Central Bank of India has announced a robust financial performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q3 FY26), reporting a significant 31.6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in its standalone net profit. The bank's net profit reached ₹1,263 crore for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, up from ₹959 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This impressive profit growth was largely bolstered by a substantial surge in 'other income', which saw a 57.4% increase to ₹1,935 crore. Despite the positive profit figures, the bank experienced a notable contraction in its Net Interest Margin (NIM), which eased to 2.96% in Q3 FY26 from 3.45% in Q3 FY25. The Net Interest Income (NII) also saw a marginal decline of 1.07% to ₹3,502 crore, compared to ₹3,540 crore in the prior year's comparable quarter. Asset quality, however, demonstrated considerable improvement, with Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) reducing to 2.70% from 3.86% a year ago, and Net NPAs falling to 0.45% from 0.59%. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) also strengthened to 96.69%. Total income for the quarter rose to ₹10,969 crore from ₹9,739 crore YoY. In a move reflecting confidence in its financial health, the bank's Board of Directors also approved a third interim dividend for FY 2025-26 at the rate of 2% (₹0.20 per share). The results were published on January 16, 2026.