Bank customers across the country are advised to plan their financial transactions carefully, as bank branches are expected to remain closed for four consecutive days from January 24 to January 27, 2026. The extended closure is a result of a combination of regular weekly holidays, a national public holiday, and a proposed nationwide bank employees’ strike.
According to available information, banking services at physical branches will be disrupted due to the fourth Saturday, Sunday, Republic Day, and a possible all-India bank strike. While digital banking facilities will remain operational, customers who rely on branch-based services may face inconvenience during this period.
The upcoming shutdown is not due to a single reason but a series of scheduled and proposed events that fall back-to-back in the last week of January.
As per Reserve Bank of India norms, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Since January 24 falls on the fourth Saturday, all bank branches will remain shut nationwide.
Sunday is a regular weekly holiday for banks. Therefore, branches will remain closed on January 25 as well, extending the shutdown to two consecutive days.
January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day, a national public holiday. On this day, banks across the country will remain closed in observance of the occasion. This year marks the 77th Republic Day, making it a mandatory holiday for all banking institutions.
Bank employee unions have announced a potential all-India bank strike on January 27, demanding the implementation of a five-day work week for banking staff. As negotiations between unions and authorities have not yet resulted in a consensus, the strike is likely to proceed as planned. If it does, bank branches will remain closed for the fourth straight day.
Although bank branches will remain closed, customers can still access several essential services through digital platforms. The following services are expected to function normally:
Internet banking
Mobile banking apps
UPI-based transactions
ATM cash withdrawals
Debit card and credit card payments
However, customers should note that branch-dependent services such as cheque clearance, demand drafts, cash deposits and withdrawals at counters, locker access, and document-related work will not be available during these four days.
The proposed strike has been called by bank unions primarily to push for the introduction of a five-day working week. According to union representatives, reducing the workweek would help lower stress levels, improve work-life balance, and enhance productivity.
Unions have also suggested that customer service will not be impacted, as employees are willing to compensate by working additional minutes on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. Despite these assurances, talks with authorities have yet to yield a final agreement.
Customers are strongly advised to complete urgent banking tasks such as cash deposits, cheque submissions, and branch-related paperwork before January 24. Those who depend heavily on branch visits should prepare in advance to avoid inconvenience during the extended closure.
For routine transactions, customers can rely on online banking platforms, which are expected to remain uninterrupted throughout the holiday and strike period.
With four consecutive days of bank closures likely between January 24 and January 27, customers should stay informed and plan ahead. While digital services offer relief for basic transactions, branch-based operations will remain unavailable. Keeping track of official announcements regarding the strike will also be important, as any last-minute resolution could impact banking operations on January 27.
