UNITED STATES
             SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

            [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

                                       OR

          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______ TO ______
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-14703

      NBT BANCORP INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                  DELAWARE                           16-1268674
      (State or other jurisdiction        (IRS Employer Identification No.)
    of incorporation or organization)

                              52 SOUTH BROAD STREET
                       NORWICH, NEW YORK 13815 (Zip Code)
                      (Address of principal executive office)

       (607) 337-2265 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock ($0. 01
                              par value per share)
           Stock Purchase Rights Pursuant to Stockholders Rights Plan

Indicate  by  check mark whether the registrant (1) has led all reports required
to  be  led by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding  12  months  (or  for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to le such reports) and (2) has been subject to such ling requirements
for  the  past  90  days.  Yes  [X]  No  [  ]

Indicate  by  check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405
of Regulation S-K (Section 299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will  not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy  or  information  statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form  10-K  or  any  amendment  to  this  Form  10-K  [  ].

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is an accelerated filer (as
defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rule  12b-2).  Yes  [X]  No  [ ]

Based  upon  the  closing  price of the registrant's common stock as of June 30,
2003,  the  aggregate market value of the voting stock, common stock, par value,
$0.01  per  share,  held  by  non-affiliates  of the registrant is $632,219,601.

The  number  of  shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 27, 2004, was
32,868,354.

DOCUMENTS  INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE

Portions  of registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant's Annual
Meeting  of Stockholders to be held on May 4, 2004 are incorporated by reference
into  Part  III,  Items  10,  11,  12,  13  and  14  of  this  Form  10-K.









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PART  ITEM
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  I   1   BUSINESS                                                            5
            Description of Business                                         5-8
            Average Balance Sheets                                           14
            Net Interest Income Analysis -Taxable   Equivalent Basis         14
            Net  Interest  Income  and Volume/Rate
            Variance-Taxable Equivalent Basis                                15
            Securities Portfolio                                             19
            Debt Securities -Maturity Schedule                               26
            Loans                                                            16
            Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes
            in Interest Rates                                                17
            Nonperforming Assets                                             25
            Allowance for Loan Losses                                        23
            Maturity Distribution of Time Deposits                           20
            Return on Equity and Assets                                      10
            Short-Term Borrowings                                            55

      2   PROPERTIES                                                          8

      3   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                                   9

      4   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS                 9

  II  5   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
          SHAREHOLDER MATTERS                                                 9

      6   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA                                            10

      7   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
          FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OFOPERATIONS                    11-32

     7A   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK       32-34

      8   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
            Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002        36
            Consolidated Statements of Income for each
            of the years in the three-year period ended
            December  31,  2003                                              37
            Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
            Equity for each of the years in  the
            three-year  period  ended  December  31, 2003                    38
            Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash Flows for each
            of the years in the three-year period  ended
            December  31,  2003                                           39-40


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               3



            Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
            for each of the years in the
            three-year period ended December 31, 2003                        40
            Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements                41-69
            Independent  Auditors'  Report                                   35


      9   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
          ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE                                70

     9A   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES                                            70

  III 10  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFCERS OF THE REGISTRANT*                  71

      11  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION*                                            71

      12  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENECIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT*      71

      13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS*                     71

      14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES*                             71

  IV  15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON 8-K      72-75

          (a) (1) Financial Statements (See Item 8 for Reference).
              (2) Financial Statement Schedules normally required on
                  Form 10-K are omitted since they are not applicable.
              (3) Exhibits.
          (b) Reports on Form 8-K.
          (c) Refer to item 15(a)(3)above.
          (d) Refer to item 15(a)(2) above.

         SIGNATURES                                                          76

*    Information called for by Part III (Items 10 through 14) is incorporated by
     reference  to  the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting
     of  Stockholders.

ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                                4



PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  (the  "Registrant"  or  the  "Company") is a registered
financial  holding  company  incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1986, with
its  principal  headquarters located in Norwich, New York. The Registrant is the
parent  holding  company of NBT Bank, N.A. ("the Bank"), NBT Financial Services,
Inc.  ("NBT  Financial"),  and CNBF Capital Trust I (see Note 12 to the Notes to
Consolidated  Financial  Statements).  Through  these  subsidiaries, the Company
operates  as  one  segment  focused  on  community  banking  operations.  The
Registrant's  primary  business  consists  of  providing  commercial banking and
financial  services to its customers in its market area. The principal assets of
the  Registrant are all of the out-standing shares of common stock of its direct
subsidiaries,  and  its principal sources of revenue are the management fees and
dividends  it  receives  from  the  Bank  and  NBT  Financial.
     The  principal  subsidiaries  of  the Company through which it conducts its
operations are the Bank and NBT Financial. The Bank is a full service commercial
bank  formed  in  1856,  which  provides  a broad range of financial products to
individuals,  corporations and municipalities throughout the central and upstate
New  York and northeastern Pennsylvania market area. The Bank con-ducts business
through  three  geographic  operating  divisions,  NBT  Bank,  Pennstar Bank and
Central  National  Bank.
     The  NBT  Bank  division  has 44 divisional offices and 63 automated teller
machines  (ATMs), located primarily in central and upstate New York. At December
31,  2003,  NBT  Bank had total loans of $1.4 billion and total deposits of $1.5
billion.
     The  Pennstar  Bank division has 40 divisional offices and 51 ATMs, located
primarily  in northeastern Pennsylvania. At December 31, 2003, Pennstar Bank had
total  loans  and leases of $581.4 million and total deposits of $799.7 million.
     The  Central  National  Bank division has 27 divisional offices and 24 ATMs
located  primarily  in  upstate New York. At December 31, 2003, Central National
Bank  had  total loans and leases of $701.6 million and total deposits of $715.0
million.
     The Bank has six operating subsidiaries, NBT Capital Corp., LA Lease, Inc.,
Pennstar  Services  Company, Colonial Financial Services, Inc. ("CFS"), Pennstar
Realty  Trust,  and  CNB  Realty  Trust. NBT Capital Corp., formed in 1998, is a
venture  capital  corporation formed to assist young businesses develop and grow
in the markets we serve. LA Lease, Inc., formed in 1987, provides automobile and
equipment  leases  to  individuals  and small business entities. Pennstar Realty
Trust,  formed  in  2000,  and  CNB Realty Trust formed in 1998, are real estate
investment  trusts. Pennstar Services Company, formed in 2002, provides services
to  the  Pennstar  Bank  division  of  the  Bank. CFS, formed in 2001, offered a
variety  of  financial services products and currently conducts no operations as
of  December 31, 2003. Pennstar Management Trust ("PMT") formed in 2002, was the
former  holding  company for Pennstar Realty Trust and CNB Realty Trust. PMT was
liquidated  on  December  31,  2003.
     NBT  Financial,  formed  in  1999,  is  the parent company of two operating
subsidiaries,  Pennstar  Financial Services, Inc. and M. Griffith, Inc. Pennstar
Financial  Services,  Inc.,  formed  in  1997,  offered  a  variety of financial
services  products.  Pennstar  Financial Services conducted no operations during
2003.  M. Griffith, Inc., formed in 1951 and acquired by the Company in 2000, is
a registered securities broker-dealer which also offers financial and retirement
planning  as  well  as  life,  accident  and  health  insurance.


COMPETITION

     The  banking  and  financial services industry in New York and Pennsylvania
generally,  and  in  the  Company's  market  areas  specifically,  is  highly
competitive.  The  increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of
changes  in  regulation,  changes  in  technology  and product delivery systems,
additional  financial  service  providers,  and  the  accelerating  pace  of
consolidation  among  financial  ser-vices  providers.  The Company competes for
loans  and  leases, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings
and  loan  associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies,
insurance  companies,  finance companies, money market funds, credit unions, and
other  nonbank  financial  service providers. Many of these competitors are much
larger  in  total  assets  and  capitalization,  have  greater access to capital
markets  and  offer  a  broader  range  of  financial  services  than  the


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                                5


Company.  In  order  to  compete  with  other financial ser-vices providers, the
Company  stresses the community nature of its banking operations and principally
relies  upon local promotional activities, personal relationships established by
officers,  directors,  and  employees  with  their  customers,  and  specialized
financial services tailored to meet the needs of the communities served.


SUPERVISION  AND  REGULATION

     As  a bank holding company, the Company is subject to extensive regulation,
supervision,  and  examination  by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System ("FRS") as its primary federal regulator. The Company also has elected to
be  registered  with  the  FRS  as  a  financial holding company. The Bank, as a
nationally  chartered  bank, is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and
examination  by  the  Office  of  the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") as its
primary federal regulator and, as to certain matters, by the FRS and the Federal
Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  ("FDIC").
     M.  Griffith,  Inc. ("MGI") is registered as a broker-dealer and investment
adviser  and  is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by
the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  ("SEC"). MGI is also a member of the
National  Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and is subject to its
regulations.  MGI  is  authorized  as  well  to  engage as a broker, dealer, and
underwriter of municipal securities, and as such is subject to regulation by the
Municipal  Securities Rulemaking Board. In addition, MGI is a licensed insurance
agency  with offices in the state of New York and is subject to registration and
supervision  by  the  New  York  State  Insurance Department. Pennstar Financial
Services,  Inc.  is a licensed insurance agency with offices in the Commonwealth
of  Pennsylvania  and  is  subject  to  registration  and  supervision  by  the
Pennsylvania  Insurance  Department.
     The  Company  is  subject  to  capital adequacy guide-lines of the FRS. The
guidelines  apply  on a consolidated basis and require bank holding companies to
maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets (or "leverage
ratio")  of  4%.  For  the most highly rated bank holding companies, the minimum
ratio  is  3%.  The  FRS  capital  adequacy guidelines also require bank holding
companies  to maintain a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
of 4% and a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of
8%.  As  of December 31, 2003, the Company's leverage ratio was 6.76%, its ratio
of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.96%, and its ratio of qualifying
total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.21%. The FRS may set higher minimum
capital  requirements for bank holding companies whose circumstances warrant it,
such  as  companies anticipating significant growth or facing unusual risks. The
FRS has not advised the Company of any special capital requirement applicable to
it.
     Any  holding  company  whose  capital  does  not  meet  the minimum capital
adequacy  guidelines  is  considered  to  be undercapitalized and is required to
submit  an  acceptable  plan  to the FRS for achieving capital adequacy. Such a
company's  ability to pay dividends to its share-holders and expand its lines of
business through the acquisition of new banking or nonbanking subsidiaries also
could  be  restricted.
     The  Bank  is  subject  to leverage and risk-based capital requirements and
minimum  capital  guidelines  of the OCC that are similar to those applicable to
the  Company.  As  of  December  31,  2003,  the Bank was in compliance with all
minimum capital requirements. The Bank's lever-age ratio was 6.50%, its ratio of
Tier  1  capital  to risk-weighted assets was 9.59%, and its ratio of qualifying
total  capital  to  risk-weighted  assets  was  10.85%.
     Under  FDIC  regulations, no FDIC-insured bank can accept brokered deposits
unless  it  is  well  capitalized,  or  is adequately capitalized and receives a
waiver  from  the FDIC. In addition, these regulations prohibit any bank that is
not well capitalized from paying an interest rate on brokered deposits in excess
of  three-quarters of one percentage point over certain prevailing market rates.
As  of  December  31,  2003,  the  total amount of brokered deposits were $170.0
million.
     The  Bank  also  is  subject  to substantial regulatory restrictions on its
ability to pay dividends to the Company. Under OCC regulations, the Bank may not
pay a dividend, without prior OCC approval, if the total amount of all dividends
declared  during the calendar year, including the pro-posed dividend, exceed the
sum of its retained net income to date during the calendar year and its retained
net  income over the preceding two years. As of December 31, 2003, approximately
$28.9  million  was  available  for  the  payment of dividends without prior OCC
approval.  The Bank's ability to pay dividends also is subject to the Bank being
in  compliance  with  regulatory  capital requirements. The Bank is currently in
compliance  with  these  requirements.
     The  deposits  of  the Bank are insured up to regulatory limits by the FDIC
and,  accordingly,  are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the
insurance  funds administered by the FDIC. The deposits of the Bank historically
have  been  subject  to  deposit  insurance  assessments  to  maintain  the Bank
Insurance  Fund  ("BIF"). Due to certain branch deposit acquisitions by the Bank
and  its  predecessors,  some  of  the  deposits  of  the  Bank  are  subject


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                                6


to  deposit  insurance assessments to maintain the Savings Association Insurance
Fund  ("SAIF").
     The  FDIC  has  adopted  regulations  establishing a permanent risk-related
deposit  insurance  assessment  system.  Under this system, the FDIC places each
insured  bank  in one of nine risk categories based on the bank's capitalization
and  supervisory  evaluations  provided to the FDIC by the institution's primary
federal  regulator.  Each  insured  bank's  insurance  assessment  rate  is then
determined  by  the  risk  category  in  which  it  is  classified  by the FDIC.
     In  the  light  of the then prevailing favorable financial situation of the
federal  deposit  insurance  funds  and the low number of depository institution
failures, since January 1, 1997, the annual insurance premiums on bank de-posits
insured  by  the  BIF or the SAIF have varied between $0.00 per $100 of deposits
for  banks  classified  in  the  highest  capital  and  supervisory  evaluation
categories  to  $0.27  per  $100  of deposits for banks classified in the lowest
cap-ital  and  supervisory  evaluation categories. BIF and SAIF assessment rates
are  subject  to semi-annual adjustment by the FDIC within a range of up to five
basis points without public comment. The FDIC also possesses authority to impose
special  assessments  from  time  to  time.
     The Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides for additional assessments to be
imposed  on  insured  depository  institutions  to pay for the cost of Financing
Corporation  ("FICO")  funding.  The  FICO assessments are adjusted quarterly to
reflect  changes  in the assessment bases of the FDIC insurance funds and do not
vary  depending  upon  a  depository institution's capitalization or supervisory
evaluation.  During  2003,  FDIC-insured  banks  paid  an  aver-age  rate  of
approximately  $0.017  per  $100  for purposes of funding FICO bond obligations.
     Transactions  between  the  Bank  and  any of its affiliates, including the
Company,  are  governed  by  sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An
"affiliate" of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is con-trolled by,
or  is  under  common  control with the bank. A subsidiary of a bank that is not
also  a  depository  institution  is not treated as an affiliate of the bank for
purposes  of  sections  23A  and  23B,  unless the subsidiary is also controlled
through  a non-bank chain of ownership by affiliates or controlling shareholders
of the bank or the subsidiary engages in activities that are not permissible for
a  bank to engage in directly (except insurance agency subsidiaries). Generally,
sections  23A  and  23B  are intended to protect insured depository institutions
from  suffering losses arising from transactions with non-insured affiliates, by
limiting  the  extent  to which a bank or its subsidiaries may engage in covered
transactions  with  any one affiliate and with all affiliates of the bank in the
aggregate,  and requiring that such transactions be on terms that are consistent
with  safe  and  sound  banking  practices.
     On  October  31,  2002,  the  FRS  adopted  a new regulation, Regulation W,
effective  April  1, 2003, that comprehensively implements sections 23A and 23B.
The  regulation unifies and updates staff interpretations issued over the years,
incorporates  several  new  interpretative  proposals  (such  as to clarify when
transactions  with an unrelated third party will be attributed to an affiliate),
and  ad-dresses  new  issues  arising  as  a  result  of  the  expanded scope of
nonbanking  activities  engaged in by banks and bank holding companies in recent
years and authorized for financial holding companies under the GrammLeach-Bliley
Act  ("GLB  Act").
     Under  the GLB Act, a qualifying bank holding company, known as a financial
holding  company, may engage in certain financial activities that a bank holding
company  may  not  otherwise  engage in under the Bank Holding Company Act ("BHC
Act").  In  addition  to  engaging  in banking and activities closely related to
banking  as  deter-mined by the FRS by regulation or order prior to November 11,
1999, a financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in
nature  or  incidental  to  financial  activities,  or  activities  that  are
complementary  to a financial activity and do not pose a substantial risk to the
safety  and  soundness  of  depository  institutions  or  the  financial  system
generally.
     Under  the  GLB  Act, all financial institutions, including the Company and
the  Bank,  are  required  to  adopt  privacy  policies, restrict the sharing of
nonpublic  customer  data  with nonaffiliated parties at the customer's request,
and  establish  procedures  and  practices  to  protect  customer  data  from
unauthorized  access.
     Under  Title  III  of  the USA PATRIOT Act, also known as the International
Money  Laundering  Abatement  and  Anti-Terrorism  Financing  Act  of  2001, all
financial  institutions,  including  the  Company  and the Bank, are required in
general  to  identify their customers, adopt formal and comprehensive anti-money
laundering  programs,  scrutinize or prohibit altogether certain transactions of
special  concern,  and  be  prepared  to  respond  to  inquiries  from  U.S. law
enforcement  agencies  concerning  their  customers  and  their  transactions.
Additional  information-sharing among financial institution, regulators, and law
enforcement  authorities  is encouraged by the presence of an exemption from the
privacy  provisions  of  the GLB Act for financial institutions that comply with
this  provision  and the authorization of the Secretary of the Treasury to adopt
rules  to  further  encourage  cooperation  and  information-sharing.  The
effectiveness  of  a  financial  institution  in  combating  money  laundering
activities  is  a  factor  to  be  considered  in


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                                7


any  application  submitted  by  the financial institution under the Bank Merger
Act,  which  applies  to the Bank, or the BHC Act, which applies to the Company.
     The  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act,  signed  into law July 30, 2002, addresses, among
other  issues,  corporate  governance,  auditor  independence  and  accounting
standards,  executive compensation, insider loans, whistleblower protection, and
enhanced  and timely disclosure of corporate information. The SEC has adopted or
proposed  several  implementing  rules,  and  the  NASD  has  proposed corporate
governance  rules  that  have been presented to the SEC for review and approval.
The  changes  are intended to allow stockholders to monitor more effectively the
performance  of  companies  and  management.
     Effective  August  29,  2002,  as  directed  by  section  302(a)  of  the
Sarbanes-Oxley  Act,  the  Company's chief executive officer and chief financial
officer  are  each  required  to certify that the Company's quarterly and annual
reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. This requirement
has  several  parts, including certification that these officers are responsible
for  establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the
Company's  internal  controls;  that  they  have made certain disclosures to the
Company's  auditors  and the risk management committee of the board of directors
about  the  Company's internal controls; and that they have included information
in  the  Company's  quarterly  and  annual  re-ports  about their evaluation and
whether  there  have been significant changes in the Company's internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent
to  the  evaluation.


EMPLOYEES

At  December 31, 2003, the Company had 1,193 full-time equivalent employees. The
Company's  employees  are not presently represented by any collective bargaining
group.  The  Company  considers  its  employee  relations  to  be  good.


AVAILABLE  INFORMATION

The  Company's website is http://www.nbtbancorp.com. The Company makes available
free  of  charge  through  its  internet  site, its annual reports on Form 10-K;
quarterly  reports  on Form 10-Q; current reports on Form 8K; and any amendments
to  those  reports  led  or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically led
with,  or furnished to the SEC. The reference to our website does not constitute
incorporation  by  reference  of  the  information  contained in the website and
should  not  be  considered  part  of  this  document.


ITEM  2.  PROPERTIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The  Company's  headquarters  are located at 52 South Broad Street, Norwich, New
York  13815.  The  Company  operated  the  following number of community banking
branches  and  automated  teller  machines  (ATMs)  as  of  December  31,  2003:



==============================================================================================================================
County               Branches   ATMs  County                          Branches  ATMs  County                  Branches  ATMs
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                
NBT BANK DIVISION                     CENTRAL NATIONAL BANK DIVISION                  PENNSTAR BANK DIVISION
NEW YORK                              NEW YORK                                        NEW YORK
Broome County               4     9   Albany County                          2     1  Orange County                  1     1
Chenango County            11    15   Fulton County                          4     5
Clinton County              3     2   Herkimer County                        2     1  PENNSYLVANIA
Delaware County             6    10   Montgomery County                      6     6  Lackawanna County             19    24
Essex County                3     6   Otsego County                          5     5  Luzerne County                 4     6
Franklin County             1     1   Saratoga County                        3     3  Monroe County                  4     5
Greene County               -     2   Schenectady County                     1     1  Pike County                    3     3
Oneida County               6    10   Schoharie County                       4     2  Susquehanna County             6     8
Otsego County               4    11                                                   Wayne County                   3     4
St. Lawrence County         5     4
Sullivan County             -     1
Tioga County                1     1
Ulster County               -     1
==============================================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                                8


     The  Company  leases  thirty-six  of  the  above listed branches from third
parties  under  terms and conditions considered by management to be equitable to
the  Company.  The Company owns all other banking premises. All automated teller
machines  are  owned.


ITEM  3.  LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There  are  no  material  pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation  incidental  to  the  business,  to  which  the Company or any of its
subsidiaries  is  a  party  or  of  which  their  property  is  the  subject.


ITEM  4.  SUBMISSION  OF  MATTERS  TO  A  VOTE  OF  SECURITY  HOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a)  Not  applicable.
(b)  Not  applicable.
(c)  Not  applicable.
(d)  Not  applicable.



PART  II

ITEM  5.  MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  common  stock  of NBT Bancorp Inc. ("Common Stock") is quoted on the Nasdaq
Stock  Market  National Market Tier under the symbol "NBTB." The following table
sets forth the market prices and dividends declared for the Common Stock for the
periods  indicated:



================================================================================
                                                         High    Low    Dividend
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                
2002
1st quarter                                             $15.15  $13.15  $   0.17
2nd quarter                                              19.32   14.00      0.17
3rd quarter                                              18.50   16.36      0.17
4th quarter                                              18.60   14.76      0.17

2003
1st quarter                                             $18.60  $16.76  $   0.17
2nd quarter                                              19.94   17.37      0.17
3rd quarter                                              21.76   19.24      0.17
4th quarter                                              22.78   19.50      0.17

The closing price of the Common Stock on February 27, 2004 was $21.95.
================================================================================



Annual Report: NBT Bancorp Inc.                                                9


ITEM  6.  SELECTED  FINANCIAL  DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  following  summary  financial  and  other  information about the Company is
derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for each of
the  five  fiscal  years  ended  December  31,  2003:





===============================================================================================================
                                                                         Year ended December 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data)                  2003         2002         2001         2000         1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      
Interest, fee and dividend income                $  207,298   $  227,222   $  255,434   $  260,381   $  220,849
Interest expense                                     62,874       80,402      117,502      133,003      102,876
Net interest income                                 144,424      146,820      137,932      127,378      117,973
Provision for loan and lease losses                   9,111        9,073       31,929       10,143        6,896
Noninterest income excluding securities
   gains (losses)                                    37,603       31,934       31,826       24,854       21,327
Securities gains (losses), net                          175         (413)      (7,692)      (2,273)       1,000
Merger, acquisition and reorganization costs              -            -       15,322       23,625          835
Other noninterest expense                           104,517      102,455      110,536       95,509       83,944
Income before income taxes                           68,574       66,813        4,279       20,682       48,625
Net income                                           47,104       44,999        3,737       14,154       32,592

PER COMMON SHARE*
Basic earnings                                   $     1.45   $     1.36   $     0.11   $     0.44   $     1.01
Diluted earnings                                       1.43         1.35         0.11         0.44         1.00
Cash dividends paid **                                 0.68         0.68         0.68         0.68         0.66
Book value at year-end                                 9.46         8.96         8.05         8.29         7.62
Tangible book value at year-end                        7.94         7.47         6.51         6.88         6.74
Average diluted common shares outstanding            32,844       33,235       33,085       32,405       32,541

AT DECEMBER 31
Trading securities, at fair value                $       48   $      203   $      126   $   20,540   $        -
Securities available for sale, at fair value        980,961    1,007,583      909,341      936,757      994,492
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost       97,204       82,514      101,604      110,415      113,318
Loans and leases                                  2,639,976    2,355,932    2,339,636    2,247,655    1,924,460
Allowance for loan and lease losses                  42,651       40,167       44,746       32,494       28,240
Assets                                            4,046,885    3,723,726    3,638,202    3,605,506    3,294,845
Deposits                                          3,001,351    2,922,040    2,915,612    2,843,868    2,573,335
Borrowings                                          672,631      451,076      394,344      425,233      429,924
Stockholders' equity                                310,034      292,382      266,355      269,641      246,095

KEY RATIOS
Return on average assets                               1.22%        1.23%        0.10%        0.41%        1.07%
Return on average equity                              15.90        16.13         1.32         5.57        12.66
Average equity to average assets                       7.69         7.64         7.82         7.35         8.42
Net interest margin                                    4.16         4.43         4.19         4.02         4.23
Dividend payout ratio                                 47.55        50.37       618.18       154.55        66.00
Tier 1 leverage                                        6.76         6.73         6.34         6.88         8.07
Tier 1 risk-based capital                              9.96         9.93         9.43         9.85        12.49
Total risk-based capital                              11.21        11.18        10.69        11.08        13.68

<FN>
*    All share and per share data has been restated to give retroactive effect to stock dividends and
     poolings of interest.
**   Cash dividends per share represent the historical cash dividends per share of NBT Bancorp Inc., adjusted
     to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.
===============================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               10




================================================================================================================================
SELECTED  QUARTERLY  FINANCIAL  DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                2003                                    2002
                                              ---------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)                          FIRST     SECOND     THIRD     FOURTH     First     Second     Third     Fourth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                

Interest, fee and dividend income             $52,635    $51,593   $50,788    $52,282   $57,322    $57,490   $57,011    $55,399
Interest expense                               16,606     16,101    15,210     14,957    20,977     20,408    20,304     18,713
Net interest income                            36,029     35,492    35,578     37,325    36,345     37,082    36,707     36,686
Provision for loan and lease losses             1,940      1,413     2,436      3,322     2,011      2,092     2,424      2,546
Noninterest income excluding net
   securities gains (losses)                    8,715      8,901     9,955     10,032     7,913      7,733     8,047      8,241
Net securities gains (losses)                      27         38        18         92      (502)        69        (6)        26
Noninterest expense                            25,892     25,848    25,983     26,794    25,212     26,062    25,320     25,861
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                    $11,566    $11,808   $11,848    $11,882   $11,077    $11,266   $11,412    $11,244
                                              ==================================================================================
Basic earnings per share                      $  0.36    $  0.36   $  0.36    $  0.36   $  0.33    $  0.34   $  0.35    $  0.34
Diluted earnings per share                    $  0.35    $  0.36   $  0.36    $  0.36   $  0.33    $  0.34   $  0.34    $  0.34
Net interest margin                              4.38%      4.18%     4.02%      4.07%     4.54%      4.48%     4.35%      4.35%
Return on average assets                         1.27%      1.25%     1.21%      1.17%     1.25%      1.24%     1.23%      1.21%
Return on average equity                        16.05%     16.07%    16.06%     15.47%    16.62%     16.50%    15.95%     15.53%
Average diluted common shares
   outstanding                                 32,783     32,653    32,865     33,070    33,295     33,402    33,295     32,951
                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================================================================


ITEM  7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL
The  financial  review  which  follows  focuses  on  the  factors  affecting the
consolidated  financial  condition and results of operations of NBT Bancorp Inc.
(the  "Registrant")  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries, NBT Bank, N.A. ("the
Bank"),  NBT Financial Services, Inc. ("NBT Financial), and CNBF Capital Trust I
during  2003  and,  in  summary form, the preceding two years. Collectively, the
Registrant  and  its  subsidiaries  are referred to herein as "the Company." Net
interest  margin  is  presented in this discussion on a fully taxable equivalent
(FTE)  basis.  Average  balances  discussed  are daily averages unless otherwise
described. The audited consolidated financial statements and related notes as of
December  31,  2003  and 2002 and for each of the years in the three year period
ended  December 31, 2003 should be read in conjunction with this review. Amounts
in  prior  period  consolidated  financial  statements are reclassified whenever
necessary  to  conform  to  the  2003  presentation.
     The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  requires
management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions, in the application of certain
accounting  policies, about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Those  estimates  and assumptions affect the reported amounts of certain assets,
liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses. Different amounts could be reported under
different  conditions,  or if different assumptions were used in the application
of  these  accounting  policies.
     The  business  of the Company is providing commercial banking and financial
services  through its subsidiaries. The Company's primary market area is central
and  upstate  New  York and northeastern Pennsylvania. The Company has been, and
intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a
variety  of  financial  services. The Company's principle business is attracting
deposits  from  customers  within  its  market  area  and  investing those funds
primarily  in  loans  and  leases,  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  in  marketable
securities.  The  financial  condition  and operating results of the Company are
dependent  on  its  net  interest  income  which  is  the difference between the
interest  and  dividend  income  earned  on  its earning assets and the interest
expense  paid  on  its  interest  bearing  liabilities,  primarily consisting of
deposits  and borrowings. Net income is also affected by provisions for loan and
lease  losses  and  noninterest  income,  such  as  service  charges  on deposit
accounts,  broker/dealer  fees,  trust  fees,  and  gains/losses


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               11


on  securities  sales;  it  is  also  impacted  by  noninterest expense, such as
salaries  and employee benefits, data processing, communications, occupancy, and
equipment.
     The  Company's  results of operations are significantly affected by general
economic  and  competitive  conditions  (particularly changes in market interest
rates),  government  policies,  changes  in accounting standards, and actions of
regulatory  agencies.  Future  changes  in  applicable  laws,  regulations,  or
government  policies  may  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company.  Lending
activities are substantially influenced by the demand for and supply of housing,
competition  among  lenders, the level of interest rates, the state of the local
and  regional  economy,  and  the  availability  of funds. The ability to gather
deposits  and  the  cost  of  funds are influenced by prevailing market interest
rates,  fees  and  terms  on  deposit  products,  as well as the availability of
alternative  investments  including  mutual  funds  and  stocks.


