Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/379 · issued 28 Apr 2006 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI has relaxed ATM installation norms for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs). Eligible UCBs with minimum deposits of Rs 100 crore, CRAR compliance, net NPA less than 10%, and consistent profitability can now set up on-site/off-site ATMs. Scheduled UCBs not classified as Grade II to IV get automatic approval for on-site ATMs. Prior RBI approval for ATM sharing is also removed.
What changed
RBI introduced clear eligibility norms for UCBs to set up ATMs: minimum deposits of Rs 100 crore, prescribed CRAR, net NPA less than 10%, and consistent profitability with CRR/SLR compliance. Scheduled UCBs not classified as Grade II to IV no longer need prior RBI approval for on-site ATMs. The requirement for prior RBI approval to share or interlink ATMs with other banks has been dispensed with, allowing UCBs to decide on their own.
What it means for you
This circular expands ATM access for UCBs, enabling them to compete better with commercial banks. The relaxed norms reduce regulatory hurdles, especially for well-performing UCBs, allowing faster deployment of ATMs. The removal of prior approval for ATM sharing encourages network connectivity and cost-sharing, potentially lowering operational costs. Banks must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and apply to the relevant Regional Office for ATMs.
Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.
What banks were required to do at the time
Verify your bank meets the eligibility norms: deposits ≥ Rs 100 crore, CRAR compliance, net NPA < 10%, and consistent profitability with CRR/SLR compliance.
For scheduled UCBs not classified as Grade II to IV, set up on-site ATMs without prior RBI approval; for others, apply to the Regional Office using the prescribed format.
Ensure off-site ATMs are installed only within your area of operation; seek prior RBI approval for any shifting or relocation.
If issuing ATM-cum-Debit Cards, ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines.
Review your ATM sharing agreements; you may now proceed without prior RBI approval.
Who it affects
All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), Scheduled and non-scheduled UCBs, Regional Offices of RBI
repealed_by — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
Status change: withdrawn05 Aug 2026, 04:00 IST
Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).
What are the eligibility norms for a UCB to set up an ATM under this circular?
A UCB must have minimum deposits of Rs 100 crore, comply with prescribed CRAR, have net NPA less than 10%, and show consistent profitability with no default in CRR/SLR.
Do all UCBs need prior RBI approval for on-site ATMs?
No. Scheduled UCBs that are not classified as Grade II to IV can set up on-site ATMs without prior RBI approval. Others must apply to the Regional Office.
Can UCBs now share their ATMs with other banks without RBI approval?
Yes. The circular removes the requirement for prior RBI approval for network connectivity and/or sharing of ATMs. UCBs can decide on their own.
📜 This document’s life story (3 recorded events, each backed by RBI’s own words)
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2005-06/379
UBD (PCB) BPD Cir No. 50/09.69.000/2005-06
April 28, 2006
The Chief Executive Officers of All Primary (urban) Co-operative Banks
Dear Sir/Madam,
Installation of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)-UCBs
Please refer to the announcement made in the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2006-07 to permit well-managed scheduled and non-scheduled UCBs to set up select off-site/ on-site ATMs, based on the recommendation of the concerned TAFCUB.
2. In supercession of the extant instructions, the eligibility norms for setting up of ATMs by UCBs will be as under:
On-site/Off-site ATMs
i). Minimum deposits of Rs. 100 crore,
ii). Compliance with the prescribed CRAR,
iii). Net NPA less than 10%,
iv) Consistent record of profitability and compliance with CRR/SLR
3. Accordingly, UCBs satisfying the above eligibility norms may apply to the Regional Office concerned in the format annexed for prior approval for installing on-site and/or off-site ATMs. UCBs registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act may apply to the Regional Office of the Reserve Bank, under the jurisdiction of which the Registered/Head Office of the bank is situated, for consideration.
4. Scheduled UCBs, other than those classified as Grade II to IV, do not require prior approval of the Reserve Bank for setting up on-site ATMs.
5. The off-site ATMs, where approved by the Reserve Bank, would be installed only within the area of operation of the UCBs and shifting and relocation, if any, would require prior approval.
6. Scheduled and non-scheduled UCBs permitted to have ATMs, both under automatic and approval route, may also issue ATM-cum-Debit Cards.
7. At present, the ATMs/BTMs installed at the branch/ extension counters are not to be shared/ interlinked with other banks, without prior approval from the Reserve Bank. It has now been decided to dispense with the requirement of prior RBI approval for network connectivity and/or sharing of the ATMs installed by UCBs and to permit the banks to decide on their own.
8. Please acknowledge receipt of the circular to the Regional Office concerned.
Yours faithfully,
(S.S Barik)
General Manager
Annexure
Format of the application for ATM
1. Name of the bank-
2. Address of the registered office/Head Office-
3. Area of operation-
4. No. of branches( List of branches to be annexed)-
5. Total deposits for last three years (As on 31st March)-
6. CRAR for the year ended as on 31st March-
7. Net NPA for the year ended as on 31st March-
8. Net profits for last three years (Please furnish year-wise net profits)-
9. Whether there were/are any default in CRS/SLR (If yes give details and the reasons for the same)-
10. No. of on-site ATM/BTM installed(Please give a list of branches/extension counters and quote the reference of approval from RBI)-
11. No. of off-site ATM/BTM installed(Please give a list and quote the reference of approval from RBI)-
12. Average number of ATM/BTM transaction per day per machine-
a. Cash dispensing
b. Cash acceptance
c. Others
13. Average cost per ATM/BTM transactions-
14. Whether the bank is sharing the existing ATM/BTM with any other bank(If yes, give details of the names of the banks, agreement for sharing and average number of daily transactions on behalf of other banks)-
15. Whether the bank is making use of ATM/BTM installed by any other bank(If yes, give the details of the names of the banks, agreement for sharing and average number of daily transactions on behalf of other banks)-
16. Proposed on-site/off-site address for installing ATMs-
17. Cost of the proposed ATM-
18. Cost of other infrastructure for installation of ATM-
19. Expected average number of ATM transaction per day-
a. Cash dispensing
b. Cash acceptance
c. Others
20. Briefly indicate the benefits actually derived/expected to accrue by way of installation of ATM.
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2005-06/379 · issued 28 Apr 2006. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 05 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly). Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=2849&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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