Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 28: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fixed Rs 12,198 per unit as the premature redemption price for the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020–21 Series-I, originally issued on October 28, 2020. Eligible investors can redeem their bonds early starting Tuesday, the RBI announced.

The redemption value was determined using the simple average of closing gold prices (999 purity) published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) over October 23, 24, and 27, 2025.

When first issued, the SGB series was priced at Rs 4,589 per gram for online investors and Rs 4,639 per gram for offline buyers. The current redemption price marks an increase of nearly three times in value over five years, delivering an absolute return of about 166% for online subscribers — in addition to the 2.5% annual interest paid on the issue price.

The RBI clarified that premature redemption of SGBs is allowed after the fifth year from the date of issue, but only on the interest payment date.

Launched in November 2015, the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme was introduced as a government-backed alternative to physical gold investment, aimed at curbing gold imports and conserving foreign exchange. The bonds, issued by the RBI on behalf of the Centre, are denominated in grams of gold and offer both fixed interest income and capital appreciation.

Each bond carries a tenure of eight years, with an exit option after five years. Investors can also trade SGBs on stock exchanges, transfer them, or pledge them as collateral for loans.