Planning a bank visit in 2026? Before you step out, it helps to know when banks will be closed. In India, bank holidays follow an official calendar issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The 2026 bank holiday list includes national holidays, state-specific observances, and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays as well as all Sundays. Having the holidays laid out by month makes it easy to plan branch visits, cheque deposits, cash withdrawals and other time-sensitive financial tasks without last-minute surprises.
Here’s a clear, concise guide to the 2026 bank holiday schedule and how to use it for planning.
Who Decides Bank Holidays in India?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues the core holiday calendar that most banks follow. This framework covers public sector banks, private banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), cooperative banks and small finance banks.
State governments can declare additional regional holidays that apply only to banks operating within a particular state. Consequently, the exact list of holidays may vary slightly between states and branches.
Bank Holiday List 2026 (India)
Below is a consolidated list of major bank holidays in 2026. It reflects national and widely observed RBI holidays; local state festivals and additional regional holidays are not exhaustively covered here and should be checked separately for your state.
Major Bank Holidays in India – 2026
| Date | Day | Occasion / Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|
| 26-Jan-26 | Monday | Republic Day (National Holiday) |
| 3-Mar-26 | Tuesday | Holi |
| 3-Apr-26 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 14-Apr-26 | Tuesday | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 1-May-26 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day |
| 15-Aug-26 | Saturday | Independence Day (National Holiday) |
| 20-Oct-26 | Tuesday | Dussehra |
| 8-Nov-26 | Sunday | Diwali |
| 25-Dec-26 | Friday | Christmas |
This provides a national-level overview. For accurate planning, combine this with the holiday list issued by your state and your bank branch.
Bank Holidays on Second and Fourth Saturdays (2026)
RBI guidelines require banks to remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, in addition to all Sundays. These regular closures are part of the 2026 bank holiday schedule.
Below is a month-wise view of the 2nd and 4th Saturdays to help you avoid branch visits on those days:
| Month | Second Saturday | Fourth Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10-Jan | 24-Jan |
| February | 14-Feb | 28-Feb |
| March | 14-Mar | 28-Mar |
| April | 11-Apr | 25-Apr |
| May | 9-May | 23-May |
| June | 13-Jun | 27-Jun |
| July | 11-Jul | 25-Jul |
| August | 8-Aug | 22-Aug |
| September | 12-Sep | 26-Sep |
| October | 10-Oct | 24-Oct |
| November | 14-Nov | 28-Nov |
| December | 12-Dec | 26-Dec |
Marking these dates on your calendar will help you plan branch-dependent tasks more efficiently.
Types of Bank Holidays in India (2026)
Bank holidays in India are typically classified into three main types. Understanding these categories helps you know which closures apply nationwide and which are region-specific.
1. National (Gazetted) Holidays
These holidays are observed across the country and result in nationwide bank closures. Examples include Republic Day, Independence Day, and major festivals such as Holi and Diwali.
2. Central Government Holidays
Declared by the Central Government, these holidays are observed by banks across India and often overlap with national holidays.
3. State-Specific Holidays
These reflect local festivals or state-level events. Banks close only in the state or region where the holiday is observed.
Regional State-Wise Bank Holiday Examples
Below are a few examples of state-specific bank holidays to illustrate regional variations:
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra Day, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
- Tamil Nadu: Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day
- West Bengal: Bengali New Year, Durga Puja holidays
- Punjab: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
- Kerala: Onam, Vishu
If your area observes a state-specific holiday, your local branch may be closed even when national banks remain open elsewhere.
Even when branches are closed, digital banking remains available. UPI, mobile banking, net banking and ATMs generally operate 24/7, allowing you to check balances, transfer funds and complete many transactions on a bank holiday. Some services, such as cheque clearing and settlement, may be delayed until the next working day.
FAQs on Bank Holidays in India
On which days are banks in India closed?
Banks are closed on national and RBI-declared holidays, the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, all Sundays, and state-specific holidays applicable to the region.
Are all state holidays applicable to all banks?
No. State holidays apply only to banks operating in that particular state. Banks in other states follow their respective regional calendars.
Are online banking services available on bank holidays?
Yes. UPI, mobile banking, net banking and ATM services typically remain available around the clock. However, activities that require physical branch processing, like cheque clearing, may be delayed.
How can I find out about upcoming bank holidays?
Check the RBI’s official holiday calendar and consult your bank’s website or app for a detailed, branch-level holiday list. Combining the national calendar with your state’s schedule ensures you have the most accurate information for planning.