The Bihar Gramin Bank branch in Jhowan, a vibrant locality within the Saran district of Bihar, serves as a crucial financial touchpoint for the local community. For any modern fund transfer, whether you’re sending money to family, paying bills, or managing business transactions, understanding your bank’s IFSC code is essential. This unique code is vital for secure and efficient electronic fund transfers like NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), and IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), ensuring your money reaches the right account without delays.
Branch Details
| Bank Name | Bihar Gramin Bank |
| Branch Name | Jhowan |
| IFSC Code | PUNB0MBGB06 |
| MICR Code | 800811002 |
| Branch Code | 100610 |
| Branch Address | Jhowan, SARAN, 841301, 9709459958 |
| Contact Number | 9709459958 |
| City | SARAN |
| District | SARAN |
| Reason | CHAPRA |
| Pincode | 841301 |
| State | Bihar |
Merger Update
The IFSC code PUNB0MBGB06 indicates that this branch operates under the umbrella of Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank. Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank is a prominent Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in Bihar, sponsored by Punjab National Bank. This bank itself was formed through the amalgamation of various regional rural banks in the state, a process designed to consolidate banking services, enhance efficiency, and provide a stronger, unified financial network.
Due to these consolidations, branches like Jhowan that once might have operated under different regional rural bank names now align with the unified structure of Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank. It is crucial to note that for all financial transactions related to this Jhowan branch, PUNB0MBGB06 is the only valid IFSC code. Any older IFSC codes that might have been associated with this branch or its predecessor banks have been revoked and are no longer active. Using an outdated code will result in failed transactions, so always use the current and correct IFSC code for all your transfers.
What is an IFSC Code?
An IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code used to identify individual bank branches participating in electronic fund transfers. Think of it as a unique address for a bank branch. This code is essential for ensuring that your money transfer reaches the correct beneficiary account, even if they bank with a different institution. The structure of the IFSC code is quite logical:
- The first four characters represent the bank name. For example, in PUNB0MBGB06, PUNB stands for Punjab National Bank, the sponsoring bank.
- The fifth character is always a zero (0). This is reserved for future use and helps distinguish the bank code from the branch code.
- The last six characters identify the specific branch. In this case, MBGB06 uniquely identifies the Jhowan branch under Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank.
How to Use the IFSC Code
When you need to send money electronically using services like NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS, the IFSC code is a mandatory piece of information. Here’s a general guide on how you’d use it:
- Log in to your banking portal: Whether it’s your bank’s mobile app or internet banking website, access the fund transfer section.
- Select the transfer type: Choose between NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS based on the urgency and amount of your transfer.
- Add beneficiary details: If you haven’t transferred money to this recipient before, you’ll need to add them as a new beneficiary. This typically involves providing:
- Beneficiary’s Name
- Beneficiary’s Account Number (you’ll usually enter this twice for confirmation)
- Beneficiary’s Bank Name (e.g., Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank)
- Beneficiary’s IFSC Code (PUNB0MBGB06 for the Jhowan branch)
- Enter transfer amount and remarks: Specify how much money you want to send and add any notes for the transaction.
- Confirm and authenticate: Review all the details carefully. Once confirmed, you’ll typically need to enter an OTP (One-Time Password) or transaction PIN to complete the transfer.
For NEFT and RTGS, transfers are processed during specific banking hours. IMPS, on the other hand, allows for instant transfers 24/7, including holidays.
Benefits of Knowing the IFSC Code
Knowing the correct IFSC code for your bank branch, or for any beneficiary’s branch, offers several advantages:
- Enables Electronic Transfers: It is the primary key for initiating NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transactions, allowing for quick and efficient money movement.
- Ensures Accuracy: The unique code minimizes errors, ensuring your funds are credited to the intended beneficiary’s account and not someone else’s.
- Facilitates Interbank Transactions: It allows seamless money transfers between different banks and their branches across India.
- Saves Time: Electronic transfers using IFSC are much faster than traditional methods like cheques or demand drafts, which can take days to clear.
- Secure Transactions: The robust system behind IFSC-enabled transfers adds a layer of security to your financial dealings.
Contact Information
Should you need to contact the Jhowan branch or the bank’s head office for any queries or assistance, here are the details:
- Jhowan Branch Phone Number: 9709459958
- Jhowan Branch Address: Jhowan, SARAN, 841301, Bihar
- Head Office Address (Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank): SHRI VISHNU COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, ASOCHAK, PATNA-800030, BIHAR
- Toll-Free Number (Punjab National Bank – Sponsor): 18001807777
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the IFSC code the same as the MICR code?
A: No, the IFSC code and MICR code are different. The IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code used for electronic fund transfers. The MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code is a 9-digit numerical code printed on cheque leaves, primarily used for processing cheques.
Q2: What should I do if my bank’s IFSC code has changed?
A: If your bank’s IFSC code has changed, usually due to a merger or restructuring, you must update this information with anyone who sends you money electronically. Always use the new, valid IFSC code for all future transactions to avoid failures. Your bank will usually notify customers of such changes.
Q3: Can I transfer money without an IFSC code?
A: For electronic fund transfers like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS within India, the IFSC code is mandatory. You cannot initiate these transfers without it. For international transfers, a SWIFT/BIC code is used instead of an IFSC code.
Q4: Where can I find the correct IFSC code for a branch?
A: The IFSC code is usually printed on your bank passbook, cheque leaves, and also available on your bank’s official website. You can also find it through reliable third-party financial aggregators or by contacting your bank directly.
Q5: What happens if I use an incorrect IFSC code?
A: If you use an incorrect IFSC code for an electronic fund transfer, the transaction will likely fail. The system will detect that the branch code doesn’t match the bank or account details and reject the transfer, returning the funds to your account. In rare cases, if the incorrect IFSC code leads to a valid but different branch, the funds might go to the wrong account, which can be difficult to reverse.

Kritti Kumari is a banker and MBA graduate who writes about banking, finance, and customer-friendly services. She simplifies complex financial products into easy guides, helping readers understand Bihar Gramin Bank’s offerings and make smarter money decisions.