CRITICAL  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES

Management  of  the  Company  considers  the  accounting  policy relating to the
allowance for loan and lease losses to be a critical accounting policy given the
uncertainty  in  evaluating  the level of the allowance required to cover credit
losses  inherent  in  the  loan and lease portfolio and the material effect that
such judgments can have on the results of operations. While management's current
evaluation  of  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses indicates that the
allowance  is adequate, under adversely different conditions or assumptions, the
allowance  would need to be increased. For example, if historical loan and lease
loss  experience  significantly  worsened  or  if  current  economic  conditions
significantly  deteriorated,  additional  provisions  for  loan and lease losses
would  be  required  to increase the allowance. In addition, the assumptions and
estimates  used in the internal reviews of the Company's nonperforming loans and
potential  problem loans has a significant impact on the overall analysis of the
adequacy  of  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease losses. While management has
concluded  that  the current evaluation of collateral values is reasonable under
the  circumstances,  if  collateral  values  were  significantly  lowered,  the
Company's  allowance  for  loan  and  lease policy would also require additional
provisions  for  loan  and  lease  losses.
     The  Company's  policy  on  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease losses is
disclosed  in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. A more detailed
description  of the allowance for loan and lease losses is included in the "Risk
Management"  section  of  this Form 10-K. All accounting policies are important,
and  as  such,  the Company encourages the reader to review each of the policies
included  in  note  1  to  obtain  a  better  understanding on how the Company's
financial  performance  is  reported.


FORWARD  LOOKING  STATEMENTS

Certain  statements  in  this  filing and future filings by the Company with the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  in the Company's press releases or other
public  or  shareholder  communications,  or  in  oral  statements made with the
approval of an authorized executive officer, contain forward-looking statements,
as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements may
be  identified  by the use of phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect,"
"forecasts,"  "projects,"  "will,"  "can," "would," "should," "could," "may," or
other similar terms. There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the
Company's  control  that  could  cause  actual results to differ materially from
those  contemplated  by  the  forward looking statements. Factors that may cause
actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  contemplated  by  such
forward-looking  statements  include, among others, the following possibilities:
(1)  competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may
increase  significantly; (2) revenues may be lower than expected; (3) changes in
the  interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; (4) general economic
conditions,  either  nationally  or  regionally,  may  be  less  favorable  than
expected,  resulting  in,  among other things, a deterioration in credit quality
and/or  a  reduced  demand  for  credit;  (5) legislative or regulatory changes,
including  changes  in accounting standards or tax laws may adversely affect the
businesses  in  which  the  Company  is engaged; (6) deposit attrition, customer
loss,  or  revenue loss following recent mergers and acquisitions may be greater
than  expected; (7) competitors may have greater financial resources and develop
products  that  enable  such  competitors  to compete more successfully than the
Company;  and  (8)  adverse  changes may occur in the securities markets or with
respect  to  inflation.
     The  Company  cautions  readers  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  any
forward-looking  statements, which speak only as of the date made, and to advise
readers  that  various  factors,  including  but  not limited to those described
above,  could  affect  the  Company's  financial performance and could cause the
Company's  actual  results  or  circumstances  for  future  periods  to  differ
materially  from  those  anticipated  or  projected.
     Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically
disclaims any obligations to, publicly release any revisions that may be made to
any


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               12


forward-looking  statements  to  reflect  statements  to  the  occurrence  of
anticipated  or  unanticipated  events  or  circumstances after the date of such
statements.


OVERVIEW

The Company had net income of $47.1 million or $1.43 per diluted share for 2003,
compared  to  net  income  of $45.0 million or $1.35 per diluted share for 2002.
There  were  several factors driving the improvement in results in 2003 compared
to  2002.  Noninterest  income increased $6.3 million or 20% in 2003 compared to
2002.  This  increase  resulted from strong growth in service charges on deposit
accounts  and increases from trust revenue, broker/ dealer fees, Bank Owned Life
Insurance  (BOLI)  income,  and  other  income.  Offsetting  this  increase  in
noninterest  income was a decrease in net interest income of $2.4 million and an
increase  in  noninterest expenses of $2.1 million. The decrease in net interest
income  was  driven  primarily  by  the  decrease  in the Company's net interest
margin,  which  declined  from  4.43% for 2002 to 4.16% for 2003, primarily as a
result  of continued low market interest rates. The decline in margin was offset
somewhat  by  growth  in  average  earning assets of 5% driven primarily by loan
growth. Average loans and leases increased 6% in 2003 or $137.1 million compared
to  2002  average  loans. The increase in noninterest expense resulted primarily
from  increases  in salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expense, and other
noninterest  expense  offset  by  decreases  in  professional  fees  and outside
services  and  loan  collection and other real estate owned (OREO) expenses. The
provision  for  loan and lease losses remained relatively unchanged in 2003 from
2002,  as  improvements  in  credit  quality were offset by loan growth in 2003.
     The  Company had net income of $45.0 million or $1.35 per diluted share for
2002,  compared  to  net  income  of $3.7 million or $0.11 per diluted share for
2001.  The  improvement  in  2002  results over 2001 was due to several factors.
There  was  a  $22.9 million decrease in the provision for loan and lease losses
when compared to the same period in 2001. The increase in the 2001 provision for
loan  and  lease losses was due mainly to an increase in nonperforming loans and
charge-offs  during 2001, resulting mainly from the process of integrating loans
from recently acquired banks and weakening business conditions. The net interest
margin  improved  during  2002,  resulting  in  a  $8.9  million increase in net
interest  income over 2001. Noninterest income was up $7.4 million for 2002 when
compared  to 2001. Driving this increase was a decrease in net securities losses
of  $7.3 million in 2002 when compared to 2001, due to the sale and writedown of
several  high-risk  securities previously held by CNB during 2001. Additionally,
growth  in  noninterest  income  from  service  charges  on deposit accounts and
broker/  dealer  and  insurance revenue totaled $2.4 million in 2002 compared to
2001.  Offsetting  these increases was a $1.4 million gain on a sale of a branch
building  in  2001  compared  to no such gain in 2002. Noninterest expenses were
down  $23.4  million  in  2002  when  compared to 2001. This decrease was driven
primarily  by  three factors. First, there was a slight recovery of merger costs
of $0.1 million in 2002 compared to $15.3 million in merger charges in 2001 that
resulted  primarily  from  the  acquisition of CNB. Second, the stabilization of
residual  values  of  leased  automobiles  resulted  in  no  provision  for  the
other-than temporary impairment in residual values of leased automobiles in 2002
compared  to  a  $3.5  million  provision in 2001. Lastly, because of accounting
standards  that  became  effective  for  the  Company  in  fiscal  year  2002,
amortization  of  goodwill  and  unidentified  intangible  assets decreased $3.5
million  in  2002.  If  these accounting standards had been applied in 2001, the
decrease  in  the  amortization of goodwill and intangible assets would increase
diluted  earnings  per  share  by  $0.07  in  2001.


ASSET/LIABILITY  MANAGEMENT

The  Company  attempts  to  maximize  net interest income, and net income, while
actively managing its liquidity and interest rate sensitivity through the mix of
various  core deposit products and other sources of funds, which in turn fund an
appropriate  mix  of  earning assets. The changes in the Company's asset mix and
sources  of  funds,  and the resultant impact on net interest income, on a fully
tax  equivalent  basis,  are  discussed  below.
     The  following  table  includes  the condensed consolidated average balance
sheet,  an  analysis of interest income/ expense and average yield/rate for each
major  category  of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities on a taxable
equivalent basis. Interest income for tax-exempt securities and loans and leases
has  been  adjusted  to  a  taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory Federal
income  tax  rate  of  35%.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               13




================================================================================================================================
TABLE  1.  AVERAGE  BALANCES  AND  NET  INTEREST  INCOME
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2003                            2002                            2001
                                  -----------------------------   -----------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                                                               
                                     AVERAGE               YIELD/    Average               Yield/    Average               Yield/
(Dollars in thousands)               BALANCE     INTEREST   RATE     Balance     Interest   Rate     Balance     Interest   Rate
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS
Short-term interest bearing
   accounts                       $    3,225    $    80    2.48%  $   12,389     $  403    3.25%  $   11,324  $     569    5.02%
Securities available for
sale1                                984,620     46,313    4.70      947,042     56,586    5.98      933,122     61,857    6.63
Securities held to
maturity1                             90,601      4,657    5.14       92,981      5,620    6.04       99,835      6,644    6.65
Securities trading                       133          4    3.01          208          8    3.85        5,253        649   12.35
Investment in FRB and
FHLB Banks                            28,117        854    3.04       21,766        962    4.42       23,926      1,555    6.50
Loans and leases2                  2,474,899    159,827    6.46    2,337,767    167,917    7.18    2,312,740    188,053    8.13
                                   ---------    -------            ---------    -------            ---------    -------
Total earning assets               3,581,595    211,735    5.91    3,412,153    231,496    6.78    3,386,200    259,327    7.66
                                                -------                         -------                         -------
Other non-interest earning
assets                               270,928                         236,919                         240,725
                                  ----------                      ----------                      ----------
Total assets                      $3,852,523                      $3,649,072                      $3,626,925
                                  ==========                      ==========                      ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Money market deposit
accounts                          $  359,722  $   4,332    1.20   $  279,407  $   4,461    1.60   $  254,735  $   7,052    2.77
NOW deposit accounts                 411,236      2,340    0.57      382,562      3,488    0.91      348,964      5,032    1.44
Savings deposits                     523,571      4,542    0.87      479,312      6,887    1.44      427,102      9,385    2.20
Time deposits                      1,188,497     34,727    2.92    1,331,281     48,496    3.64    1,476,473     77,053    5.22
                                   ---------     ------            ---------     ------            ---------     ------
Total interest-bearing
deposits                           2,483,026     45,941    1.85    2,472,562     63,332    2.56    2,507,274     98,522    3.93
Short-term borrowings                190,332      2,171    1.14       87,039      1,334    1.53      123,162      5,365    4.36
Long-term debt                       360,928     14,762    4.09      334,479     15,736    4.70      259,583     13,615    5.24
                                   ---------     ------            ---------     ------            ---------     ------
Total interest-bearing
   liabilities                     3,034,286     62,874    2.07    2,894,080     80,402    2.78    2,890,019    117,502    4.07
                                                 ------                          ------                         -------
Demand deposits                      457,238                         419,744                         382,489
Other non-interest-
bearing
liabilities                           64,723                          56,293                          70,666
Stockholders' equity                 296,276                         278,955                         283,751
                                  ----------                      ----------                      ----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders'
   equity                         $3,852,523                      $3,649,072                      $3,626,925
                                  ==========                      ==========                      ==========
Interest rate spread                                       3.84%                           4.00%                           3.59%
                                                           ====                            ====                            ====
Tax equivalent net
interest income                                 148,861                         151,094                         141,825
Net interest margin                                        4.16%                           4.43%                           4.19%
                                                           ====                            ====                            ====
Taxable equivalent
adjustment                                        4,437                           4,274                           3,893
                                                -------                         -------                         -------
Net interest income                             144,424                         146,820                         137,932
                                                =======                         =======                         =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.   Securities  are  shown  at  average  amortized  cost. For purposes of these
     computations,  nonaccrual securities are included in the average securities
     balances.
2.   For  purposes  of  these computations, nonaccrual loans are included in the
     average  loan  balances  outstanding.

================================================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               14


NET  INTEREST  INCOME

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company's net interest income for 2003 was $148.9
million,  down  from  $151.1 million for 2002. The Company's net interest margin
declined  to 4.16% for 2003 from 4.43% for 2002. The decline in the net interest
margin  resulted  primarily  from  earning assets repricing downward faster than
interest  bearing  liabilities.  The  yield on earning assets decreased 87 basis
points  (bp), from 6.78% for 2002 to 5.91% for 2003. Meanwhile, the rate paid on
interest bearing liabilities decreased 71 (bp), from 2.78% for 2002 to 2.07% for
2003.  Additionally, historically low interest rates for residential real estate
increased  prepayments  and  refinancing  activity  during  2003,  which in turn
increased  amortization expense of  investment  security  premiums  related  to
mortgage-backed securities. Offsetting the decline in net interest margin was an
increase  in average earning assets of $169.4 million or 5%, driven primarily by
a $137.1 million increase in average loans. The following table presents changes
in interest income, on a FTE basis, and interest expense attributable to changes
in  volume (change in average balance multiplied by prior year rate), changes in
rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), and the net change in net
interest  income.  The  net change attributable to the combined impact of volume
and rate has been allocated to each in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts
of  change.



=================================================================================================
TABLE  2.  ANALYSIS  OF  CHANGES  IN  TAXABLE  EQUIVALENT  NET  INTEREST  INCOME
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      INCREASE (DECREASE)                 Increase (Decrease)
                                        2003 OVER 2002                      2002 over 2001
                             --------------------------------    --------------------------------
                                                                      
(In thousands)                VOLUME         RATE      TOTAL      Volume         Rate      Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term interest-
bearing accounts             $  (245)    $    (78)  $   (323)    $    50     $   (216)  $   (166)
Securities available for
sale                           2,170      (12,443)   (10,273)        911       (6,182)    (5,271)
Securities held to
maturity                        (141)        (822)      (963)       (438)        (586)    (1,024)
Securities trading                (2)          (2)        (4)       (373)        (268)      (641)
Investment in FRB and
FHLB Banks                       238         (346)      (108)       (130)        (463)      (593)
Loans and leases               9,485      (17,575)    (8,090)      2,015      (22,151)   (20,136)
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest income         11,084      (30,845)   (19,761)      1,973      (29,804)   (27,831)
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------
Money market deposit
accounts                       1,112       (1,241)      (129)        629       (3,220)    (2,591)
NOW deposit accounts             245       (1,393)    (1,148)        448       (1,992)    (1,544)
Savings deposits                 588       (2,933)    (2,345)      1,044       (3,542)    (2,498)
Time deposits                 (4,840)      (8,929)   (13,769)     (7,015)     (21,542)   (28,557)
Short-term borrowings          1,250         (413)       837      (1,256)      (2,775)    (4,031)
Long-term debt                 1,183       (2,157)      (974)      3,630       (1,509)     2,121
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest expense         3,737      (21,265)   (17,528)        165      (37,265)   (37,100)
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in FTE net
interest income              $ 7,347     $ (9,580)  $ (2,233)    $ 1,808     $  7,461   $  9,269
                             ====================================================================
=================================================================================================


LOANS  AND  LEASES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST  AND
FEES  ON  LOANS

The  average  balance of loans and leases increased 6%, totaling $2.5 billion in
2003  compared  to  $2.4  billion in 2002. The yield on average loans and leases
decreased  from  7.18%  in  2002  to 6.46% in 2003, as a declining interest rate
environment prevailed for much of 2003. Interest income from loans and leases on
a FTE basis decreased 5%, from $167.9 million in 2002 to $159.8 million in 2003.
The  decrease  in interest income from loans and leases was due primarily to the
decrease  in yield on loans and leases in 2003 of 72 (bp) when compared to 2002.
Total loans and leases increased 12% at December 31, 2003, totaling $2.6 billion
from  $2.4  billion  at  December 31, 2002. The increase in loans and leases was
driven  by  strong  growth  in residential real estate mortgages and home equity
loans.  Residential  real  estate mortgages increased $124.3 million or 21% from
$579.6  million  at


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               15


December  31,  2002  to  $703.9  million  at  December 31, 2003. The increase in
residential  real  estate  mortgages was driven by a combination of historically
low interest rates increasing the demand for the product and the integration and
centralization  of  the  mortgage  origination  function for the Company's three
divisional  banks  at  the  end  of  2002. Centralizing the mortgage origination
function  enabled  the  Company  to provide customers with efficient service and
competitive  products  while  strengthening  the Company's market presence. Home
equity  loans increased $67.0 million or 25% from $269.6 million at December 31,
2002  to  $336.5 million at December 31, 2003. The increase in home equity loans
was due again to the previously mentioned increased demand from the historically
low  interest rate environment combined with a strong product that has sold well
historically  in  the  NBT  bank  division.  The  Company  expanded its training
programs  for  the  sales  staff  of  its  Pennstar  and  CNB bank divisions and
experienced  strong sales of its home equity products in these newer markets and
maintained  strong  growth  within  its NBT bank division during 2003. All other
loan  categories  experienced  modest  increases  during  2003.
     The  following  table  reflects  the  loan  and  lease  portfolio  by major
categories  as  of  December  31  for  the  years  indicated:



=====================================================================================================
TABLE  3.  COMPOSITION  OF  LOAN  AND  LEASE  PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   December 31,
                           --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               
(In thousands)                                2003        2002        2001        2000        1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Residential real estate mortgages          $  703,906  $  579,638  $  525,411  $  504,590  $  521,684
Commercial and commercial real estate         954,024     920,330     958,075     948,472     755,393
Real estate construction and development       86,046      64,025      60,513      44,829      25,474
Agricultural and agricultural real estate     106,310     104,078     103,884      92,713      85,753
Consumer                                      390,413     357,214     387,081     357,822     320,682
Home equity                                   336,547     269,553     232,624     219,355     139,472
Lease financing                                62,730      61,094      72,048      79,874      76,002
                                          -----------------------------------------------------------
Total loans and leases                     $2,639,976  $2,355,932  $2,339,636  $2,247,655  $1,924,460
                                          ===========================================================


================================================================================
     Real estate mortgages consist primarily of loans secured by first or second
deeds  of trust on primary residencies. Loans in the commercial and agricultural
category,  as well as commercial and agricultural real estate mortgages, consist
primarily of short-term and/or floating rate loans made to small to medium-sized
entities.  Consumer loans consist primarily of installment credit to individuals
secured  by  automobiles  and  other  personal  property  including manufactured
housing.  Manufactured  housing loans totaled $29.1 million and $35.5 million at
December  31,  2003  and  2002,  respectively,  and  were 7.4% and 9.9% of total
consumer loans at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These decreases from
2002  to  2003  are  consistent  with  the  Company's plan to de-emphasize loans
secured  by  manufactured  housing.
     The Company's automobile lease financing portfolio totaled $62.7 million at
December  31,  2003  and  $61.1  million at December 31, 2002. Lease receivables
primarily  represent  automobile financing to customers through direct financing
leases and are carried at the aggregate of the lease payments receivable and the
estimated  residual  values,  net  of  unearned  income  and  net deferred lease
origination  fees  and  costs. Net deferred lease origination fees and costs are
amortized  under  the  effective interest method over the estimated lives of the
leases.  The  estimated  residual  value related to the total lease portfolio is
reviewed  quarterly, and if there has been a decline in the estimated fair value
of  the  residual  that  is  judged  by  management  to be other-than temporary,
including  consideration  of  residual  value  insurance,  a loss is recognized.
Adjustments  related  to  such  other-than-temporary  declines in estimated fair
value  are  recorded  with  other  noninterest  expenses  in  the  consolidated
statements  of income. One of the most significant risks associated with leasing
operations  is  the recovery of the residual value of the leased vehicles at the


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               16


termination of the lease. When a lease receivable asset is recorded, included in
this  amount  is  the  estimated  residual  value  of  the leased vehicle at the
termination  of the lease. At termination, the lessor has the option to purchase
the  vehicle  or  may  turn  the  vehicle  over  to  the  Company.
    The  residual  values included in lease financing receivables totaled $38.9
million  and  $42.8  million  at  December  31,  2003  and  2002,  respectively.
     The  Company  has  acquired residual value insurance protection in order to
reduce  the  risk  related  to  residual  values. Based on analysis performed by
management,  the  Company  has concluded that no other-than-temporary impairment
exists  which  would  warrant  a charge to earnings during December 31, 2003 and
2002.
     The  following  table,  Maturities  and  Sensitivities  of Certain Loans to
Changes in Interest Rates, are the maturities of the commercial and agricultural
and real estate and construction development loan portfolios and the sensitivity
of  loans  to  interest  rate  fluctuations  at  December  31,  2003.  Scheduled
repayments  are  reported  in  the  maturity  category  in which the contractual
payment  is  due.



===============================================================================================================
TABLE  4.  MATURITIES  AND SENSITIVITIES OF CERTAIN LOANS TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Remaining maturity at December 31, 2003
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Within   After One Year But
(In thousands)                                       One Year  Within five years   After Five Years  Total
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         
FLOATING/ADJUSTABLE RATE

Commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural,
   and agricultural real estate                     $ 426,721  $          105,363  $         28,134  $  560,218
Real estate construction and development               23,316               5,789               246      29,351
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
   Total floating rate loans                          450,037             111,152            28,380     589,569
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
FIXED RATE
Commercial, commercial real estate, agricultural,
   and agricultural real estate                       267,209             157,040            75,867     500,116
Real estate construction and development                   47               6,740            49,908      56,695
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
   Total fixed rate loans                             267,256             163,780           125,775     556,811
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                            $ 717,293  $          274,932  $        154,155  $1,146,380
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------------
===============================================================================================================


SECURITIES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST  AND  DIVIDEND  INCOME

The average balance of securities available for sale in 2003 was $984.6 million,
an  increase  of $37.6 million, or 4%, from $947.0 million in 2002. The increase
resulted  primarily  from  modest  leverage  during  2003.  The yield on average
securities  available for sale was 4.70% for 2003 compared to 5.98% in 2002. The
decrease  in  yield  for  2003 was due to several factors. The low interest rate
environment  prevalent  throughout 2003 resulted in lower yields as reinvestment
of  funds  from  maturities,  sales  and  paydowns  led to the purchase of lower
yielding securities. Additionally, the low rate environment fostered an increase
in  the  refinancing  of  residential real estate mortgages, which increased the
prepayment  speeds  of  mortgage-backed  security  investments  resulting  in an
increase  in  bond  premium  amortization in 2003. Lastly, to manage its risk to
rising  interest  rates,  the  Company  shortened the average life of securities
available  for  sale  by  increasing  its  investment  in  fifteen  and ten year
mortgage-backed  securities  and  lowering  its  exposure  to  thirty-year
mortgage-backed  securities.  At  December  31,  2003,  approximately  63%  of
securities available for sale were comprised of fifteen/ten year mortgage-backed
securities  and  10%  were  comprised  of  thirty/twenty  year  mortgaged-backed
securities.  At  December  31,  2002,  the  mix  was  50%  fifteen/ten  year
mortgage-backed  securities  and  18%  thirty/twenty  year  mortgaged-backed
securities.  In  the  event  of a rising rate environment, the Company should be
positioned  to  reinvest cashflows at a faster rate from shortening the expected
life  of  the  portfolio.
     The  average balance of securities held to maturity decreased slightly from
$93.0 million in 2002 to $90.6 million in 2003. At December 31, 2003, securities
held  to  maturity  were comprised primarily of tax-exempt municipal securities.
The  yield  on  securities  held  to  maturity  declined


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               17


from  6.04% in 2002 to 5.14% in 2003. The decline in yield was due mainly to the
previously mentioned low rate environment prevalent throughout 2003. Investments
in  FRB  and FHLB Banks increased to $28.1 million in 2003 from $21.8 million in
2002.  This  increase  was  driven primarily by an increase in the investment in
FHLB resulting from an increase in the Company's borrowing capacity at FHLB. The
yield  from  investments  in  FRB  and FHLB Banks declined from 4.42% in 2002 to
3.04%  in  2003. The decrease in yield resulted primarily from the suspension of
the October 2003 dividend by the FHLB as a result of capital concerns and credit
issues in the FHLB investment security portfolio. The FHLB has indicated that it
intends  to  pay  quarterly  dividends  in 2004 if the interest rate environment
remains  unchanged  at  a  rate  below  2%.
     The  Company  classifies  its  securities  at  date  of  purchase as either
available  for  sale,  held  to  maturity  or  trading.  Held  to  maturity debt
securities  are  those that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until
maturity.  Available  for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized
holding  gains  and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale
securities  are  excluded from earnings and are reported in stockholders' equity
as  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income or loss. Held to
maturity  securities  are  recorded  at  amortized  cost. Trading securities are
recorded  at  fair  value,  with  net  unrealized  gains  and  losses recognized
currently  in income. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at
fair value at the date of transfer. A decline in the fair value of any available
for  sale  or  held  to  maturity  security  below  cost  that  is  deemed
other-than-temporary  is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a
new  cost  basis  for  the  security.  Securities  with an other than- temporary
impairment  are  generally  placed  on  non-accrual  status.
     Non-marketable equity securities are carried at cost, with the exception of
small  business investment company (SBIC) investments, which are carried at fair
value  in  accordance  with  SBIC  rules.
     Premiums  and  discounts  are  amortized  or  accreted over the life of the
related  security  as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend
and  interest  income  are  recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on
securities  sold  are  derived  using  the  specific  identification  method for
determining  the  cost  of  securities  sold.
     The  Company recorded a $0.7 million and $8.3 million pre-tax charge during
2002  and  2001  related to estimated other-than-temporary impairment of certain
securities  classified  as  available for sale. The charges were recorded in net
security  gains  (losses) on the consolidated statements of income. The security
with  other-than  temporary  impairment  charges  at  December  31,  2003  had a
remaining  carrying value of $0.4 million, is classified in securities available
for  sale  and  is  on  non-accrual  status.
     The  following  table  presents the amortized cost and fair market value of
the  securities  portfolio  as  of  December  31  for  the  years  indicated:




ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               18




======================================================================================================================
TABLE  5.  SECURITIES  PORTFOLIO
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            As of December 31,
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        2003                    2002                     2001
                                               ---------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------
                                                                                            
                                                AMORTIZED       FAIR    Amortized         Fair    Amortized       Fair
(In thousands)                                       COST      VALUE         Cost        Value         Cost      Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury                                  $       58   $     59   $      502   $      514   $   12,392   $ 11,757
Federal Agency and mortgage-backed                843,777    849,686      810,784      833,940      524,101    530,613
State and Municipal, collateralized mortgage
   obligations and other securities               123,570    131,216      168,803      173,129      366,325    366,971
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total securities available for sale         $  967,405   $980,961   $  980,089   $1,007,583   $  902,818   $909,341
                                               =======================================================================
TRADING SECURITIES                             $       48   $     48   $      203   $      203   $      126   $    126
                                               =======================================================================
SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY
Federal Agency and mortgage-backed             $   11,363   $ 11,867   $   24,613   $   25,720   $   36,733   $ 36,623
State and Municipal                                85,437     86,305       56,021       56,917       64,715     64,715
Other securities                                      404        404        1,880        1,880          156        157
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------

   Total securities held to maturity           $   97,204   $ 98,576   $   82,514   $   84,517   $  101,604   $101,495
                                               =======================================================================
======================================================================================================================

     THE  FOLLOWING  TABLE  SUMMARIZES  THE  SECURITIES  CONSIDERED  TO  BE
OTHER-THAN-TEMPORARILY  IMPAIRED  (OTTI)  AT  THE  DATES  INDICATED:



===============================================================================================================
                                                           AT DECEMBER 31, 2003        At December 31, 2002
                                                       ---------------------------  ---------------------------
                                                          AMORTIZED      COST       Amortized Cost
(In thousands)                                         AND FAIR VALUE  OTTI CHARGE  and Fair Value  OTTI Charge
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        
SECURITY TYPE
Private issue collateralized mortgage obligation       $          395            -  $  1,122           $  660
                                                       ========================================================
===============================================================================================================


     The  cumulative  writedown  of  the  private  issue collateralized mortgage
obligation  at  December  31,  2003  totaled  $4.7  million.  There  were  no
other-than-temporary  impairment  writedowns  during  2003.  Included  in  the
securities  available  for  sale  portfolio  at  December 31, 2002, were certain
securities  (private  issue  CMO,  asset-backed  securities,  and  private issue
mortgaged-backed  securities) previously held by CNB. These securities contained
a  higher  level  of  credit  risk when compared to other securities held in the
Company's investment portfolio because they are not guaranteed by a governmental
agency  or  a  government  sponsored  enterprise  (GSE).  The  Company's general
practice is to purchase CMO and mortgagebacked securities that are guaranteed by
a  governmental  agency  or a GSE coupled with a strong credit rating, typically
AAA,  issued  by  Moody's  or  Standard  and  Poors.
     At  December  31,  2003,  the  Company  had  no exposure to these high-risk
securities,  as the remaining balance outstanding at December 31, 2002 were sold
during  the  year.
     At  December 31, 2002, the amortized cost and fair value of these high-risk
securities  amounted to $12.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively, down from
$38.7  million  and  $38.5  million,  respectively,  at  December  31, 2001. The
decrease  at  December  31,  2002,  when compared to December 31, 2001, resulted
primarily from sales and to a lesser extent principal paydowns. During 2002, the
Company  sold $22.4 million of these securities due to a continued deterioration
in  the  financial  condition  of the underlying collateral in 2002 related to a
certain  number  these  securities  as  well  as  the Company's goal of reducing
exposure  to  these  types  of  securities.   The  net loss  realized  from  the


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               19


sale  of  these securities was $7.4 million. Offsetting these  net  losses  were
net  gains  of  $7.3  million,  resulting  from the sale of approximately $187.0
million in other securities available for sale during 2002.


