What is today's gold rate in Delhi (11 May 2026)?+
Today (11 May 2026), 24K gold in Delhi is ₹15,228 per gram, 22K gold is ₹13,960 per gram, and 18K gold is ₹11,425 per gram. For 10 grams, 24K gold costs ₹1,52,280 and 22K gold costs ₹1,39,600. These are indicative rates excluding GST and making charges.
Why did gold prices fall slightly today?+
Today's marginal ₹22/g decline in 24K gold is part of normal market consolidation after a significant ₹305/g rally on Monday, 6 May. Gold prices often consolidate or pull back after sharp single-day gains. The equity market decline (Sensex −1.70%) may actually provide a floor to gold's decline as investors look for safe-haven alternatives.
What is the difference between 22K and 24K gold?+
24K gold is 99.9% pure gold — the highest purity commercially available. It is ideal for investment (coins, bars, ETFs) but is too soft for detailed jewellery work. 22K gold is 91.6% pure, with the remaining 8.4% being copper, silver, or zinc alloys that add hardness, making it the most popular choice for jewellery in India. 22K jewellery is marked with "916" in BIS hallmarking.
Which is better — Sovereign Gold Bonds or physical gold?+
For pure investment, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are superior to physical gold because: (1) they pay 2.5% annual interest on the issue price, (2) capital gains tax is zero at maturity (8 years), (3) there is no storage or insurance cost, and (4) they are backed by the Government of India. Physical gold is preferred when you want tangible ownership, gifting, or cannot commit to the 8-year maturity.
How is gold taxed when sold in India?+
If held for more than 24 months, gold qualifies as a long-term capital asset taxed at 20% with indexation benefit (or 12.5% without indexation after recent amendments). Short-term gains (held under 24 months) are taxed as per your income tax slab. SGBs held until maturity (8 years) are completely exempt from capital gains tax. GST of 3% applies on purchase but not on sale.
How do I verify if my gold is genuine?+
The most reliable method is checking the BIS hallmark and verifying the 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) on the BIS Care mobile app or BIS website. Other methods include the acid test (performed by jewellers), XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing at assaying centres, and checking the density using the Archimedes principle. Avoid DIY magnet tests as they are unreliable.
What are making charges in gold jewellery?+
Making charges are the fees a jeweller charges for the craftsmanship involved in creating jewellery. They can range from 5% to 25% of the gold value, depending on the design complexity and jeweller. Plain bangles typically attract lower making charges (5–8%), while intricate hand-crafted pieces can carry 15–25%. Making charges are not recoverable at resale — when you sell jewellery, you typically receive only the gold value based on prevailing rates.
How much gold can I bring from abroad without paying duty?+
As per current regulations, Indian citizens returning after staying abroad for 6+ months can bring up to 1 kg of gold without paying customs duty (male passengers: 20g; female: 40g exemption for personal jewellery beyond the 6-month rule). Gold above the exemption limit attracts 12.5% basic customs duty plus applicable surcharges. Commercial import of gold requires an import licence.
Is gold a good investment in 2026?+
Gold has been one of the best-performing asset classes in 2025–26, driven by global geopolitical uncertainty, central bank buying, US dollar weakness, and inflation fears. Most financial experts recommend allocating 10–15% of a long-term portfolio to gold as a hedge and diversifier. However, gold does not generate income (dividends or interest) unless held via SGBs, so it should complement — not replace — equity investments.
Where can I sell gold in Delhi?+
You can sell gold in Delhi at any licensed jeweller (who will deduct a small refining/assaying charge), at gold buyback counters in large jewellery chains like Tanishq or Malabar Gold, at commodity exchanges through brokers (for financial-form gold), or at MMTC-PAMP and other certified bullion dealers. For the best price, get quotes from at least 2–3 buyers before selling. Always carry original purchase bills and ID proof.
What is wastage charge in gold jewellery?+
Wastage charges (also called wastage allowance) are a percentage-based charge on the gold weight to account for the gold lost during the jewellery-making process (filing, soldering, etc.). This is separate from and in addition to making charges. Wastage typically ranges from 2–5% for mass-produced jewellery to 8–15% for handmade or filigree work. Always ask your jeweller to itemise gold cost, making charges, and wastage charges separately before purchase.
How does the rupee-dollar rate affect gold prices?+
Since India imports approximately 85–90% of its gold requirements and gold is priced globally in US dollars, the USD/INR exchange rate has a direct and significant impact. When the rupee depreciates against the dollar, the same quantity of gold costs more in rupee terms. With USD/INR at ₹95.31, a $1 rise in international gold prices translates to approximately ₹95 increase in the Indian price per troy ounce (roughly ₹3/gram). Over a 5-year period, rupee depreciation has contributed an estimated 20–25% of the total rise in Indian gold prices.
