The Indian banking sector strongly influences the country's economic progress. At the heart of this system lie government-owned banks, commonly known as public sector banks (PSBs).
The Government of India mainly owns these banks. Their primary goal is to offer financial services throughout the nation, with a particular focus on reaching rural and semi-urban communities.
Below is a comprehensive list of government banks in India, details about their origins, key characteristics, and the valuable contributions they have made to the nation.
List of Government Banks in India for 2025
Here is the list of 12 Government Banks in India as of 2025.
1. State Bank of India (SBI)
2. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
3. Bank of Baroda (BoB)
4. Canara Bank
5. Union Bank of India
6. Bank of India (BoI)
7. Indian Bank
8. Central Bank of India
9. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
10. UCO Bank
11. Bank of Maharashtra (BoM)
12. Punjab & Sind Bank
Top Government Banks in India
1. State Bank of India (SBI)
The State Bank of India (SBI) stands as the largest public sector bank in India and a highly trusted financial institution. It operates in more than 30 countries, serving millions of customers globally. Established in 1955, SBI plays a crucial role in implementing government schemes.
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Key Features:
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More than 22,000 branches form the widest branch network in India.
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Comprehensive services encompassing retail, corporate, and international banking.
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Specialised schemes for women, students, and senior citizens.
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Leadership in digital banking with its app SBI YONO.
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Strong NRI banking services with a presence in 200+ foreign offices.
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Offers affordable housing loans under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
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Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 1234
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International: +91-22-40959905
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Website: sbi.co.in
2. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Punjab National Bank (PNB), established in 1894, is now India’s second-largest PSB following its merger with OBC and United Bank of India. It is renowned for its customer-centric approach and a strong presence in rural and semi-urban areas.
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Key Features:
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Offers personal and business loans at competitive rates.
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Wide range of savings and investment products.
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Financial inclusion programs for rural areas.
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Strong focus on MSME and agricultural lending.
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High-tech banking with mobile and net banking facilities.
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Low-interest rates for education loans under government schemes.
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Headquarters: New Delhi
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 180 2222
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Complaint Helpline: 0120-2490000
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Website: pnbindia.in
3. Bank of Baroda (BoB)
Founded in 1908, Bank of Baroda is a global leader and the best government bank in India with a presence in over 20 countries. It is known for innovation, digital transformation, and customer service excellence.
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Key Features:
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Global presence with branches in the UK, UAE, and the USA.
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User-friendly digital products like Baroda Connect and Baroda M-Connect.
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Specialised services for NRIs and exporters.
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Comprehensive loan offerings for businesses, education, and housing.
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Exclusive focus on women entrepreneurs and self-help groups.
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Regular CSR activities promoting financial literacy.
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Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 102 4455
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Email Support: customerservice@bankofbaroda.com
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Website: bankofbaroda.in
4. Canara Bank
Canara Bank, established in 1906, is recognised as one of the oldest and most reliable public sector banks in India. The 2020 merger with Syndicate Bank further solidified its role in India’s banking sector.
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Key Features:
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Comprehensive range of savings and deposit accounts.
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Extensive focus on SME and microfinance sectors.
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Affordable home and car loans.
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Robust digital banking with apps like CanMobile and NetBanking.
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Special credit schemes for women entrepreneurs.
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Offers agricultural and rural financing services.
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Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 425 0018
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International: +91-80-22064232
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Website: canarabank.com
5. Union Bank of India
Founded in 1919, Union Bank of India became one of the top five largest PSBs after merging with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank. It offers a range of innovative financial products and services.
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Key Features:
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Wide network of over 9,500 branches across India.
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User-friendly mobile app and internet banking services.
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Focus on financial literacy programs in rural areas.
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Strong support for startups and small businesses.
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Specialised services for NRIs and exporters.
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Affordable loans for education, housing, and businesses.
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Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 22 2244
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International: +91-22-22896600
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Website: unionbankofindia.co.in
6. Bank of India (BoI)
Established in 1906, Bank of India is a prominent public sector bank with an international presence in over 18 countries. It serves a wide customer base by offering a variety of financial products.
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Key Features:
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Strong focus on foreign exchange and NRI banking.
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Specialised services for corporate clients and SMEs.
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Affordable personal and education loan schemes.
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Advanced digital banking solutions through StarConnect.
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Extensive CSR initiatives in healthcare and education.
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Offers term deposits with competitive interest rates.
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Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 220 229
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Complaint Helpline: +91-22-40919191
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Website: bankofindia.co.in
7. Indian Bank
Indian Bank, headquartered in Chennai, merged with Allahabad Bank in 2020, significantly increasing its network and capabilities. It is known for its wide range of rural and retail banking services.
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Key Features:
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Special focus on MSMEs and self-help groups.
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Strong digital banking platform with Indian Bank eBanking.
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Offers agricultural loans and Kisan Credit Cards.
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Attractive returns on fixed deposits and savings accounts at competitive rates.
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Wide range of government-backed financial products.
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Simplified process for education and housing loans.
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Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 425 00000
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Email Support: indmail@indianbank.co.in
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Website: indianbank.in
8. Central Bank of India
Established in 1911, Central Bank of India is one of the oldest and most respected public sector banks in India. It is widely known as the first Indian commercial bank fully owned and managed by Indians.
