Which bank was the first to introduce an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in India, bringing cash withdrawal technology to Indian customers?

Introduction / Context:
The history of banking technology is a popular topic in general knowledge and banking exams. Automated Teller Machines, commonly known as ATMs, transformed the way customers access cash and basic services. Knowing which bank first brought this technology to India helps you answer questions on the evolution of modern banking in the country.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The question asks about the first bank to introduce an ATM in India.

- The options are ICICI Bank, HSBC Bank, HDFC Bank and YES Bank.

- We are dealing with historical information, not the bank with the largest ATM network.

Concept / Approach:
The first ATM in India was installed by HSBC in Mumbai in the nineteen eighties, well before private Indian banks like ICICI Bank or HDFC Bank became major players. The machine allowed select customers to withdraw cash electronically, marking the start of ATM usage in the country. Many exam reference books clearly note that HSBC introduced the first ATM in India, so linking those facts is the key to the solution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that the question is about who did it first, not about current size or number of ATMs. Step 2: Recall that HSBC, a multinational bank, had an early presence in India and often brought new technologies before widespread adoption. Step 3: Connect this with the fact that the first ATM in India was installed by HSBC in Mumbai. Step 4: Recognise that ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and YES Bank grew later and expanded ATM networks but were not the earliest to introduce the technology. Step 5: Select HSBC Bank as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can confirm by recalling banking awareness notes that list first in India achievements. These lists routinely mention HSBC as the first bank to introduce an ATM in India. Additionally, many online quizzes about Indian banking history repeat this fact, making it a standard memory point for exam preparation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A (ICICI Bank) is a leading private sector bank and has a large ATM network today, but it did not introduce the very first ATM in India.

Option C (HDFC Bank) started operations later and is known for modern digital services, yet it is not the pioneer of ATMs in the Indian context.

Option D (YES Bank) is even newer and therefore cannot be associated with the earliest introduction of ATMs.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the first bank to introduce a service with the largest bank providing that service now. It is important to differentiate between historical firsts and current market leaders. Another common mistake is assuming that an Indian public sector bank must have done it first, but in this case a foreign bank, HSBC, was the pioneer.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is HSBC Bank, which introduced the first Automated Teller Machine in India.