Top 10 Government Banks in India [2024 Updated List]

In choosing a bank in India, there are many options available which can be confusing. In 2024, numerous government-owned institutions offer various financial services for individuals and businesses. Currently, there are 12 government banks in India namely, the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab and Sind Bank. We have created an easy-to-understand guide with the Top 10 government banks in India, to help you make better decisions. This list will provide information on established leaders as well as uprising stars in India’s banking sector.

As per the Latest update at the end of September 2024, the shareholding patterns, as per BSE websites, suggest that the Indian Government holds more than 93% of the Central Bank of India, 96.4% in the Indian Overseas Bank, 95.4% in UCO Bank, and 98.3% in Punjab and Sind Bank, respectively.

Top 10 Government Banks in India 

1. State Bank of India (SBI)

• Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara
• Revenue FY24: Rs4,15,130.66

The State Bank of India (SBI), as the leading government bank in India, occupies the top position on our list. Established in 1806 and recognized for being this nation’s oldest commercial entity, SBI has expanded its operations with an extensive network covering over 22405 branches across the country alongside a substantial presence of approximately 63977 ATMs in addition to numerous business correspondence outlets reaching upwards of 71889. By March 2024 data suggests that SBI’s market share exceeded more than twenty percent for both deposits and loans, evidencing its prominent status within India’s banking sector.

State Bank of India plans to raise up to Rs 20,000 crore in FY25 through long-term bonds via public issue or private placement. This follows their Rs 20,000 crore infrastructure bond sale last year. SBI recently raised Rs 5,000 crore through perpetual bonds and $100 million through its London branch. The bank reported a 21.6% YoY growth in net profit for FY24. While its current market cap as of November 2024 is standing at 695,138.65 Crore INR.

SBI has made a recent announcement about their aspiration to increase up to ₹5,000 crore via Additional Tier-I bonds. The continuous nature of these bonds forms an integral part of the bank’s tactics for augmenting its capital foundation and adhering to Basel III global banking stipulations.

SBI provides an extensive variety of financial products as well services like retail, corporate, plus investment banks are available with them .It has been leading in digital banking too by frequently updating to improve customers experience at the bank which is highly reliable and popular among more than a few million people living in India.

State Bank of India (57.51%): Government holds majority stake, while the remaining 42.49% is held by public shareholders, as of September 2024.

2. Bank of Baroda

• MD & CEO: Debadatta Chand
• Revenue FY24: Rs1,12,605.94

The Bank of Baroda, founded in 1908 and headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat, is India’s prestigious government-owned financial institution that maintains a significant presence across the nation as well globally with operations spanning over 24 countries. By prioritizing innovation and digital transformation to meet customer needs effectively, it provides an extensive array of banking solutions encompassing retail, corporate, international business segments catered worldwide.

Bank of Baroda has named Mr. Ajay K Khosla as the Chief General Manager for Government Business in New Delhi, starting on October 19, 2024. With his entry into the institution back in 1988, Khosla is a seasoned banking professional and contributes much operational expertise to this new position. The notice about this appointment was given out today via regulatory submissions made to BSE and NSE.

This publicly owned bank with market cap of 118,036.34 Crore INR, operates across 24 nations and plans to double its tech team size to about 3000 members by FY2026, while also investing in their infrastructure and launching a platform based on artificial intelligence (AI). Renowned for being innovative as well as dedicated towards financial inclusion, the Bank of Baroda provides complete banking solutions. The bank actively supports government programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme to further its commitment.  

Bank of Baroda (63.97%): Nearly two-thirds owned by the government, with 36.03% shares distributed among institutional and retail investors, as of September 2024.

3. Punjab National Bank (PNB)

• MD & CEO: Atul Kumar Goel
• Revenue FY24: Rs1,06,901.62

PNB (Punjab National Bank), which ranks as India’s second-largest public sector lender since its inception in 1894, has a long history across the country with a strong presence. By March of this year 2024, PNB revealed an impressive increase to over Rs. ₹2,22,574 crore for total retail credit which shows robust performance. Formed by merging Punjab National Bank alongside Oriental Bank and United Bank – each bringing their strengths together in offering enhanced services.

In the last few months, Punjab National Bank (PNB) shared plans for raising 75 billion Indian Rupees (USD 890 million). The bank’s CEO Atul Kumar Goel anticipates an increase in loan growth to be around 12% by the financial year 2025. This follows the impressive results achieved so far, as total retail credit increased up till March of this last fiscal period reaching a figure of Rs. 2,23 billion (in crore). According to latest stats, it has a market cap of 111,378.11 Crore INR.

Being one in top 10 government banks in India, PNB is renowned for its dedication to technological improvements that enhance customer experience and satisfaction through various services, including banking in sectors such as personal or corporate needs also catering to the agricultural segment with great precision.

