The study intended to determine the effect of corporate social responsibility on financial performance of commercial banks. Financial performance was measured by use of net profits before taxes obtained from audited statements of comprehensive income. Investment in CSR was measured using monetary spending on social activities. Data was obtained from commercial banks audited financial statements, websites, publications and annual reports. Commercial institutions that did not participate in CSR activities or that had not kept data pertaining to CSR were excluded. Secondary data from the year 2012 to 2016 was used for analysis. Using descriptive research design, the study tested for linear relationship between financial performance and corporate social responsibility. The study used correlation analysis technique, graphical analysis tool and the five years secondary data to analyze the effect of corporate social involvement on the financial performance of private sector banks in India. The study revealed that not all private commercial banks report their CSR involvement. Out of the 20 banks studied, only 8 provided the necessary and complete data that was appropriate for the study. The study findings were that expenses on social course have an effect on financial performance of private banks in India.