A TOPSIS APPROACH TO EVALUATE THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN INDIA Dr.A.R.Rihana Banu*,Assistant Professor,Department of Commerce, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. Dr.G.Santhiyavalli**,Professor,Department of Commerce, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. Abstract In a liberalizing economy, the banking and financial sector assume top priority. Globalization requires adhering to standards and yardsticks that are universally applicable. Although, prospects for the Indian banking industry remain optimistic, it is being affected by the dynamic and highly competitive global banking environment. Hence, the financial performance of the Scheduled Commercial Banks in India was assessed with a view to explore the financial soundness of the banks using the multiple criteria decision - making approach (TOPSIS). A total of 40 Scheduled Commercial Banks were selected on the basis of the advances provided, amounting to a minimum of Rs.1,500 billions as on 31- 03-2014. The study covered a period of 16 years from 1999-2000 to 2014-2015. The data was collected from the secondary sources and an expert opinion was obtained to assign the weights to the ratios. The findings of the study indicated that the banks that effectively reduce their risks garners more profit and upholds consistency in their business. Keywords: Financial Performance, Efficiency, Business operations Dr.A.R.Rihana Banu, Dr.G.Santhiyavalli, Int. J.Eco.Res, 2018, V9 i6, 71 – 92 ISSN:2229-6158 IJER – NOVEMBER - DEEMBER 2018 available online @ www.ijeronline.com 71