FUNDING  SOURCES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST  EXPENSE

The  Company  utilizes  traditional deposit products such as time, savings, NOW,
money  market,  and  demand  deposits  as  its primary source for funding. Other
sources,  such  as  short-term  Federal  Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances, federal
funds  purchased,  securities sold under agreements to repurchase, brokered time
deposits, and long-term FHLB borrowings are utilized as necessary to support the
Company's  growth in assets and to achieve interest rate sensitivity objectives.
The  average  balance  of interest-bearing liabilities increased $140.2 million,
totaling  $3.0  billion  in  2003  from  $2.9  billion in 2002. The rate paid on
interest-bearing  liabilities decreased from 2.78% in 2002 to 2.07% in 2003. The
decrease  in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, caused a decrease in
interest  expense  of $17.5 million, or 22%, from $80.4 million in 2002 to $62.9
million  in  2003.


DEPOSITS

Average  interest  bearing  deposits  increased  $10.5  million during 2003. The
increase  resulted primarily from increases in average NOW, Money Market Deposit
Accounts  ("MMDA"), and savings. The average balance of these core deposit types
increased  collectively $153.2 million or 13% during 2003 when compared to 2002.
The increase in core deposits resulted primarily from continued market expansion
and  the  migration of funds from time deposits. Average time deposits decreased
$142.8 million or 11% during 2003 when compared to 2002. The decrease in average
time  deposits  resulted  primarily  from  the  low  rate  environment prevalent
throughout  2003.  Additionally,  the  Company  did  not  price  time  deposits
aggressively in 2003, which contributed to the increase in core deposits as well
as  lead  to an increase in short-term borrowings. The average balance of demand
deposits  increased  $37.5 million, or 9%, from $419.7 million in 2002 to $457.2
million  in 2003. The ratio of average demand deposits to total average deposits
increased  from  14.5%  in  2002  to  15.6%  in  2003.
     The improvement in the Company's deposit mix noted above, combined with the
falling  interest  rate environment prevalent in 2003, resulted in a decrease in
the rate paid on interest bearing deposits of 71 bp, from 2.56% in 2002 to 1.85%
in  2003.  The rate paid on average time deposits decreased 72 bp, from 3.64% in
2002  to  2.92% in 2003. The decrease in the rate paid on average time deposits,
combined with the decline in the average balance of time deposits, resulted in a
$13.8  million  decrease  in  interest expense paid on time deposits, from $48.5
million  in  2002  to  $34.7  million  in 2003. The following table presents the
maturity distribution of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2003:



================================================================================
TABLE 6. MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF TIME DEPOSITS OF
100,000 OR MORE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                 DECEMBER 31, 2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            

Within three months                                            $         110,862
After three but within six months                                        114,737
After six but within twelve months                                       105,579
After twelve months                                                       22,592
                                                               -----------------
   Total                                                       $         353,770
                                                               =================
================================================================================



BORROWINGS

Average  short-term  borrowings  increased  from $87.0 million in 2002 to $190.3
million  in 2003. Consistent with the low interest rate environment during 2003,
the  average  rate  paid also decreased from 1.53% in 2002 to 1.14% in 2003. The
increase  in the average balance offset by the decrease in the average rate paid
caused  interest  expense on short-term borrowings to increase $0.8 million from
$1.3  million  in 2002 to $2.2 million in 2003. Average long-term debt increased
$26.4  million,  from  $334.5  million  in  2002  to $360.9 million in 2003. The
increases  in  long-term  debt and short-term borrowings resulted primarily from
loan  growth  exceeding  deposit  growth  in  2003.
     Short-term  borrowings  consist  of  Federal funds purchased and securities
sold  under repurchase agreements, which generally represent overnight borrowing
transactions,  and  other  short-term  borrowings, primarily FHLB advances, with
original  maturities of one year or less. The Company has unused lines of credit
and  access  to  brokered  deposits  available  for  short-term  financing  of
approximately  $544  million  and  $632  million  at December 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.  Securities  collateralizing  repurchase  agreements  are  held in
safekeeping by non-affiliated financial institutions and are under the Company's
control.  Long-term  debt,  which  is  comprised primarily of FHLB advances, are
collateralized  by  the


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               20


FHLB stock owned by the Company, certain of its mortgage-backed securities and a
blanket  lien  on  its  residential  real  estate  mortgage  loans.


RISK  MANAGEMENT-CREDIT  RISK

Credit  risk  is  managed through a network of loan officers, credit committees,
loan  policies,  and  oversight  from  the  senior  credit officers and Board of
Directors.  Management  follows  a policy of continually identifying, analyzing,
and  grading credit risk inherent in each loan portfolio. An ongoing independent
review,  subsequent  to  management's  review,  of  individual  credits  in  the
commercial  loan portfolio is performed by the independent loan review function.
These  components  of  the  Company's  underwriting and monitoring functions are
critical to the timely identification, classification, and resolution of problem
credits.


NONPERFORMING  ASSETS



======================================================================================================
TABLE 7. NONPERFORMING ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      As of December 31,
                                                    --------------------------------------------------
                                                                               
(Dollars in thousands)                                 2003      2002        2001      2000      1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONACCRUAL LOANS
Commercial and agricultural loans and
  real estate                                       $ 8,693   $16,980    $ 31,372   $14,054   $ 9,519
Real estate mortgages                                 2,483     5,522       5,119       647       618
Consumer                                              2,685     1,507       3,719     2,402     2,671
                                                    --------------------------------------------------
Total nonaccrual loans                               13,861    24,009      40,210    17,103    12,808
                                                    --------------------------------------------------
LOANS 90 DAYS OR MORE PAST DUE AND STILL ACCRUING
Commercial and agricultural loans and
  real estate                                           242       237         198     4,523     1,201
Real estate mortgages                                   244     1,325       1,844     3,042       641
Consumer                                                482       414         933       865       906
                                                    --------------------------------------------------
Total loans 90 days or more past due and
  still accruing                                        968     1,976       2,975     8,430     2,748
Restructured loans                                        -       409         603       656     1,014
                                                    --------------------------------------------------

Total nonperforming loans                            14,829    26,394      43,788    26,189    16,570
Other real estate owned                               1,157     2,947       1,577     1,856     2,696
                                                    --------------------------------------------------

Total nonperforming loans and other
  real estate owned                                  15,986    29,341      45,365    28,045    19,266
Nonperforming securities                                395     1,122       4,500     1,354     1,535
                                                    --------------------------------------------------

Total nonperforming loans, securities, and
  other real estate owned                           $16,381   $30,463    $ 49,865   $29,399   $20,801
                                                    ==================================================

Total nonperforming loans to loans and leases          0.56%     1.12%       1.87%     1.17%     0.86%
Total nonperforming loans and other
  real estate owned to total assets                    0.40%     0.79%       1.25%     0.78%     0.58%
Total nonperforming loans, securities, and
  other real estate owned to total assets              0.40%     0.82%       1.37%     0.82%     0.63%
Total allowance for loan and lease losses to
  nonperforming loans                                287.62%   152.18%     102.19%   124.07%   170.43%
======================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               21


The  allowance  for  loan and lease losses is maintained at a level estimated by
management  to  provide  adequately  for risk of probable losses inherent in the
current  loan  and  lease  portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and
lease  losses  is  continuously  monitored.  It is assessed for adequacy using a
methodology  designed  to  ensure the level of the allowance reasonably reflects
the  loan  and lease portfolio's risk profile. It is evaluated to ensure that it
is  sufficient  to absorb all reasonably estimable credit losses inherent in the
current  loan  and  lease  portfolio.
     Management  considers  the  accounting policy relating to the allowance for
loan  and  lease  losses  to  be a critical accounting policy given the inherent
uncertainty  in  evaluating the levels of the allowance required to cover credit
losses in the portfolio and the material effect that such judgements can have on
the  consolidated  results  of  operations.
     For  purposes  of  evaluating  the  adequacy  of the allowance, the Company
considers  a number of significant factors that affect the collectibility of the
portfolio.  For  individually  analyzed  loans,  these include estimates of loss
exposure,  which  reflect the facts and circumstances that affect the likelihood
of  repayment  of such loans as of the evaluation date. For homogeneous pools of
loans  and  leases, estimates of the Company's exposure to credit loss reflect a
current  assessment  of  a number of factors, which could affect collectibility.
These  factors  include:  past  loss  experience;  size, trend, composition, and
nature;  changes  in  lending  policies  and  procedures, including underwriting
standards  and  collection,  charge-offs  and  recoveries; trends experienced in
nonperforming and delinquent loans; current economic conditions in the Company's
market;  portfolio concentrations that may affect loss experienced across one or
more  components  of  the  portfolio;  the  effect  of  external factors such as
competition, legal and regulatory requirements; and the experience, ability, and
depth  of lending management and staff. In addition, various regulatory agencies
and  the  Company's  independent  auditors,  as  an  integral component of their
examination  process,  periodically  review the Company's allowance for loan and
lease  losses.  Such  agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to
the  allowance  based  on  their  examination.
     After a thorough consideration of the factors discussed above, any required
additions  to  the  allowance for loan and lease losses are made periodically by
charges  to the provision for loan and lease losses. These charges are necessary
to  maintain  the  allowance  at a level which management believes is reasonably
reflective  of  overall  inherent  risk of probable loss in the portfolio. While
management  uses  available information to recognize losses on loans and leases,
additions  to  the allowance may fluctuate from one reporting period to another.
These  fluctuations  are reflective of changes in risk associated with portfolio
content  and/or  changes  in  management's  assessment  of  any  or  all  of the
determining  factors  discussed  above.  Total  nonperforming  assets were $16.4
million  at  December  31, 2003, compared to $30.5 million at December 31, 2002.
Nonperforming  loans  totaled  $14.8  million  at  December  31,  2003,  down
significantly  from  the  $26.4  million  outstanding  at December 31, 2002. The
decrease  in  nonperforming  loans in 2003 resulted primarily from the Company's
successful  efforts  in selling certain large problematic commercial loans and a
group  of  nonperforming real estate mortgages at approximately their book value
during  the quarter ended March 31, 2003. Additionally, the Company continued to
workout  or  chargeoff  additional nonperforming loans for the remainder of 2003
without experiencing any significant migration of new nonperforming loans during
the  year.  As a result of the reduction in nonperforming loans during 2003, the
total  allowance for loan and lease losses is 287.62% of non-performing loans at
December  31,  2003 as compared to 152.18% at December 31, 2002. While loans and
leases  classified  as non-performing have a strong likelihood of experiencing a
loss,  substantially  all  nonperforming  loans  are  collateralized,  many to a
reasonably  high  percentage  of  the  outstanding  loan  balance.
     Impaired  loans,  which  primarily  consist  of nonaccruing commercial type
loans also decreased significantly, totaling $8.7 million at December 31, 2003
as  compared  to  $17.4  million at December 31, 2002. The related allowance for
these  impaired  loans is $0.2 million or 2.3% of the impaired loans at December
31,  2003  as  compared  to $0.5 million and 3.1%, respectively, at December 31,
2002.  At  December 31, 2003 and 2002 there were $7.5 million and $15.5 million,
respectively,  of impaired loans which did not have an allowance for loan losses
due  to  the  adequacy  of  their  collateral  or  previous  charge  offs.
     Total  net  charge-offs  for 2003 totaled $6.6 million as compared to $13.7
million  for  2002. The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans and leases was
0.27%  for  2003  and  0.58%  for  2002. The decrease in net charge-offs in 2003
resulted  from  the  reduction in nonperforming loans and an improvement in loan
quality.  However,  the  amount  provided  for  loan  and  lease losses for 2003
remained  relatively  unchanged  from 2002, as improvements in loan quality were
offset  by  strong loan growth. The provision for loan and lease losses exceeded
net  charge-offs  by  $2.5  million in 2003 while the ratio of the allowance for
loan  and  lease losses to total loans and leases decreased to 1.62% at December
31,  2003  from  1.70%  at  December  31,  2002.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               22




========================================================================================================
TABLE 8. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)                                     2003      2002      2001      2000      1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 
Balance at January 1                                    $40,167   $44,746   $32,494   $28,240   $26,615
LOANS AND LEASES CHARGED-OFF
Commercial and agricultural                               5,619     9,970    17,097     3,949     2,737
Real estate mortgages                                       362     2,547       783     1,007     1,165
Consumer*                                                 5,862     5,805     4,491     2,841     2,808
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
    Total loans and leases charged-off                   11,843    18,322    22,371     7,797     6,710
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
RECOVERIES
Commercial and agricultural                               3,185     3,394     1,063       503       367
Real estate mortgages                                       430       104       122       141       198
Consumer*                                                 1,601     1,172     1,004       739       874
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
    Total recoveries                                      5,216     4,670     2,189     1,383     1,439
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
Net loans and leases charged-off                          6,627    13,652    20,182     6,414     5,271
Allowance related to purchase acquisitions                    -         -       505       525         -
Provision for loan and lease losses                       9,111     9,073    31,929    10,143     6,896
                                                        ------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31                                  $42,651   $40,167   $44,746   $32,494   $28,240
                                                        ================================================
Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans and
    leases outstanding at end of year                      1.62%     1.70%     1.91%     1.45%     1.47%
Net charge-offs to average loans and
    leases outstanding                                     0.27%     0.58%     0.87%     0.31%     0.30%
<FN>
*  Consumer  charge-off  and recoveries include consumer, home equity, and lease
financing.
========================================================================================================


     Total  nonperforming  assets  were  $30.5  million  at  December  31, 2002,
compared  to  $49.9  million  at  December 31, 2001. Nonperforming loans totaled
$26.4  million  at  December 31, 2002, down significantly from the $43.8 million
outstanding  at  December  31, 2001. The $17.4 million decrease in nonperforming
loans  from  December  31,  2001  to December 31, 2002, was due to the Company's
successful  efforts  in  resolving certain large problematic commercial loans as
well as loan charge-offs. Nonaccrual commercial and agricultural loans decreased
$14.4  million,  from  $31.4  million  at December 31, 2001, to $17.0 million at
December  31,  2002.  The improvement in the Company's loan quality ratios are a
direct  result  of  the  actions  the  Company  took in 2001 to integrate credit
administration  functions  of  acquired  banks  into  the Company's conservative
credit culture. Based on the improved trends in loan quality noted above and the
decrease in net charge-offs in 2002 when compared to 2001 highlighted in Table 8
above,  the  Company  recorded  a  provision  for  loan and lease losses of $9.1
million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2002, down from the $31.9 million
provided  in  the  same  period  in  2001.
     The  Company's  strategic  focus on loan growth, particularly in commercial
lending, was also a focus of the banks acquired by the Company in 2001 and 2000;
CNB  Bank,  LA  Bank, N.A. and Pioneer American Bank, N.A. (see also Mergers and
Acquisition).  These acquired banks underwrote numerous commercial related loans
prior  to  merging  with  the  Company, based upon their respective underwriting
processes  and  analysis,  including  several  larger  credits  which  became
non-performing  in  2001.  Additionally,  CNB  Bank  significantly increased its
consumer  loan portfolio in recent years. Accordingly, the Company's loan growth
in  general, in particular the growth in higher credit risk loan types, combined
with  the  fact that the recently acquired banks appeared to have used generally
less  conservative  underwriting and monitoring standards increased the inherent
risk  of  loss  in  the  loan  and  lease  portfolio.
     As  the  Company's  loan and lease portfolio continued to grow and the loan
mix  continued  to  move  in the direction of higher credit risk loan types, the
economy  in  the  Company's  market  areas took a dramatic turn for the worse in
2001,  especially  in  the  second  half  of  2001.  This


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               23


sudden  economic down turn came at a particularly bad time for the Company given
the  growth  in  the  Company's  higher  credit  risk  loan types. The difficult
economic  environment  experienced  in the Company's market areas was consistent
with  what  has  been  experienced  by  the national economy throughout 2001 and
resulted  in,  among  other  things,  significant  reductions in many borrowers'
revenues  and  cash  flows as well as reduced valuations for certain real estate
and  other  collateral.  In  fact, certain large commercial relationships in the
Company's  portfolio  reported  significant  deterioration  in the later part of
2001,  primarily  due  to  the  difficult  economic  environment.
     During  2001, the Company completed the integration process with respect to
the  Pennstar banking division (formerly LA Bank, N.A. and Pioneer American Bank
N.  A.).  The Company's integration efforts with the recently merged CNB banking
division  was completed in 2002. The integration process included bringing these
banking  divisions'  credit  administration  practices  in  line with the Bank's
policies, adopting the Bank's credit risk grading system, and upgrading numerous
commercial  real  estate  and other collateral appraisals. At December 31, 2001,
the  credit  administration  function of the Pennstar and CNB banking divisions,
including  workout  and collections, was consolidated and standardized using the
Bank  model,  and  key  personnel  from  the Bank's commercial lending area were
installed  at  Pennstar  and  CNB  to  oversee  the  lending  operations  of the
respective  divisions.
     As  a  result  of the economic downturn, and the integration processes with
respect  to  acquired  banks discussed above, the Company performed an extensive
review  of its loan portfolio during 2001. This review focused on consistency in
the  identification  and classification of problematic loans and the measurement
of  loss  exposure  on  individual  loans,  especially in light of the generally
weakened  financial performance of borrowers caused by the economic downturn and
reduced  collateral  values.
     Non-performing  loans  increased from $26.2 million at December 31, 2000 to
$43.8  million  at  December  31, 2001. The vast majority, approximately 92%, of
nonperforming  loans  are in the non-accrual category. Within non-accrual loans,
all  loan types experienced significant increases, however, the largest increase
was  in  the  commercial  and  agricultural  loans.  Commercial and agricultural
non-accrual  loans,  increased  $17.3 million from $14.1 million at December 31,
2000  to  $31.4  million  at  December 31, 2001. Consumer non-accrual loans also
significantly  increased  from $2.4 million at December 31, 2000 to $3.7 million
at  December  31,  2001.
     As  a result of the reduction in nonperforming loans during 2002, the total
allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  was 152.18% of non-performing loans at
December  31,  2002  as  compared  to  102.19%  at  December  31,  2001.
     Impaired  loans,  which  primarily  consist  of nonaccruing commercial type
loans  and  all  loans  restructured  in  a  troubled  debt  restructuring, also
decreased  significantly,  totaling  $17.4  million  at  December 31, 2002 as
compared  to $32.0 million at December 31, 2001. The related allowance for these
impaired  loans  was  $0.5 million or 3.1% of the impaired loans at December 31,
2002  as  compared to $1.4 million and 4.4%, respectively, at December 31, 2001.
At  December  31,  2002  and  2001  there  were $15.5 million and $29.8 million,
respectively,  of impaired loans which did not have an allowance for loan losses
due  to  the  adequacy  of  their  collateral  or  previous  charge  offs.
     Total  net  charge-offs for 2002 totaled $13.7 million as compared to $20.2
million  for  2001.  The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.58% for
2002  and  0.87% for 2001. The decrease in net charge-offs in 2002 resulted from
the  reduction  in  nonperforming  loans  and  an  improvement  in loan quality.
However,  the  level  of net charge-offs experienced in 2002 was higher than the
Company's  net  charge-off  experience  prior  to  2001. The higher level of net
charge-offs  in 2002, resulted from the increase in nonperforming loans in 2001.
Net charge-offs in 2002 exceeded the 2002 provision for loan and lease losses as
a  result  of  the  Company  fully  reserving  certain  of the 2002 charge-offs,
primarily  related  to  nonaccruing  loans in 2001. As mentioned previously, the
provision  for loan and lease losses for 2002 totaled $9.1 million down from the
$31.9  million  provided  in  2001.
     The  following  table  sets  forth the allocation of the allowance for loan
losses  by  category,  as  well  as  the  percentage of loans and leases in each
category  to total loans and leases, as prepared by the Company. This allocation
is  based  on management's assessment of the risk characteristics of each of the
component  parts  of the total loan portfolio as of a given point in time and is
subject  to  changes  as  and  when the risk factors of each such component part
change.  The  allocation is not indicative of either the specific amounts of the
loan categories in which future charge-offs may be taken, nor should it be taken
as  an  indicator of future loss trends. The allocation of the allowance to each
category  does  not  restrict  the  use of the allowance to absorb losses in any
category.  The  following  table  sets forth the allocation of the allowance for
loan  losses  by  loan  category:


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               24




=================================================================================================================================
TABLE  9.  ALLOCATION  OF  THE  ALLOWANCE  FOR  LOAN  AND  LEASE  LOSSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         2003                   2002                   2001                   2000                   1999
                 -------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------

                            Category               Category               Category               Category               Category
(Dollars in               Percent of             Percent of             Percent of             Percent of             Percent of
thousands)      Allowance      Loans   Allowance      Loans   Allowance      Loans   Allowance      Loans   Allowance      Loans
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        
Commercial and
  agricultural   $ 25,502        67%    $ 25,589         71%   $ 34,682         85%   $ 20,510         72%   $ 14,115         62%
Real estate
  mortgages         4,699        11%       3,884         10%      1,611          4%      1,669          6%      2,506         11%
Consumer            9,357        22%       7,654         19%      4,626         11%      6,379         22%      6,270         27%
Unallocated         3,093         -        3,040          -       3,827          -       3,936          -       5,349          -
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total            $ 42,651       100%    $ 40,167        100%   $ 44,746        100%   $ 32,494        100%   $ 28,240        100%
                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=================================================================================================================================


     In  addition  to  the  nonperforming loans discussed above, the Company has
also  identified  approximately  $54.3  million  in  potential  problem loans at
December  31,  2003 as compared to $48.5 million at December 31, 2002. Potential
problem  loans  are  loans  that  are  currently  performing,  but  where  known
information  about  possible  credit  problems  of  the related borrowers causes
management  to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply
with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such
loans  as  non-performing  at some time in the future. At the Company, potential
problem  loans are typically loans that are performing but are classified by the
Company's  loan  rating system as "substandard." At December 31, 2003, potential
problem loans primarily consisted of commercial and agricultural real estate and
commercial  and  agricultural  loans.  At  December  31,  2003, there were eight
potential  problem  loans  that exceeded $1.0 million, totaling $27.2 million in
aggregate. Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions may
worsen  or  other  factors  which may impact borrowers and the potential problem
loans.  Accordingly,  there can be no assurance that other loans will not become
90  days  or  more  past  due,  be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or
require  increased  allowance  coverage  and  provision  for  loan  losses.
     At  December  31,  2003,  approximately  63.7%  of  the Company's loans are
secured by real estate located in central and northern New York and northeastern
Pennsylvania.  Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion
of  the  Company's  portfolio  is susceptible to changes in market conditions of
those areas. Management is not aware of any material concentrations of credit to
any  industry  or  individual  borrowers.

