Bajaj Finserv offers secured loans like home loans and other unsecured advances at attractive interest rates for increased affordability and convenient repayment.
The recent repo rate changes create a favorable environment for home buyers. Check your home loan offers from Bajaj Finserv with interest rates starting at just 7.99%* p.a. and approval in 48 hours*. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
Important Links: Home Loan Eligibility Criteria | Documents Required for Home Loan | Home Loan Balance Transfer | Joint Home Loan | Home Loan Tax Benefits
Conclusion
The repo rate serves as a crucial economic indicator and monetary policy tool that influences various aspects of India's financial landscape. The recent reduction to 6.00% signals the RBI's accommodative stance toward economic growth amidst global uncertainties. Understanding repo rate movements helps individuals make informed financial decisions, particularly regarding loans and investments.
As the repo rate directly impacts borrowing costs for banks and subsequently for consumers, staying updated on these changes enables better financial planning. Monitoring repo rate trends, along with other economic indicators, provides valuable insights into the country's monetary policy direction and economic health.
Popular calculators for your financial calculations
Home loans in different cities
Home loans for different budgets
Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals
Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.
You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:
- Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
- Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
- Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
- Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
- Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
- Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
- Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
- Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.
Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repo rate serves as an effective financial tool and helps in monitoring the country’s liquidity, money supply and inflation levels. All these factors tend to be directly proportional with the rise and fall of the repo rate due to its direct relationship with the cost of borrowing for financial institutions.
Consequently, its primary effects on the economy are as follows:
- Effective regulation in the inflation level of the economy.
- Increase or decrease in the economy’s money supply.
- Increased or decreased overall consumption.
- Effect on cash availability for retail consumers.
- Overall economic growth.
As the repo rate significantly impacts the economy, the RBI makes sure to use it as a tool to regulate the financial market and formulates its Monetary Policy accordingly.
The relationship between inflation and the repo rate is crucial in the context of monetary policy. Inflation refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services over time, while the repo rate is the rate at which the central bank (such as the Reserve Bank of India) lends money to commercial banks. Here's the relationship between inflation and the repo rate:
- Control of Inflation: One of the primary objectives of central banks, including the RBI, is to maintain price stability by controlling inflation. When inflation is high, it erodes the purchasing power of money and creates economic instability. The central bank uses various tools, including the repo rate, to manage inflation.
- Repo Rate and Inflation: The repo rate influences lending rates in the economy, affecting borrowing costs for banks and, subsequently, businesses and consumers. The relationship between the repo rate and inflation can be understood as follows:
- High Inflation: If inflation is high or accelerating, the central bank may increase the repo rate. A higher repo rate increases the cost of borrowing for banks, which can result in higher lending rates for businesses and consumers. The higher borrowing costs aim to reduce spending and investment, thereby cooling down the economy and curbing inflationary pressures.
- Low Inflation: Conversely, if inflation is low or below the desired target, the central bank may decrease the repo rate. A lower repo rate reduces borrowing costs for banks, leading to lower lending rates. This reduction in borrowing costs aims to stimulate borrowing, investment, and consumption to boost economic activity and increase inflation.
- Impact on Aggregate Demand: By adjusting the repo rate, the central bank influences the cost of credit and the availability of funds in the banking system. Changes in the repo rate have a cascading effect on interest rates across the economy, affecting borrowing, investment, and spending decisions of businesses and individuals. These changes in aggregate demand, in turn, influence inflationary pressures in the economy.
- Transmission Mechanism: Changes in the repo rate affect various sectors of the economy differently. For instance, a rise in the repo rate can lead to higher lending rates, making loans more expensive. This can potentially reduce consumer spending, business investment, and demand for housing, which may help moderate inflationary pressures. Conversely, a decrease in the repo rate can stimulate borrowing and investment, leading to increased consumer spending and economic activity, which may contribute to inflation.
It's important to note that the impact of the repo rate on inflation is not immediate and can vary based on several factors, including the overall economic conditions, market dynamics, and other policy measures. Central banks carefully assess inflation trends and economic indicators before making decisions on adjusting the repo rate to maintain price stability and support sustainable economic growth.
With an increase in repo rate, the cost of credit increases for commercial banks, thus making loans expensive for them. It limits their capacity to borrow and also prompts them to increase the rate of interest offered to retail borrowers for various loans and advances.
As bank loans become expensive for customers, it discourages them from borrowing more. It results in an overall decrease in money supply to the market, impacting the liquidity. A decreased availability of money tends to contain inflation. It is the primary reason why the RBI resorts to increasing this rate during periods of high inflation.
