The Sonapur branch of Bihar Gramin Bank is located in Araria, Bihar. For anyone looking to send or receive money through this branch, understanding the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is essential. This unique 11-character code acts like a specific address for the bank branch, ensuring that online fund transfers through systems like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS reach the correct account without any errors or delays.
Branch Details
Here are the specific details for the Bihar Gramin Bank, Sonapur branch.
| Bank Name | Bihar Gramin Bank |
| Branch Name | Sonapur |
| IFSC Code | PUNB0MBGB06 |
| MICR Code | 800811002 |
| Branch Code | MBGB06 |
| Branch Address | Sonapur, ARARIA, 854316 |
| Contact Number | 9297954385 |
| City | ARARIA |
| District | ARARIA |
| Region | ARARIA |
| Pincode | 854316 |
| State | Bihar |
Important Merger Update
Bihar Gramin Bank was formed by the merger of two former regional rural banks: Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (UBGB) and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank (DBGB). As a result of this amalgamation, the old IFSC codes associated with UBGB and DBGB branches are no longer valid. All branches now operate under the sponsorship of Punjab National Bank (PNB). This is why the new IFSC codes, including the one for the Sonapur branch, begin with ‘PUNB’. It is critical to use only the new IFSC code, PUNB0MBGB06, for all transactions to ensure they are processed successfully.
What is an IFSC Code?
The Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is an 11-character alphanumeric code assigned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to every bank branch participating in the electronic funds transfer network. The code has a specific structure that helps identify the bank and its branch.
Let’s break down the Sonapur branch IFSC code, PUNB0MBGB06:
- PUNB: The first four alphabetic characters represent the bank’s name. In this case, it stands for Punjab National Bank, the sponsor bank for Bihar Gramin Bank.
- 0: The fifth character is always a zero. It is reserved for future regulatory use.
- MBGB06: The last six characters identify the specific branch. For this bank, it is ‘MBGB06’, uniquely pointing to the Sonapur branch.
How to Use the IFSC Code for Fund Transfers
Using the IFSC code for an online money transfer is a straightforward process. Whether you are using NEFT for standard transfers, RTGS for high-value transactions, or IMPS for instant payments, the steps are similar.
- Log in to your bank’s internet banking portal or mobile banking application.
- Navigate to the ‘Fund Transfer’ or ‘Payments’ section.
- Select the option to ‘Add a Beneficiary’ or ‘Add a Payee’.
- Enter the recipient’s details: their name, account number, and bank.
- Carefully input the IFSC code for their branch. For the Sonapur branch, this is PUNB0MBGB06.
- Once the beneficiary is added (which may take a few minutes to a few hours depending on your bank), you can initiate the transfer by selecting their name, entering the amount, and authenticating the transaction.
Benefits of Using the Correct IFSC Code
Knowing and using the correct IFSC code provides several key benefits for your banking transactions.
- Accuracy: It eliminates the risk of funds being sent to the wrong branch or account, ensuring your money goes exactly where it’s intended.
- Speed: Correct codes allow for automated processing, which speeds up the transfer process and reduces manual intervention.
- Security: It adds a layer of verification, confirming that the account number is linked to the specific branch you intend to transact with.
- Error Prevention: It is the primary tool used by banks to prevent transaction failures. An incorrect IFSC code is one of the most common reasons for a bounced transfer.
Contact Information
For direct assistance or queries, you can reach out to the branch or the head office.
- Branch Phone Number: 9297954385
- Branch Address: Sonapur, ARARIA, Bihar – 854316
- Head Office Address: Bihar Gramin Bank, SHRI VISHNU COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, ASOCHAK, PATNA-800030, BIHAR
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-7777
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does the Bihar Gramin Bank IFSC code start with ‘PUNB’?
- The code starts with ‘PUNB’ because Punjab National Bank (PNB) is the sponsor bank for Bihar Gramin Bank. PNB oversees the technological and financial integration of its sponsored regional rural banks.
- What happens if I use an old IFSC code from Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (UBGB)?
- If you use an old, discontinued IFSC code from UBGB or DBGB, your transaction will fail. The funds will be reversed to your account, but this can cause delays. Always use the new code, PUNB0MBGB06, for the Sonapur branch.
- Is the IFSC code the same for all Bihar Gramin Bank branches?
- No. While the first four letters (‘PUNB’) might be common due to the sponsor bank, the last six characters are unique to each branch. You must use the specific code for the branch where the recipient’s account is held.
- What is the difference between an IFSC code and a MICR code?
- An IFSC code is used for online fund transfers like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS. A MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code is a 9-digit code found at the bottom of a cheque leaf, used primarily for the physical processing of cheques.
- Can I receive international payments using this IFSC code?
- No, the IFSC code is only for domestic transfers within India. For receiving funds from another country, you will need a SWIFT code, which you can get from the bank.
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.