The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has invited agencies to bid for its social media management mandate under a tender valued at Rs 12 crore. The exercise, issued by the central bank’s Department of Communication, covers digital communication strategy, creative development, podcast management, social media listening, analytics, promotional campaigns and online response management.
Published on October 7, 2026, the tender sets November 6, 2026, at 12 noon as the deadline for bid submission. Technical bids are scheduled to open on November 9 at 12 noon.
The selected agency or agencies will be expected to manage the RBI’s social media operations on a 24×7 basis, supporting its digital communication requirements through content creation, campaign execution and online engagement.
The scope of work includes social media strategy and management, development of creatives, podcast production and management, social media listening and analytics, promotional planning and execution, and online response management.
Bidding process and eligibility
The RBI has adopted a two-cover bidding system, requiring agencies to submit separate technical and commercial bids through the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP). Technical documents must be submitted in PDF format and commercial bids in XLS format. Physical submissions will not be accepted.
Only agencies that qualify in the technical evaluation will have their commercial bids opened. The contract will be awarded to the lowest bidder among those that meet the technical requirements.
The tender specifies an earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 24 lakh, with exemptions not permitted. No tender fee has been prescribed. The successful bidder will also be required to furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to 5% of the work order amount.
The bid validity period is 180 days, while the duration of the work has not been specified in the tender details.
Pre-bid meeting and tender conditions
A pre-bid meeting was scheduled for October 16, 2026, at 3 pm at the Department of Communication, ninth floor, RBI, Fort, Mumbai.
The central bank has reserved the right to modify the tender plan. Any amendments or corrections will be published through a revised e-tender on the CPPP portal, requiring agencies to submit fresh bids.
The tender also provides for applicable tax deductions, including tax deducted at source under the goods and services tax framework, at prescribed rates.
Through the empanelment exercise, the RBI is seeking agency support across social media strategy, content production, campaign promotion, analytics and digital engagement.
