Top News

If you are planning to visit a bank branch this weekend to complete any important financial work, it is crucial to check the holiday schedule first. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks across the country will remain closed on Saturday, 24 January 2026, as it falls on the fourth Saturday of the month. As per RBI guidelines, all scheduled commercial banks observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays every month.

The closure does not stop there. Since 25 January 2026 is a Sunday, banks will remain shut on that day as well. Furthermore, 26 January 2026, which falls on a Monday, is Republic Day, a national holiday. On this occasion, banking operations will remain suspended nationwide. This sequence of holidays means that customers may face three consecutive days without branch-level banking services.

Adding to the uncertainty, there is also a possibility of a bank employees’ strike on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. If the strike goes ahead as planned, banks may remain closed for a fourth straight day. In such a situation, customers could experience limited access to in-person banking services for an extended period.

What Services Will Be Available During Bank Holidays?

Despite the temporary closure of physical bank branches, customers will still be able to access digital banking services. Facilities such as internet banking, mobile banking apps, UPI transactions, and ATM services will remain operational. Customers can transfer funds, pay utility bills, check balances, and withdraw cash from ATMs without disruption.

However, it is important to note that branch-dependent services will not be available during these holidays. These include cash deposits and withdrawals at counters, cheque clearing, demand drafts, passbook updates, and locker-related services. Any transaction requiring manual processing or physical verification will be postponed until banks reopen.

Bank Holiday Schedule: Last Week of January 2026

• 24 January 2026 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday – All bank branches closed

• 25 January 2026 (Sunday): Weekly holiday

• 26 January 2026 (Monday): Republic Day – Nationwide bank holiday

• 27 January 2026 (Tuesday): Possible bank strike (subject to confirmation)

Why Planning Ahead Is Important

With multiple holidays falling back-to-back, customers are advised to complete urgent banking tasks in advance. Those who rely on cheque payments, branch visits, or document submissions should plan accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Businesses, especially small enterprises that depend on daily banking operations, should also prepare in advance to manage cash flow during the closure period.

The RBI regularly releases a state-wise and city-wise bank holiday calendar, which includes national holidays, regional festivals, and weekend closures. Customers are encouraged to review the official holiday list before scheduling important financial activities.

Conclusion

While digital banking ensures uninterrupted access to essential services, physical bank closures can still affect many customers. With up to four consecutive days of possible bank shutdowns in late January 2026, advance planning is the best way to stay hassle-free. Checking the RBI holiday list and completing important tasks early can save time and avoid last-minute stress.