Has Banking Consolidation Improved Financial Efficiency? An Empirical Study of SBI’s Pre- and Post-Merger Performance

<title>Abstract</title> <p> The merger of State Bank of India with its associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank in 2017 marked a major milestone in Indian banking. This study analyzes its impact on financial performance using ROA, ROE, NIM, and CAR across pre- and post-merger periods (2010–2024). Using secondary data and a paired t-test, results show initial declines in profitability due to asset quality pressures, followed by steady recovery. NIM and CAR improved moderately, indicating enhanced efficiency and capital strength. Overall, the merger led to significant long-term financial improvement despite short-term challenges. <italic>JEL Classification: G, G3, G34, G340.</italic> </p>