Established in 1911, Central Bank of India was the first Indian commercial bank which was wholly owned and managed by Indians. The establishment of the Bank was the ultimate realisation of the dream of Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, founder of the Bank. Sir Pherozesha Mehta was the first Chairman of a truly 'Swadeshi Bank'.


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 the Public Sector Banks, Central Bank of India can be truly described as an All India Bank, due to distribution of its large network in 27 out of 29 States as also in 3 out of 7 Union Territories in India. Central Bank of India holds a very prominent place among the Public Sector Banks on account of its network of 3656 branches and 178 extension counters at various centres throughout the length and breadth of the country.