Banks across India are set to remain closed for four days in a row due to a mix of weekend holidays, a national holiday, and a proposed nationwide strike.
If you have important bank-related work planned, here’s a clear and simple breakdown of what’s happening and what services will still be available.
Four-Day Bank Closure: Dates You Should Know
From Saturday, January 24 to Tuesday, January 27, bank branches across the country are expected to stay shut.
This means no in-person banking services for four consecutive days.
The closure will affect all public and private sector banks nationwide.
Why Banks Will Remain Closed
Here’s the day-by-day reason behind the shutdown:
January 24, 2026 – Fourth Saturday
Banks in India remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
As a result, branches will not operate on this day.
January 25, 2026 – Sunday
All banks are closed on Sundays as part of regular weekly holidays.
January 26, 2026 – Republic Day
Banks will remain shut across India to mark the country’s 77th Republic Day, commemorating the Constitution coming into force on January 26, 1950.
January 27, 2026 – All-India Bank Strike
Bank unions have called for a nationwide strike demanding a five-day work week.
If the strike goes ahead as planned, banks will stay closed on Tuesday as well.
What Banking Services Will Still Work
Even though branches will be closed, customers won’t be completely cut off from banking services.
You can still use:
Net banking
Mobile banking apps
UPI payments
ATMs
However, cheque clearing, cash deposits, withdrawals at branches, and other counter services under the Negotiable Instruments Act will not be available during this period.
Why Bank Employees Are Demanding a Five-Day Week
Bank unions argue that a five-day work schedule will reduce stress, improve productivity, and give employees more family time.
They point out that many central government offices and financial institutions already follow a Monday-to-Friday system.
To avoid inconvenience to customers, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has suggested extending daily working hours by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday.
The unions also note that key financial bodies like the RBI, stock markets, and forex markets already remain closed on Saturdays.
If you have urgent bank work, it’s best to plan ahead and complete branch-related tasks before January 24.
Digital banking will help bridge the gap, but physical services will resume only after the shutdown ends.
