The Bihar Gramin Bank branch located in Sonho Bazar, within the Saran District of Bihar, plays a crucial role for local residents and businesses. To facilitate secure and efficient electronic fund transfers, understanding the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) is essential. The IFSC code is a unique identifier used for transactions like National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS). It ensures that your money reaches the correct recipient account in the right bank and branch without delays or errors, making it a cornerstone of modern banking.
Branch Details
| Bank Name | Bihar Gramin Bank |
| Branch Name | Sonho Bazar |
| IFSC Code | PUNB0MBGB06 |
| MICR Code | 800811002 |
| Branch Code | 100555 |
| Branch Address | Sonho Bazar, SARAN, 841460, 9297955287 |
| Contact Number | 9297955287 |
| City | SARAN |
| District | SARAN |
| Reason | CHAPRA |
| Pincode | 841460 |
| State | Bihar |
Merger Update
For customers of Bihar Gramin Bank, it is important to understand its history regarding mergers. Previously, there were two separate regional rural banks: Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (UBGB) and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank (DBGB). These two banks merged to form the single entity now known as Bihar Gramin Bank. This merger brought all operations under a unified structure, sponsored by Punjab National Bank (PNB).
As a result of this consolidation, a single, standardized IFSC code is now used for all branches of Bihar Gramin Bank. This new code, PUNB0MBGB06, is the only valid IFSC for initiating any electronic fund transfers. If you previously held an account with Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank or Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank, please note that their old IFSC codes have been revoked and are no longer functional. Any transactions attempted with the old codes will fail. Always use PUNB0MBGB06 for transfers to the Sonho Bazar branch or any other Bihar Gramin Bank branch.
What is IFSC Code?
The IFSC Code, or Indian Financial System Code, is an 11-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies every bank branch in India participating in electronic funds transfers. Understanding its structure can help you verify its authenticity:
- The first four characters represent the bank’s identifier. For Bihar Gramin Bank, this is “PUNB” because it is sponsored by Punjab National Bank.
- The fifth character is always a zero (0). This character is reserved for future use and helps distinguish between different types of codes.
- The last six characters uniquely identify the specific bank branch. For the Sonho Bazar branch, these are “MBGB06”. These digits will change from one branch to another within the same bank.
This systematic structure ensures that each branch has its own distinct code, preventing misdirection of funds during online transactions.
How to Use IFSC Code
Using the IFSC code is a straightforward process when you are sending money electronically. Here’s a step-by-step guide for NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transactions:
- Log in to Your Net Banking or Mobile Banking App: Access your bank’s online platform or mobile application.
- Select Funds Transfer Option: Look for options like “Fund Transfer,” “NEFT,” “RTGS,” or “IMPS.”
- Add New Beneficiary: If you are sending money to a new recipient, you will need to add them as a beneficiary first.
- Enter Beneficiary Details: Provide the following information for the recipient:
- Recipient’s Name
- Recipient’s Account Number (you will often be asked to re-enter it for confirmation)
- Recipient’s Account Type (e.g., Savings, Current)
- Recipient’s Bank Name (Bihar Gramin Bank)
- Recipient’s Branch Name (Sonho Bazar)
- IFSC Code: PUNB0MBGB06
- Verify and Confirm: Double-check all the details you have entered, especially the account number and IFSC code, to avoid any errors.
- Enter Amount and Transfer: Input the amount you wish to transfer and confirm the transaction. You may receive an OTP (One-Time Password) to complete the process.
For IMPS, the process is generally faster and can often be done using only a mobile number and MMID, or account number and IFSC. For NEFT and RTGS, the IFSC code is a mandatory field to ensure the funds are routed to the correct branch.
Benefits of Knowing Your IFSC Code
Having the correct IFSC code at hand offers several advantages for both individuals and businesses:
- Enables Electronic Transfers: It is essential for all major electronic fund transfer systems like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS, allowing for quick digital transactions.
- Ensures Accurate Routing: The unique code guarantees that funds are directed to the precise bank and branch, minimizing the risk of misdirected payments.
- Speeds Up Transactions: By automating the routing process, IFSC codes help accelerate the time it takes for money to move between different banks and branches.
- Reduces Errors: The structured nature of the code reduces manual errors in identifying branches, leading to more reliable transactions.
- Essential for Online Banking: Most online and mobile banking platforms require the IFSC code to set up beneficiaries and initiate transfers, making it fundamental for digital banking.
- Used for Third-Party Payments: Beyond personal transfers, it’s often required for paying utility bills, insurance premiums, and other online payments where the beneficiary is a different bank.
Contact Information
If you need to get in touch with the Bihar Gramin Bank Sonho Bazar branch or its head office, here are the details:
- Branch Phone Number: 9297955287
- Branch Address: Sonho Bazar, SARAN, 841460, Bihar
- Head Office Address: SHRI VISHNU COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, ASOCHAK, PATNA-800030, BIHAR
- Toll-Free Number: 18001807777
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Bihar Gramin Bank and its IFSC code:
Q1: What is Bihar Gramin Bank?
A1: Bihar Gramin Bank is a Regional Rural Bank (RRB) that was formed by the merger of two previous banks: Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (UBGB) and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank (DBGB). It operates under the sponsorship of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and aims to provide banking services to rural and semi-urban areas of Bihar.
Q2: Is the IFSC code the same for all Bihar Gramin Bank branches?
A2: No, the first five characters (“PUNB0”) are common for all Bihar Gramin Bank branches because they identify the sponsor bank (Punjab National Bank) and the bank itself. However, the last six characters are unique to each individual branch. So, while the initial part is common, the full 11-character IFSC code will be different for each specific branch.
Q3: Can I still use an old UBGB or DBGB IFSC code for transactions?
A3: No, you cannot. Following the merger, all old IFSC codes belonging to Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (UBGB) and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank (DBGB) have been revoked and are no longer valid. You must use the new consolidated IFSC code, PUNB0MBGB06, for all electronic fund transfers to Bihar Gramin Bank branches, including the Sonho Bazar branch.
Q4: What should I do if I enter a wrong IFSC code during a transaction?
A4: If you enter an incorrect IFSC code, your transaction will likely fail and the funds will not be debited from your account. In some cases, if the wrong IFSC code corresponds to another valid branch or bank, the transaction might go through but the funds would be misdirected. Always double-check the IFSC code along with the account number and other details before confirming any transfer to avoid delays or potential loss of funds.
Q5: How can I find the IFSC code for another Bihar Gramin Bank branch?
A5: You can find the IFSC code for any Bihar Gramin Bank branch through several reliable sources: on the bank’s official website, on your bank passbook or chequebook, or by contacting the bank’s customer service via their toll-free number (18001807777).

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.