Punjab National Bank (70.08%): Government maintains strong control with over 70% ownership, leaving 29.92% for public investment, as of September 2024.

4. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)

• MD & CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivastava
• Revenue FY24: Rs24,049.73

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB),  known to be one of   top 10 government banks in India established in 1937 and headquartered in Chennai, has been focusing on expanding its presence globally while serving the Indian diaspora specifically with NRI products. For Q4 of 2024, IOB reported an impressive increase of net profit by 24% reaching ₹808 crore and a total fiscal year growth in net profit to around ₹2665.66 crores. 

The bank’s asset quality has improved with gross NPAs falling to 3.1%. Their business increased significantly, crossing the mark of  ₹5 lakh crore, also witnessing CASA (Current Account Savings account) growth by around 43.90% and planning on opening as many new branches reaching a count up to 88 shortly.

The IOB provides many kinds of banking solutions designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). They offer remittance services, special NRI accounts plus loans. Also, they support community development projects which has earned them recognition due to their social responsibility work. Lastly, there’s UCO Bank – an established and reputable government-owned bank that dates back to 1943 with its headquarters in Kolkata serving across India broadly offering diverse financial products for both individuals and companies alike. Current Market cap of Indian Overseas Bank stands at 94,606.57 Crore INR.

On October 17, 2024, Indian Overseas Bank announced that Q2 profit rose by 24% reaching ₹777 crore. The total income also increased with a rise of approximately 22%, amounting to ₹8,484 crore. There was an improvement in the bank’s asset quality as gross NPAs were reduced to around a rate of 2.72%.

Indian Overseas Bank (96.38%): Almost completely government-controlled with minimal public shareholding of just 3.62%, as of September 2024.

5. Union Bank of India

• MD & CEO: A. Manimekhalai
• Revenue FY24: Rs99,777.96

Union Bank of India was founded in 1919 as an important government-owned institution with a strong market standing today. With over four out of every five shares owned by the government (83.49%), this bank is reliable, trustworthy, and well-appreciated among clients to date (as per data from the year 2024). The head office for Union Bank of India resides in Mumbai city of Maharashtra state. 

Union Bank of India published its Q2 FY2025 results on October 21, 2024. The reports exhibited a growth in net profit by 34% from last year to ₹4,720 crore. However, the bank experienced a minor decrease in its net interest income by nearly one percent to settle at ₹9,047 crore. Meanwhile asset quality got better as the gross NPA ratio dropped down to 4.36%. They also kept up with a good provision coverage ratio which stood firmly at about 92.79 %.

This institution offers a broad spectrum of banking services that cater to retail customers as much as they do the corporate sector too, spreading its network all across this country and known widely on customer satisfaction grounds only. A notable aspect is their commitment towards digital transformation for secure online banking solutions offering convenient ways in today’s modern era of technology usage. Bank has a market cap of 87,336.08 Crore INR.

Union Bank of India (74.76%): Strong government control at nearly 75%, leaving just over 25% for public shareholding, as of September 2024.

6. Canara Bank

• MD & CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju
• Revenue FY24:  Rs1,08,687.93

Canara Bank, established in 1911, stands as another prominent top 10 government banks in India with a significant presence across India. The bank boasts over two-thirds (62.93%) of ownership from the Indian Government since 2024 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. With an extensive network covering branches to ATMs nationwide, Canara Bank provides ease for their customers’ banking needs anytime they require it.

Canara Bank has raised its lending rates by 5 basis points starting from October 12, 2024. This change makes consumer loans such as auto and personal loans more expensive. The latest one-year MCLR rate is now at 9.05%, which was previously only at 9%. These adjusted rates that start on October 12, 2024, are in response to the RBI’s choice to maintain its standard rate as it is.

Among these services are savings and current accounts, loans of various types such as home mortgages or personal financing options along with a variety of investment products offered by the bank. In addition to financial support and assistance in India, this government-affiliated institution is also recognized for its efforts towards social responsibility through active involvement in community development initiatives. This bank holds a market cap of 85,944.42 Crore INR.

Canara Bank (62.93%): Government retains almost 63% control, while various investors hold the remaining 37.07% of shares, as of September 2024.

7. Indian Bank

• MD & CEO: Shanti Lal Jain
• Revenue FY24: Rs55,614.78

Established in 1907, Indian Bank is an important publicly-owned bank with a base in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With the majority ownership at about 80% by the government, it prioritizes stability and customer satisfaction above all else. It has expanded across India due to its dedication towards community improvement and financial independence for everyone. 

They provide various services like retail banking or corporate ones along with those tailored specifically toward agriculture-related needs too. Notably, they’ve been active in government programs promoting inclusive finance which have led them to recognition over time. Banks has a market cap of 70,634.79 Crore INR. 

