Will All Government Banks Like SBI Remain Closed Every Saturday

A widespread message has been making rounds on social media platforms, leaving bank customers confused about operational days. A photo of a purported government notification claims that starting September 30, 2026, every Saturday has been declared a weekly holiday for all public sector banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI).

The viral post cites a notification numbered SO 4275(E), allegedly issued by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance. It boldly states that under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, all branches of public sector banks will transition to a five-day work week immediately. However, a closer look at government records reveals a completely different reality.

Official Clarification from the Finance Ministry

The viral claims are not supported by any official government records. In fact, the Ministry of Finance issued an official Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement on September 21, 2026, clearly outlining the holiday structure. The government reiterated that public sector banks only observe public holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. All other Saturdays remain crucial working days for banking services.

Furthermore, to ensure customers were not inconvenienced by a proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30, the Finance Ministry announced on September 23, 2026, that public sector banks and regional rural banks would remain open on Sunday, September 27. This proactive measure contradicts the idea of the government suddenly shutting down banks every weekend.

Is 5-Day Banking Actually Happening

The root of this rumor stems from ongoing negotiations. Implementing a five-day banking week was indeed a primary demand raised by bank unions in September 2026. The Finance Ministry's September 21 statement acknowledged this as a pending demand, not an implemented rule.

To prevent the proposed three-day strike, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) agreed to form a high-level committee to thoroughly evaluate the possibility of declaring all Saturdays as holidays. Because this committee is still reviewing the matter, the universal Saturday holiday has not been authorized or implemented.

Current Bank Holiday Schedule Explained

Until any official mandate is passed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the Finance Ministry, the existing system established in 2015 remains fully active. Here is the current working schedule for all public sector banks in India:

• First Saturday: Banks open (Regular working day)

• Second Saturday: Holiday

• Third Saturday: Banks open (Regular working day)

• Fourth Saturday: Holiday

• Fifth Saturday (if applicable): Banks open (Regular working day)

The Verdict: The viral notification is entirely fake. Official records do not confirm that all public sector banks will be closed every Saturday from September 30, 2026. Until the high-level committee reaches a decision and the RBI issues a formal mandate, customers should follow the standard second and fourth Saturday holiday rule.