If you are planning to visit a bank branch in the coming days to complete important financial work, it is advisable to check the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) holiday calendar in advance. Several bank holidays are lined up toward the end of January 2026, which could disrupt in-branch banking services for customers across the country.

According to RBI norms, all scheduled banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. As a result, Saturday, 24 January 2026, being the fourth Saturday, will be a non-working day for banks nationwide. Customers expecting to complete tasks such as cash deposits, cheque clearance, or document verification at bank branches may face inconvenience if they do not plan ahead.

The closures will continue beyond Saturday. Sunday, 25 January 2026, is a regular weekly holiday for banks, meaning branches will remain shut for two consecutive days. This will be followed by Republic Day on Monday, 26 January 2026, which is a national holiday. On this day, banks across the country will remain closed in observance of the national celebration.

Adding to the uncertainty, there is also a possibility that banks may remain shut on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, if the proposed strike by bank employees goes ahead. While there has been no final confirmation at the time of writing, customers are advised to stay alert and monitor official updates. If the strike is confirmed, bank branches could remain closed for up to four consecutive days, significantly affecting branch-based banking services.

Digital Banking Services to Continue Uninterrupted

Despite the closure of physical branches, customers will still have access to most digital banking services. Online facilities such as net banking, mobile banking applications, UPI transactions, and ATM services will continue to function normally during the holiday period. This means customers can transfer money, pay bills, recharge mobile numbers, and withdraw cash from ATMs without interruption.

However, services that require physical presence at a bank branch will not be available. These include cheque clearing, cash counter transactions, demand drafts, locker access, and passbook updates. Any such requests will only be processed once banks resume normal operations.

Why Customers Should Plan Ahead

With multiple holidays falling back-to-back, customers are strongly advised to complete essential banking tasks in advance. Those who depend on cheque payments, branch approvals, or time-sensitive financial documentation should ensure their work is completed before 24 January to avoid delays.

Businesses, traders, and small enterprises that rely on daily banking operations should also make alternative arrangements. Managing cash flow, scheduling vendor payments, and ensuring sufficient liquidity in advance can help avoid operational disruptions during the extended closure.

RBI Bank Holiday Guidelines

The RBI releases an annual bank holiday list that includes national holidays, regional festivals, and weekend closures. While national holidays apply uniformly, some holidays may vary depending on regional observances. Customers are encouraged to regularly check official RBI notifications or their bank’s website for accurate and updated information.

Summary of Bank Closures in Late January 2026

• 24 January 2026 (Saturday): Fourth Saturday – Banks 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)

Conclusion

While digital banking has reduced dependency on physical branches, many essential services still require in-person visits. With several bank holidays scheduled toward the end of January 2026, customers should plan their banking activities carefully. Checking the RBI holiday list in advance and completing urgent tasks early can help avoid inconvenience and ensure smooth financial management during the holiday period.