Central Bank of India stands as the first Indian commercial bank wholly owned and managed by Indians. Founded in 1911 in Mumbai, the bank played a crucial role in India’s Swadeshi movement and continues to serve millions of customers across the country.
The bank operates through 4,528 branches across 27 states and 3 union territories. Central Bank of India covers 574 district headquarters, making it a true all-India bank with presence in both rural and urban areas.
Despite its name, Central Bank of India is not the nation’s central bank. The Reserve Bank of India serves that function. Central Bank of India operates as a public sector bank with the Government of India holding an 89.3% stake.
Central Bank of India History
Central Bank of India Co-founders
Central Bank of India Acquisitions
Central Bank of India made its most significant acquisition in 1923 when it absorbed Tata Industrial Bank. The Tata bank had been established in 1917 to support Indian industrial development. Following the failure of Alliance Bank of Simla, Central Bank of India stepped in to acquire Tata Industrial Bank’s operations.
The acquisition brought valuable assets including a branch in Madras that became Central Bank of India, Madras. This expansion into South India proved strategic for the bank’s nationwide growth. The deal required shareholders to exchange two Tata Bank shares for one Central Bank share with partial payment.
Central Bank of India also played a pioneering role in international banking. In 1936, the bank helped establish Central Exchange Bank of India in London. This marked the first Indian exchange bank operating overseas. However, Barclays Bank acquired Central Exchange Bank in 1938.
Before World War II, Central Bank of India established operations in Rangoon, Burma. The branch focused on business between India and Burma, handling money transfers and foreign exchange. The Burmese government nationalized these operations in 1963, converting them into People’s Bank No. 1.
Unlike many global banks, Central Bank of India has not pursued aggressive acquisition strategies in recent decades. The bank focuses on organic growth and government-mandated expansion rather than buying competitors. As a public sector bank, its growth strategy aligns with national financial inclusion goals.
Central Bank of India Market Cap
Central Bank of India holds a market capitalization of approximately ₹35,092 crore as of December 2025. The bank ranks among mid-sized public sector banks in India by market value. Its shares trade on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange.
Central Bank of India Competitors
Central Bank of India competes primarily with other public sector banks in India. The bank faces competition from 11 other government-owned banks and major private sector lenders like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank.
| Bank Name | Type | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| State Bank of India | Public Sector | Mumbai |
| Punjab National Bank | Public Sector | New Delhi |
| Bank of Baroda | Public Sector | Vadodara |
| Canara Bank | Public Sector | Bengaluru |
| Union Bank of India | Public Sector | Mumbai |
| Bank of India | Public Sector | Mumbai |
| Indian Bank | Public Sector | Chennai |
| UCO Bank | Public Sector | Kolkata |
| Bank of Maharashtra | Public Sector | Pune |
| Indian Overseas Bank | Public Sector | Chennai |
Central Bank of India Revenue
Central Bank of India generated total revenue of ₹34,595 crore in fiscal year 2024. The bank showed consistent growth with operating profit rising 41.5% year-over-year. Net profit reached ₹4,591 crore, marking significant improvement in financial performance.
FAQs
Is Central Bank of India the central bank of India?
No, Central Bank of India is not the country’s central bank. The Reserve Bank of India serves as India’s central bank and monetary authority since 1935.
When was Central Bank of India founded?
Central Bank of India was founded on December 21, 1911, by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala in Mumbai. It became the first Indian commercial bank wholly owned and managed by Indians.
Is Central Bank of India a government bank?
Yes, Central Bank of India is a public sector bank. The Government of India holds an 89.3% stake following nationalization in 1969 along with 13 other major commercial banks.
How many branches does Central Bank of India have?
Central Bank of India operates 4,528 branches across India. The bank also maintains 4,085 ATMs and over 11,900 business correspondent points for wider reach.
What is the CASA ratio of Central Bank of India?
Central Bank of India maintains a CASA ratio of 50.58%. This indicates healthy current and savings account deposits, reflecting strong retail customer relationships and low-cost funding.
