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Economy & finance

Repo rate

The interest rate at which a central bank lends short-term money to commercial banks against government securities. In India it is the Reserve Bank of India’s main policy rate: when it goes up, loans across the economy tend to become more expensive.

In the news

The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% in October 2026, in a unanimous decision.

Related termsBasis pointReverse repo rateMonetary Policy Committee

“Repo rate” in our stories

EconomyIndia

How to read a central bank decision

Repo rates, basis points, dissents and “calibrated tightening”: a plain guide to what the RBI, the Fed and the ECB announce — and how it reaches your loan, your savings and the rupee.

·Rational Times Business Desk·2 min read
EconomyIndia

How inflation is measured in India

The price indices behind the headline number, the RBI’s 4% target, and why your own costs can rise faster — or slower — than the official figure.

·Rational Times Explainers·2 min read