The Indian Bank has managed to accumulate ₹5,000 crore via the issuance of Long-Term Infrastructure Bonds that come with an annual interest rate of 7.24%. The bonds have been quite popular, attracting a significant number of bids – 88 in total – cumulatively amounting to ₹13,680 crore. 

This figure is substantially more than the original aim which was set at ₹2,000 crore but included an extra option for another ₹3,000 crore. These AAA-rated bonds lasting ten years carry certain exemptions from regulatory norms and guidelines. The funds will assist in enhancing credit and restructuring infrastructure projects. The bonds were distributed on September 13, 2024.

Indian Bank (73.84%): Government dominates ownership with almost 74% stake, while 26.16% is publicly traded, as of September 2024.

8. UCO Bank

• MD & CEO: Ashwani Kumar
• Revenue FY24: Rs21,854.34

UCO Bank, This is a government-owned banking institution, known for its trustworthiness and good reputation. It was established in the year 1943, with its main office located in Kolkata. UCO Bank has an extensive network throughout India that includes more than 4,000 service units and 43 zonal offices across the country. 

They provide a full spectrum of financial products and services such as savings accounts to loans for both individuals as well as businesses including investments plus insurance options too. The UCO Bank, which has a customer-oriented strategy and many awards for excellent service and performance, is involved in continually improving its operations.

UCO Bank has declared a notable net gain of ₹602.7 crore for the second quarter of this financial year, indicating a 50% surge from last year’s ₹401.6 crore during the similar time frame. 

The profit jump was fueled by an augmentation in operating profit by 45%, and increased earnings from interest income too played its part. In order to match up with regulatory requirements, the bank plans on gathering almost ₹2,000 crore via the sale of share capital market shares.

In 2024 it put into action new features like online account opening, mobile banking as well and contactless payments to enhance the experience of their customers with them. The UCO Bank is strong financially and dedicated to serving the country still today. It’s a trusted partner for many Indians. UCO bank publicly traded stocks currently hold a market cap of 49,653.09 Crore INR.

UCO Bank (95.39%): Government holds an overwhelming majority, leaving only 4.61% for public investors, as of September 2024.

9. Bank of India

• MD & CEO: Rajneesh Karnatak
• Revenue FY24: Rs60,709.49

The Bank of India was founded way back in 1906 making it one the oldest government banks around. Its main office resides proudly in Mumbai.

The Indian Government owns a big chunk of this bank at about 81%, showing how stable it is within the market. They offer all kinds of financial services from individual customers through corporations up to investment banking, really catering to everyone’s needs. According latest information as of October 2024, It’s current Market cap is standing at 46,546.48 Crore INR

Bank of India (73.38%): Government maintains firm control with 73% ownership, allowing 26.62% for public participation, as of September 2024.

10. Central Bank of India

• MD & CEO: Matam Venkata Rao
• Revenue FY24: Rs30,722.23

The Central Bank of India was established way back in the year 1911, making it a well-trusted government-owned banking institution with its headquarters set up in Mumbai city which extends itself all over India contributing significantly towards social development and economic growth within rural areas too. It’s one of the top 10 government banks in India that actively participate in projects aiming for better financial inclusion, especially among the underserved sections across our nation, thus playing an influential role in national progression schemes.

Recently it made headlines about reducing its cost-to-income ratio from 58.18% during FY24 to under 50 % by the Financial Year (FY) of 2025, the CEO Mr MV Rao confirmed this news stating that they’re working on improving process efficiency and cutting down costs for higher profits. The bank also intends to diminish bad loans while striving towards enhancing asset quality over time, demonstrating its commitment to long-term growth strategies and a more responsible banking culture overall. Currently it holds a market cap of 44,863.09 Crore INR.

The Central Bank of India disclosed a rise in net profit by 50.91%, reaching ₹913 crore for the quarter that concluded on September 30, 2024. This is compared to the ₹605 crore recorded during a similar time last year. 

The total dealings of this prominent government banks in India has expanded by 7.07% and reached up to ₹644858 crores while its total savings grew by an increased rate of approximately 0.57%, making it reach ₹391914 crore worth of savings deposited in their accounts.

Regarding financial performance indicators, there was positive growth seen with the net interest margin escalating up to 0.44% from previously lower numbers, and similarly return on assets also showed betterment coming out at 0.85%.

Central Bank of India (93.08%): One of highest government holdings at 93%, with very limited public shareholding of 6.92%, as of September 2024.

Conclusion

Selecting a bank is crucial for managing finances, we hope our guide on top 10 government banks in India. Banks helped you with useful info in 2024, Each of them offers distinct services and caters to diverse customers while prioritizing satisfaction. Align your financial objectives when choosing, and stay up-to-date as the banking sector evolves quickly. These stable, innovative government banks cover a broad range, perfect for fulfilling all sorts of financial needs.