Nationalised Banks in India

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. 

List of Nationalised Banks in India (2025 Updated)

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: 

  1. Bank of Baroda 
  1. Bank of India 
  1. Bank of Maharashtra 
  1. Canara Bank (With Merger of Syndicate Bank) 
  1. Central Bank of India 
  1. Indian Bank (With Merger of Allahabad Bank) 
  1. Indian Overseas Bank 
  1. Punjab & Sind Bank 
  1. Punjab National Bank (With Merger of Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India) 
  1. State Bank of India 
  1. UCO Bank 
  1. Union Bank of India (With the Merger of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank) 
Nationalised Banks in India

Difference Between Nationalised and Private 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

Advantages of Nationalised Banks in India

Public sector banks, often referred to as government banks, offer several advantages that benefit both customers and the nation as a whole: 

  1. Competitive Interest Rates on Deposits: Public sector banks typically provide depositors with attractive interest rates on their savings and fixed deposits. This encourages people to save and earn a reasonable return on their savings. 
  2. Low-Interest Rate Loans: Government banks offer loans at competitive interest rates, making it affordable for individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs to access credit. This helps stimulate economic growth and development. 
  3. Wide Customer Reach: Public sector banks have a substantial customer base, allowing them to serve a diverse range of customers, including individuals, small businesses, and large corporations. This widespread customer reach contributes to the financial inclusion of various segments of society. 
  4. Rural Banking Services: Government banks play a crucial role in providing banking services to rural and underserved areas. They establish branches in remote regions, helping rural populations access banking facilities, credit, and financial services, thereby promoting rural development. 
  1. Extensive Branch Network: Public sector banks typically maintain an extensive network of branches across the country. This network ensures that banking services are accessible to people in both urban and rural areas, contributing to the economic growth and stability of the nation. 
  2. Job Security for Employees: Employees working in public sector banks enjoy a high level of job security. This stability is important for the livelihoods and well-being of bank staff and their families.  
  3. Pension Benefits: Public sector bank employees are eligible for pension benefits upon retirement. This ensures financial security and a source of income for retired employees, contributing to their well-being in their post-employment years. 

Disadvantages of Nationalised Banks in India

Public sector banks, while offering certain advantages, also have their share of disadvantages: 

  1. Service Complaints: Many customers have voiced complaints about unsatisfactory service provided by staff in some public sector banks. These complaints may range from delays in processing transactions to irresponsiveness to customer inquiries. 
  2. Corruption Scandals: Several major corruption scandals have tainted the reputation of public sector banks. These scandals can erode public trust and confidence in the banking sector and the government's oversight of these institutions. 
  3. High Default Rates: Public sector banks often face higher rates of customer loan defaults compared to their private sector counterparts. This can result in a significant burden of non-performing assets (NPAs), affecting the bank's profitability and financial stability. 
  4. Costly Financial Activities: Public sector banks may spend a substantial amount of money on various financial activities, including compliance, paperwork, and administrative overhead. This expenditure can reduce their efficiency and profitability. 
  5. Bureaucratic Structure: Public sector banks often have a substantial bureaucratic structure at the managerial level. This can lead to slow decision-making processes and hinder the bank's ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs. 
  1. Slow Decision-Making: Due to the bureaucratic nature of public sector banks, they may struggle to make significant financial decisions swiftly. This can be a drawback in a dynamic and rapidly evolving financial environment where timely decisions are crucial. 
  2. Limited Individualized Service: Public sector banks may provide less personalized or individualized service to customers compared to private sector banks. Customers may feel that their specific needs and preferences are not adequately addressed. 

Role of Payment Banks in Indian Banking System

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 

FAQs on Nationalised Banks in India

  • What are Nationalised banks?

    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%. 

  • How many Nationalised banks exist in India?

    Currently, India has a total of 12 Nationalised banks.

  • Who serves as the overall regulator of the banking system in India?

    The Reserve Bank of India, commonly known as RBI, serves as the overarching regulator of the banking system in India. 

  • What are the recent bank mergers 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. 

Disclaimer
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.