Step 1: Understanding Public Sector Banks.
Currently, there are 12 public sector commercial banks operating in India. This number has been reduced due to mergers, consolidating the banking system into fewer, larger institutions.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) 19: This number is incorrect. The number of public sector banks has been reduced after mergers.
- (B) 12: Correct answer, as there are 12 public sector commercial banks operating in India.
- (C) 15: Incorrect, as the number is not 15.
- (D) 20: Incorrect, as there are fewer than 20 public sector commercial banks in India.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The number of public sector commercial banks operating in India is 12, so the correct answer is (B) 12.