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Key Features:
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Offers financial assistance to self-help groups and rural households.
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Active participant in government schemes like PMJDY and Mudra Loans.
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Strong focus on affordable education loans for students.
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Comprehensive digital banking services like Cent Mobile and Cent NetBanking.
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Provides pension-related services for government employees.
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Attractive interest rates on fixed deposits and savings accounts.
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Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 22 1911
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Email Support: helpdesk@centralbank.co.in
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Website: centralbankofindia.co.in
9. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
Indian Overseas Bank is a government bank in India that was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Chennai. The bank is known for its focus on overseas banking services, export financing, and NRIs.
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Key Features:
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Exclusive services for NRIs, including remittance and deposit accounts.
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Strong focus on export-import trade financing.
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Offers agricultural loans and credit facilities for farmers.
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Comprehensive internet and mobile banking solutions.
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Competitive home loan and personal loan products.
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CSR initiatives in education and community development.
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Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 425 4445
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Complaint Helpline: +91-44-28519488
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Website: iob.in
10. UCO Bank
Established in 1943, UCO Bank is headquartered in Kolkata and has built a strong reputation for catering to rural and semi-urban areas with a range of innovative financial products.
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Key Features:
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Known for its wide range of fixed and recurring deposit schemes.
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Specialises in agriculture and MSME loans.
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Robust digital banking services like UCO mBanking Plus.
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Offers attractive forex and trade finance solutions for exporters.
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Dedicated focus on financial literacy and inclusion.
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Extensive support for government schemes like PMEGP.
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Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 103 0123
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Email Support: customercare.calcutta@ucobank.co.in
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Website: ucobank.com
11. Bank of Maharashtra (BoM)
Headquartered in Pune, Bank of Maharashtra was established in 1935 and is often called the "common man's bank." It has a strong presence in western India, offering tailored services to small businesses and rural communities.
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Key Features:
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Offers affordable loans for small businesses and startups.
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Simplified loan procedures for housing and agriculture.
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Digital banking services with MahaMobile and MahaNet.
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Strong focus on women’s empowerment through SHG financing.
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Government deposit and treasury management services.
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Provides lockers, fixed deposits, and wealth management services.
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Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 102 2636
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Complaint Helpline: 020-25532731
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Website: bankofmaharashtra.in
12. Punjab & Sind Bank
Established in 1908, Punjab & Sind Bank is headquartered in New Delhi and primarily serves the northern region of India. The bank is well-known for its personalised services and community outreach.
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Key Features:
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Specialised schemes for farmers and agricultural workers.
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Affordable personal, housing, and education loans.
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Digital banking solutions like PSB UNIC.
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Strong focus on financial literacy programs.
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Offers gold loans at competitive interest rates.
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Implements multiple government welfare schemes efficiently.
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Headquarters: New Delhi
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Customer Care:
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Toll-Free: 1800 419 8300
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Complaint Helpline: 011-25719082
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Website: punjabandsindbank.co.in
Mergers and Consolidations
The Indian government has consolidated several PSBs to improve efficiency, reduce NPAs, and enhance their global competitiveness:
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2019 Consolidation:
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Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank joined forces with Bank of Baroda through a merger.
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2020 Consolidation:
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Allahabad Bank merged with Indian Bank.
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Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank joined Union Bank of India in a merger.
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Syndicate Bank merged with Canara Bank.
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Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India became a part of Punjab National Bank.
These mergers led to the consolidation of public sector banks, reducing their number from 27 to 12.
Key Roles and Contributions of Government Banks
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Financial Inclusion:
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Extending banking services to rural and remote areas.
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Implementing schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and Mudra Yojana.
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Economic Development:
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Financing agriculture, infrastructure, and MSMEs.
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Supporting digital payment systems and initiatives.
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Social Responsibility:
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Promoting women’s empowerment and self-help groups.
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Encouraging savings and financial literacy.
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Crisis Management:
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PSBs play a vital role during financial crises, ensuring stability in the banking sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many government banks are there in India?
As of 2024, there are 12 government-owned banks in India. These banks were formed after several mergers to strengthen the banking sector and include:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Bank of Baroda (BoB)
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- Bank of India
- Central Bank of India
- UCO Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Punjab & Sind Bank
2. Which bank is 100% government bank?
The State Bank of India (SBI) is the only bank that is considered 100% government-owned in India. It is a public sector bank, with the Government of India holding a majority stake of over 50%. As a government-owned institution, SBI operates under the control of the Indian government, serving both public and private interests.
3. Which are Public Sector Banks/Government Banks in India?
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are financial institutions where the majority stake (more than 50%) is held by the Government of India. These banks aim to provide affordable and accessible banking services to all sections of society.
4. What are the primary services offered by government banks?
Government banks offer a wide range of services, including savings accounts, loans (personal, home, education, and business), digital banking, forex services, and support for government schemes like PMJDY and Mudra Loans.
5. Which government banks have international branches?
Banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, and Bank of India have an extensive international presence. They provide NRI services, forex solutions, and export-import financing.