India’s rural banking landscape has taken an important step forward in 2026. The Reserve Bank of India, in coordination with the Government of India, has officially renamed six Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). This update reflects the government’s effort to simplify banking identities and strengthen regional recognition.
Importantly, the changes appear in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934, making them legally binding and nationally applicable.
What Prompted the Renaming of Regional Rural Banks?
Over the years, several RRBs carried long or complex names that often caused confusion among customers. Therefore, the government decided to streamline these names to make them shorter, clearer, and region-focused.
Moreover, the new names better reflect:
- The state or Union Territory served by the bank
- Local language preferences
- Easier recall for customers and exam aspirants
As a result, the rural banking ecosystem becomes more accessible and user-friendly.
Complete List of Old and New RRB Names
Below is the officially notified list of name changes:
| Sl. No. | Old Name | New Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assam Gramin Vikash Bank | Assam Gramin Bank |
| 2 | Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank | Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank |
| 3 | Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank | Jharkhand Gramin Bank |
| 4 | Kerala Gramin Bank | Kerala Grameena Bank |
| 5 | Puduvai Bharathiyar Grama Bank | Puducherry Grama Bank |
| 6 | Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank | Haryana Gramin Bank |
Notably, the authorities have only changed the names. They have not merged, closed, or restructured any of these banks.
How Does This Affect Customers?
Fortunately, customers do not need to worry. All existing banking services continue without interruption.
Meanwhile:
- Account numbers remain unchanged
- IFSC codes stay the same
- ATM, UPI, and digital banking services continue normally
However, customers may gradually notice the new bank names on passbooks, cheque books, and official communications.
Key Dates You Should Know
To stay exam-ready, remember these important milestones:
- Notification issued: January 12, 2026
- Gazette publication: February 3, 2026
- Legal reference: Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934
Therefore, any question asked after February 2026 will use the updated bank names.
Why This Update Is Important for Exams
From an exam perspective, this development carries high importance. Consequently, aspirants preparing for:
- IBPS & SBI exams
- RBI Grade B
- UPSC & State PSCs
- SSC & Railways
should revise the new names carefully. In fact, examiners often test such updates through:
- Match-the-following questions
- One-liner current affairs
- Statement-based MCQs
The renaming of six Regional Rural Banks may seem simple at first glance. However, it plays a crucial role in standardizing India’s rural banking framework. By adopting shorter and clearer names, these banks strengthen both customer trust and administrative clarity.
Most importantly, staying updated with such regulatory changes gives aspirants and readers a clear edge in 2026.
Rajil M P is a seasoned banking professional with over eight years of experience in the Indian banking sector. He has successfully completed the JAIIB and CAIIB examinations conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), reflecting his strong academic foundation and practical expertise in banking, finance, and risk management. He is the founder and editor of IndianBanker.com, a trusted platform focused on banking news, exam preparation, financial updates, and practical tools for banking aspirants, professionals, and informed readers. Drawing from real-world banking experience, Rajil simplifies complex topics such as interest rates, loans, deposits, RBI policies, and government schemes, making them easy to understand and apply.
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