Oldest public sector bank in India:

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Indian Bank is considered the oldest among the options due to its merger with Allahabad Bank.
Allahabad Bank was established in 1865, making it the oldest joint-stock public sector bank in India.
On April 1, 2020, Allahabad Bank was amalgamated into Indian Bank, transferring its historical legacy.

Option B: Although Canara Bank was established in 1906, a year before Indian Bank's original establishment, it does not hold the title of the oldest public sector bank when considering the legacy inherited by Indian Bank.
Option C: Bank of Baroda was established in 1908, making it younger than both Canara Bank (1906) and Indian Bank (1907).
Option D: Central Bank of India, established in 1911, is the most recently founded bank among the given options.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Public Sector Banks in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
General Knowledge Relevance: Understanding the history and structure of national institutions like public sector banks is crucial for general awareness, which is often a component of competitive examinations for various professions, including nursing.
Economic Impact: Bank mergers are significant economic events that affect employees, customers, and the national economy. Knowing about them provides context for current financial news and government policy.
What if?: If the question had been 'Which of these banks was established earliest?', the answer would have been Canara Bank (1906). The phrasing 'oldest public sector bank' implies considering the entire history, including mergers and inherited legacies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: 'oldest public sector bank' in India from the given options.
Recall or deduce the establishment dates for each bank. Canara Bank (1906), Indian Bank (1907), Bank of Baroda (1908), Central Bank of India (1911).
Recognize that questions about 'oldest' institutions can have a twist related to historical events like mergers.
Consider the major bank amalgamations in India. Recall that Allahabad Bank, the oldest joint-stock bank (est. 1865), was merged into Indian Bank.
Conclude that Indian Bank inherits the legacy of Allahabad Bank, making it the correct answer in this context.
Select the option that represents this inherited legacy, even if its own founding date is not the earliest among the options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.