India, May 30 -- Detection of counterfeit currency notes in the banking system rose 5.7 per cent in 2025-26, led by a sharp increase in fakes found in Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, the RBI said on Friday.

The total number of counterfeit notes detected increased to 2,29,746 pieces in 2025-26, up from 2,17,396 in the preceding financial year, RBI said in its annual report.

Fake Rs 500 notes remained the most detected denomination, rising 20.5 per cent to 1,41,907 pieces during the year from 1,17,722 in 2024-25.

Counterfeit Rs 20 notes registered one of the sharpest increases, jumping 47.4 per cent to 373 pieces from 253 a year ago.

Besides, fake Rs 200 denomination notes fell to 30,591 pieces in 2025-26 from 32,660 in the previous ye...