Similar to repo rates, another market instrument RBI uses to control and regulate the money market is reverse repo rate. It is a rate at which commercial lending organisations deposit their surplus cash to the RBI and earn interest. Unlike repo rates, these rates carry an inverse relationship with the economy’s money supply.
During high levels of inflation, increasing the repo rate is a considerable measure that helps control inflation. A rise in repo rate translates into increased rate of interest on loans extended by commercial banks to the lenders. This makes borrowing money expensive particularly for businesses and industries, which slows down production, investment and the overall supply of money in the market - subsequently bringing down inflation.
Repo rates are beneficial for the economy in general to control inflation and deflation. When Repo rate reduces, it allows commercial banks and lenders to borrow money from RBI at a lower interest rate. This benefit is then passed on to their customers by reducing the interest rates on the loans they offer. It also decreases the cost of commodities considering industries and businesses also borrow at a lowered rate of interest.
As an end consumer, a decrease in repo rate would mean you get to borrow a loan at a lowered rate of interest. Which means you have to shell out less money as EMIs while you enjoy the same amount of principal value. On the other hand, if repo rate increases, your floating rate of interest would automatically be increased and so would your EMIs.
Basis Point (BPS) is a unit of measurement used to indicate small changes in percentages, especially in interest rates and financial variables. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%. In the context of the repo rate, changes are often expressed in basis points. For example, a 25-basis point increase means the rate has been raised by 0.25%. This standard practice simplifies precise communication and comparisons in the financial industry.
The Narasimhan Committee on Banking Sector Reforms recommended the introduction of repo rates as a part of Liquid Adjustment Facility (LAF) in 1998. Simultaneously, the concept of repo rates was introduced in RBI’s Monetary Policy.
As per these policies, repo rate is primarily used to control and regulate the available liquidity in India’s economic system. An increase in these rates limits the availability of liquidity, thus curbing a surge in inflation as well as bringing it down.
Alternatively, any reduction in this rate enables increased borrowings for commercial lenders as a result of reduced cost of credit. The recent Monetary Policy regarding cuts in repo rates has been in line to increase liquidity in the financial system, thus driving economic growth.
In India, the repo rate is set by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India. This six-member panel examines inflation trends, growth data, and other economic indicators before making changes to the rate.
In financial terms, "repo" stands for Repurchase Agreement. It is a short-term borrowing arrangement where one party sells securities with a promise to buy them back later at a higher price, which includes interest.
As of June 2025, the Reserve Bank of India has set the repo rate at 5.5%, following a 50 basis point cut. The move reflects a lower inflation forecast of 3.7% for FY26. The RBI also retained the GDP growth target for the year at 6.5%, despite concerns around global conflicts and weather uncertainties.
When the repo rate is cut, interest rates on loans linked to it—such as home or auto loans—usually decrease. This can make borrowing cheaper for individuals and businesses. Additionally, bond prices tend to rise as interest rates drop. Banks typically adjust their lending rates shortly after the RBI changes the repo rate.
The RBI lowered the repo rate to encourage economic growth, supported by a lower inflation outlook. With inflation expected to stay below 4%, the central bank saw room to ease borrowing costs. It also changed its stance from 'accommodative' to 'neutral', signalling a more balanced approach to managing inflation and supporting recovery.
If you have a loan with a floating interest rate, a lower repo rate generally means your EMIs may decrease. With the repo rate at 5.5%, banks are likely to reduce interest rates on loans, making them more affordable. This applies to home, personal, and vehicle loans, improving overall affordability for borrowers.
Home loan rates stand to become more attractive due to the repo rate cut, making this an ideal time to secure financing for your dream home with Bajaj Finserv. Check your eligibility for a Bajaj Finserv today. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee meets every two months to review the economy and revise interest rates. While the exact date of the next meeting hasn’t been announced, it is expected sometime in August 2025. The meeting will assess inflation, GDP growth, and other economic factors before making a decision.
Borrowers benefit from repo rate cuts through lower EMIs, especially on floating-rate loans like home or auto loans. However, depositors may see reduced interest rates on fixed deposits. Banks adjust their deposit and lending rates based on the repo rate, so while loans become cheaper, savings returns may dip slightly.
The current low-rate environment presents an excellent opportunity for potential homebuyers to take advantage of reduced borrowing costs. Bajaj Housing Finance Home Loan offers floating rates that adjust with market conditions, ensuring you benefit from favourable rate movements. Check your loan offers with Bajaj Finserv to see how much you can save. You may already be eligible, find out by entering your mobile number and OTP.
