In the wake of our nation's independence, a multitude of banks emerged with the primary aim of addressing the economic aspirations and needs of our citizens. These banks, in their pivotal role within our economy, are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of managing our finances.
They not only provide a vital guarantee for safeguarding our money but also offer interest on our deposits. Additionally, banks play a pivotal role in extending financial support to individuals, institutions, and businesses for a diverse range of commercial and personal activities. As a result, banks exert a direct and substantial influence on various financial facets of our lives.
Government banks, often referred to as public sector banks (PSBs), are financial institutions in which the Government of India holds the majority of shares, typically more than 51%. While they are not under direct government control, the government is the primary stakeholder in these banks. In India, there are a total of 12 government banks or public sector banks.
Here is the list of the 12 Nationalised banks:

Parameter | Nationalised Banks | Private Banks |
Ownership | Majority stake owned by the Government of India | Majority stake owned by private entities or individuals |
Objective | Serve public interest, financial inclusion, and economic development | Focus on profitability, customer experience, and innovation |
Customer Trust | High level of trust due to government backing | Gaining trust through service quality and efficiency |
Interest Rates | Generally offer lower interest rates on loans and higher rates on deposits | May offer competitive rates based on market strategy |
Service & Technology | Slower adoption of new technology, though improving | Faster in adopting latest technologies and digital banking |
Loan Approval Process | Slower due to extensive documentation and strict verification | Faster processing with streamlined procedures |
Job Security for Employees | High, with most employees considered government staff | Comparatively lower job security |
Branch Network | Extensive presence in rural and semi-urban areas | Strong presence in urban and metro cities |
Example Banks | Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, SBI | HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank |
Public sector banks, often referred to as government banks, offer several advantages that benefit both customers and the nation as a whole:
Public sector banks, while offering certain advantages, also have their share of disadvantages:
In addition to the traditional banking institutions in India, Payment Banks represent a novel banking model introduced and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These specialized banks are unique in that they are not authorized to issue credit. Instead, their primary focus lies in facilitating digital transactions and providing basic banking services. Payment Banks are allowed to accept restricted deposits, currently limited to Rs.200,000 per customer, with the potential for this limit to be increased in the future. However, they are prohibited from offering loans or credit card services. Payment Banks are permitted to operate both current accounts and savings accounts.
These Payment Banks play a significant role in promoting digital financial inclusion and offering essential banking services to a wide range of customers in India.
Here is a list of Payment Banks in India:
Bank Name | BHIM Aadhaar Pay Acquirer | BHIM Aadhaar Pay Issuer |
Airtel Payment Bank | Yes | Yes |
AU Small Finance Bank | No | No |
Equitas Small Finance Bank | Yes | Yes |
ESAF Small Finance Bank | No | Yes |
Fincare Small Finance Bank | Yes | Yes |
Fino Payments Bank | Yes | Yes |
India Post Payment Bank | No | No |
Jana Small Finance Bank | No | No |
NSDL Payment Bank | Yes | Yes |
Paytm Payment Bank | No | No |
Suryoday Small Finance Bank Ltd. | Yes | Yes |
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank | No | No |
Nationalised banks are financial institutions that were once privately owned but, due to financial or socio-economic requirements, came under the ownership of the government. In technical terms, nationalised banks have an ownership structure in which the government holds the majority of shares, typically more than 50%.
Currently, India has a total of 12 Nationalised banks.
The Reserve Bank of India, commonly known as RBI, serves as the overarching regulator of the banking system in India.
There have been significant bank mergers in India. In recent times, India has witnessed notable consolidation efforts in its banking sector through mergers. Some of the recent mergers include Punjab National Bank joining forces with Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India, Canara Bank merging with Syndicate Bank, Indian Bank combining with Allahabad Bank, and Bank of Baroda merging with Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank. These mergers have had a significant impact on the banking landscape of the country, reshaping the structure and operations of these financial institutions.

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