The RBI Policy 2025 has drawn significant attention from investors, businesses, and the general public. On October 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.50%, maintaining a neutral stance after a series of cuts earlier this year. The decision was taken at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, signaling a cautious “wait-and-watch” approach amid easing inflation and a resilient Indian economy.
- What Is RBI Policy & Why It Matters
- Core Instruments of RBI Policy
- Recent Moves in RBI Policy 2025
- October 1, 2025 MPC Meeting: Key Highlights
- RBI Policy Announcements: Frequency & Schedule
- RBI Policy Today & Live Updates
- Impact of RBI Policy 2025
- Recent RBI News & Developments
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion & Outlook
This article covers the latest updates on the repo rate, MPC meeting highlights, inflation and growth forecasts, and key RBI news to help you stay fully informed.
What Is RBI Policy & Why It Matters
The RBI policy, also called the monetary policy, refers to the decisions made by the Reserve Bank of India to regulate money supply, control inflation, and ensure financial stability.
Key objectives include:
- Maintaining price stability (keeping inflation in check).
- Supporting economic growth by managing interest rates.
- Ensuring liquidity for banks and businesses.
- Managing currency stability in global markets.
Core Instruments of RBI Policy
Repo Rate
The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. It directly impacts loan EMIs, credit growth, and investment.
- Current Repo Rate (as of Oct 1, 2025): 5.50%
- Earlier in 2025, RBI cut rates thrice, but paused in August and October.
Reverse Repo, CRR & SLR
- Reverse Repo Rate: Rate at which RBI borrows from banks.
- Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Portion of deposits banks must keep with RBI. Recently reduced by 100 bps in four tranches (Sept 2025) to boost liquidity.
- Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Minimum government securities banks must hold.
Recent Moves in RBI Policy 2025
- February 2025: 25 bps rate cut.
- April 2025: Another 25 bps cut to support growth.
- June 2025: Repo rate lowered further amid inflation moderation.
- August 2025: RBI paused at 5.50%.
- October 1, 2025: Repo rate unchanged at 5.50%; stance remains neutral.
October 1, 2025 MPC Meeting: Key Highlights
Decision
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to keep the repo rate steady at 5.50%.
Growth & Inflation Forecasts
- GDP Growth: Forecast revised upward to 6.8% for FY26, reflecting strong domestic demand.
- Inflation: Projected at 4.6% for FY26, well within RBI’s comfort zone of 2–6%.
Rationale & Stance
- RBI cited global uncertainties including trade tensions and volatile crude prices.
- The stance remains neutral, meaning future decisions depend on evolving data.
RBI Policy Announcements: Frequency & Schedule
The RBI usually holds six MPC meetings per year, roughly every two months.
FY26 MPC Meeting Dates:
- April 7–9, 2025
- June 2–4, 2025
- August 4–6, 2025
- October 1–3, 2025
- Next Meeting: December 3–5, 2025
- February 2–4, 2026
RBI Policy Today & Live Updates
- Policy Decision Time: 10:00 a.m. IST
- Governor’s Press Conference: 12:00 p.m. IST
- Where to Watch:
- RBI’s official website
- RBI YouTube channel (live stream)
- Major financial news portals like Business Standard, Reuters, and Zee Business
Impact of RBI Policy 2025
For Investors
- Stable repo rate supports bond yields and may boost stock markets.
- Rate pause reduces volatility for mutual funds and equities.
For Businesses & Borrowers
- Home loan EMIs remain stable as banks are unlikely to hike lending rates.
- Liquidity support through CRR cuts improves credit availability.
For Students & General Public
- Education and personal loan rates stay steady.
- Savings deposit rates may not increase significantly.
Recent RBI News & Developments
- CRR Reduction: RBI reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio by 100 basis points in four tranches effective September 2025 to inject liquidity.
- External Pressures: Rising global tariffs and rupee depreciation (₹88.80/USD) put additional challenges before policymakers.
- Liquidity Boost: RBI remains ready to intervene in forex markets to curb volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time is the RBI policy announcement today?
The policy decision is released at 10:00 a.m. IST, followed by a press conference at 12:00 p.m.
What is the current RBI policy / repo rate?
As of October 1, 2025, the repo rate is 5.50%, with a neutral policy stance.
What is the RBI policy for 2025?
The RBI started 2025 with rate cuts but shifted to a pause by mid-year, balancing growth support with inflation control.
How many RBI policy meetings are held in a year?
Typically, six MPC meetings are scheduled each year, once every two months.
Where can I download the RBI policy PDF?
You can find the latest policy statements and MPC minutes on the RBI official website.
When is the next RBI policy meeting?
The next MPC meeting is scheduled for December 3–5, 2025.
Conclusion & Outlook
The RBI Policy 2025 reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing growth and inflation. With the repo rate steady at 5.50%, GDP outlook improving, and inflation under control, the RBI has signaled stability for the remainder of the year.
Going forward, much will depend on global headwinds, crude prices, and currency pressures. For now, borrowers, investors, and businesses can breathe easier with stable lending rates and a supportive monetary stance.
