Bank Holidays in India 2026

Updated on: 23 Jan 2026

Planning a bank visit in 2026? Before you step out, it’s important to know when banks are closed. In India, bank holidays aren’t random; they follow an official calendar issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This bank holiday list 2026 includes national holidays, state-specific holidays, 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays and Sundays. Knowing the bank holidays in month format helps you plan branch visits, cheque deposits, cash withdrawals and important financial transactions without last-minute stress.

Let’s break it all down in a simple way.

Who Decides Bank Holidays in India?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decides the holiday calendar for both public and private sector banks. This means most banks across the country follow the same core holiday structure.

This RBI holiday framework applies to:

Public sector banks
Private banks
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Cooperative banks
Small Finance Banks

While the RBI sets the base calendar, state governments can declare additional regional holidays, which apply only to banks in that particular state. That’s why bank holidays may differ slightly from one state to another.

Bank Holiday List 2026 (India)

Below is the bank holiday list 2026 covering national holidays and widely observed RBI holidays across India. This list does not include every local festival, as state-wise holidays vary.

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 bank holiday list gives you a national-level view. For precise planning, always combine it with your state’s holiday list.

Bank Holidays on Second and Fourth Saturdays (2026)

As per RBI rules, banks in India remain closed on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of every month, along with all Sundays. These closures are part of the official bank holiday list 2026.

Here’s a quick look at bank holidays in month format for Saturdays:

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

Knowing these dates in advance helps you avoid visiting the branch on a closed day.

Types of Bank Holidays in India (2026)

Now that you’ve seen the bank holiday list 2026, here’s how these holidays are officially classified:

1. National (Gazetted) Holidays

These are holidays observed across India. Banks remain closed nationwide on these days. Examples include Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Holi and Diwali.

2. Central Government Holidays

These are declared by the Central Government and followed by banks across the country. Most central holidays overlap with national holidays.

3. State-Specific Holidays

These holidays depend on local festivals or state-level events. Banks remain closed only in those specific states, not across India.

Regional State-Wise Bank Holiday Examples

To make this clearer, here are a few state-wise bank holiday examples:

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

So, even if a date isn’t part of the national bank holiday list, your local branch may still be closed.

Even if branches are closed, digital banking doesn’t stop. With platforms like Fibe, you can manage your finances anytime even on a bank holiday. From checking eligibility to applying for an Instant Personal Loan of up to ₹10 lakhs in just a few minutes, everything stays online and hassle-free.

You can apply through the app or website without worrying about bank closures.

FAQs on Bank Holidays in India

On which days are banks in India closed?

Banks are closed on national holidays, RBI-declared holidays, Second and Fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and state-specific holidays.

Are all state holidays applicable to all banks?

No, state holidays apply only to banks operating in that particular state. Other states function as usual.

Are online banking services available on bank holidays?

Yes. UPI, mobile banking, net banking, and ATM services are generally available 24×7. However, services like cheque clearing may be delayed.

How can I find out about upcoming bank holidays?

You can check the RBI’s official holiday calendar, your bank’s website or app, or look for a monthly bank holiday list 2026 shared by banks and financial portals.