Central Bank of India has officially notified stock exchanges regarding a proposed bank strike that could impact operations on January 27, 2026. The notification, issued under SEBI Regulation 30 compliance requirements, provides transparency to investors and stakeholders about potential operational disruptions.

Strike Details and Union Involvement

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for a one-day strike on January 27, 2026, as communicated through their letter dated January 8, 2026. The forum represents a coalition of nine major banking unions and associations working collectively on various demands.

Bank's Response and Contingency Measures

Central Bank of India has assured stakeholders that comprehensive preparations are underway to maintain banking services during the proposed strike period. The bank stated it will implement all necessary steps in accordance with existing regulatory guidelines to ensure smooth functioning of branches and offices.

The management emphasized their commitment to minimizing any potential disruption to customer services, should the strike materialize as planned by the union forum.

Regulatory Compliance and Market Communication

The disclosure was made in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, which mandates listed companies to inform exchanges about material events that could impact operations.

The notification ensures that investors and market participants are adequately informed about potential operational impacts, maintaining transparency in line with corporate governance standards. The bank's proactive communication demonstrates its commitment to keeping stakeholders informed about developments that may affect normal business operations.

Central Bank of India has received a rating reaffirmation from CRISIL Ratings Limited on January 22, 2026, with the rating agency maintaining its AA/Stable outlook across multiple financial instruments. The reaffirmation reflects the bank's continued improvement in key financial metrics and the expected strong support from its majority stakeholder, the Government of India.

Rating Action Details

CRISIL has reaffirmed ratings across Central Bank of India's key financial instruments, demonstrating confidence in the bank's credit profile:

The rating agency also withdrew its rating on ₹500.00 crores of Tier II bonds at the bank's request, as the outstanding amount against these instruments is nil.

Improved Asset Quality Performance

Central Bank of India has demonstrated significant improvement in asset quality metrics. Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) declined to 2.70% as of December 31, 2025, compared to 3.20% as of March 31, 2025. Net NPAs improved further to 0.40% from 0.50% during the same period, supported by an increased provision coverage ratio of 83.80%.

The bank's slippage ratio showed structural improvement, declining to 1.00% of net opening advances in the first nine months of fiscal 2026, compared to 1.40% in fiscal 2025. This improvement was supported by write-offs and recoveries of ₹1,280.00 crores and ₹877.00 crores respectively during the nine-month period.

Strong Financial Performance

The bank maintained its profitability streak for nineteen consecutive quarters, reporting net profit of ₹3,644.00 crores in the first nine months of fiscal 2026. Return on assets improved to 1.00% (annualized) from 0.80% in fiscal 2025, demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency.

Government Support and Capital Adequacy

CRISIL highlighted the expected strong support from the Government of India, which holds an 89.27% stake as of December 31, 2025. The government has infused ₹19,903.00 crores in the bank between fiscals 2018 and 2021, significantly improving capital ratios. The bank's Tier 1 and overall capital adequacy ratios stood at 13.90% and 16.10% respectively as of December 31, 2025.

Business Scale and Resource Profile

Central Bank of India operates through 4,567 branches as of December 31, 2025, with approximately 65% located in rural and semi-urban areas. The bank's CASA deposits accounted for 47.00% of total deposits, providing a stable funding base. Gross advances grew 19% year-on-year to ₹3,23,531.00 crores, while deposits increased 13% to ₹4,50,575.00 crores as of December 31, 2025.

Outlook and Rating Sensitivity

CRISIL maintains a stable outlook, expecting Central Bank of India to continue benefiting from government support. The rating agency identified potential upward factors including sustained improvement in asset quality and profitability with return on assets exceeding 1.00% consistently. Downward factors include material changes in government shareholding or decline in capital adequacy ratios below regulatory requirements.