LIQUIDITY  RISK

Liquidity  involves  the ability to meet the cash flow requirements of customers
who  may  be depositors wanting to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance
that  sufficient  funds  will be available to meet their credit needs. The Asset
Liability  Committee  (ALCO)  is  responsible  for  liquidity management and has
developed  guidelines  which  cover  all  assets and liabilities, as well as off
balance  sheet  items that are potential sources or uses of liquidity. Liquidity
policies  must  also provide the flexibility to implement appropriate strategies
and tactical actions. Requirements change as loans and leases grow, deposits and
securities  mature,  and  payments  on borrowings are made. Liquidity management
includes a focus on interest rate sensitivity management with a goal of avoiding
widely  fluctuating  net  interest  margins through periods of changing economic
conditions.
     The  primary liquidity measurement the Company utilizes is called the Basic
Surplus  which  captures  the adequacy of its access to reliable sources of cash
relative  to  the  stability  of  its  funding  mix of average liabilities. This
approach  recognizes  the  importance of balancing levels of cash flow liquidity
from  short-  and  long-term  securities  with  the  availability  of dependable
borrowing  sources  which  can be accessed when necessary. At December 31, 2003,
the  Company's  Basic  Surplus  measurement  was  8.9%  of  total assets or $359
million,  which  was above the Company's minimum of 5% or $202 million set forth
in  its  liquidity  policies.
     This  Basic  Surplus  approach  enables  the  Company  to adequately manage
liquidity  from  both operational and contingency perspectives. By tempering the
need  for  cash  flow  liquidity  with  reliable  borrowing  facilities,  the


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               25


Company  is  able  to  operate with a more fully invested and, therefore, higher
interest  income generating, securities portfolio. The makeup and term structure
of  the  securities portfolio is, in part, impacted by the overall interest rate
sensitivity  of  the  balance  sheet.  Investment  decisions and deposit pricing
strategies  are  impacted  by  the liquidity position. At December 31, 2003, the
Company  considered  its  Basic  Surplus  adequate  to  meet  liquidity  needs.
     A significant improvement in the economy, may lead to an increase in demand
for  loan  products  as  well  as  an  increase in the demand for equity related
products,  which  in  turn,  could result in a decrease in the Company's deposit
base or result in loan growth exceeding deposit growth. This scenario could lead
to a decrease in its basic surplus measure below the minimum policy level of 5%.
To  manage  this  risk,  the  Company  has the ability to purchase brokered time
deposits, established borrowing facilities with other banks (Federal funds), and
has  the  ability to enter into repurchase agreements with investment companies.
The  additional  liquidity  that could be provided by these measures amounted to
$503  million  at  December  31,  2003.
     At  December 31, 2003, a portion of the Company's loans and securities were
pledged  as collateral on borrowings. Therefore, future growth of earning assets
will  depend  upon  the  Company's ability to obtain additional funding, through
growth  of  core deposits and collateral management, and may require further use
of  brokered  time  deposits,  or  other  higher  cost  borrowing  arrangements.
     Net  cashflows  provided  by  operating activities totaled $44.6 million in
2003 and $60.9 million in 2002. The critical elements of net operating cashflows
include  net  income,  provision for loan and lease losses, and depreciation and
amortization.  Cash  provided by opreating activities declined in 2003 primarily
from  the  purchase  of  $30.0  million  in  Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI").
     Net  cash  used  in investing activities totaled $307.8 million in 2003 and
$132.0  million  in 2002. Critical elements of investing activities are loan and
investment securities transactions. The increase in investing activities in 2003
was  due  primarily  to  the  net  increase  in  loans  of  $297.0  million.
     Net  cashflows  provided  by financing activities totaled $266.6 million in
2003  and  $65.8  million in 2002. The critical elements of financing activities
are  proceeds  from  deposits,  long-term debt, short-term borrowings, and stock
issuances.  In  addition,  financing  activities  are  impacted by dividends and
treasury stock transactions. The Company increased short-term borrowings to fund
loan  growth  because  of  their lower cost compared to time deposits. Deposits,
which  are  also  used  as  a  primary  funding  source, grew $66.0 million from
increases  in  demand  deposits, NOW, MMDA and savings due primarily to internal
growth  and  a  migration  of time deposits which experienced a decline in 2003.
     In  connection with its financing and operating activities, the Company has
entered  into certain contractual obligations. The Company's future minimum cash
payments,  excluding  interest,  associated  with  its  contractual  obligations
pursuant  to  its borrowing agreements and operating leases at December 31, 2003
are  as  follows:



================================================================================================================================
                                                                               Payments Due by Period
                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Contractual Obligations
(In thousands)                                                 2004       2005     2006     2007     2008   Thereafter     Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
Short-term debt obligations                                $302,931    $     -  $     -  $     -  $     -  $         -  $302,931
Long-term debt obligations                                   30,000     65,000   25,000   10,000   90,441      149,259   369,700
Operating lease obligations                                   2,057      1,596    1,420    1,220      840        4,427    11,560
                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total contractual obligations                              $334,988    $66,596  $26,420  $11,220  $91,281  $   153,686  $684,191
                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
See  Notes 7, 10, and 11 to the consolidated financial statements for additional
discussion  of  these  obligations.
================================================================================================================================


OFF-BALANCE  SHEET  RISK  COMMITMENTS  TO  EXTEND  CREDIT

The  Company  makes contractual commitments to extend credit and unused lines of
credit  which  are  subject  to  the  Company's  credit  approval and monitoring
procedures.  At  December 31, 2003 and 2002, commitments to extend credit in the
form  of loans, including unused lines of credit, amounted to $473.0 million and
$409.1  million,  respectively.  In  the  opinion  of  management,  there are no
material  commitments  to  extend credit, including unused lines of credit, that
represent  unusual risks. All commitments to extend credit in the form of loans,
including  -  unused  lines  of  credit  expire  within  one  year.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               26


STAND-BY  LETTERS  OF  CREDIT

In  November  2002,  the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB
Interpretation  No.  45  (FIN  No.  45),  "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure
Requirements  for  Guarantees,  Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of
Others;  an  Interpretation of FASBStatements Nos. 5, 57, and 107 and rescission
of  FASB Interpretation No. 34." FIN No. 45 requires certain new disclosures and
potential  liability-recognition  for  the  fair value at issuance of guarantees
that  fall  within  its  scope. Under FIN No. 45, the Company does not issue any
guarantees  that  would  require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than
its  stand-by  letters  of  credit.
     The  Company  guarantees  the  obligations  or  performance of customers by
issuing  stand-by  letters of credit to third parties. These stand-by letters of
credit  are  frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate
debt  issuances,  industrial  revenue  bonds, and municipal securities. The risk
involved  in  issuing  stand-by letters of credit is essentially the same as the
credit  risk  involved  in  extending loan facilities to customers, and they are
subject  to  the  same  credit origination, portfolio maintenance and management
procedures  in  effect  to  monitor other credit and off-balance sheet products.
Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused;
therefore,  the  total  amounts  do  not  necessarily  represent  future  cash
requirements.  At  December  31,  2003 and 2002, outstanding stand-by letters of
credit  were  approximately  $17.1  million and $24.7 million, respectively. The
fair  value of the Company's stand-by letters of credit at December 31, 2003 and
2002  was  not  significant.  The  following  table  sets  forth  the commitment
expiration  period  for  stand-by  letters  of  credit  at  December  31,  2003:

================================================================================
Commitment Expiration of Stand-by letters of Credit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within on year                                                  $ 5,445
After but within three years                                      6,518
After three but within five years                                 5,089
                                                                -------
   Total                                                        $17,052
                                                                -------
================================================================================


LOANS  SERVICED  FOR  OTHERS  AND  LOANS  SOLD  WITH  RECOURSE

The  total  amount  of loans serviced by the Company for unrelated third parties
was approximately $66.4 million and $77.2 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.  At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company serviced $23.2 million
and  $15.0 million, respectively, of loans sold with recourse. Due to collateral
on  these  loans,  no  reserve  is considered necessary at December 31, 2003 and
2002.


RELATED  PARTY  TRANSACTIONS

In  the  ordinary  course  of business, the Company has made loans at prevailing
rates and terms to directors, officers, and other related parties. Such loans,
in  management's  opinion,  do  not  present  more  than  the  normal  risk  of
collectibility  or  incorporate other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount
of loans outstanding to qualifying related parties at December 31, 2003 and 2002
were  $16.1  million  and  $17.0  million,  respectively.
     The  law  firm  of Kowalczyk, Tolles, Deery and Johnston, of which Director
Andrew S. Kowalczyk, Jr., is a partner, provided legal services in the amount of
$109,427  to  us  and  NBT  Bank in 2003. The law firms of Harris Beach LLP, and
Oliver,  Price, & Rhodes, of which Directors William L. Owens and Paul D. Horger
are  partners,  provide  legal  services  to  us from time to time. Payments for
services  provided  by Directors Owens and Horger, did not exceed $60,000 during
2003. Services from these firms were provided in the ordinary course of business
and  at  market  terms.


CAPITAL  RESOURCES

Consistent  with  its  goal  to  operate  a  sound  and  profitable  financial
institution,  the  Company  actively  seeks  to  maintain  a  "well-capitalized"
institution  in  accordance  with  regulatory standards. The principal source of
capital to the Company is earnings retention. The Company's capital measurements
are in excess of both regulatory minimum guidelines and meet the requirements to
be  considered  well  capitalized.
     The  Company's  principal  source  of  funds to pay interest on its capital
securities  and  pay  cash  dividends  to its shareholders is dividends from its
subsidiaries.  Various laws and regulations restrict the ability of banks to pay
dividends  to  their  shareholders.  Generally,  the payment of dividends by the
Company  in  the  future  as  well  as  the  payment  of interest on the capital
securities  will  require  the  generation  of sufficient future earnings by its
subsidiaries.
     The  Bank  also  is  subject  to substantial regulatory restrictions on its
ability to pay dividends to the Company. Under OCC regulations, the Bank may not
pay a dividend, without prior OCC approval, if the total amount of all dividends
declared  during  the  calendar  year,  including


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               27


the  proposed dividend, exceed the sum of its retained net income to date during
the  calendar  year and its retained net income over the preceding two years. At
December 31, 2003, approximately $28.9 million of the total stockholders' equity
of  the  Bank  was  available  for  payment  of dividends to the Company without
approval  by the OCC. The Bank's ability to pay dividends also is subject to the
Bank  being  in  compliance  with  regulatory  capital requirements. The Bank is
currently  in  compliance  with  these  requirements.


STOCK  REPURCHASE  PLAN

On July 22, 2002, the Company announced that it intended to repurchase up to one
million  shares  (approximately 3%) of its outstanding common stock from time to
time  in  open  market  and  privately  negotiated  transactions.  Since  the
announcement  of  the  Stock Repurchase Plan, the Company repurchased a total of
844,946 shares at an average price of $17.54 per share. Total cash allocated for
these  repurchases  during  this period was $14.8 million. For 2003, the Company
repurchased  369,313  shares  at  an  average  price  of  $17.57  per  share.
     On  April 28, 2003, the Company announced that it intended to repurchase up
to an additional one million shares (approximately 3%) of its outstanding common
stock  from  time  to time in open market and privately negotiated transactions.
Currently  there  are  155,054 shares remaining under the previous authorization
that  will  be  repurchased  prior  to  the  commencement  of  the  new program.


NONINTEREST  INCOME

Noninterest  income  is  a  significant source of revenue for the Company and an
important  factor  in  the  Company's results of operations. The following table
sets  forth  information  by  category  of  noninterest  income  for  the  years
indicated:




============================================================================================
                                                                  Years ended December 31,
                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                           
(In thousands)                                                      2003     2002      2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service charges on deposit accounts                              $15,833  $13,875   $12,756
Broker/dealer and insurance revenue                                6,869    5,780     4,500
Trust                                                              4,041    3,226     3,958
Bank Owned Life Insurance                                            815        -         -
Other                                                             10,045    9,053     9,245
                                                                 ---------------------------
Total before net securities and a gain on sale of building        37,603   31,934    30,459
Net securities gains (losses)                                        175     (413)   (7,692)
Gain on sale of building                                               -        -     1,367
                                                                 ---------------------------

   Total                                                         $37,778  $31,521   $24,134
                                                                 ---------------------------
============================================================================================



     Noninterest  income  before securities losses increased $5.7 million or 18%
to $37.6 million for 2003 from $31.9 million for 2002. Fees from service charges
on  deposit  accounts  increased  $2.0  million or 14% for 2003 when compared to
2002,  primarily  from  an  increase  in  core deposits and pricing adjustments.
Broker/dealer and insurance fees increased $1.1 million, primarily driven by the
initiative  implemented  at  the end of 2002 to offer financial service products
throughout  the  Company's  111  branch  network.  Trust  revenue increased $0.8
million  or  25%  in  2003, primarily from growth in assets under management and
increased estate fees. Other income increased $1.0 million or 11%, in 2003, from
strong  growth  in  ATM  and  other  consumer  banking  fee  income.
     The  Company  purchased  $30  million in BOLI in June 2003. BOLI represents
life  insurance  on  the  lives  of  certain  employees  who  are  deemed  to be
significant  contributors  to the Company. All employees in the policy are aware
of  and  have  consented  to  the  coverage.  Increases in the cash value of the
policies,  as  well  as insurance proceeds that may be received, are recorded in
other  noninterest  income,  and  are  not  subject to income taxes. The Company
reviewed  the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase
of  BOLI  and will do so annually thereafter. Total BOLI income was $0.8 million
for  2003. Net securities gains stemming primarily from the call of certain debt
securities  totaled  $0.2 million in 2003 compared to a $0.4 million net loss in
2002  which  resulted primarily from a charge taken for the other-than-temporary
impairment  of  a  certain  security  totaling  $0.7  million.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               28


NONINTEREST  EXPENSE

Noninterest  expenses  are  also an important factor in the Company's results of
operations.  The  following table sets forth the major components of noninterest
expense  for  the  years  indicated:



=============================================================================================================
                                                                                  Years ended December 31,
                                                                              -------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                     2003       2002       2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            
Salaries and employee benefits                                                $  49,560   $ 48,212   $ 48,419
Occupancy                                                                         9,328      8,333      8,704
Equipment                                                                         7,627      7,066      7,228
Data processing and communications                                               10,752     10,593     10,690
Professional fees and outside services                                            5,433      6,589      6,338
Office supplies and postage                                                       4,216      4,446      4,639
Amortization of intangible assets                                                   620        774        685
Amortization of unidentifiable intangible assets and goodwill                         -          -      3,563
Capital securities                                                                  732        839      1,278
Residual value lease losses                                                           -          -      3,529
Loan collection and other real estate owned                                       1,840      2,846      2,117
Other                                                                            14,409     12,757     11,221
Merger, acquisition and reorganization costs                                          -          -     15,322
Certain deposit overdraft write-offs                                                  -          -      2,125
                                                                              -------------------------------
Total noninterest expense                                                     $ 104,517   $102,455   $125,858
                                                                              -------------------------------
=============================================================================================================


     Total  noninterest expense increased $2.1 million or 2% from $102.5 million
in  2002 to $104.5 million in 2003. Salaries and benefits increased $1.3 million
or 3% in 2003 from increases in salaries of $2.0 million, incentive compensation
of  $0.9 million, and medical insurance of $0.3 million offset by an increase in
loan  origination  deferrals  of  $2.0  million  and  a  decrease in pension and
postretirement  health  care costs of $0.4 million. The increase in salaries was
driven  primarily  by  merit  increases  and an increase in full-time equivalent
employees. Incentive compensation increased from increases in bonuses, financial
services  commissions  and  401(K)/ESOP contributions as the Company's focus has
shifted  to  a sales-driven culture. Occupancy expense increased $1.0 million or
12%  in  2003  from increases in depreciation and rent stemming from renovations
and  expansion at the Company's corporate headquarters as well as an increase in
seasonal  maintenance.  Equipment expense increased $0.6 million or 6%, from ATM
upgrades and increased depreciation for office equipment from renovations at the
Company's  corporate  headquarters  and  several  CNB locations. Other operating
expenses  increased  $1.7 million or 13% in 2003 from an $0.8 million charge for
the  write-down  of  nonmarketable  investment  securities  and  an  increase in
insurance expense of $0.6 million from higher premiums for property and casualty
insurance,  and  contingent  auto  liability  insurance.
     Offsetting  these increases were decreases in 2003 in professional fees and
outside  services  of  $1.2  million  and loan collection and OREO costs of $1.0
million.  The decrease in professional fees and outside services resulted from a
$0.4 million charge related to an adverse judgment against the Company in 2002,
legal  fees  of  $0.3  million  incurred during 2002 for the recovery of deposit
overdraft  writeoffs, and $0.4 million in professional fees for a tax project in
2002.  The decrease in loan collection and OREO costs resulted from gains on the
sale  of  OREO  and  a  decrease  in  nonperforming  loans.


INCOME  TAXES

In  2003,  income tax expense was $21.5 million, as compared to $21.8 million in
2002  and  $0.5  million  in  2001.  The Company's effective tax rate was 31.3%,
32.6%,  and  12.7%  in  2003,  2002, and 2001, respectively. The decrease in the
effective  rate in 2003 from 2002 resulted from an increase in tax exempt income
in  2003.  The  decrease  in  the  effective  tax rate during 2001 was primarily


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               29


the  result of lower net income before tax, which resulted in a greater benefit,
on  a  percentage  basis,  from  permanent  non-taxable items such as tax-exempt
interest.


2002  OPERATING  RESULTS  AS  COMPARED  TO  2001
OPERATING  RESULTS-NET  INTEREST  INCOME

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company's net interest income for 2002 was $151.1
million,  up  from  $141.8  million  for 2001. The Company's net interest margin
improved  to 4.43% for 2002 from 4.19% for 2001. The improvement in net interest
income  and  net  interest  margin  in 2002 were due primarily to three factors.
First,  the  Company  benefited from the decreasing rate environment in 2002, as
interest-bearing  liabilities  repriced  downward  at a faster rate than earning
assets. Secondly, there was a slight increase in average earning assets of $26.0
million or 1%, in 2002 when compared to 2001, driven primarily by loan and lease
growth.  Lastly, an improved deposit mix lowered interest expense, as lower cost
NOWs,  money  market,  and  savings  accounts  comprised  39%  of  average total
interest-bearing  liabilities  in  2002  compared  to  36%  in  2001.


LOANS  AND  LEASES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST
AND  FEES  ON  LOANS

The  average  balance of loans and leases increased 1%, totaling $2.3 billion in
2002  and  2001.  The  yield on average loans and leases decreased from 8.13% in
2001 to 7.18% in 2002, as a falling interest rate environment prevailed for much
of  2002.  Interest  income  from loans and leases on a FTE basis decreased 11%,
from  $188.1 million in 2001 to $167.9 million in 2002. The decrease in interest
income from loans and leases was due primarily to the decrease in yield on loans
and  leases  in  2002  of  95  bp  when  compared  to  2001.
     Total  loans  and  leases increased slightly at December 31, 2002, totaling
$2.4  billion  from  $2.3  billion  at December 31, 2001. The combination of the
Company's  focus on improving the credit quality of the loan and lease portfolio
and  sluggish  business  conditions  coupled  with  strong  competition  in  the
Company's  market  area  limited  loan  growth  opportunities for commercial and
consumer  loans  in 2002. However, residential real estate mortgages were $579.6
million  at  December  31,  2002, up $54.2 million or 10% from $525.4 million at
December  31, 2001. The increase in residential real estate mortgages was driven
primarily  by  the  historic  low  interest  rates  for  residential real estate
mortgages  which  led  to  an  increase  in  demand for the product in 2002. The
Company  continued its trend of strong growth for its home equity products. Home
equity  loans  totaled  $269.6 million at December 31, 2002, up $36.9 million or
16%  from  the $232.6 million outstanding at December 31, 2001. Commercial loans
and  commercial  real  estate  decreased  $37.7  million,  to  $920.3 million at
December  31,  2002  from  $958.1  million at December 31, 2001. The decrease in
commercial  loans  and  commercial  real  estate  was  driven  primarily  by the
Company's  focus  to  improve  the  credit  quality  of  this portfolio in 2002.
Additionally,  sluggish  business  conditions  and  strong competition in a weak
market  factored  into  the  decline  in  the  commercial  loan  and real estate
portfolio  in 2002 as well. Lastly, nonaccrual commercial and agricultural loans
and  real  estate  decreased  by $14.4 million, to $17.0 million at December 31,
2002  from  $31.4  million  at December 31, 2001. Consumer loans decreased $29.9
million  to  $357.2 million at December 31, 2002 from $387.1 million at December
31,  2001.  The  decrease in consumer loans resulted primarily from a decline in
revolving  personal  credit  and  loans  secured  by  recreational equipment and
manufactured  housing.


LEASE  FINANCING

In 2002, competitive pressure from large automakers combined with lower residual
values  on automobiles which results in higher lease payments making the product
less  attractive, resulted in a 15.2% decrease in outstanding lease financing at
December  31,  2002 when compared to outstanding lease financing at December 31,
2001.  During  2002,  values  for used vehicles stabilized, thereby lowering the
average  loss  on  turned-in  leased  vehicles  during 2002 when compared to the
levels  experienced  in  2001.  Accordingly,  there  was  no  provision  for the
other-than-temporary  impairment  in  residual  values  in  2002.


SECURITIES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST  AND
DIVIDEND  INCOME

The  average  balance of securities available for sale was $947.0 million, which
is  an  increase  of  $13.9  million,  or 1.5%, from $933.1 million in 2001. The
increase  resulted  primarily from the reinvestment of funds from maturities and
paydowns  from  securities held to maturity and trading securities. The yield on
average  securities  available  for  sale was 5.98% in 2002 compared to 6.63% in
2001.  The  decrease  in  yield,  resulted  in  a decrease in interest income on
securities  available  for  sale  of $5.3 million, from $61.9 million in 2001 to
$56.6  million  in  2002.  The  decrease  in  yield  was caused primarily by the
reinvest-


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               30


ment  of  funds  at  lower  rates in the declining rate environment in 2002. The
average  balance  of  securities held to maturity was $93.0 million during 2002,
which is a decrease of $6.9 million, from $99.8 million in 2001. The decrease is
primarily  a  result of proceeds from maturities and paydowns of securities held
to maturity reinvested in securities available for sale. The yield on securities
held to maturity was 6.04% in 2002 compared to 6.65% in 2001. Interest income on
securities held to maturity decreased $1.0 million, from $6.6 million in 2001 to
$5.6  million  in  2002.
     In  January  2002,  the Company had certain embedded derivative instruments
related  to  two  debt securities that have returns linked to the performance of
the  NASDAQ  100  index. Management determined that these debt securities do not
qualify  for  hedge  accounting under SFAS No. 133 (see Impact of New Accounting
Standards).  The  embedded  derivatives  have been separated from the underlying
host  instruments  for  financial  reporting  purposes and accounted for at fair
value.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2001, the Company recorded $0.6
million  of  net losses related to the adjustment of the embedded derivatives to
estimated fair value ($0.2 million of which was recorded on January 1, 2001 upon
the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  133),  which  was  recorded  in net gain (loss) on
securities  transactions  on  the  2001  consolidated  statement  of  income. At
December  31,  2001,  the total amortized cost and estimated fair value of these
two  debt securities was $6.2 million. The two debt securities were sold in 2002
at  amounts  approximating  their  carrying  values  at  December  31,  2001.


FUNDING  SOURCES  AND  CORRESPONDING  INTEREST
EXPENSE  DEPOSITS

The  average  balance  of  interest-bearing  liabilities  remained  relatively
unchanged,  totaling  $2.9  billion  in  2002  and  2001.  The  rate  paid  on
interest-bearing  liabilities decreased from 4.07% in 2001 to 2.78% in 2002. The
decrease  in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, caused a decrease in
interest  expense  of  $37.1  million,  or 31.6%, from $117.5 million in 2001 to
$80.4  million  in  2002.
     Average  interest bearing deposits decreased $34.7 million during 2002. The
decrease  resulted primarily from a decrease in time deposits of $145.2 million,
due  primarily  to  the  conscious  effort  to  allow runoff of some higher cost
municipal  time  deposits as well as the sale of a branch in February 2002 which
resulted  in the sale of $34.3 million in deposits. Offsetting this decrease was
strong growth in core deposits in 2002. The average balance of NOW, Money Market
Deposit  Accounts  ("MMDA"),  and  savings  comprised  46.2% of average interest
bearing  deposits  in  2002  compared  to  41.1% in 2001. The average balance of
demand deposits increased $37.3 million, or 9.7%, from $382.5 million in 2001 to
$419.7  million  in  2002. The ratio of average demand deposits to total average
deposits  increased  from  11.3%  in  2001  to  14.5%  in  2002.


BORROWINGS

Average  short-term  borrowings  decreased  from $123.2 million in 2001 to $87.0
million in 2002. Consistent with the decreasing interest rate environment during
2002,  the average rate paid also decreased from 4.36% in 2001 to 1.53% in 2002.
The  decrease  in  the average balance combined with the decrease in the average
rate  paid  caused  interest  expense  on short-term borrowings to decrease $4.0
million  from  $5.4  million  in 2001 to $1.3 million in 2002. Average long-term
debt  increased  $74.9 million, from $259.6 million in 2001 to $334.5 million in
2002.  The  increase  in long-term debt and the decrease in shortterm borrowings
and  time  deposits was a result of the Company limiting its liability sensitive
position  and  its  exposure  to  rising  interest  rates.


NONINTEREST  INCOME

Noninterest  income  before  securities  losses and a gain on sale of a building
increased  $1.5  million  or 5% to $31.9 million for 2002 from $30.5 million for
2001. Broker/ dealer and insurance fees increased $1.3 million, primarily driven
by  one of the Company's financial services providers, which began operations in
June  2001,  resulting  in  a full year of revenue totaling $1.6 million in 2002
compared  to  seven  months  of  revenue  in  2001  totaling  $0.6  million.
     Fees  from service charges on deposit accounts increased $1.1 million or 9%
for  2002 when compared to 2001, primarily from an increase in core deposits and
pricing  adjustments.  Offsetting these increases was a $0.7 million decrease in
trust revenue resulting primarily from declines in assets under management which
resulted  from  stock  market  declines in 2001 and 2002 and the level of estate
activity  in  2002  when  compared  to  2001.
     Net  securities losses totaled $0.4 million in 2002, down from $7.7 million
in 2001. The decrease in net securities losses in 2002 resulted primarily from a
decrease  in  charges  taken  for the other-than-temporary impairment of certain
securities  totaling  $8.3  million in 2001 as compared to $0.7 million in 2002.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               31


NONINTEREST  EXPENSE

Noninterest  expense  before  merger,  acquisition, and reorganization costs and
certain  deposit  overdraft  writeoffs, decreased $6.0 million to $102.5 million
for  2002  from  $108.4 million for 2001. Occupancy, equipment, office supplies,
postage, and data processing decreased in 2002 when compared to 2001, due mainly
to  efficiencies  realized from acquisitions in 2001 and 2000. Professional fees
and  outside  service  costs  in 2002 remained relatively consistent with 2001.
     Amortization  of unidentified intangible assets and goodwill decreased $3.5
million,  to  $0.8  million for 2002 from $4.2 million for 2001. The decrease in
amortization  of  unidentified  intangible assets and goodwill resulted from the
adoption  of  SFAS  No. 142 and SFAS No. 147 in 2002. Capital securities expense
decreased $0.4 million, to $0.8 million for 2002 from $1.3 million for 2001. The
decrease  in  capital securities expense is a result of the Company's guaranteed
preferred  beneficial  interests  in  Company's  junior subordinated debentures,
which  are  tied  to  a variable interest rate index (3-month LIBOR plus 275 bp)
that  was  much  lower  for  2002  when  compared  2001.
     Loan  collection  and  other  real  estate  owned  expenses  increased $0.9
million,  to  $3.0 million for 2002 from $2.1 million for 2001. This increase is
due primarily to the increase in nonperforming loans during 2001, which resulted
in  an  increase  in  collection  activity  and foreclosure costs during 2002. A
charge for the other-than temporary impairment for lease residual values totaled
$3.5  million  in  2001  versus  no such charge in 2002. Other operating expense
increased  $1.5 million to $12.7 million in 2002 from $11.2 million in 2001. The
increase  in  other  operating  expense  was  due  mainly  to  increases  in
contributions,  insurance  expense,  and  advertising  costs.


IMPACT  OF  INFLATION  AND  CHANGING  PRICES

The  Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  which  require  the  measurement of
financial  position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without
considering  the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due
to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increasing cost of the
Company's  operations.  Unlike  most industrial companies, nearly all assets and
liabilities  of  the  Company  are  monetary. As a result, interest rates have a
greater  impact  on  the  Company's  performance  than do the effects of general
levels  of inflation. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the
direction  of,  or  to  the  same  extent  as  the  price of goods and services.


