Millions of bank customers across India are keen to know: Are banks finally shifting to a five-day work week? As of now, Indian banks remain closed on Sundays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Many working professionals use alternate Saturdays to complete essential banking tasks. However, if the five-day workweek is implemented, it will significantly impact such customers—while also improving the work-life balance for bank employees.
Here’s everything the government and the banking sector have said so far on this important proposal.
In a recent session of Parliament, the Indian government confirmed that the proposal to shift banks to a five-day workweek is still under review. The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has officially recommended that all Saturdays be declared bank holidays. However, no final decision has been taken yet.
The idea is not new, but it is gaining traction with support from employee unions and industry bodies alike.
The All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) has strongly advocated for a Monday-to-Friday work schedule for banks. According to AIBOC, this change will enhance employees' physical and mental well-being, improve productivity, and align Indian banking practices with global standards.
Many private sector organizations and international institutions have already adopted five-day workweeks, making this move both timely and relevant in the current work culture.
Currently, all public sector banks in India follow a schedule where the second and fourth Saturdays are holidays, while the first, third, and fifth Saturdays (if any) are working days. This rule has been in place since 2015.
Responding to a question from Rajya Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal, the government clarified that staffing issues are not a roadblock to this transition. The Finance Ministry reported that 96% of bank positions had been filled as of March 31, 2025. Any remaining vacancies were largely due to natural attrition, such as retirements or resignations.
While there is no fixed timeline for implementing the five-day week, the government’s response in Parliament indicates that the matter is being taken seriously. Discussions between the government, IBA, and employee unions are ongoing, and a decision could be announced in the coming months.
If implemented, the five-day week would mean banks operate only from Monday to Friday, giving employees two full days off—Saturday and Sunday—every week.
For bank employees, the change promises improved morale, better health, and enhanced job satisfaction. For customers, especially those with limited weekday availability, it may require planning banking activities more efficiently. However, with the growing digitization of banking services, many routine transactions can now be completed online—reducing dependence on physical branch visits.
Though the five-day workweek in banks isn’t confirmed yet, the proposal is progressing steadily. As digital banking continues to evolve, and employee wellness takes center stage, this shift could mark a significant milestone in India's banking sector.
