A bank statement shows every transaction in your account for a given period. Most banks in India follow a similar format, so learning to read one means you can read them all.
The main columns
Every statement has a date, a description (called narration or particulars), and two amount columns: debit and credit. Debit means money left your account. Credit means money came in. The final column shows the running balance after each transaction.
The narration tells you where the money went or came from. For UPI payments it usually shows the phone number or UPI ID. For NEFT transfers it shows the beneficiary name. For ATM withdrawals it shows the machine location.
Opening and closing balance
The opening balance is what you had at the start of the period. The closing balance is what you have at the end. Add all credits and subtract all debits from the opening balance and you should get the closing balance. If the numbers do not match, contact your bank.
Charges and fees
Look for lines with descriptions like "SMS charges," "annual maintenance charge," or "minimum balance charge." These are bank fees. Track them so you know exactly what you are paying each year.
Related reading: Understanding UPI Transactions in Your Bank Statement, NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS Explained, How to Track Expenses Using Your Bank Statement.