ITEM  7A.  QUANTITATIVE  AND  QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURE  ABOUT  MARKET  RISK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest  rate  risk  is the most significant market risk affecting the Company.
Other  types  of  market  risk,  such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and
commodity  price  risk,  do  not  arise  in  the  normal course of the Company's
business  activities.
     Interest  rate  risk  is  defined  as an exposure to a movement in interest
rates  that  could  have an adverse effect on the Company's net interest income.
Net  interest  income  is  susceptible  to interest rate risk to the degree that
interestbearing  liabilities mature or reprice on a different basis than earning
assets.  When  interest-bearing  liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than
earning  assets  in  a  given  period, a significant increase in market rates of
interest  could  adversely  affect  net interest income. Similarly, when earning
assets mature or reprice more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling
interest  rates  could  result  in  a  decrease  in  net  interest  income.
     In  an  attempt  to  manage  the  Company's exposure to changes in interest
rates,  management  monitors  the  Company's  interest  rate  risk. Management's
asset/liability  committee (ALCO) meets monthly to review the Company's interest
rate  risk  position  and  profitability,  and  to  recommend  strategies  for
consideration  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  Management  also reviews loan and
deposit  pricing,  and the Company's securities portfolio, formulates investment
and  funding  strategies,  and  oversees  the  timing  and  implementation  of
transactions  to  assure  attainment  of  the  Board's  objectives  in  the most
effective  manner.  Notwithstanding  the Company's interest rate risk management
activities, the potential for changing interest rates is an uncertainty that can
have  an  adverse  effect  on  net  income.
     In  adjusting  the  Company's  asset/liability  position,  the  Board  and
management  attempt  to  manage the Company's interest rate risk while enhancing
the  net  interest  margin. At times, depending on the level of general interest
rates,  the  relationship  between  long-  and short-term interest rates, market
conditions  and  competitive  factors, the Board and management may determine to
increase the Company's interest rate risk position somewhat in order to increase
its  net  interest margin. The Company's results of operations and net portfolio
values  remain  vulnerable


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               32


to  changes  in  interest rates and fluctuations in the difference between long-
and  short-term  interest  rates.
     The primary tool utilized by ALCO to manage interest rate risk is a balance
sheet/income  statement  simulation  model (interest rate sensitivity analysis).
Information such as principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, cash flows,
next repricing date (if needed), and current rates is uploaded into the model to
create  an  ending  balance  sheet.  In addition, ALCO makes certain assumptions
regarding prepayment speeds for loans and leases and mortgage related investment
securities  along  with  any  optionality  within  the  deposits and borrowings.
     The model is first run under an assumption of a flat rate scenario (i.e. no
change  in  current  interest rates) with a static balance sheet over a 12-month
period. Three additional models are run in which a gradual increase of 200 bp, a
gradual  increase  of  200 bp where the long end of the yield curve remains flat
(the long end of the yield curve is defined as 5 years and longer) and a gradual
decrease  of  75  bp  takes  place  over a 12 month period with a static balance
sheet.  Under  these  scenarios,  assets  subject to prepayments are adjusted to
account  for  faster or slower prepayment assumptions. Any investment securities
or  borrowings  that  have  callable  options  embedded  into  them  are handled
accordingly  based  on  the interest rate scenario. The resultant changes in net
interest  income  are  then  measured  against  the  flat  rate  scenario.
     In  the  declining  rate  scenario,  net  interest  income  is projected to
increase  slightly  when  compared  to the forecasted net interest income in the
flat  rate  scenario through the simulation period. The increase in net interest
income  is  a  result  of  interest-bearing  liabilities repricing downward at a
faster  rate  than  earning  assets.  The inability to effectively lower deposit
rates  will  likely  reduce or eliminate the benefit of lower interest rates. In
the  rising  rate  scenarios,  net  interest income is projected to experience a
decline  from the flat rate scenario. Net interest income is projected to remain
at  lower  levels  than  in  a  flat rate scenario through the simulation period
primarily  due  to  a  lag in assets repricing while funding costs increase. The
potential  impact  on  earnings  is  dependent  on  the  ability  to lag deposit
repricing.
     Net  interest income for the next twelve months in the +200/+ 200 flat/- 75
bp  scenarios,  as described above, is within the internal policy risk limits of
not  more  than  a  7.5%  change  in  net  interest  income. The following table
summarizes  the  percentage  change  in  net  interest  income in the rising and
declining rate scenarios over a 12-month period from the forecasted net interest
income  in  the  flat  rate  scenario  using the December 31, 2003 balance sheet
position:

================================================================================
Table 10. Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in interest rates                                          Percent change
(In basis points)                                         in net interest income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+200 Flat                                                                (2.09%)
+200                                                                     (1.00%)
- -75                                                                       0.24%

================================================================================

     Under  the  flat  rate  scenario  with a static balance sheet, net interest
income  is  anticipated  to  increase approximately 1.3% from total net interest
income  for  2003.  The  Company  anticipates  under current conditions, earning
assets  will  continue  to  reprice  down at a faster rate than interest bearing
liabilities. However, the growth in loans experienced in the second half of 2003
should  minimize  the  impact  of  margin  compression.  In order to protect net
interest  income  from  anticipated net interest margin compression, the Company
will  continue  to  focus  on  increasing earning assets through loan growth and
leverage  opportunities.  However,  if  the Company cannot maintain the level of
earning  assets at December 31, 2003, the Company expects net interest income to
decline  in  2004.
     Currently,  the  Company  is  holding  fixed  rate  residential real estate
mortgages  in  its  loan  portfolio  and  mortgage  related  securities  in  its
investment  portfolio.  Two  major  factors  the  Company  considers  in holding
residential real estate mortgages is its level of core deposits and the duration
of  its  mortgage-related  securities  and  loans.  Current  core deposit levels
combined  with a shortening of duration of mortgage-related securities and loans
have  enabled  the  Company to hold fixed rate residential real estate mortgages
without  having  a  significant  negative  impact  on interest rate risk, as the
Company  is well matched at December 31, 2003. The Company's net interest income
is  projected  to  decrease  by 1.00% if interest rates gradually rise 200 basis
points.  From  December 31, 2002, we have reduced our exposure to 30- year fixed
rate mortgage related securities and loans by $41.9 million. Approximately 11.5%
of  earning  assets  were  comprised  of  30-year  fixed  rate  mortgage related
securities  and  loans  at  December  31,  2003,  down  from a ratio of 13.3% at
December  31,  2002. The Company closely monitors its matching of earning assets
to  funding  sources.  If  core deposit levels decrease or the rate of growth in
core deposit levels does not equal or exceed the rate in growth of 30-year fixed
rate  real  estate  mortgage  related  securities  or  loans,  the  Company will
reevaluate  its  strategy  and  may  sell  new  originations  of


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               33


fixed  rate  mortgages  in  the  secondary  market  or may sell certain mortgage
related securities in order to limit the Company's exposure to long-term earning
assets.


ITEM  8.  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  AND  SUPPLEMENTARY  DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MANAGEMENT'S  STATEMENT  OF  RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility  for  the  integrity,  objectivity,  consistency,  and  fair
presentation  of the financial information presented in this Annual Report rests
with  NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  management.  The  accompanying  consolidated financial
statements  and  related  information  have  been  prepared  in  conformity with
accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of America
consistently  applied  and  include,  where  required, amounts based on informed
judgments  and  management's  best  estimates.
     Management  maintains a system of internal controls and accounting policies
and  procedures  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  of  the  accountability and
safeguarding  of  Company  assets  and of the accuracy of financial information.
These  procedures include management evaluations of asset quality and the impact
of  economic  events,  organizational  arrangements  that provide an appropriate
segregation  of  responsibilities  and  a program of internal audits to evaluate
independently  the  adequacy and application of financial and operating controls
and  compliance  with  Company  policies  and  procedures.
     The  Board  of Directors has appointed a Risk Management Committee composed
entirely  of independent directors. The Risk Management Committee is responsible
for  recommending  to  the Board the independent auditors to be retained for the
coming  year. The Risk Management Committee meets periodically, both jointly and
privately, with the independent auditors, with our internal auditors, as well as
with  representatives  of  management,  to review accounting, auditing, internal
control structure and financial reporting matters. The Risk Management Committee
reports  to  the  Board  on  its  activities  and  findings.


/S/  Daryl  R.  Forsythe
- --------------------------------------------------------
Daryl  R.  Forsythe
Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer




/S/  Michael  J.  Chewens
- --------------------------------------------------------
Michael  J.  Chewens
Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               34

INDEPENDENT  AUDITORS'  REPORT




The Board of Directors and Stockholders of NBT Bancorp Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NBT Bancorp Inc.
and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated
statements  of  income,  changes  in  stockholders'  equity,  cash  flows,  and
comprehensive  income  for  each  of  the  years  in the three-year period ended
December  31,  2003.  These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the
responsibility  of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on  our  audits.
     We  conducted  our  audits  in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted  in  the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the
consolidated  financial  statements  are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and
disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant estimates made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a  reasonable  basis  for  our opinion.
     In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated financial statements referred to above
present  fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NBT Bancorp
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their
operations  and  their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended  December  31,  2003,  in  conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.
     As  discussed  in  Note  1  to  the  consolidated financial statements, the
Company  adopted  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill
and  Other  Intangible  Assets,"  as  of January 1, 2002, and as a result ceased
amortizing  goodwill.  Also as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements,  the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
147, "Accounting for Certain Acquisitions of Banking or Thrift Institutions," as
of October 1, 2002, and as a result reclassified certain unidentified intangible
assets  to  goodwill  retroactive  to  January  1,  2002.


/S/ KPMG LLP

Albany,  New  York
February  24,  2004


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               35




============================================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         December 31,
                                                                                               -----------------------------
(In thousands, except share and per share data)                                                           2003         2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks                                                                             $  125,590   $  121,824
Short-term interest bearing accounts                                                                     2,454        2,799
Trading securities, at fair value                                                                           48          203
Securities available for sale, at fair value                                                           980,961    1,007,583
Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value $98,576 and $84,517)                                  97,204       82,514
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                                        34,043       23,699
Loans and leases                                                                                     2,639,976    2,355,932
Less allowance for loan and lease losses                                                                42,651       40,167
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Net loans and leases                                                                              2,597,325    2,315,765
Premises and equipment, net                                                                             62,443       61,261
Goodwill                                                                                                47,521       46,121
Intangible assets, net                                                                                   2,331        2,246
Bank owned life insurance                                                                               30,815            -
Other assets                                                                                            66,150       59,711
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Total assets                                                                                     $4,046,885   $3,723,726
                                                                                               =============================

LIABILITIES, GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN COMPANY'S
   JUNIOR SUBORDINATE DEBENTURES, AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits
Demand (noninterest bearing)                                                                        $  500,303   $  449,201
Savings, NOW, and money market                                                                       1,401,825    1,183,603
Time                                                                                                 1,099,223    1,289,236
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Total deposits                                                                                    3,001,351    2,922,040
Short-term borrowings                                                                                  302,931      105,601
Long-term debt                                                                                         369,700      345,475
Other liabilities                                                                                       45,869       41,228
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Total liabilities                                                                                 3,719,851    3,414,344
                                                                                               -----------------------------
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company's junior subordinate debentures
   (capital securities)                                                                                 17,000       17,000
                                                                                               -----------------------------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par at December 31, 2003 and 2002. Authorized 2,500,000 shares
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares at December 31, 2003
   and 2002; issued 34,401,088 and 34,401,171 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively                  344          344
Additional paid-in-capital                                                                             209,267      210,443
Unvested restricted stock                                                                                 (197)        (127)
Retained earnings                                                                                      120,016       95,085
Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                                   7,933       16,531
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 1,592,435 and 1,751,724 shares                                      (27,329)     (29,894)
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Total stockholders' equity                                                                          310,034      292,382
                                                                                               -----------------------------
   Total liabilities, guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in Company's junior subordinate
   debentures, and stockholders' equity                                                             $4,046,885   $3,723,726
                                                                                               =============================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
============================================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               36



==================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          December 31,
                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                                
(In thousands, except per share data)                              2003           2002       2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST, FEE, AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Interest and fees on loans and leases                          $159,118     $  167,185   $187,188
Securities available for sale                                    43,851         54,404     60,241
Securities held to maturity                                       3,391          4,260      5,232
Other                                                               938          1,373      2,773
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Total interest, fee, and dividend income                     207,298        227,222    255,434
                                                               -----------------------------------

INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits                                                         45,941         63,332     98,522
Short-term borrowings                                             2,171          1,334      5,365
Long-term debt                                                   14,762         15,736     13,615
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Total interest expense                                        62,874         80,402    117,502
                                                               -----------------------------------
Net interest income                                             144,424        146,820    137,932
Provision for loan losses                                         9,111          9,073     31,929
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Net interest income after provision for loan losses          135,313        137,747    106,003
                                                               -----------------------------------

NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts                              15,833         13,875     12,756
Broker/ dealer and insurance revenue                              6,869          5,780      4,500
Trust fees                                                        4,041          3,226      3,958
Net securities gains (losses)                                       175           (413)    (7,692)
Gain on sale of branch building                                       -              -      1,367
Bank owned life insurance                                           815              -          -
Other                                                            10,045          9,053      9,245
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Total noninterest income                                      37,778         31,521     24,134
                                                               -----------------------------------

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits                                   49,560         48,212     48,419
Occupancy                                                         9,328          8,333      8,704
Equipment                                                         7,627          7,066      7,228
Data processing and communications                               10,752         10,593     10,690
Professional fees and outside services                            5,433          6,589      6,338
Office supplies and postage                                       4,216          4,446      4,639
Amortization of unidentified intangible assets and goodwill           -              -      3,563
Amortization of intangible assets                                   620            774        685
Merger, acquisition and reorganization costs                          -              -     15,322
Writedowns of lease residual values                                   -              -      3,529
Deposit overdraft write-offs                                          -              -      2,125
Capital securities                                                  732            839      1,278
Loan collection and other real estate owned                       1,840          2,846      2,117
Other                                                            14,409         12,757     11,221
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Total noninterest expense                                    104,517        102,455    125,858
                                                               -----------------------------------
Income before income tax expense                                 68,574         66,813      4,279
Income tax expense                                               21,470         21,814        542
                                                               -----------------------------------
   Net income                                                  $ 47,104     $   44,999   $  3,737
                                                               ===================================

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic                                                          $   1.45     $     1.36   $   0.11
Diluted                                                            1.43           1.35       0.11
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
==================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               37



=================================================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  
Years ended December 31,                                                                     Accumulated
2003, 2002, and 2001                               Additional    Unvested                          other       Common
(In thousands except share and           Common      paid-in-  restricted      Retained    comprehensive     stock in
per share data)                           stock       capital       stock      earnings    (loss)/income     treasury     Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31,
2000                                   $    332   $   195,422   $       -     $  88,921   $       (1,934)  $ (13,100)  $269,641
Net income                                    -             -           -         3,737                -           -      3,737
Cash dividends-$0.68 per share                -             -           -       (20,123)               -           -    (20,123)
Issuance of 1,075,366 shares to
   purchase First National
   Bancorp, Inc.                             11        15,991           -             -                -           -     16,002
Payment in lieu of fractional
   shares                                     -             -           -            (4)               -           -         (4)
Purchase of 727,037 treasury
   shares                                     -             -           -             -                -     (11,126)   (11,126)
Issuance of 223,515 shares to
   employee benefit plans and
   other stock plans,
   including tax benefit                      1        (1,529)          -             -                -       3,901      2,373
Retirement of 63,034 shares
   of treasury stock of
   pooled company                            (1)         (708)          -             -                -         709          -
Other comprehensive income                    -             -                         -            5,855           -      5,855
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2001                343       209,176           -        72,531            3,921     (19,616)   266,355
Net income                                    -             -           -        44,999                -           -     44,999
Cash dividends-$0.68 per share                -             -           -       (22,445)               -           -    (22,445)
Purchase of 624,333 treasury
   shares                                     -             -           -             -                -     (10,803)   (10,803)
Issuance of 25,298 shares to the
   employee stock purchase plan               -           315           -             -                -           -        315
Issuance of 53,460 shares for
   the exercise of incentive
   stock options                              -           550           -             -                -           -        550
Issuance of 69,752 shares in
   exchange for 40,687 treasury
   shares for the exercise of
   incentive stock options                    1           580           -             -                -        (581)         -
Issuance of 47,296 shares for the
   exercise of incentive and
   nonqualified stock options,
   including tax benefit                      -          (150)          -             -                -         868        718
Grant of 14,648 shares of
   Restricted stock awards                    -           (28)       (222)            -                -         250          -
Cancellation of 800 restricted
   stock awards                               -             -          12             -                -         (12)         -
Amortization of restricted
   stock awards                               -             -          83             -                -           -         83
Other comprehensive income                    -             -           -             -           12,610           -     12,610
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2002           $    344   $   210,443   $    (127)    $  95,085   $       16,531   $ (29,894)  $292,382
Net income                                    -             -           -        47,104                -           -     47,104
Cash dividends-$0.68 per
   share                                      -             -           -       (22,173)               -           -    (22,173)
Purchase of 369,313 treasury
   shares                                     -             -           -             -                -      (6,489)    (6,489)
Issuance of 41,980 shares in
   Exchange for 20,172 shares
   received as consideration
   for the exercise of incentive
   stock options                              -           360           -             -                -        (360)         -
Net issuance of 494,948 shares to
   employee benefit plans and
   other stock plans, including
   tax benefit                                -        (1,537)          -             -                -       9,212      7,675
Grant of 11,846 shares of
   restricted stock awards                    -             1        (203)            -                -         202          -
Amortization of restricted
   stock awards                               -             -         133             -                -           -        133
Other comprehensive loss                      -             -           -             -           (8,598)          -     (8,598)
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2003           $    344   $   209,267   $    (197)    $ 120,016   $        7,933   $ (27,329)  $310,034
                                       =========================================================================================
See  accompanying  notes  to  consolidated  financial  statements.
================================================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               38



====================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Years ended December 31
                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                                 
(In thousands, except per share data)                                  2003        2002        2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                      $    47,104   $  44,999   $   3,737
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Provision for loan losses                                             9,111       9,073      31,929
Depreciation of premises and equipment                                6,507       6,573       6,197
Net amortization (accretion on) securities                            4,806         210      (5,369)
Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets                          620         774       4,248
Amortization of restricted stock                                        133          83           -
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)                                 6,357       8,655      (6,333)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale                             8,886       6,676      16,570
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale                    (2,812)     (6,824)    (14,360)
Purchase of trading securities                                          (68)        (65)     (6,194)
Proceeds from sales of trading securities                               255           -      29,844
Net loss on disposal of premises and equipment                          166           -         164
Net losses (gains) on sales of loans held for sale                        -         105         (27)
Net security (gains) losses                                            (175)        413       7,692
Net gain on sales of other real estate owned                           (927)        (80)        (17)
Writedowns on other real estate owned                                     -           -         253
Gain on sale of branch building                                           -           -      (1,367)
Gain on sale of branch, net                                               -        (220)          -
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options                            1,294         199         327
Writedown of nonmarketable securities                                   620           -           -
Purchase of Bank Owned Life Insurance                               (30,000)          -           -
Net decrease (increase) in other assets                              (3,339)      1,273      (5,471)
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities                         (3,923)    (10,980)     (8,579)
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Net cash provided by operating activities                         44,615      60,864      53,244
                                                                ------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by acquisitions               10,594           -       9,509
Net cash paid in conjunction with branch sale                             -     (29,171)          -
Securities available for sale:
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns             458,295     382,285     335,280
Proceeds from sales                                                 206,754     217,471      43,318
Purchases                                                          (657,578)   (677,563)   (324,701)
Securities held to maturity:
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns              53,991      52,637      40,427
Purchases                                                           (68,752)    (33,645)    (26,121)
Net increase in loans                                              (296,981)    (36,315)    (39,589)
Net increase (decrease) in Federal Reserve and FHLB stock           (10,344)     (1,915)      9,902
Purchases of premises and equipment, net                             (7,827)     (6,851)     (8,451)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned                        4,076       1,113       3,476
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities             (307,772)   (131,954)     43,050
                                                                ------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in deposits                                  66,011      40,689     (36,214)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings                    197,329     (16,412)    (63,437)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                            125,000      80,000     247,083
Repayments of long-term debt                                       (100,775)     (6,856)   (215,005)
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to
employee benefit plans and other stock plans                          7,675       1,583       2,046
Purchase of treasury stock                                           (6,489)    (10,803)    (11,126)
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares                    (22,173)    (22,445)    (20,127)
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities              266,578      65,756     (96,780)
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents               3,421      (5,334)       (486)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                      124,623     129,957     130,443
                                                                ------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                        $   128,044   $ 124,623   $ 129,957
                                                                ====================================
====================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               39



====================================================================================================
                                                                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest                                                        $    64,334   $  85,224   $ 124,362
Income taxes                                                         12,700      10,800       8,361
Noncash investing activities:
Transfer of securities available for sale to trading
   securities                                                   $         -   $       -   $   3,804
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned                          1,363       3,352       3,400
Fair value of assets (sold) acquired                                  1,155      (3,323)    109,599
Fair value of liabilities (sold) assumed                             13,311     (34,263)    112,134
Common stock issued for acquisitions                                      -           -      16,002

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
====================================================================================================

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Years ended December 31,
                                                                ------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                       2003        2002       2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income                                                      $    47,104   $  44,999   $   3,737
                                                                ------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Unrealized net holding gains (losses) arising during the
   year (pre-tax amounts of ($13,764), 20,564, and $2,779)           (8,276)     12,365       1,641
Minimum pension liability adjustment (pre-tax amounts of
   ($362), $0, and of ($362), $0, and 0)                               (217)          -           -
Less reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses
   related to securities available for sale included in net
   income (pre-tax amounts of ($174), $408, and $7,124)                (105)        245       4,214
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Total other comprehensive income                                  (8,598)     12,610       5,855
                                                                ------------------------------------
   Comprehensive income                                         $    38,506   $  57,609   $   9,592
                                                                ====================================

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
====================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               40


NBTBANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2002

(1)  SUMMARY  OF  SIGNIFICANT  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  accounting  and  reporting  policies  of NBT Bancorp Inc. (Bancorp) and its
subsidiaries,  NBT  Bank, N.A. (NBT Bank) NBT Financial Services, Inc., and CNBF
Capital  Trust  I,  conform,  in all material respects, to accounting principles
generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America  (GAAP) and to general
practices  within  the  banking  industry.  Collectively,  Bancorp  and  its
subsidiaries  are  referred  to  herein  as  "the  Company."
     The  preparation  of  financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets  and  liabilities  and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the  date  of  the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses  during  the  reporting  period. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
Material  estimates  that  are particularly susceptible to significant change in
the  near  term  relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease
losses  and the valuation of other real estate owned acquired in connection with
foreclosures. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan and
lease  losses  and  the valuation of other real estate owned, management obtains
appraisals  for  properties.
     The  following  is  a  description  of  significant policies and practices:


CONSOLIDATION

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the accounts of
Bancorp  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries.  All  material  intercompany
transactions  have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts previously reported
in  the consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to
conform  with  the current year's presentation. In the "Parent Company Financial
Information,"  the investment in subsidiaries is carried under the equity method
of  accounting.


SEGMENT  REPORTING

The  Company's  operations  are  primarily in the community banking industry and
include  the  provision  of  traditional  banking services. The Company operates
solely  in  the  geographical  regions  of  central  and  northern  New York and
northeastern  Pennsylvania.  The  Company  has  identified  separate  operating
segments;  however,  these segments did not meet the quantitative thresholds for
separate  disclosure.


CASH  EQUIVALENTS

The  Company  considers  amounts  due  from  correspondent  banks, cash items in
process  of  collection,  and institutional money market mutual funds to be cash
equivalents  for  purposes  of  the  consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows.


SECURITIES

The  Company  classifies  its securities at date of purchase as either available
for  sale,  held  to  maturity, or trading. Held to maturity debt securities are
those  that  the  Company  has  the  ability  and intent to hold until maturity.
Available  for  sale  securities  are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding
gains  and  losses,  net  of  the  related  tax  effect,  on  available for sale
securities  are  excluded from earnings and are reported in stockholders' equity
as  a  component  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income or loss. Held to
maturity  securities  are  recorded  at  amortized  cost. Trading securities are
recorded  at  fair  value,  with  net  unrealized  gains  and  losses recognized
currently  in income. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at
fair value at the date of transfer. A decline in the fair value of any available
for  sale  or  held  to  maturity  security  below  cost  that  is  deemed
other-than-temporary  is charged to earnings resulting in the establishment of a
new  cost  basis  for  the  security.  Securities  with  another-than-temporary
impairment  are  generally  placed  on  non-accrual  status.
     Nonmarketable  equity securities are carried at cost, with the exception of
investments  owned  by  NBT  Bank's


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.
                                                                              41

small  business  investment company (SBIC) subsidiary, which are carried at fair
value  with  net  unrealized  gains and losses recognized currently in income in
accordance  with  SBIC  rules.
     Premiums  and  discounts  are  amortized  or  accreted over the life of the
related  security  as an adjustment to yield using the interest method. Dividend
and  interest  income  are  recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses on
securities  sold  are  derived  using  the  specific  identification  method for
determining  the  cost  of  securities  sold.
     Investments  in  Federal  Reserve  and  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank stock are
required  for  membership  in  those organizations and are carried at cost since
there  is  no  market  value  available.


LOANS  AND  LEASES

Loans  are  recorded  at their current unpaid principal balance, net of unearned
income  and  unamortized  loan  fees and expenses, which are amortized under the
effective interest method over the estimated lives of the loans. Interest income
on  loans  is  accrued  based  on  the  principal  amount  outstanding.
     Lease  receivables  primarily  represent  automobile financing to customers
through  direct  financing  leases and are carried at the aggregate of the lease
payments  receivable  and  the estimated residual values, net of unearned income
and  net  deferred  lease  origination  fees  and  costs.  Net  deferred  lease
origination  fees  and  costs  are amortized under the effective interest method
over  the estimated lives of the leases. The estimated residual value related to
the total lease portfolio is reviewed quarterly, and if there has been a decline
in  the  estimated  fair  value  of  the  total residual value that is judged by
management to be other-than-temporary, a loss is recognized. Adjustments related
to  such  other-than-temporary  declines in estimated fair value are recorded in
noninterest  expense  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  income.
     Loans  and leases are placed on nonaccrual status when timely collection of
principal  and  interest in accordance with contractual terms is doubtful. Loans
and  leases  are  transferred  to a nonaccrual basis generally when principal or
interest payments become ninety days delinquent, unless the loan is well secured
and  in  the  process  of  collection,  or  sooner  when  management  concludes
circumstances  indicate  that  borrowers  may  be  unable  to  meet  contractual
principal  or  interest  payments.  When  a  loan  or  lease is transferred to a
nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued in the current period but not
collected  is  reversed against interest income in that period. Interest accrued
in  a  prior  period  and not collected is charged-off against the allowance for
loan  and  lease  losses.
     If  ultimate  repayment  of  a  nonaccrual  loan  is expected, any payments
received are applied in accordance with contractual terms. If ultimate repayment
of  principal  is  not  expected,  any  payment received on a nonaccrual loan is
applied to principal until ultimate repayment becomes expected. Nonaccrual loans
are  returned  to  accrual  status  when they become current as to principal and
interest or demonstrate a period of performance under the contractual terms and,
in  the  opinion  of  management,  are  fully  collectible  as  to principal and
interest.  When in the opinion of management the collection of principal appears
unlikely,  the  loan  balance  is  charged-off  in  total  or  in  part.
     Commercial  type loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the
borrower  will not repay the loan according to the original contractual terms of
the  loan  agreement,  and all loan types are considered impaired if the loan is
restructured  in  a  troubled  debt  restructuring.
     A  loan is considered to be a trouble debt restructured loan (TDR) when the
Company  grants a concession to the borrower because of the borrower's financial
condition  that  it  would  not otherwise consider. Such concessions include the
reduction  of  interest  rates,  forgiveness  of principal or interest, or other
modifications  at  interest rates that are less than the current market rate for
new  obligations  with similar risk. TDR loans that are in compliance with their
modified  terms  and that yield a market rate may be removed from the TDR status
after  a  period  of  performance.


