Central Bank of India stands as one of India's most established public sector banks, with a rich heritage dating back to December 21, 1911, when it was founded by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala. The bank holds the unique distinction of being the first Indian commercial bank entirely owned and operated by Indians, with Sir Pherozesha Mehta serving as its first chairman. In 1969, it was nationalised along with 13 other major commercial banks and is currently owned by the Government of India.
Central Bank of India operates as a comprehensive financial services institution with a market capitalisation of Rs. 35,852.6 crore as of July 4, 2025. The promoter holding in Central Bank of India has gone down to 89.27 per cent as of March 2025 from 93.08 per cent as of September 2024. The bank's shares are actively traded on both major Indian stock exchanges, trading under the symbol NSE: CENTRALBK on the NSE and BSE: 532885 on the BSE, with ISIN INE483A01010.
The bank has demonstrated impressive financial growth in recent quarters. Net profit surged by 48.49% to Rs 3,785 crore in FY25, up from Rs 2,549 crore in the previous year. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Net Interest Income stood at Rs 13,897 crore, registering a growth of 7.76% over Rs 12,896 crore of the corresponding period of the previous year.
The bank's quarterly performance has been equally strong. Central Bank of India's net profit jumped 35.32% to ₹1,104.58 crore in Q4 FY25, while revenue increased 7.62% to ₹10,476.05 crore in Q4 FY25. The bank maintained a Net Interest Margin (NIM) of 3.40% as at the end of March 31, 2025.
Key financial metrics for FY25 include:
- Total Business: Rs 6,68,686 crore, change 8.31% YoY
- Total Deposits: Rs 3,97,907 crore, change 5.34% YoY
- CASA: Rs 1,95,107 crore, change 5.72% YoY
- Gross Advances: Rs 2,70,779 crore, change 12.99% YoY
Central Bank of India has shown significant improvement in asset quality parameters. Gross NPA improved to 3.18% from 4.50%, registering an improvement of 132 basis points, while Net NPA improved to 0.55% from 1.23%, registering an improvement of 68 basis points. The bank's Provision Coverage Ratio improved to 96.54% from 93.58%, registering an improvement of 296 basis points.
Capital adequacy remains strong with CRAR improving to 17.02%, of which Tier I at 14.73%, registering an improvement of 194 basis points over 15.08% of the corresponding period of the previous year. The bank's profitability ratios have also strengthened, with Return on Assets (ROA) improving to 0.86% for March 2025 from 0.63% at March 2024 and Return on Equity (ROE) improving to 12.48% for March 2025 from 9.53% at March 2024.
The bank operates an extensive network across India, with 18,204 customer touchpoints including 4,493 branches, 3,752 ATMs and 9,959 Business Correspondent outlets as of March 31, 2023. The bank has a strong rural focus, with around 65.21% of its branches located in rural and semi-urban areas.
Central Bank of India's commitment to rural development is evident through its various initiatives. The bank collaborates with the state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to sponsor 7 regional rural banks. Additionally, the bank has established 48 financial literacy and credit counselling centres and 46 rural self employment training institutes in various states.
Central Bank of India offers a comprehensive range of banking services including savings accounts, deposits, mutual funds, debit and credit cards, NRI accounts, money transfer and remittance facilities. The bank provides various lending products catering to different customer segments, including housing loans, vehicle loans, personal loans, educational loans, and agricultural financing.
The bank has also diversified into insurance distribution through agency agreements with the Life Insurance Corporation of India and The New India Assurance Company Limited. In recent developments, Central Bank of India has acquired equity stake of 25.18% shares of Future Generali India Life Insurance Company (FGILICL), expanding its insurance business portfolio.
Central Bank of India's transformation journey from a pioneering Indian commercial bank to a modern public sector financial institution reflects its adaptability and commitment to serving diverse customer needs. With improved financial metrics, strengthened asset quality, and extensive operational reach, the bank continues to play a significant role in India's banking sector while maintaining its focus on inclusive growth and rural development.
