1. Short Description:
The RBI announces a major Treasury Bill auction totaling ₹29,000 crore across three maturities in January 2026. Here’s what investors and financial analysts need to know.
2. Read Time:
2 minutes 30 seconds
3. Main Article:
RBI Unveils Major ₹29,000 Crore Treasury Bill Auction for January 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), acting on behalf of the Government of India, has announced a significant auction of Treasury Bills (T-Bills) scheduled for January 28, 2026. This is a key event for government securities markets, as it offers short-term investment opportunities for a wide range of participants. The multiple price auction will involve a total notified amount of ₹29,000 crore distributed across three standard maturities: 91-Day (₹9,000 crore), 182-Day (₹12,000 crore), and 364-Day (₹8,000 crore). This auction is part of the government’s routine borrowing program to manage its short-term cash flow needs. The settlement date for all successful bids is set for the following day, January 29, 2026.
Auction participation is designed to be inclusive. While banks and institutions will engage in competitive bidding, the RBI explicitly opens the door for retail investors. Individuals can participate on a non-competitive basis, either by submitting bids as per the official scheme or, more conveniently, through the dedicated Retail Direct portal (rbiretaildirect.org.in). For retail participants, the allocation is capped at a maximum of 5% of the notified amount for each T-Bill. Other eligible entities like state governments and provident funds can also participate on a non-competitive basis, with their allocation not affecting the notified amount. The auction will be price-based, and bids must be submitted electronically via the RBI’s E-Kuber system within strict time windows: competitive bids from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, and non-competitive bids from 10:30 am to 11:00 am (IST).
The RBI has also outlined contingency measures in case of technical failures. If the electronic system is unavailable, physical bids can be submitted to the Public Debt Office before the auction concludes. The press release provides dedicated contact information for the Core Banking Operations team and the IDMD auction team for technical and auction-related support. This announcement underscores the structured and transparent process governing India’s short-term debt market.
4. Short Summary:
The RBI has scheduled a major Government of India Treasury Bill auction for January 28, 2026, totaling ₹29,000 crore across three maturities. Utilizing a multiple price method, it welcomes competitive and non-competitive bids, including a clear pathway for retail investors through the Retail Direct portal. Key dates and detailed participation guidelines underscore the auction’s structured approach to short-term government borrowing.