ALLOWANCE  FOR  LOAN  AND  LEASE  LOSSES

The  allowance  for loan and lease losses is the amount which, in the opinion of
management,  is  necessary  to  absorb  probable losses inherent in the loan and
lease portfolio. The allowance is determined based upon numerous considerations,
including  local  economic  conditions,  the  growth and composition of the loan
portfolio  with  respect to the mix between the various types of loans and their
related risk characteristics, a review of the value of collateral supporting the
loans,  comprehensive  reviews  of  the  loan  portfolio by the independent loan
review  staff  and  management, as well as consideration of volume and trends of
delinquencies,  nonperforming  loans,  and  loan charge-offs. As a result of the
test  of adequacy, required additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses
are  made  periodically  by  charges to the provision for loan and lease losses.
     The  allowance for loan and lease losses related to impaired loans is based
on  discounted  cash  flows  using  the


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           42


loan's  initial  effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for
certain  loans  where repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by
the  underlying  collateral (collateral dependent loans). The Company's impaired
loans  are  generally  collateral dependent. The Company considers the estimated
cost  to  sell,  on  a  discounted  basis,  when  determining  the fair value of
collateral  in  the  measurement  of  impairment  if those costs are expected to
reduce  the  cash  flows  available  to  repay  or  otherwise satisfy the loans.
     Management  believes  that  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease losses is
adequate.  While  management  uses  available  information to recognize loan and
lease losses, future additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses may be
necessary  based  on  changes in economic conditions or changes in the values of
properties  securing  loans  in the process of foreclosure. In addition, various
regulatory  agencies,  as  an  integral  part  of  their  examination  process,
periodically  review  the  Company's  allowance  for loan and lease losses. Such
agencies  may  require  the  Company to recognize additions to the allowance for
loan  and  lease  losses based on their judgments about information available to
them  at  the  time of their examination which may not be currently available to
management.


PREMISES  AND  EQUIPMENT

Premises  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost,  less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation  of  premises  and  equipment is determined using the straight-line
method  over  the  estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Expenditures
for  maintenance,  repairs,  and  minor  replacements  are charged to expense as
incurred.


OTHER  REAL  ESTATE  OWNED

Other  real  estate  owned  (OREO)  consists  of  properties  acquired  through
foreclosure  or by acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These assets are
recorded  at  the lower of fair value of the asset acquired less estimated costs
to  sell  or  "cost"  (defined as the fair value at initial foreclosure). At the
time  of  foreclosure,  or  when foreclosure occurs in-substance, the excess, if
any,  of  the  loan  over  the  fair  market  value of the assets received, less
estimated  selling  costs,  is  charged to the allowance for loan losses and any
subsequent  valuation  write-downs are charged to other expense. Operating costs
associated  with the properties are charged to expense as incurred. Gains on the
sale  of  OREO are included in income when title has passed and the sale has met
the  minimum  down  payment  requirements  prescribed  by  GAAP.


GOODWILL  AND  OTHER  INTANGIBLE  ASSETS

Prior  to  the  adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No.  142,  Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible Assets, on January 1, 2002 (see "New
Accounting  Pronouncement-Business  Combinations,  Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets,  and Certain Acquisitions of Banking of Thrift Institutions"), goodwill,
which  represents  the  excess  of the purchase price over the fair value of net
assets  acquired,  was  being  amortized  over 15 to 40 years on a straight-line
basis.  Other  intangible assets, which included core deposit intangible ("CDI")
and  unidentified  intangible  assets,  were being amortized over their expected
useful  lives,  which  range  from  5 to 25 years, on a straight-line basis. The
Company  reviewed  goodwill  and other intangible assets on a periodic basis for
events  or  changes  in  circumstances that may have indicated that the carrying
amount  of  goodwill  and other intangible assets were not recoverable. See "New
Accounting  Pronouncement-Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets,  and Certain
Acquisitions  of  Banking  of  Thrift  Institutions"  for  further  information
regarding  the accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to
December  31,  2001.


TREASURY  STOCK

Treasury  stock  acquisitions are recorded at cost. Subsequent sales of treasury
stock are recorded on an average cost basis. Gains on the sale of treasury stock
are credited to additional paid-in-capital. Losses on the sale of treasury stock
are  charged  to  additional  paid-in-capital  to  the extent of previous gains,
otherwise  charged  to  retained  earnings.


INCOME  TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company
files  a consolidated tax return on the accrual basis. Deferred income taxes are
recognized  for  the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
the  financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their  respective  tax  bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using  enacted  tax  rates  expected  to apply to taxable income in the years in
which  those  temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The
effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period  that  includes  the  enactment  date.


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           43


STOCK-BASED  COMPENSATION

The  Company  accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with
the  provisions  of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting
for  Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. On January 1, 1996,
the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which
permits  entities  to recognize as expense over the vesting period the estimated
fair  value  of  all  stock  based  awards  measured  on  the  date  of  grant.
Alternatively,  SFAS No. 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions
of  APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma net income
per  share  disclosures  for  employee  stock-based  grants  made  in  1995  and
thereafter  as  if  the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
applied.  The  Company  has  elected  to continue to apply the provisions of APB
Opinion  No.  25  and  provide  the  pro  forma  disclosures  of  SFAS  No. 123.
     At December 31, 2003, the Company has two stock option plans (Plans). Under
the  terms  of  the plans, options are granted to directors and key employees to
purchase  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock at a price equal to the fair
market  value of the common stock on the date of the grant. Options granted have
a vesting period of four years and terminate eight or ten years from the date of
the  grant.
     The  per  share weighted average fair value of stock options granted during
2003,  2002,  and 2001 was $4.03, $2.24, and $3.70, respectively. The fair value
of  each  award  is  estimated  on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in
the  years  ended  December  31:



================================================================================
                                                     Years ended December 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                 2003          2002         2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    
Dividend yield                             3.11%-3.97%        4.07%        4.26%
Expected volatility                      31.34%-31.45%       19.13%       30.19%
Risk-free interest rates                   2.98%-3.98%  3.48%-4.74%  4.63%-5.04%
Expected life                                 7 YEARS      7 years      7 years
================================================================================


     Had  the  Company  determined compensation cost based on the estimated fair
value  at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's
net  income  and  earnings  per  share  would have been reduced to the pro forma
amounts  indicated  below:



==============================================================================================================
                                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                                            ----------------------------------
                                                                               2003        2002        2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
NET INCOME
As reported                                                                 $  47,104   $  44,999   $   3,737
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net income,
   net of related tax effects                                                      80          50          43
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value
   based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects                    (1,072)       (995)     (1,330)
                                                                            ----------------------------------
Pro forma net income                                                           46,112      44,054       2,450
                                                                            ==================================
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
As reported                                                                 $    1.45   $    1.36   $    0.11
Pro forma                                                                        1.42        1.34        0.07
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
As reported                                                                      1.43        1.35        0.11
Pro forma                                                                        1.40        1.33        0.07
==============================================================================================================



ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           44


     Because  the  Company's  employee  stock  options  have  characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options for which the Black-Scholes
model was developed, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially  affect the fair value estimate, the existing models, in management's
opinion,  do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value
of  its  employee  stock  options.


PER  SHARE  AMOUNTS

Basic  earnings  per  share  (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing
income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common
shares  outstanding  for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution
that  could  occur  if  securities or other contracts to issue common stock were
exercised  or  converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common
stock  that  then  shared  in  the earnings of the entity (such as the Company's
dilutive  stock  options  and  restricted  stock).


OTHER  FINANCIAL  INSTRUMENTS

The  Company  is  a  party  to  certain  other  financial  instruments  with
off-balance-sheet  risk  such  as  commitments to extend credit, unused lines of
credit, and standby letters of credit, as well as certain mortgage loans sold to
investors with recourse. The Company's policy is to record such instruments when
funded.


COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME

At  the  Company,  comprehensive  income  represents  net  income  plus  other
comprehensive  income,  which  consists of the net change in unrealized gains or
losses  on  securities  available  for  sale,  minimum pension liability, net of
income  taxes, for the period. Accumulated other comprehensive income represents
the  net  unrealized  gains  or  losses on securities available for sale, net of
income  taxes,  as  of  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  dates.


PENSION  COSTS

The  Company  maintains a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially  all  employees, as well as supplemental employee retirement plans
covering  certain  executives.  Costs  associated  with  these  plans,  based on
actuarial computations of current and future benefits for employees, are charged
to  current  operating  expenses.


TRUST

Assets  held  by the Company in a fiduciary or agency capacity for its customers
are  not  included  in  the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, since such
assets  are not assets of the Company. Such assets totaled $1.8 billion and $1.4
billion  at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Trust income is recognized
on  the  accrual  method  based  on contractual rates applied to the balances of
trust  accounts.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT-GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND CERTAIN
ACQUISITIONS OF BANKING OR THRIFT INSTITUTIONS

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards  (SFAS)  No.  142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In accordance
with  this  statement,  goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite
lives  no  longer are being amortized but will be subject to impairment tests in
accordance  with  the  pronouncement.  Other  intangible  assets, primarily core
deposits,  will  continue  to be amortized over their estimated useful lives. In
2003,  the  Company  performed  the required impairment tests of goodwill and no
impairment  existed as of the valuation date, as the fair value of the Company's
net  assets exceeded their carrying value. If for any future period we determine
that  there  has been impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill balances,
we  will  record  a  charge to our earnings, which could have a material adverse
effect  on  our  net  income.
     In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2002,  the  Company  adopted  SFAS  No.  147,
Acquisitions  of  Certain  Financial  Institutions.  As  permitted  by  the  new
accounting  standard  issued  on  October  1,  2002,  we reclassified previously
recorded  intangible  assets associated with acquisitions totaling $30.6 million
to  non amortizable goodwill. These intangible assets were previously recognized
as  a  component  of  goodwill  subject  to  amortization.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT- CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In  January  2003  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued
Interpretation  No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). In
accordance  with  FIN  46,  business  enterprises  that  represent  the  primary
beneficiary  of  another  entity  by  retaining  a  controlling interest in that
entity's  assets,  liabilities  and  results of operations must consolidate that
entity  in  its  financial


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           45

statements.  Prior  to  the issuance of FIN 46, consolidation generally occurred
when  an  enterprise  controlled  another  entity  through  voting interests. If
applicable,  transition  rules  allow the restatement of financial statements or
prospective  application  with  a  cumulative effect adjustment. The Company has
determined  that  the  provisions  of  FIN 46 do not require de-consolidation of
subsidiary  trusts  which  issued  guaranteed  preferred beneficial interests in
subordinated  debentures  (Trust  Preferred  Securities).  CNBF Capital I issued
Trust  Preferred Securities. The Company consolidates the CNBF Capital I and the
consolidated  balance  sheet included the Trust Preferred Securities. Subsequent
to  the  issuance  of  FIN  46,  the  FASB  issued a revised interpretation, the
provisions  of which must be applied by March 31, 2004. Upon the adoption of the
revised  FIN  46,  CNBF  Capital  I  must  be  de-consolidated  and  the  junior
subordinated  debentures  of  the  Company  owned  by  CNBF  Capital  I would be
disclosed  in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheet. The Trust
Preferred  Securities  will  no  longer  be included in the consolidated balance
sheet  upon  de-consol-idation. The Trust Preferred Securities currently qualify
as Tier 1 capital of the Company for regulatory purposes. The banking regulatory
agencies  have not issued any guidance which would change the regulatory capital
treatment  for  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  based  on the adoption of the
revised  FIN  46.  The  Company  plans to adopt the provisions under the revised
interpretation  in the first quarter of 2004. The adoption of FIN 46 and related
revisions  is  not  expected  to have any other material impact on the Company's
financial  statements.


(2)  MERGER  AND  ACQUISITION  ACTIVITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On  June 20, 2003, the Company acquired one branch located in Whitney Point, New
York,  from  Alliance  Bank.  Deposits  from  the  Whitney  Point  branch  were
approximately  $13.3  million  and loans totaled approximately $1.1 million. The
Company  received  approximately  $10.6 million in cash as consideration for net
liabilities  assumed.  The acquisition was accounted for in accordance with SFAS
No. 141, "Business Combinations." Goodwill accounted for in accordance with SFAS
No.  142,  "Goodwill  and Other Intangible Assets", was $1.4 million. Intangible
assets  comprised  mainly  of  core  deposit  intangibles  were accounted for in
accordance  with  SFAS  No. 147, and totaled $0.1 million and is being amortized
over  seven  years  on  a  straight-line  basis.
     On  June  1,  2001, the Company completed the acquisition of First National
Bancorp, Inc. (FNB) whereby FNB was merged with and into NBT Bancorp Inc. At the
same  time FNB's subsidiary, First National Bank of Northern New York (FNB Bank)
was  merged  into  NBT  Bank,  N.A.  The acquisition was accounted for using the
purchase  method.  As  such,  both  the assets and liabilities assumed have been
recorded  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheet of the Company at estimated fair
value  as  of the date of acquisition and the results of operations are included
in  the  Company's  consolidated  statement  of income from the acquisition date
forward. To complete the transaction, the Company issued approximately 1,075,000
shares  of  its common stock valued at $16.0 million. Goodwill, representing the
cost  over  net  assets  acquired,  was approximately $7.0 million and was being
amortized  prior  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  142  on January 1, 2002 on a
straight-line  basis  based  on  a  twenty  year  amortization  period.
     On  September 14, 2001, the Company acquired $14.4 million in deposits from
Mohawk  Community  Bank.  Unidentified  intangible  assets,  accounted  for  in
accordance  with SFAS No. 72 and representing the excess of cost over net assets
acquired,  was  $665,000 and is being amortized over 15 years on a straight-line
basis.  Additionally, the Company identified $119,000 of core deposit intangible
asset  which  is  being  amortized  over  6  years  on  a  straight-line  basis.
     On November 8, 2001, the Company, pursuant to a merger agreement dated June
18,  2001,  completed  its  merger with CNB Financial Corp. (CNB) and its wholly
owned  subsidiary, Central National Bank (CNB Bank), whereby CNB was merged with
and  into  NBT,  and  CNB  Bank was merged with and into NBT Bank. CNB Bank then
became  a  division of NBT Bank. In connection with the merger, CNB stockholders
received  1.2  shares  of the Company's common stock for each share of CNB stock
and  the  Company  issued  approximately 8.9 million shares of common stock. The
transaction  is  structured  to  be tax-free to shareholders of CNB and has been
accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated
financial  statements  were  restated to present combined consolidated financial
condition  and results of operations of NBT and CNB as if the merger had been in
effect  for  all  years  presented.  At September 30, 2001, CNB had consolidated
assets  of  $983.1  million,  deposits  of  $853.7  million, and equity of $62.8
million.  CNB  Bank operated 29 full service banking offices in nine upstate New
York  counties.


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           46


(3) EARNINGS PER SHARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  following  is  a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for
the  years  presented  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  income:



========================================================================================================================
                                                               Years ended December 31
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          2003                          2002                          2001
                                ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------
                                        WEIGHTED                       Weighted                      Weighted
(In thousands,                     NET   AVERAGE  PER SHARE       Net   average  Per share      Net   average  Per share
except per share data)          INCOME    SHARES     AMOUNT    income    shares     amount   income    shares     amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   
Basic earnings per share        $47,104   32,540  $     1.45  $44,999   32,983  $     1.36  $ 3,737   32,897  $     0.11
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
Stock based compensation                     285                           205                           123
Contingent shares                             19                            47                            65
                                         -------                       -------                       -------
Diluted earnings per share      $47,104   32,844  $     1.43  $44,999   33,235  $     1.35  $ 3,737   33,085  $     0.11
                                         =======                       =======                       =======
========================================================================================================================


There  were  approximately  229,000, 416,000, and 936,000 weighted average stock
options  for  the  years  ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively,
that  were not considered in the calculation of diluted earnings per share since
the  stock  options'  exercise prices were greater than the average market price
during  these  periods.


(4)  FEDERAL  RESERVE  BANK  REQUIREMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  Company  is  required to maintain reserve balances with the Federal Reserve
Bank. The required average total reserve for NBT Bank for the 14 day maintenance
period  ending  December  24,  2003  was  $50.1  million.


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.
                                                                              47

(5) SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The amortized cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses of
securities available for sale are as follows:



=============================================================================================
                                                        Unrealized   Unrealized     Estimated
(In thousands)                          Amortized cost       gains       losses    fair value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      
DECEMBER 31, 2003
U.S. Treasury                          $            58  $         1  $         -  $        59
Federal Agency                                 117,306          895          307      117,894
State and municipal                             86,956        5,477            -       92,433
Mortgage-backed                                726,471        8,536        3,216      731,791
Collateralized mortgage obligations              7,929           59            -        7,988
Asset-backed securities                              -            -            -            -
Corporate                                        6,197          214            -        6,411
Other securities                                22,488        1,937           40       24,385
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
 Total securities available for sale   $       967,405  $    17,119  $     3,563  $   980,961
                                       ======================================================

DECEMBER 31, 2002
U.S. Treasury                          $           502  $        12  $         -  $       514
Federal Agency                                 143,273        2,997            -      146,270
State and municipal                             88,237        4,126           19       92,344
Mortgage-backed                                667,511       20,164            5      687,670
Collateralized mortgage obligations             32,714          482           26       33,170
Asset-backed securities                         11,339          222        1,573        9,988
Corporate                                       14,024          330          138       14,216
Other securities                                22,489          942           20       23,411
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
 Total securities available for sale   $       980,089  $    29,275  $     1,781  $ 1,007,583
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================================================


     The  following  table  sets  forth  information  with  regard  to  sales
transactions  of  securities  available  for  sale:



================================================================================================================
                                                                                    Years ended December 31
                                                                               ---------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                    2003        2002       2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              
Proceeds from sales                                                            $ 206,742   $ 217,471   $ 43,318
Gross realized gains                                                               4,307       7,725      2,213
Gross realized losses                                                             (4,164)     (7,473)    (1,046)
Other-than-temporary impairment writedowns                                             -        (660)    (8,291)
                                                                               ---------------------------------
 Net security gains (losses) and writedowns on securities available for sale         143        (408)    (7,124)
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities and embedded derivatives            32          (5)      (568)
                                                                               ---------------------------------
 Net securities gains (losses)                                                 $     175   $    (413)  $ (7,692)
                                                                               =================================
================================================================================================================


     The  security  with other-than-temporary impairment charges at December 31,
2003  had  a  remaining  carrying  value, which approximated fair value, of $0.4
million, is classified as securities available for sale and is on the nonaccrual
status.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               48

     At December 31, 2003 and 2002, securities available for sale with amortized
costs  totaling $902.6 million and $519.7 million, respectively, were pledged to
secure  public  deposits  and  for  other purposes required or permitted by law.
Additionally,  at  December  31,  2003,  securities  available  for sale with an
amortized  cost of $68.79 million were pledged as collateral for securities sold
under  the  repurchase  agreements.
     The  amortized  cost, estimated fair value, and unrealized gains and losses
of  securities  held  to  maturity  are  as  follows:



=====================================================================================
                                     Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized    Estimated
(In thousands)                            cost        gains       losses   fair value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              
DECEMBER 31, 2003
Mortgage-backed                     $   11,363  $       504  $         -  $    11,867
State and municipal                     85,437        1,011          143       86,305
Other securities                           404            -            -          404
                                    -------------------------------------------------
 Total securities held to maturity  $   97,204  $     1,515  $       143  $    98,576
                                    =================================================
DECEMBER 31, 2002
Mortgage-backed                     $   24,613  $     1,107  $         -  $    25,720
State and municipal                     56,021          897            1       56,917
Other securities                         1,880            -            -        1,880
                                    -------------------------------------------------
 Total securities held to maturity  $   82,514  $     2,004  $         1  $    84,517
                                    =================================================
=====================================================================================


     At  December  31,  2003  and 2002, substantially all of the mortgage-backed
securities  available  for  sale  and  held to maturity held by the Company were
issued  or  backed  by  Federal  agencies.
     Other securities include nonmarketable equity securities, including certain
securities  acquired  by  NBT  Bank's  small  business investment company (SBIC)
subsidiary,  and  trust  preferred  securities.  The  following table sets forth
information  with  regard  to  investment  securities  with unrealized losses at
December 31, 2003, segregated according to the length of time the securities had
been  in  a  continuous  unrealized  loss  position:



======================================================================================================================
                                             Less than 12 months      12 months or longer              Total
                                          ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                       Unrealized                Unrealized                Unrealized
Security type:                            Fair value     losses     Fair value     losses     Fair value     losses
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         

Mortgaged-backed                          $   243,017  $     3,213  $       128  $         3  $   243,145  $     3,216
Federal agency                                 10,693          307            -            -       10,693          307
State and municipal                             3,745          143                                  3,745          143
Other securities                                1,960           40            -            -        1,960           40
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total securities with unrealized losses  $   259,415  $     3,703  $       128  $         3  $   259,543  $     3,706
                                          ============================================================================
======================================================================================================================


     The  unrealized  losses  for  the investment securities listed on the above
table resulted from current market interest rates for investment securities with
similar  terms  and  cashflow  structure  exceeding the stated interest rate for
these  investment  securities  at December 31, 2003. Interest rates are volatile
and  unpredictable,  therefore, the Company considers unrealized losses stemming
from  interest  rate changes to be temporary. Additionally, there is a low level
of  credit risk associated with the above investment securities, as the majority
of  the securities listed above are guaranteed by a governmental agency or a GSE
coupled  with  a  strong  credit  rating,  typically  AAA,  issued by Moody's or
Standard  and  Poors.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               49


     The  following  tables  set  forth  information  with regard to contractual
maturities  of  debt  securities  at  December  31,  2003:



=========================================================================================
(In thousands)                                     Amortized cost   Estimated fair value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              
DEBT SECURITIES CLASSIFIED AS AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Within one year                                    $         5,172  $               5,241
From one to five years                                     278,005                283,738
From five to ten years                                     617,369                620,258
After ten years                                             55,859                 60,647
                                                   --------------------------------------
                                                   $       956,405  $             969,884
                                                   ======================================
DEBT SECURITIES CLASSIFIED AS HELD TO MATURITY
Within one year                                    $        45,679  $              45,681
From one to five years                                      21,727                 22,272
From five to ten years                                      13,560                 13,857
After ten years                                             16,238                 16,766
                                                   --------------------------------------
                                                   $        97,204  $              98,576
                                                   ======================================
=========================================================================================


     Maturities  of  mortgage-backed,  collateralized  mortgage  obligations and
asset-backed  securities  are  stated  based  on  their estimated average lives.
Actual  maturities  may  differ  from  estimated  average  lives  or contractual
maturities because, in certain cases, borrowers have the right to call or prepay
obligations  with  or  without  call  or  prepayment  penalties.
     Except  for  U.S. Government securities, there were no holdings, when taken
in  the  aggregate,  of  any  single  issues  that  exceeded 10% of consolidated
stockholders'  equity  at  December  31,  2003  and  2002.


(6)  LOANS  AND  LEASES  AND  ALLOWANCE  FOR  LOAN  AND  LEASE  LOSSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A summary of loans and leases, net of deferred fees and origination costs, by
category is as follows:

================================================================================


                                                            December 31
                                                      ----------------------
(In thousands)                                           2003        2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            
Residential real estate mortgages                     $  703,906  $  579,638
Commercial and commercial real estate mortgages          954,024     920,330
Real estate construction and development                  86,046      64,025
Agricultural and agricultural real estate mortgages      106,310     104,078
Consumer                                                 390,413     357,214
Home equity                                              336,547     269,553
Lease financing                                           62,730      61,094
                                                      ----------------------
  Total loans and leases                              $2,639,976  $2,355,932
                                                      ======================

================================================================================

     FHLB  advances  are  collateralized  by  a  blanket  lien  on the Company's
residential  real  estate  mortgages.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               50

     Changes  in  the  allowance  for  loan and lease losses for the three years
ended  December  31,  2003,  are  summarized  as  follows:



===============================================================================
                                                  Years ended December 31,
                                             ----------------------------------
(In thousands)                                  2003       2002        2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           
Balance at January 1                         $  40,167   $ 44,746   $   32,494
Allowance related to purchase acquisitions           -          -          505
Provision                                        9,111      9,073       31,929
Recoveries                                       5,216      4,670        2,189
Charge-offs                                    (11,843)   (18,322)     (22,371)
                                             ----------------------------------
Balance at December 31                       $  42,651   $ 40,167   $   44,746
                                             ==================================

===============================================================================

     The  following  table  sets  forth information with regard to nonperforming
loans:



========================================================================
                                                    At December 31,
                                               -------------------------
(In thousands)                                   2003     2002     2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        
Loans in nonaccrual status                     $13,861  $24,009  $40,210
Loans contractually past due 90 days or
  more and still accruing interest                 968    1,976    2,975
Restructured loans                                   -      409      603
                                               -------------------------
  Total nonperforming loans                    $14,829  $26,394  $43,788
                                               =========================
========================================================================


     There  were  no  material commitments to extend further credit to borrowers
with  nonperforming  loans.
     Accumulated  interest  on  the above nonaccrual loans of approximately $1.7
million, $1.9 million , and $3.2 million would have been recognized as income in
2003,  2002,  and  2001,  respectively,  had these loans been in accrual status.
Approximately  $1.2  million,  $1.8 million, and $0.6 million of interest on the
above  nonaccrual  loans  was  collected  in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
     At  December  31,  2003 and 2002, the recorded investment in loans that are
considered  to be impaired totaled $8.7 million and $17.6 million, respectively,
for  which  the  related  allowance  for  loan  losses  is $0.2 million and $0.5
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were $7.5 million
and  $15.5  million,  respectively,  of  impaired  loans  which  did not have an
allowance  for  loan  losses  due generally to the adequacy of their collateral.
Included in total impaired loans at 2002 was $0.4 million of restructured loans.
     The  following  provides  additional  information on impaired loans for the
periods  presented:



========================================================================================
                                                             Years ended December 31
                                                          ------------------------------
(In thousands)                                              2003       2002      2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      
Average recorded investment on impaired loans             $  12,741  $ 23,549  $  21,618
Interest income recognized on impaired loans                    608     1,469        591
Cash basis interest income recognized on impaired loans         608     1,469        591
========================================================================================



ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           51


RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In  the  ordinary  course  of business, the Company has made loans at prevailing
rates  and  terms to directors, officers, and other related parties. Such loans,
in  management's  opinion,  do  not  present  more  than  the  normal  risk  of
collectibility  or  incorporate other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount
of  loans outstanding to qualifying related parties and changes during the years
are  summarized  as  follows:



==================================================
(In thousands)                  2003      2002
- --------------------------------------------------
                                  
Balance at January 1          $16,959   $  14,640
New loans                       3,706       4,565
Change in Composition               -         569
Repayments                     (4,587)     (2,815)
                              --------------------
Balance at December 31        $16,078   $  16,959
                              ====================
==================================================


(7) PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A summary of premises and equipment follows:



===========================================================
                                             December 31
                                         ------------------
(In thousands)                             2003      2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------
                                             
Land, buildings, and improvements        $ 71,072  $ 66,542
Equipment                                  55,602    52,123
Construction in progress                       17       423
                                         ------------------
                                          126,691   119,088
Accumulated depreciation                   64,248    57,827
                                         ------------------
Total premises and equipment             $ 62,443  $ 61,261
                                         ==================
===========================================================


     Land,  buildings,  and  improvements with a carrying value of approximately
$4.0  million  and $4.0 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are
pledged  to  secure  long-term  borrowings.
     Rental  expense  included  in occupancy expense amounted to $2.4 million in
2003,  $2.1 million in 2002, and $2.1 million in 2001. The future minimum rental
payments  related  to  noncancelable operating leases with original terms of one
year  or  more  are  as  follows  at  December  31,  2003  (in  thousands):

================================
2004                     $ 2,057
2005                       1,596
2006                       1,420
2007                       1,220
2008                         840
Thereafter                 4,427
                         -------
 Total                   $11,560
                         =======
================================


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                          52


(8) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon the adoption of SFAS No.142 on January 1, 2002, and SFAS No. 147 on October
1,  2002,  with  retroactive  application to January 1, 2002, the Company ceased
amortizing  its  goodwill and unidentifiable intangible assets related to branch
acquisitions,  which  decreased  noninterest expense and increased net income in
2002  as  compared  to  2001. The following table shows the pro forma effects of
applying  SFAS  No.  142  and  SFAS  No.  147  to  the  2001  period:



=======================================================================
                                                             Year ended
                                                           December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)                           2001
                                                       
GOODWILL AND UNIDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSET AMORTIZATION
Pretax                                                    $       3,563
After-tax                                                         2,426

NET INCOME
Reported                                                          3,737
Add back: after-tax amortization                                  2,426
                                                          -------------
Adjusted                                                  $       6,163
                                                          =============
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Reported                                                           0.11
Add back: after-tax amortization per share                         0.07
Adjusted                                                  $        0.19

DILUTED EPS
Reported                                                           0.11
Add back: after-tax amortization per share                         0.07
Adjusted                                                  $        0.19
=======================================================================


     Upon  the  adoption of SFAS No. 147 on October 1, 2002, approximately $30.6
million  of  unidentified  intangible  assets  were  reclassified  to  goodwill
retroactive  to  January  1,  2002.
     A  summary  of  goodwill  by  operating  subsidiaries  follows:



================================================================================
                               January 1,   Goodwill   Impairment  December 31,
(In thousands)                    2003      Acquired      Loss         2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       
NBT Bank, N.A.                 $    43,120  $   1,400           -  $      44,520
NBT Financial Services, Inc.         3,001          -           -          3,001
                               -------------------------------------------------
   Total                       $    46,121  $   1,400           -  $      47,521
                               =================================================
================================================================================


     The  Company  recorded  $1.4  million  in  goodwill  in connection with the
acquisition  of  a branch from Alliance Bank in June of 2003. In connection with
the  sale of a branch during 2002, $1.5 million in goodwill were included in the
carrying  amount  of  the  branch  in  determining  the  gain  on  disposal.
     The Company has intangible assets with definite useful lives capitalized on
its  consolidated  balance  sheet  in  the form of core deposit and unidentified
intangible  assets.  These intangible assets continue to be amortized over their
estimated  useful lives in accordance with SFAS No. 142, which range from one to
twenty-five  years.  There  were  no  adjustments  to  the useful lives of these
intangible  assets  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  142.


