Central Bank of India was the first Indian commercial bank which was wholly owned and managed by Indians, established in 1911. In 1969, Central Bank of India was nationalized along with 13 other banks.

Central Bank has been playing an increasingly active role in promoting key thrust areas, such as agriculture, small scale industries, and medium and large industries. The bank also introduced a number of self employment schemes to promote employment among educated youth.

Among public sector banks, Central Bank of India can be truly described as an all-India bank, its large network operating in 27 out of 28 States and in 4 out of 7 Union Territories. The bank has 3194 branches and 267 extension counters at various centers throughout the length and breadth of the country.

This large network, along with a number of savings and other innovative services offered, means that the bank has over 25 million account holders, one of the largest in the banking industry.