No New Sovereign Gold Bond Issue Soon

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) have been a popular choice for Indian investors looking to invest in gold without the hassle of storing physical bars or coins.  

With their promise of 2.5% annual interest and potential gains from rising gold prices, SGBs have been a solid option for personal finance planning.  

However, recent updates from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Finance Ministry have left investors wondering about the sovereign gold bond issue schedule and updates. 

Let’s see the latest developments, why there’s a pause, and what you can do next. 

Read also: How to Get the Best Returns from FDs in 2025

Next Sovereign Gold Bond Issue Date in India 

If you’re eagerly waiting for the next sovereign gold bond issue date in India, here’s the deal: there’s no new issue on the horizon.  

The RBI, which issues SGBs on behalf of the government, hasn’t announced any new tranches for the 2024-25 financial year.  

The last series, Series IV of 2023-24, was launched in February 2024, and since then, it’s been radio silence.  

This is a shift from the usual pattern where the RBI rolled out 10-14 tranches annually, often starting in June. 

Why the dry spell? The government is rethinking the SGB scheme.  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hinted during a post-Budget 2024-25 media interaction that the scheme might be discontinued from 2025-26.  

Rising gold prices have made SGBs an expensive borrowing tool for the government, with liabilities ballooning to ₹1.12 lakh crore by March 2025, as per RBI data.  

For now, no new sovereign gold bond issues are planned, leaving investors in a wait-and-watch mode. 

Why Is There No New SGB Issue This Month? 

You might be scratching your head, wondering why there’s no new SGB issue this month. 

The answer lies in the government’s financial strategy. SGBs were launched in 2015 to reduce gold imports and encourage digital gold investments.  

But with gold prices soaring-jumping from ₹26,300 per 10 grams in 2015 to ₹84,450 in 2025-the scheme has become a costly affair.  

The government has to pay investors the appreciated gold value at maturity, plus 2.5% interest, which is a hefty burden compared to traditional bonds. 

Moreover, the scheme hasn’t fully met its goal of curbing gold imports, as physical gold demand remains strong, especially during festivals like Diwali.  

To make physical gold more attractive, the government slashed import duties from 15% to 6% in 2024, further signaling a shift away from SGBs.  

As a result, the RBI has paused new issuances, and experts believe the sovereign gold bond scheme might be on its last legs. 

Sovereign Gold Bond Calendar and RBI Updates 2025 

For those tracking the sovereign gold bond calendar and RBI updates 2025, here’s the current picture: no new issuances are scheduled.  

The RBI typically announces issue dates and subscription windows through press releases on its official website.  

However, no such notifications have surfaced for 2024-25, and posts on X reflect growing speculation that the scheme is winding down. 

For existing investors, the RBI has shared some key updates. Premature redemption windows for several SGB tranches are open from April to September 2025. 

For example, the 2017-18 Series III is due for redemption on April 16, 2025, and the 2020-21 Series II on May 19, 2025.  

The redemption price, like ₹8,624 per unit for the March 2025 maturity, is based on the average closing price of 999-purity gold over the previous three days, as set by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. 

When Will the Next SGB Series Be Announced? 

The big question-when will the next SGB series be announced? -doesn’t have a clear answer.  

Given the Finance Ministry’s stance and the lack of issuances in 2024-25, it’s unlikely we’ll see a new series soon.  

The government’s focus on reducing fiscal deficits and the high cost of SGBs make a revival doubtful.  

Investors should keep an eye on RBI announcements, but don’t hold your breath for a new sovereign gold bond series in 2025. 

What Should Investors Do? 

So, what’s the game plan for investors? Don’t worry, there are still ways to make your personal finance strategy shine: 

• Hold Existing SGBs: If you own SGBs, hang on to them. You’ll continue earning 2.5% interest semi-annually, and capital gains are tax-free if held till maturity (eight years). Plus, gold prices are expected to rise, boosting your returns. 

• Explore Alternatives: With no new SGBs, consider gold ETFs or digital gold platforms for gold exposure. These options offer liquidity and no storage hassles, though they lack the fixed interest of SGBs. 

• Check Redemption Options: If you’re eligible for premature redemption (after five years), evaluate if it aligns with your financial goals. Submit requests within the RBI’s specified windows to avoid missing out. 

• Stay Updated: Follow RBI’s website or trusted financial news for any surprise announcements about the sovereign gold bond issue schedule and updates. 

Gold ETF vs. Physical Gold vs. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)

What You Need to Know 

• No new sovereign gold bond issues are planned for 2024-25, and the scheme may end in 2025-26. 

• Rising gold prices and high costs have prompted the government to reconsider SGBs. 

• Existing SGB holders can benefit from interest and tax-free gains at maturity. 

• Explore gold ETFs or digital gold as alternatives and stay tuned to RBI updates. 

Have you invested in SGBs, or are you exploring other gold investment options? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the personal finance conversation going! 

Disclaimer