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           53


     A summary of core deposit and other intangible assets follows:



===============================================================
                                                 December 31,
                                               ----------------
(In thousands)                                  2003     2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLES
                                                 
Gross carrying amount                          $5,585  $  5,433
Less: accumulated amortization                  4,497     3,931
                                               ----------------
 Net carrying amount                            1,088     1,502
                                               ----------------
UNIDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Gross carrying amount                           1,031     1,031
Less: accumulated amortization                    339       287
 Net carrying amount                              692       744
                                               ----------------
Intangible for minimum pension liability          551         -
                                               ----------------
TOTAL INTANGIBLES WITH DEFINITE USEFUL LIVES
Gross carrying amount                           7,167     6,464
Less: accumulated amortization                  4,836     4,218
                                               ----------------
 Net carrying amount                           $2,331  $  2,246
                                               ================

===============================================================

     Amortization  expense  on  intangible  assets  with  definite  useful lives
totaled $0.6 million for 2003, and $0.8 million for 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Amortization expense on intangible assets with definite useful lives is expected
to  total  $0.3  million  for  2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and $0.2 million for 2008.

(9)  DEPOSITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of time deposits at
December 31, 2003 (in thousands):



=============================================
TIME DEPOSITS
- ---------------------------------------------
                                
Within one year                    $  684,616
After one but within two years        265,461
After two but within three years       65,378
After three but within four years      55,170
After four but within five years       19,875
After five years                        8,723
                                   ----------
  Total                            $1,099,223
                                   ==========
=============================================


     Time  deposits  of  $100,000  or  more aggregated $353.8 million and $428.7
million  at  year  end  2003  and  2002,  respectively.


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                           54


(10) SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Short-term  borrowings  total  $302.9 million and $105.6 million at December 31,
2003  and  2002,  respectively,  and  consist  of  Federal  funds  purchased and
securities sold under repurchase agreements, which generally represent overnight
borrowing  transactions, and other short-term borrowings, primarily Federal Home
Loan  Bank  (FHLB)  advances,  with original maturities of one year or less. The
Company  has  unused  lines  of  credit  with  the FHLB available for short-term
financing and access to brokered deposits of approximately $559 million and $562
million  at  December  31,  2003  and  2002,  respectively.
     Included  in  the  information provided above, the Company has two lines of
credit,  expiring  on  November  6, 2004, which are available with the FHLB. The
first  is  an  overnight  line  of  credit for approximately $100.0 million with
interest  based  on  existing  market  conditions.  The  second  is  a one-month
overnight repricing line of credit for approximately $50.0 million with interest
based  on  existing  market conditions. As of December 31, 2003, there was $84.0
million  (included  in  federal  funds  purchased) outstanding on these lines of
credit.  Borrowings on these lines are secured by FHLB stock, certain securities
and  one-to-four  family  first  lien  mortgage  loans.
Securities  collateralizing  repurchase  agreements  are  held in safekeeping by
nonaffiliated  financial  institutions  and  are  under  the  Company's control.
     Information  related  to  short-term  borrowings  is summarized as follows:



===========================================================================
(In thousands)                                  2003       2002      2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          
FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED
Balance at year-end                           $ 59,000   $53,500   $31,000
Average during the year                         55,797    17,404    30,752
Maximum month end balance                       89,000    53,500    47,200
Weighted average rate during the year             1.22%     1.83%     4.79%
Weighted average rate at December 31              1.14%     1.35%     1.35%

SECURITIES SOLD UNDER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Balance at year-end                           $ 68,681   $51,851   $64,973
Average during the year                         68,044    63,470    56,408
Maximum month end balance                      101,192    69,477    64,973
Weighted average rate during the year             1.02%     1.43%     3.38%
Weighted average rate at December 31              0.92%     1.16%     1.62%

OTHER SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Balance at year-end                           $175,250   $   250   $26,040
Average during the year                         66,491     6,165    36,002
Maximum month end balance                      175,250    25,787    71,654
Weighted average rate during the year             1.20%     1.75%     5.35%
Weighted average rate at December 31              1.20%     1.10%     5.11%
===========================================================================



ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                          55


(11) LONG-TERM DEBT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term  debt  consists of obligations having an original maturity at issuance
of  more  than one year. A majority of the Company's long-term debt is comprised
of  FHLB advances collateralized by the FHLB stock owned by the Company, certain
of  its  mortgage-backed  securities  and a blanket lien on its residential real
estate  mortgage  loans.  A  summary  as  of  December  31,  2003 is as follows:



=============================================================
                             As of December 31, 2003
                    -----------------------------------------
                              Weighted              Weighted
                               Average   Callable    Average
Maturity             Amount     Rate      Amount      Rate
- -------------------------------------------------------------
                                        
2004                $ 30,000      3.42%  $       -
2005                  65,000      4.17%     25,000      4.40%
2006                  25,000      4.45%          -
2007                  10,000      2.90%          -
2008                  90,441      3.80%     35,000      5.29%
2009                  75,000      5.25%     75,000      5.25%
2010                  25,000      3.07%          -
2012                  20,000      2.02%     20,000      2.02%
2013                  25,000      3.21%     25,000      3.21%
2025                   4,259      1.96%          -
                    --------             ---------
                    $369,700             $ 180,000
                    ========             =========
=============================================================


(12) GUARANTEED PREFERRED BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN COMPANY'S JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On  June  14, 1999, CNB established CNBF Capital Trust I (the Trust), which is a
statutory  business trust. The Trust exists for the exclusive purpose of issuing
and  selling  30 year guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company's
junior  subordinated  debentures  (capital  securities).  On August 4, 1999, the
Trust issued $18.0 million in capital securities at 3-month LIBOR plus 275 basis
points,  which  equaled  8.12%  at  issuance. The rate on the capital securities
resets  quarterly,  equal  to the 3-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (3.89% and
4.55%  for the December 31, 2003 and 2002 quarterly payments, respectively). The
capital securities are the sole asset of the Trust. The obligations of the Trust
are  guaranteed by Bancorp. Capital securities totaling $1.0 million were issued
to  NBT.  These  capital  securities were retired upon the merger of NBT and CNB
(see note 2). The net proceeds from the sale of the capital securities were used
for  general  corporate  purposes and to provide a capital contribution of $15.0
million  to  CNB  Bank,  which was merged into NBT Bank. The capital securities,
with  associated expense that is tax deductible, qualify as Tier I capital under
regulatory  definitions,  subject to certain restrictions. The Company's primary
source  of funds to pay interest on the debentures owed to the Trust are current
dividends  from  the NBT Bank. Accordingly, the Company's ability to service the
debentures  is dependent upon the continued ability of NBT Bank to pay dividends
(see  also  note  14).  The  capital  securities  are not classified as debt for
financial  statement  purposes  and  therefore  the  expense associated with the
capital  securities  is  recorded  as  non-interest  expense in the consolidated
statements  of income. As noted previously, upon the adoption of the revised FIN
No.  46 during the first quarter of 2004, the Trust will be de-consolidated from
our  balance  sheet.  The  Trust  obligation  will be classified as component of
liabilities  as long-term debt and interest paid to the Trust will be treated as
component  of  interest  expense  in  2004.  The  Capital Securities will not be
included  in  the  consolidated balance sheet upon deconsolidation of the Trust.

(13) INCOME TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The significant components of income tax expense attributable to operations are:


ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                          56



============================================================
                                 Years ended December 31
                            --------------------------------
                               2003       2002       2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------
                                          
CURRENT
Federal                     $  12,723   $  12,569  $  5,404
State                           2,390         590     1,471
                            --------------------------------
                               15,113      13,159     6,875
                            --------------------------------
DEFERRED
Federal                         7,980       7,048    (4,963)
State                          (1,623)      1,607    (1,370)
                            --------------------------------
                                6,357       8,655    (6,333)
                            --------------------------------
  Total income tax expense  $  21,470   $  21,814  $    542
                            ================================
============================================================


     Not  included  in  the  above  table  is  income  tax  expense (benefit) of
approximately ($6.9 million), $8.1 million, and $3.7 million for 2003, 2002, and
2001,  respectively,  relating  to  unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale
securities  and tax benefits recognized with respect to stock options exercised,
which  were  recorded  directly  in  stockholders'  equity.
     The  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:



======================================================================================
                                                                        December 31
                                                                    ------------------
(In thousands)                                                        2003      2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Allowance for loan and lease losses                                 $16,251   $15,532
Deferred compensation                                                 4,744     3,887
Postretirement benefit obligation                                     1,793     1,672
Writedowns on corporate debt securities                               2,341     2,123
Accrued severance and contract termination costs                        135       142
Other real estate owned                                                  80        86
Purchase accounting adjustments, net                                     41       100
Accrued liabilities                                                     958     1,313
Intangible amortization                                                   -       752
Capital loss carryforward                                                 -       553
Net operating loss and tax credits carryforward                       1,866       318
Other                                                                   541       285
                                                                    ------------------
  Total deferred tax assets                                          28,750    26,763
                                                                    ------------------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Pension and executive retirement                                      6,503     2,377
Premises and equipment, primarily due to accelerated depreciation     3,343     3,222
Equipment leasing                                                    15,365    11,071
Securities discount accretion                                           466       630
Deferred loan costs                                                     656       651
Tax bad debt reserve                                                      -       114
Intangible amortization                                                 995         -
Other                                                                   202       220
Undistributed income of subsidiaries                                      -       901
                                                                    ------------------
  Total deferred tax liabilities                                     27,530    19,186
                                                                    ------------------
  Net deferred tax asset at year-end                                  1,220     7,577
Net deferred tax asset at beginning of year                           7,577    16,232
                                                                    ------------------
(Decrease) increase in net deferred tax asset                       $(6,357)  $(8,655)
                                                                    ==================
======================================================================================



ANNUAL  REPORT:  NBT  BANCORP  INC.                                          57


     The  above  table  does  not include the recorded deferred tax liability of
$5.4  million  as of December 31, 2003 and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2002
related  to  the  net  unrealized  holding  gain/loss  in the available-for-sale
securities  portfolio.  The table also excludes a deferred tax asset of $145,000
as  of  December  31, 2003 related to the minimum SERP liability. The changes in
these  deferred  assets  and  liabilities are recorded directly in stockholders'
equity.
     Realization  of  deferred  tax  assets  is dependent upon the generation of
future  taxable  income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the
available  carryback  period.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more
likely  than  not  that  some  portion  of  the  deferred  tax asset will not be
realized. Based on available evidence, gross deferred tax assets will ultimately
be  realized  and a valuation allowance was not deemed necessary at December 31,
2003  and  2002.
     At  December  31,  2003,  the  Company  has  a  state  net  operating  loss
carryforward  of  $25.8 million which will expire at various dates through 2023.
The  utilization  of  the  tax  net  operating  losss carryforward is subject to
limitations  imposed  by  the  Internal Revenue Code. The Company believes these
limitations  will  not prevent the carryforward benefits from being realized. At
December  31,  2003,  the  Company  also  has  a  state  charitable contribution
carryforward  of  $1.0 million which expires at various dates through 2008 and a
New  York  State  tax  credit carryforwards of $1.4 million which may be carried
forward  indefinitely.
     The  following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the
amount  computed  by  applying  the  applicable Federal statutory rate of 35% to
income  before  taxes:



===========================================================================
                                               Years ended December 31
                                          ---------------------------------
(In thousands)                               2003        2002       2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         
Federal Income tax at statutory rate      $  24,001   $  23,384   $  1,498
Tax exempt income                            (2,545)     (2,493)    (2,475)
Nondeductible expenses                          205         122        400
Nondeductible merger expenses                     -           -      1,419
Net increase in CSV of life insurance          (513)       (153)      (121)
Divident received deduction                    (219)       (177)      (142)
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit         499       1,428         66
Other, net                                       40        (297)      (103)
                                          ---------------------------------
 Income tax expense                       $  21,470   $  21,814   $    542
                                          ---------------------------------
===========================================================================


(14)  STOCKHOLDERS'  EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Certain  restrictions  exist  regarding  the  ability  of the subsidiary bank to
transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends. The approval of the
Office  of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is required to pay dividends when a
bank  fails  to  meet  certain minimum regulatory capital standards or when such
dividends  are in excess of a subsidiary bank's earnings retained in the current
year  plus  retained  net profits for the preceding two years (as defined in the
regulations).  At  December  31,  2003, approximately $28.9 million of the total
stockholders'  equity  of the Bank was available for payment of dividends to the
Company without approval by the OCC. The Bank's ability to pay dividends also is
subject  to  the  Bank being in compliance with regulatory capital requirements.
The  Bank is currently in compliance with these requirements. Under the State of
Delaware  Business  Corporation  Law,  the Company may declare and pay dividends
either  out  of  accumulated  net  retained  earnings  or  capital  surplus.
     In  November  1994,  the  Company  adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (Plan)
designed to ensure that any potential acquirer of the Company negotiate with the
board  of  directors  and that all Company stockholders are treated equitably in
the  event  of  a takeover attempt. At that time, the Company paid a dividend of
one  Preferred Share Purchase Right (Right) for each outstanding share of common
stock of the Company. Similar rights are attached to each share of the Company's
common stock issued after November 15, 1994. Under the Plan, the Rights will not
be  exercisable  until  a  person  or  group  acquires  beneficial


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               58

ownership  of  20%  or  more of the Company's outstanding common stock, begins a
tender  or  exchange  offer  for 25% or more of the Company's outstanding common
stock, or an adverse person, as declared by the board of directors, acquires 10%
or  more  of  the  Company's  outstanding  common stock. Additionally, until the
occurrence  of  such  an  event, the Rights are not severable from the Company's
common stock and, therefore, the Rights will be transferred upon the transfer of
shares  of  the Company's common stock. Upon the occurrence of such events, each
Right  entitles  the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series R
Preferred  Stock,  no par value, and $0.01 stated value per share of the Company
at  a  price  of  $100.
     The  Plan  also  provides  that  upon  the  occurrence of certain specified
events,  the  holders  of  Rights  will be entitled to acquire additional equity
interests,  in  the  Company or in the acquiring entity, such interests having a
market  value of two times the Right's exercise price of $100. The Rights, which
expire  November  14,  2004,  are  redeemable  in whole, but not in part, at the
Company's  option  prior  to the time they are exercisable, for a price of $0.01
per  Right.


(15)  REGULATORY  CAPITAL  REQUIREMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bancorp  and  NBT  Bank  are  subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered  by  the  federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital
requirements  can  initiate  certain  mandatory  and  possibly  additional
discretionary  actions  by  regulators  that, if undertaken, could have a direct
material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy
guidelines  and  the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, NBT Bank
must  meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of NBT
Bank's  assets,  liabilities,  and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated
under  regulatory  accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications
are  also  subject  to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components,
risk  weightings,  and  other  factors.
     Quantitative  measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require  the  Company  and  NBT Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set
forth  in  the table below) of total and Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets,
and  of  Tier 1 capital to average assets. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the
Company  and  NBT Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they were
subject.
     Under  their  prompt  corrective action regulations, regulatory authorities
are  required  to  take  certain  supervisory  actions  (and may take additional
discretionary  actions)  with  respect  to an undercapitalized institution. Such
actions  could  have  a  direct  material  effect  on an institution's financial
statements.  The  regulations  establish  a  framework for the classification of
banks  into  five  categories:  well  capitalized, adequately capitalized, under
capitalized,  significantly under capitalized, and critically under capitalized.
As of December 31, 2003, the most recent notification from NBT Bank's regulators
categorized  NBT  Bank  as  well  capitalized under the regulatory framework for
prompt  corrective  action.  To be categorized as well capitalized NBT Bank must
maintain  minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 capital to average
asset  ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since
that  notification  that  management  believes have changed NBT Bank's category.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               59

     The  Company and NBT Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented
as  follows:



===================================================================================================
                                                                Regulatory ratio requirements
                                                Actual      ---------------------------------------
                                          ----------------           Minimum    For classification
(Dollars in thousands)                     Amount   Ratio   capital adequacy   as well capitalized
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003
TOTAL CAPITAL (TO RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS)
Company combined                          $303,117  11.21%              8.00%                10.00%
NBT Bank                                   291,226  10.85%              8.00%                10.00%

TIER I CAPITAL (TO RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS)
Company combined                           269,222   9.96%              4.00%                 6.00%
NBT Bank                                   257,303   9.59%              4.00%                 6.00%

TIER I CAPITAL (TO AVERAGE ASSETS)
Company combined                           269,222   6.76%              4.00%                 5.00%
NBT Bank                                   257,303   6.50%              4.00%                 5.00%

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002
TOTAL CAPITAL (TO RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS)
Company combined                          $275,954  11.18%              8.00%                10.00%
NBT Bank                                   270,435  11.12%              8.00%                10.00%

TIER I CAPITAL (TO RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS)
Company combined                           244,992   9.93%              4.00%                 6.00%
NBT Bank                                   239,904   9.86%              4.00%                 6.00%

TIER I CAPITAL (TO AVERAGE ASSETS)
Company combined                           244,992   6.73%              4.00%                 5.00%
NBT Bank                                   239,904   6.62%              4.00%                 5.00%
===================================================================================================


(16) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PENSION  PLAN

The  Company  has  a  qualified,  noncontributory,  defined benefit pension plan
covering  substantially all of its employees at December 31, 2003. Benefits paid
from  the plan are based on age, years of service, compensation, social security
benefits,  and are determined in accordance with defined formulas. The Company's
policy is to fund the pension plan in accordance with ERISA standards. Assets of
the  plan  are invested in publicly traded stocks and bonds. Prior to January 1,
2000,  the  Company's plan was a traditional defined benefit plan based on final
average  compensation.  On  January  1,  2000,  the plan was converted to a cash
balance  plan  with  grandfathering  provisions  for  existing  participants.
     Prior  to  December  31,  2001,  the Company maintained two noncontributory
defined  benefit  retirement plans, the NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension
Plan and the Central National Bank, Canajoharie Pension Plan. Effective December
31,  2001,  the  Company  merged  those  two  plans.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                              60

     The  net  periodic pension expense and the funded status of the plan are as
follows:



===============================================================================================================
                                                                                   Years ended December 31
                                                                              ---------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                   2003        2002       2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST
Service cost                                                                  $   1,347   $   1,484   $  1,968
Interest cost                                                                     2,028       2,041      2,038
Expected return on plan assets                                                   (3,175)     (2,549)    (2,703)
Amortization of initial unrecognized asset                                         (192)       (192)      (196)
Amortization of prior service cost                                                  153         160        234
Amortization of unrecognized net gain                                               295           -        (23)
                                                                              ---------------------------------
 Net periodic pension cost                                                    $     456   $     944   $  1,318
                                                                              ---------------------------------
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of year                                       $ (31,942)  $ (31,846)  $(28,867)
Service cost                                                                     (1,347)     (1,484)    (1,968)
Interest cost                                                                    (2,028)     (2,041)    (2,038)
Actuarial loss                                                                   (3,512)     (1,238)    (1,438)
Benefits paid                                                                     2,412       3,348      2,465
Prior service cost                                                                 (374)      1,319          -
                                                                              ---------------------------------
 Projected benefit obligation at end of year                                  $ (36,791)  $ (31,942)  $(31,846)

CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year                                $  32,602   $  29,548   $ 28,666
Actual return on plan assets                                                      5,216      (1,598)      (814)
Employer contributions                                                            8,500       8,000      3,950
Benefits paid                                                                    (2,412)     (3,348)    (2,465)
Actuarial gain due to measurement date prior to December 31                           -           -        211
 Fair value of plan assets at end of year                                     $  43,906   $  32,602   $ 29,548
                                                                              ---------------------------------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligation             $   7,115   $     660   $ (2,298)
Unrecognized portion of net asset at transition                                    (981)     (1,172)    (1,364)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss                                                   9,475       8,298      2,913
Unrecognized prior service cost                                                   1,748       1,527      3,006
                                                                              ---------------------------------
 Prepaid (accrued) pension cost                                               $  17,357   $   9,313   $  2,257
                                                                              =================================
ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION                                                $ (35,381)  $ (31,022)  $(28,433)
                                                                              =================================
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 31
Discount rate                                                                      6.00%       6.50%      7.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets                                           8.75%       8.75%      9.00%
Rate of compensation increase                                                      3.75%       4.00%      4.00%
The following assumptions were used to determine net periodic pension cost:
  Discount rate                                                                    6.50%       7.00%      7.25%
  Exopected long-term return on plan assets                                        8.75%       9.00%      9.00%
  Rate of compensation expense                                                     4.00%       4.00%      4.00%
===============================================================================================================




ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               61

     The  following is a summary of the plan's weighted average asset allocation
at  December  31,  2003:



====================================================
                                Actual   Percentage
(In thousands)              Allocation   Allocation
- ----------------------------------------------------
                                   
Cash and Cash Equivalents   $     2,295        5.23%
US Government Bonds              13,159       29.97%
Corporate Bonds                   4,876       11.11%
Foreign Bonds                       251        0.57%
Common Stock                     21,229       48.35%
Preferred Stock                   1,175        2.68%
Foreign Equity                      921        2.10%
                            ------------------------
Total                       $    43,906      100.00%
                            ========================
====================================================



PLAN  INVESTMENT  POLICY  AS  OF  DECEMBER  31,  2003:

     The  Company's  key  investment  objectives in managing its defined benefit
     plan  assets  are  to ensure that present and future benefit obligations to
     all participants and beneficiaries are met as they become due; to provide a
     total  return  that,  over  the  long-term, maximizes the ratio of the plan
     assets  to  liabilities,  while  minimizing  the  present value of required
     Company contributions, at the appropriate levels of risk; to meet statutory
     requirements  and  regulatory  agencies'  requirements;  and  to  satisfy
     applicable  accounting  standards.  The  Company periodically evaluates the
     asset  allocations,  funded  status,  rate  of  return  assumption  and
     contribution  strategy  for  satisfaction  of  our  investment  objectives.
     Generally,  the  investment  manager  allocates  investments as follows: of
     20-40%  of  the  total  portfolio  in fixed income, 40-80% in equities, and
     0-20% in cash. Only high-quality bonds should be included in the portfolio.
     All  issues  that  are  rated lower than A by Standard and Poor's should be
     excluded.  Equity  securities  at December 31, 2003 and 2002 do not include
     any  NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  common  stock.


DETERMINATION  OF  ASSUMED  RATE  OF  RETURN

The  Company  has  selected  the  assumed rate of return based on the following:



=======================================================================================================
                                                                                   Expected    Expected
                           Percentage                                        10-Year Return    Weighted
                           Allocation         Comparable Market Index               Average      Return
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  
Cash and Cash Equivalents        5.20%                                                 4.00%      0.21%
US Government Bonds             30.00%  Lehman Bros. Inter. Term Govt Index            6.33%      1.90%
Corporate Bonds                 11.10%  AAA Corporate Bonds                            7.22%      0.80%
Foreign Bonds                    0.60%  Lehman Bros. Govt/Corp Index                   6.98%      0.04%
Common Stock                    48.30%  S&P 500                                       11.07%      5.35%
Preferred Stock                  2.70%  S&P 500                                       11.07%      0.30%
Foreign Equity                   2.10%  MSCI World Index                               7.14%      0.15%
                                                                                              ---------
                                        Expected Average Return:                                  8.75%
                                                                                              =========
<FN>
In addition, the Plan's assets have had an average annual return of 9.43% during the last ten fiscal
years.
The Company expects to make no contributions to the plan in 2004.
=======================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               62


     In addition to the Company's noncontributory defined benefit retirement and
pension  plan,  the Company provides a supplemental employee retirement plans to
certain  current and former executives. The amount of the liabilities recognized
in  the  Company's  consolidated  balance sheets associated with these plans was
$8.5  million  and $7.1 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
charges  to  expense  with respect to these plans amounted to $1.0 million, $1.0
million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001,
respectively. The discount rate used in determining the actuarial present values
of  the  projected  benefit obligations was 6.00%, 6.50%, and 7.00%, at December
31,  2003,  2002,  and  2001,  respectively.


POSTRETIREMENT  BENEFITS  OTHER  THAN  PENSIONS

The  Company  provides  certain  health  care  benefits  for  retired employees.
Benefits  are  accrued over the employees' active service period. Only employees
that  were  employed  by  NBT  Bank on or before January 1, 2000 are eligible to
receive  postretirement  health  care  benefits.  The  plan  is contributory for
participating retirees, requiring participants to absorb certain deductibles and
coinsurance amounts with contributions adjusted annually to reflect cost sharing
provisions  and  benefit  limitations  called  for in the plan. Employees become
eligible  for  these  benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working
for  the  Company.  The  Company funds the cost of postretirement health care as
benefits are paid. The Company elected to recognize the transition obligation on
a  delayed  basis  over  twenty  years.



