Regional Rural Banks or RRB bank play a vital role in India’s rural and semi-urban financial ecosystem. In this article, we present a list of the top Regional Rural Banks in India and their key details. After the RRB bank list, we will also discuss benefits, recent updates, and what to consider while banking with RRBs in 2026 and answer questions like how many regional rural banks in India and other related question. Let us first understand what regional rural banks are.
What is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB)?
RRB banks were established under the RRB Act of 1976 to support financial inclusion in rural India. Let us understand them from the following points:
RRBs are jointly owned by the Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and a Sponsoring Bank (35%).
They provide services like savings and current accounts, agricultural loans, microenterprise loans, fixed deposits, and digital banking (depending on the RRB).
Their main focus is financial inclusion for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and small businesses.
RRBs operate in a limited geographic area, usually covering a few districts in a state.
List of Major Regional Rural Banks in India 2026
If you are wondering how many rrb in india, then the following is regional rural banks list in India in 2026, their headquarters and their strengths:
Pioneer in northeastern rural banking, SHG funding, agriculture loans, and regional outreach.
0361 246 4107
Please note that the total RRB in india maybe more, but the above are the most popular ones.
Key Updates for RRBs 2026
The following are some of the key updates in 2026 related to regional rural banks in India:
Several RRBs have merged under government initiatives to improve financial health, reduce operational costs, and strengthen governance.
Increased adoption of digital banking, mobile apps, UPI, and ATM access even in rural areas.
Regulatory emphasis on NPA management, audit compliance, and capital adequacy has increased.
New government schemes like PM-Kisan, MUDRA, and SHG-linked credit have strengthened RRB operations.
Focus on financial literacy programs and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
Differences Between RRB, Co-operative Bank, and Commercial Bank
Now, let us understand the differences between RRBs and other types of banks from the table below:
Feature
Commercial Bank
Co-operative Bank
Regional Rural Bank (RRB)
Ownership
Shareholders (private/state)
Members/depositors
Central Govt. / State Govt / Sponsoring Bank
Lending
All types
Small/medium loans
Agriculture, MSME, rural credit
Deposit Capacity
High
Moderate, regulated
Moderate, limited to the area of operation
Regulatory Oversight
RBI
Dual: Coop Societies + RBI
RBI/NABARD/ Sponsoring Bank
Target Audience
Broad
Local community, SMEs
Rural/ semi-urban population, farmers, SHGs
Benefits of Banking with RRBs
The following are some of the benefits of banking with RRBs:
Rural Presence: RRBs operate in underserved areas where commercial banks may not reach.
Affordable Credit: Focused on small farmers, SHGs, and rural entrepreneurs.
Government Schemes: Direct access to PM-Kisan, MGNREGA payments, and other government subsidies.
Trusted Local Banking: Usually have strong community ties and local trust.
Digital Adoption: Leading RRBs offer internet banking, mobile banking, and UPI.
Challenges and Risks Involved with RRBs
The following are the challenges and risks involved with RRBs
Smaller operational scale compared to commercial banks.
Some RRBs may have limited digital infrastructure or branch network.
Governance and financial health may vary among RRBs.
Loan recovery and NPA management can be a challenge in certain regions.
Limited exposure to large corporate or industrial loans.
Conclusion
Regional Rural Banks are a cornerstone of India’s rural financial ecosystem. In 2026, leading RRBs like Prathama Bank, Baroda Rajasthan Kshetriya Gramin Bank, Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank, and Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank continue to drive rural development, provide affordable credit, and adopt digital banking solutions. For farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and small businesses, RRBs remain a reliable, community-focused financial partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RRBs are there in India?
As of 2026, there are 28 Regional Rural Banks in India after consolidation under the “One State–One RRB” policy.
Are deposits in RRBs safe?
Yes. Deposits are insured via DICGC up to ₹5 lakh per depositor, similar to commercial banks. Top RRBs are regulated and monitored by RBI and NABARD.
Do RRBs offer digital banking services?
Yes. Many RRBs provide mobile banking, internet banking, UPI, ATM access, and Aadhaar-based services. Leading RRBs are comparable to commercial banks in digital services.
Can RRBs give business loans?
Primarily, RRBs focus on agriculture, MSMEs, SHGs, and rural enterprises. Large corporate lending is typically handled by commercial banks.
What is the difference between RRBs and co-operative banks?
RRBs are jointly owned by the government and sponsoring banks and focus on rural credit. Co-operative banks are member-owned, operate in urban or semi-urban areas, and focus on local communities and SMEs.
How to choose a good RRB?
The following are the important key factors that you can consider before banking with any RRB:
Look at the branch network and the area of coverage.
Check the bank’s financial health and audit reports.
Assess loan and deposit products offered.
Review digital services if needed.
Consider sponsorship by a strong commercial bank for added security.
Diwakar Kumar Singh is a senior content writer with 7+ years of experience in finance technology, including stock markets, IPOs, Pre-IPOs, futures and derivatives. At InvestKraft, Diwakar specialises in creating financial content that simplifies complex financial trends and concepts. Diwakar holds a Post-Graduation degree as well as a gold medal in Finance & Economics from IMT, Hyderabad.
Beyond finance, Diwakar is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and the founder of TheFitnessJournal. He also holds a nutrition certification from ISSA, USA, and writes about health, nutrition and science-backed wellness in a simple and approachable style. His ability to excel in two demanding fields makes him a versatile creator committed to clarity, accuracy and meaningful impact.