This study analyzes the growth and impact of non-performing assets (NPAs) in public and private sector banks in India, focusing on both priority and non-priority sectors. It highlights a significant increase in NPAs since 2005, particularly post-2011 with the introduction of Basel II regulations, and emphasizes a strong correlation between corporate debt restructuring and NPAs. The findings suggest that while priority sector lending is crucial for economic development, the rising NPAs pose a threat to banks’ profitability and the overall banking system.