================================================================================
                                                       Years ended December 31
                                                  ---------------------------------
(In thousands)                                       2003       2002        2001
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST
                                                                
Service cost                                      $     131   $    221   $     175
Interest cost                                           365        454         300
Amortization of transition obligation                    39         39          39
Amortization of losses                                  161        141          31
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost        (159)       (27)        (14)
                                                  ---------------------------------
 Net periodic postretirement benefit cost         $     537   $    828   $     531
                                                  ---------------------------------
CHANGE IN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of the year       $   7,516   $  5,399   $   4,738
Service cost                                            131        221         175
Interest cost                                           365        454         300
Plan participants' contributions                          -          -           -
Actuarial loss (gain)                                   117      1,976       1,640
Amendments                                           (3,045)      (168)     (1,224)
Benefits paid                                          (304)      (366)       (230)
                                                  ---------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year     $   4,780   $  7,516   $   5,399
                                                  ---------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF ACCRUED BENEFIT COST
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year     $  (4,780)  $ (7,516)  $  (5,399)
Unrecognized transition obligation                       62        101         139
Unrecognized prior service cost                      (3,219)      (333)       (192)
Unrecognized actuarial net loss                       3,866      3,912       2,077
                                                  ---------------------------------
 Accrued benefit cost                             $  (4,071)  $ (3,836)  $  (3,375)
                                                  ---------------------------------
Weighted average discount rate                         6.00%      6.50%       7.00%
===================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               63


     For  measurement  purposes,  the annual rates of increase in the per capita
cost of covered medical and prescription drug benefits for fiscal year 2003 were
assumed  to  be  8.5  and  12.0 percent, respectively. The rates were assumed to
decrease  gradually to 5.0 percent for fiscal year 2010 and remain at that level
thereafter.  Assumed  health  care cost trend rates have a significant effect on
amounts  reported  for  health  care plans. A one-percentage point change in the
health  care trend rates would have the following effects as of and for the year
ended  December  31,  2003:



=========================================================================================================
                                                                         1-Percentage      1-Percentage
(In thousands)                                                          point increase    point decrease
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   
Increase (descrease) on total service and interest cost components      $            41  $           (36)
Increase (descrease) on postretirement accumulated benefit obligation               566             (506)
=========================================================================================================


EMPLOYEE  401(K)  AND  EMPLOYEE  STOCK  OWNERSHIP  PLANS

At  December  31,  2003,  the  Company  maintains  a  401(k)  and employee stock
ownership  plan  (the  Plan).  The  Company  contributes  to  the  Plan based on
employees'  contributions  out  of their annual salary. In addition, the Company
may  also  make  discretionary contributions to the Plan based on profitability.
Participation  in  the  plan  is  contingent  upon  certain  age  and  service
requirements.
     CNB  maintained  a 401(k) plan. On January 1, 2002, the CNB plan was merged
into  the  Company's plan. The recorded expenses associated with these plans was
$1.5  million  in  2003,  $1.3  million  in  2002,  and  $0.8  million  in 2001.


STOCK  OPTION  PLANS

The  following  is  a  summary  of  changes  in  options  outstanding:
     The  following  table  summarizes  information  concerning  stock  options
outstanding  at  December  31,  2003:



============================================================================
                                                        Weighted average of
                                                  exercise price of options
                              Number of options             under the plans
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            
Balance at December 31, 2000          1,477,824                      $ 13.59
Granted                                 726,746                        15.13
Exercised                              (219,659)                        8.92
Lapsed                                  (79,036)                       15.83
                              ----------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2001          1,905,875                        14.61
Granted                                 497,670                        14.40
Exercised                              (170,661)                        9.69
Lapsed                                  (40,661)                       14.09
                              ----------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2002          2,192,223                        14.96
Granted                                 398,888                        17.72
Exercised                              (489,253)                       12.42
Lapsed                                  (37,284)                       14.89
                              ----------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2003          2,064,574                      $ 16.09
                              ==============================================

============================================================================


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               64




========================================================================================================
                                Options outstanding
                  ------------------------------------------------------       Options exercisable
                                    Weighted average                        ------------------------------
Range of               Number  remaining contractual   Weighted average         Number  Weighted average
exercise prices   outstanding        life (in years)     exercise price    exercisable    exercise price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
$9.00-$12.25         148,696                    5.05             $ 10.62      141,087            $ 10.63
$12.26-$15.50        692,286                    7.26               14.54      395,187              14.61
$15.51-$18.75        989,716                    7.31               16.97      476,221              16.80
$18.76-$22.00        233,876                    5.79               20.47      201,920              20.55
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$9.00-$22.00       2,064,574                    6.96             $ 16.09    1,214,415            $ 16.00
========================================================================================================



(17) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  Company's  concentrations  of credit risk are reflected in the consolidated
balance  sheets.  The  concentrations  of  credit  risk  with standby letters of
credit,  unused  lines  of  credit, commitments to originate new loans and loans
sold  with  recourse  generally  follow  the  loan  classifications.
     At  December 31, 2003, approximately 62% of the Company's loans are secured
by  real  estate  located  in  central  and  northern  New York and northeastern
Pennsylvania.  Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion
of  the  Company's  portfolio  is susceptible to changes in market conditions of
those areas. Management is not aware of any material concentrations of credit to
any  industry  or  individual  borrowers.
     The  Company  is  a party to certain financial instruments with off balance
sheet  risk  in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its
customers.  These  financial  instruments  include commitments to extend credit,
unused lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and as certain mortgage loans
sold  to  investors  with recourse. The Company's exposure to credit loss in the
event  of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit,
unused  lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and loans sold with recourse
is  represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses
the  same  credit standards in making commitments and conditional obligations as
it  does  for  on  balance  sheet  instruments.
     The  total  amount  of  loans  serviced  by the Company for unrelated third
parties  was  approximately $66.4 million and $77.2 million at December 31, 2003
and  2002,  respectively.



===========================================================================
                                                           At December 31
                                                         ------------------
(In thousands)                                             2003      2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             
Unused lines of credit                                   $ 74,646  $ 72,458
Commitments to extend credits, primarily variable rate    398,360   336,665
Standby letters of credit                                  17,052    24,659
Loans sold with recourse                                   10,824    15,022
===========================================================================


     In  the  normal  course  of  business  there  are various outstanding legal
proceedings. In the opinion of management, the aggregate amount involved in such
proceedings  is  not  material  to the consolidated balance sheets or results of
operations  of  the  Company.
     In  November  2002,  the  FASB  issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN No.
45"),  "Guarantor's  Accounting  and  Disclosure  Requirements  for  Guarantees,
Including  Indirect  Guarantees  of Indebtedness of Others; an Interpretation of
FASB  Statements  No.  5,  57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No.
34."  FIN  No.  45  requires  certain  new  disclosures  and  potential
liability-recognition  for  the  fair  value at issuance of guarantees that fall
within  its  scope.  Under FIN No. 45, the Company does not issue any guarantees
that  would  require liability-recognition or disclosure, other than its standby
letters  of  credit.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               65


     The  Company  guarantees  the  obligations  or  performance of customers by
issuing  stand-by  letters of credit to third parties. These stand-by letters of
credit  are  frequently issued in support of third party debt, such as corporate
debt  issuances,  industrial  revenue  bonds, and municipal securities. The risk
involved  in  issuing  stand-by letters of credit is essentially the same as the
credit  risk  involved  in  extending loan facilities to customers, and they are
subject  to  the  same  credit origination, portfolio maintenance and management
procedures  in  effect  to  monitor other credit and off-balance sheet products.
Typically, these instruments have terms of five years or less and expire unused;
therefore,  the  total  amounts  do  not  necessarily  represent  future  cash
requirements.  The  fair  value  of the Company's stand-by lettters of credit at
December  31,  2003  and  2002  was  not  significant.

(18)  PARENT  COMPANY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


===========================================================================
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             December 31
                                                         ------------------
(In thousands)                                               2003      2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                                $  6,117  $  5,038
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value      7,601     6,624
Investment in subsidiaries, on equity basis               315,842   305,080
Other assets                                               18,384    13,243
                                                         ------------------
  Total assets                                           $347,944  $329,985
                                                         ==================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Total liabilities                                        $ 37,910  $ 37,603
Stockholders' equity                                      310,034   292,382
                                                         ------------------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity             $347,944  $329,985
                                                         ==================
===========================================================================




CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Years ended December 31
                                                                 --------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                        2003       2002       2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              

Gain on sale of building                                          $       -  $    220  $       -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------
Dividends from subsidiaries                                          28,715    32,803     27,775
Management fee from subsidiaries                                     44,736    43,377     25,860
Interest and other dividend income                                      206       540      1,273
Net gain on sale of securities available for sale                         -       341        294
                                                                  -------------------------------
                                                                     73,657    77,281     55,202
Operating expense                                                    45,692    44,513     41,535
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and (distributions
  in excess of) equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries       27,965    32,768     13,667
Income tax expense (benefit)                                            272        22     (3,907)
Equity in undistributed income of (distributions in excess of)
  subsidiaries                                                       19,411    12,253    (13,837)
                                                                  -------------------------------
Net income                                                        $  47,104  $ 44,999  $   3,737
                                                                  ===============================
=================================================================================================



ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               66



========================================================================================================================
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Years ended December 31
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
(In thousands)                                                                            2003        2002       2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                                                             $  47,104   $  44,999   $  3,737
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net gains on sale of securities available for sale                                             -        (341)      (294)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options                                                 1,294         199        327
Distributions in excess of (equity in undistributed) income of subsidiaries              (19,411)    (12,253)    13,837
Other, net                                                                                (5,302)      3,058      4,354
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
  Net cash provided by operating activities                                               23,685      35,662     21,961
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale                                           -         732      4,458
Purchases of securities available for sale                                                     -           -       (390)
Purchases of premises and equipment                                                       (1,534)     (1,582)    (2,603)
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities                                     (1,534)       (850)     1,465
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the issuance of shares to employee benefit plans and other stock plans       7,675       1,583      2,046
Payment on long-term debt                                                                    (85)        (80)       (75)
Purchase of treasury shares                                                               (6,489)    (10,803)   (11,126)
Cash dividends and payment for fractional shares                                         (22,173)    (22,445)   (20,127)
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
  Net cash (used in) financing activities                                                (21,072)    (31,745)   (29,282)
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                     1,079       3,067     (5,856)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                             5,038       1,971      7,827
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                               $   6,117   $   5,038   $  1,971
                                                                                       =================================
========================================================================================================================


(19) FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  following  methods  and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each  class  of  financial  instruments.


SHORT  TERM  INSTRUMENTS

For  short-term instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest
receivable,  accrued interest payable, and short term borrowings, carrying value
approximates  fair  value.


SECURITIES

Fair  values  for securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes,
where  available.  Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are
based  on  quoted  market  prices  of  comparable  instruments.


LOANS

For  variable  rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant credit
risk,  fair  values are based on carrying values. The fair values for fixed rate
loans  are  estimated through discounted cash flow analysis using interest rates
currently  being  offered  for  loans  with  similar  terms  and credit quality.
Nonperforming loans are valued based upon recent loss history for similar loans.


DEPOSITS

The  fair  values  disclosed  for savings, money market, and noninterest bearing
accounts  are,  by  definition,  equal to their carrying values at the reporting
date.  The  fair  value  of  fixed  maturity  time  deposits  is  estimated


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               67


using  a  discounted  cash  flow  analysis that applies interest rates currently
offered  to  a  schedule  of  aggregated  expected  monthly  maturities  on time
deposits.


LONG-TERM  DEBT

The  fair  value of long-term debt has been estimated using discounted cash flow
analysis  that  applies  interest rates currently offered for notes with similar
terms.


COMMITMENTS  TO  EXTEND  CREDIT  AND  STANDBY  LETTERS  OF  CREDIT

The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are
estimated  using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking
into  account  the  remaining  terms  of  the  agreements and the present credit
worthiness  of  the counterparties. Carrying amounts, which are comprised of the
unamortized  fee  income,  are  not  significant.


GUARANTEED  PREFERRED  BENEFICIAL  INTERESTS  IN  COMPANY'S  JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES

Given  the variable rate nature of this financial instrument, the carrying value
approximates  fair  value.
     Estimated  fair  values  of  financial  instruments  at  December 31 are as
follows:



=========================================================================================================
                                                                  2003                     2002
                                                         -----------------------  -----------------------
                                                          Carrying     Estimated    Carrying    Estimated
(In thousands)                                              amount    fair value      amount   fair value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                                $  128,044  $   128,044  $  124,623  $   124,623
Trading securities                                               48           48         203          203
Securities available for sale                               980,961      980,961   1,007,583    1,007,583
Securities held to maturity                                  97,204       98,576      82,514       84,517
Loans1                                                    2,639,976    2,626,166   2,355,932    2,423,172
Less allowance for loan losses                               42,651            -      40,167            -
 Net loans                                                2,597,325    2,626,166   2,315,765    2,423,172
Accrued interest receivable                              $   15,690  $    15,690  $   16,885  $    16,885
                                                         ================================================
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
DEPOSITS
INTEREST BEARING
Savings, NOW, and money market                           $1,401,825  $ 1,401,825  $1,183,603  $ 1,183,603
Time deposits                                             1,099,223    1,105,461   1,289,236    1,301,742
Noninterest bearing                                         500,303      500,303     449,201      449,201
Short-term borrowings                                       302,931      302,931     105,601      105,601
Long-term debt                                              369,700      395,122     345,476      374,751
Accrued interest payable                                      6,873        6,873       8,333        8,333
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in company's
 junior subordinated debentures                          $   17,000  $    17,000  $   17,000  $    17,000
                                                         ================================================
<FN>
1.  Lease  receivables,  although  excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 107, are included in the estimated
    fair  value  amounts  at  their  carrying  amounts.
=========================================================================================================


Fair  value  estimates  are  made  at  a  specific  point  in time, exists for a
significant  portion  of  the  Company's  financial  based  on  relevant  market
information  and  information  instruments,  fair  value  estimates are based on
judgments  about  the  financial instrument. These estimates do not re-regarding
future  expected  loss experience, current ecoflect any premium or discount that
could result from of-nomic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial
fering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings instruments, and other
factors.  These  estimates are sub-of a particular financial instrument. Because
no  market  jective  in  nature  and  involve  uncertainties  and  matters  of


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               68


significant  judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes
in  assumptions  could  significantly  affect  the  estimates.
     Fair  value  estimates  are  based  on  existing  on  and off-balance-sheet
financial  instruments  without  attempting to estimate the value of anticipated
future  business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial  instruments.  For  example,  the  Company has a substantial trust and
investment  management  operation  that contributes net fee income annually. The
trust  and  investment  management  operation  is  not  considered  a  financial
instrument,  and  its  value  has  not  been  incorporated  into  the fair value
estimates.  Other  significant  assets  and  liabilities  include  the  benefits
resulting  from  the  low-cost funding of deposit liabilities as compared to the
cost  of borrowing funds in the market, and premises and equipment. In addition,
the  tax  ramifications  related  to the realization of the unrealized gains and
losses  can  have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
considered  in  the  estimate  of  fair  value.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               69


ITEM  9.  CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL  DISCLOSURE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation
under  the  supervision  and with the participation of our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of
the  design  and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to
Rule  13a-15(e)  and  15(d)-15(e)  of  the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended  (the  "Exchange  Act").  Based  on that evaluation, our Chief Executive
Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have  concluded  that our disclosure of
controls  and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to
be  disclosed  by  the  Company  in  reports  that it files or submits under the
Exchange  Act  is  recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time
periods  specified  in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
     There  were  no  changes  in our internal controls over financial reporting
that  occurred  during  the  Company's  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  that have
materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the
Company's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               70


PART  III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  information required is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's
definitive  Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on
May 4, 2004 (the "Proxy Statement"), which will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission  within  120  days  of  the Company's 2003 fiscal year end.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE  COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The  information  required  is  incorporated  herein by reference from the Proxy
Statement.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
EQUITY  COMPENSATION  PLAN  INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As of December 31, 2003, the following table summarizes the Company's equity
compensation plans:



==================================================================================================================================
                                                                                                    Number of securities remaining
                                                                A.                                   available for future issuance
                                        Number of securities to be                             B.        under equity compensation
                                           issued upon exercise of      Weighted-average exercise      plans (excluding securities
Plan Category                                  outstanding options   price of outstanding options           reflected in column A)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
Equity compensation plans approved
  by stockholders                                        2,064,574  $                       16.09                        2,998,860
Equity compensation plans not approved
  by stockholders                                             NONE                           NONE                             NONE
==================================================================================================================================


     The remaining information required is incorporated herein by reference from
the  Proxy  Statement.


ITEM  13.  CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED  TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy
Statement.


ITEM  14.  PRINCIPAL  ACCOUNTING  FEES  AND  SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information required is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy
Statement.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               71

PART  IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a)(1)  The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Part II,
        Item  8  hereof:

        Independent  Auditors'  Report.

        Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  as  of  December  31,  2003  and  2002.

        Consolidated  Statements  of  Income  for  each of the three years ended
        December  31,  2003,  2002  and  2001.

        Consolidated  Statements  of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for each of
        the  three  years  ended  December  31,  2003,  2002  and  2001.

        Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended
        December  31,  2003,  2002  and  2001.

        Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive Income for each of the three
        years  ended  December  31,  2003,  2002  and  2001.

        Notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.

(a)(2)  There are no financial statement schedules that are required to be filed
        as part of this form since they are not applicable or the information is
        included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements.

(a)(3)  See  (c)  below  for  all exhibits filed herewith and the Exhibit Index.

(b)     Reports  on  Form  8-K.

        We  filed  a  Form  8-K with the SEC on October 28, 2003, under "Item 9.
        Regulation  FD  Disclosure,"  and  provided under Item 12, reporting our
        full  year  and  third quarter earnings; and, on December 4, 2003, under
        "Item  11.  Temporary  Suspension of Trading Under Registrant's Employee
        Benefit Plans," reporting a blackout period for the Company's 401(k) and
        Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plan.

(c)     Exhibits. The following exhibits are either filed as part of this annual
        report  on  Form  10-K,  or  are  incorporated  herein  by  reference:

        3.1  Certificate of Incorporation of NBT Bancorp Inc. as amended through
             July  23,  2001 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K for
             the  year  ended  December  31,  2001,  filed on March 29, 2002 and
             incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        3.2  By-laws  of  NBT  Bancorp Inc. as amended and restated through July
             23,  2001  (filed  as Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
             year  ended  December  31,  2001,  filed  on  March  29,  2002  and
             incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        3.3  Rights  Agreement,  dated  as  of  November  15,  1994, between NBT
             Bancorp  Inc.  and  American Stock Transfer Trust Company as Rights
             Agent  (filed  as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form 8-A, file number
             0-14703,  filed on November 25, 1994, and incorporated by reference
             herein).

        3.4  Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 16, 1999,
             between  NBT Bancorp Inc. and American Stock Transfer Trust Company
             as  Rights  Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant's Form 8-A/A,
             file  number  0-14703, filed on December 21, 1999, and incorporated
             by  reference  herein).

        3.5  Amendment  No.  2  to Rights Agreement, dated as of April 19, 2000,
             between  NBT Bancorp Inc. and American Stock Transfer Trust Company
             as  Rights  Agent  (filed  as  Exhibit  4.3 to Registrant's Form 8-
             A12G/A,  file  number  0-14703,  filed  on  May  25,  2000,  and
             incorporated  by  reference  herein).

        10.1 NBT  Bancorp  Inc. 401(K) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan made as
             of January 1, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Form 10-K
             for  the  year ended December 31, 2000, filed on March 29, 2001 and
             incorporated  by  reference  herein).


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               72

        10.2 First  Amendment  to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership  Plan  effective  July 2, 2001. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.3 Second  Amendment to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership  Plan  effective  July 2, 2001. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.4 Third  Amendment  to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership Plan effective January 1, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.5 Fourth  Amendment to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership Plan effective January 1, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.6 Fifth  Amendment  to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership Plan effective January 1, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.7 Sixth  Amendment  to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership  Plan  effective  January  1,  2002.

        10.8 Seventh Amendment to the NBT Bancorp Inc. 401(k) and Employee Stock
             Ownership  Plan  effective  January  1,  2004.

        10.9 NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Amended and Restated
             Effective  as  of  January  1,  2000  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.2  to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed
             on  March  29,  2001  and  incorporated  by  reference  herein).

        10.10 Amendment  Number  One to NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension
             Plan  effective  December  31,  2001.  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.8 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.11 Amendment  Number  Two to NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension
             Plan  effective  January  1,  2002  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.9  to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed
             on  March  28,  2003  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.12 Amendment Number Three to NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension
             Plan  effective  January  1,  2002  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.10  to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed
             on  March  28,  2003  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.13 Amendment  Number Four to NBT Bancorp Inc. Defined Benefit Pension
             Plan  effective  January  1,  2004.

        10.14 NBT  Bancorp Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to
             Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement, file number 333-71830
             filed  on  October  18, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).

        10.15 NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  Non-Employee Director, Divisional Director and
             Subsidiary  Director  Stock  Option  Plan (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to
             Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement, file number 333-73038
             filed  on  November  9, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).

        10.16 NBT  Bancorp  Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (filed as Exhibit
             10.11  to  Registrant's  Form  10-K for the year ended December 31,
             2001,  filed  on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by
             reference).

        10.17 NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  Non-employee Directors Restricted and Deferred
             Stock  Plan  (filed  as Appendix A of Registrant's Definitive Proxy
             Statement  on  Form 14A filed on April 4, 2003, and incorporated by
             reference  herein).

        10.18 NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  Performance Share Plan (filed as Appendix B of
             Registrant's  Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed on April
             4,  2003,  and  incorporated  by  reference  herein).


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               73

        10.19 NBT  Bancorp  Inc.  2004  Executive  Incentive  Compensation Plan.

        10.20 Change  in  control  agreement  with  Daryl R. Forsythe made as of
             February  21,  1995  and revised on July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit
             10.4  to  the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
             September  30,  2001,  filed  on November 14, 2001 and incorporated
             herein  by  reference).

        10.21 Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Daryl R.
             Forsythe  made  as  of  August  2,  2003. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
             Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
             2003,  filed  on  November  13,  2003  and  incorporated  herein by
             reference).

        10.22 Supplemental  Retirement  Agreement  between NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT
             Bank,  National  Association  and  Daryl R. Forsythe as Amended and
             Restated  Effective  January  28,  2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.23 Death  Benefits  Agreement  between  NBT  Bancorp  Inc., NBT Bank,
             National  Association  and  Daryl  R.Forsythe  made August 22, 1995
             (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
             December  31, 2000, filed on March 29, 2001 and incorporated herein
             by  reference).

        10.24 Amendment  dated  January  28,  2002  to  Death Benefits Agreement
             between  NBT Bancorp Inc., NBT Bank, National Association and Daryl
             R.  Forsythe  made  August  22,  1995.  (filed  as Exhibit 10.18 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.25 Split-Dollar  Agreement  between  NBT  Bancorp  Inc.,  NBT  Bank,
             National  Association  and Daryl R. Forsythe made January 25, 2002.

        10.26 Wage  Continuation  Plan  between  NBT  Bancorp  Inc.,  NBT  Bank,
             National  Association  and  Daryl  R. Forsythe made as of August 1,
             1995  (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
             ended  December  31, 2000, filed on March 29, 2001 and incorporated
             herein  by  reference).

        10.27 Form  of  Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Martin
             A.  Dietrich  made  as of January 1, 2000 and revised on January 1,
             2002  and  again  on  August  2,  2003.  (filed  as Exhibit 10.2 to
             Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
             2003,  filed  on  November  13,  2003  and  incorporated  herein by
             reference).

        10.28 Supplemental  Executive  Retirement  Agreement between NBT Bancorp
             Inc.  and  Martin  A.  Dietrich  made  as of July 23, 2001(filed as
             Exhibit  10.13  to  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
             ended  September  30,  2001,  filed  on  November  14,  2001  and
             incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.29 Change  in control agreement with Martin A. Dietrich dated January
             2,  1997  and  revised  on  July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
             Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
             2001,  filed  on  November  14,  2001  and  incorporated  herein by
             reference).

        10.30 Form  of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Michael
             J.  Chewens  made as of January 1, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.31 Supplemental  Executive  Retirement  Agreement between NBT Bancorp
             Inc.  and  Michael  J.  Chewens  made as of July 23, 2001 (filed as
             Exhibit  10.12  to  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
             ended  September  30,  2001,  filed  on  November  14,  2001  and
             incorporated  by  reference  herein).

        10.32 Change  in control agreement with Michael J. Chewens dated January
             1,  1998  and  revised  on  July 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
             Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
             2001,  filed  on  November  14,  2001  and  incorporated  herein by
             reference).

        10.33 Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and David E.
             Raven  made  as  of  January  1,  2002.  (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.34 Change  in  control agreement with David E. Raven dated January 1,
             1998  and  revised  on  July  23,  2001  (filed  as Exhibit 10.7 to
             Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30,
             2001,  filed  on  November  14,  2001 and incorporated by reference
             herein).


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               74


        10.35 Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Agreement  between NBT Bancorp
             Inc.  and  David  E.  Raven  made  as  of  January  1,  2004.

        10.36 Form of Employment Agreement between NBT Bancorp Inc. and Lance D.
             Mattingly  made  as  of January 1, 2002. (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to
             Registrant's  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
             on  March  29,  2002  and  incorporated  herein  by  reference).

        10.37 Change in control agreement with Lance D. Mattingly dated July 23,
             2001  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.5  to  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
             quarterly  period  ended  September 30, 2001, filed on November 14,
             2001  and  incorporated  by  reference  herein).

        10.38 Change in control agreement with Tom Delduchetto dated January 28,
             2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
             ended  December  31, 2001, filed on March 29, 2002 and incorporated
             herein  by  reference).

        21   A  list  of  the  subsidiaries  of  the  Registrant.

        23.  Consent  of  KPMG  LLP.

        31.1 Certification  by  the  Chief  Executive  Officer pursuant to Rules
             13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

        31.2 Certification  by  the  Chief  Financial  Officer pursuant to Rules
             13(a)-14(a)/15(d)-14(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

        32.1 Certification  by the Chief Executive  Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C
             1350,  as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
             of  2002.

        32.2 Certification  of the Chief Financial  Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C
             1350,  as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
             of  2002.


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               75

SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange
Act  of  1934,  NBT Bancorp Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized.

                                                   NBT BANCORP INC. (Registrant)
                                                   March 15, 2004

/S/  Daryl  R.  Forsythe
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daryl R. Forsythe
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/S/ Daryl R. Forsythe
- --------------------------------------------
Daryl  R.  Forsythe
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  John  C.  Mitchell
- --------------------------------------------
John  C.  Mitchell,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Joseph  G.  Nasser
- --------------------------------------------
Joseph  G.  Nasser,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Peter  B.  Gregory
- --------------------------------------------
Peter  B.  Gregory,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  William  C.  Gumble
- --------------------------------------------
William  C.  Gumble,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Michael  Hutcherson
- --------------------------------------------
Michael  Hutcherson,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Richard  Chojnowski
- --------------------------------------------
Richard  Chojnowski,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Michael  Murphy
- --------------------------------------------
Michael  Murphy,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/ Michael J. Chewens
- --------------------------------------------
Michael J. Chewens
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: March 15, 2004

/S/ William L. Owens
- --------------------------------------------
William  L.  Owens,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Van  Ness  D.  Robinson
- --------------------------------------------
Van  Ness  D.  Robinson,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Joseph  A.  Santangelo
- --------------------------------------------
Joseph  A.  Santangelo,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Paul  O.  Stillman
- --------------------------------------------
Paul  O.  Stillman,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Janet  H.  Ingraham
- --------------------------------------------
Janet  H.  Ingraham,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Paul  Horger
- --------------------------------------------
Paul  Horger,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Andrew  S.  Kowalczyk,  Jr
- --------------------------------------------
Andrew  S.  Kowalczyk,  Jr.,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004

/S/  Patricia  T.  Civil
- --------------------------------------------
Patricia  T.  Civil,  Director
Date:  March  15,  2004


ANNUAL REPORT: NBT BANCORP INC.                                               76




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