Security Feature Description

Watermark The watermark in all notes is visible from both sides -

front and back in transmitted light. It cannot be replicated
using a scanner or photocopier. The watermark has light
and shade effect. Its window also has multidirectional
lines. The watermark in a note is broadly classified into
major and minor watermarks. The easily distinguishable
portrait of Mahatma Gandhi forms the major watermark,
while the 'Denomination of the note' and 'RBI' are the
minor watermarks.

Security Thread The notes contain a readable, windowed security thread

(Windowed and alternatively visible on the obverse with inscriptions. The
Fully Embedded) security thread in Rs.500 and Rs.100 denomination notes
is partially exposed and partially embedded on the
obverse with the inscriptions 'Bharat' (in Hindi) and 'RBI'
alternatively. When held against light, this thread appears
as one continuous line. Denominations of Rs.100 and
Rs.500 contain fully embedded security thread.

Numbers in The number panels on the notes are printed in fluorescent

Fluorescent Ink ink. The ink glows when the note is exposed to ultra-violet
(UV) light.

Numbers in panels The genuine notes bear a distinctive serial number along
with prefix. The numerals and the alphabets are in perfect
alignment. Any change in the shape of the individual
numbers should be viewed with suspicion. The Rs.100
and Rs.500 notes have two number panels. The number is
always printed on the front side of the note.

Multidirectional The multidirectional lines are incorporated in the notes.

Lines (Antiscan They are superimposed on the watermark and on the
lines) vertical margin of notes in the backside. These lines are
very difficult to scan.

Identification Mark An identification mark has been incorporated in the note

for visually impaired people. This mark is in intaglio
printing and it’s in different geometrical shapes for
various denominations. A circle for Rs.500 denomination
and a triangle for Rs.100 denomination are used as
identification marks.

See Through See-through is a flower like design that renders additional

security to our notes. It is on the left side & above the
identification mark. The printing of 'See Through' requires
perfect registry between the front hollow design and back
solid design. The printing of both front and back is done in
a single pass and designs are printed with perfect
registry, which renders the note a “See-through” effect.
Replicating this feature is very difficult on commercial
machines.

Hand-drawn The carving panels on the backside of the notes are hand
Elements drawn by artists. Due to its uniqueness, this cannot be
copied or reproduced effectively.

Rainbow Effect This effect is very difficult to get in a commercial printing

machine. It needs special printing capabilities.

Hand Engraved The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is hand engraved. Deep

Portrait engravings & minute details of the portrait add to the
security feature of the notes against counterfeiting. A
counterfeit portrait is usually lifeless & flat and the details
merge into the background.

Micro text (Micro Micro lettering provides an additional security feature to

letterings) the note against counterfeiting. It appears between the
Mahatma Gandhi portrait and vertical band. It contains
the word ‘RBI’ and Rs.100 or Rs.500 in micro letters, and
can be seen clearly using a magnifying glass.

Pattern with line This pattern shows lines with varying thickness. It is found
thickness variation on the reverse side, at the bottom of the left and right
side of the note. It makes the note unique and difficult to
copy.

Omron This is an anti color-copying feature.

Fibres in the paper The notes also have multicolored fluorescent fibers in
the paper. The fibers glow when the note is exposed
to ultra-violet radiation.