Bank Working Hours : From February 1, 2026, banking customers across India will experience new timing changes as major banks revise their working hours. The updated schedule aims to improve customer service efficiency, balance staff workload, and align operations with changing business and digital trends.
With more customers using online and digital banking services, physical branch timings have been standardized in many regions to ensure better service delivery, reduced congestion, and enhanced staff productivity. Understanding the new working hours is important whether you’re visiting a branch for cash transactions, cheque deposits, loan services, or other banking needs.
In this detailed article, we explain the revised timing structure, reasons behind the change, who it affects, how it impacts customers, and answers to common questions.
Why Bank Timings Are Changing in 2026
Banks are adapting to new customer behavior patterns, increased digital adoption, and operational priorities. With many routine services now accessible online, banks can optimize in-branch hours to focus on core services that require in-person interaction. The updated working hours are also meant to balance service quality and employee welfare.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has supported banks in aligning timings while ensuring that essential services remain accessible to customers.
Revised Bank Working Hours (Effective February 1, 2026)
Most public, private, and foreign banks operating in India have adopted a standardized branch timing framework. Although exact times may vary slightly by state or region, the general revised schedule that branches are expected to follow is as below:
| Banking Service | New Working Hours (from Feb 1, 2026) |
|---|---|
| General Branch Operations | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Cash Transaction Window | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Government Transaction Window | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday Working (Selective) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Lunch Break (if any) | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM (approx.) |
Who Will Be Affected by the Change?
The revised hours apply to the majority of bank branches across India, including:
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Public sector banks (e.g., State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, etc.)
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Private sector banks (e.g., HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank)
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Foreign banks with retail banking operations in India
However, not all branches may operate full day on Saturdays. Selective branches will remain open in the morning for essential services.
What Services Can Be Done Within Revised Timings?
Under the updated hours, customers can access:
1. Cash Withdrawals & Deposits
Customers can complete over-the-counter cash transactions during the cash window (usually 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM). ATMs and cash recycling machines continue to function 24×7.
2. Cheque Services
Deposits, clearing enquiries, and cheque drop-box services are available within branch hours.
3. Account Services
Opening new accounts, submitting KYC documents, updating Aadhaar details, and other requests can be completed during the revised hours.
4. Loan & Investment Services
Walk-in consultation for home loans, personal loans, fixed deposits, and other investment products is available during working hours.
Impact on Customers & How to Plan Visits
With the revised schedule:
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Plan branch visits between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
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Prefer digital channels for routine activities like balance checks, fund transfers, bill payments, and mini-statements
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Visit early in the day for high-traffic services (e.g., cash transactions)
Banks are also promoting online appointments and e-kiosks to reduce waiting time.
Digital Banking vs Branch Visits
One of the main reasons behind revised hours is the increasing shift toward digital banking. Mobile apps, internet banking, UPI payments, and self-service kiosks now handle a large volume of routine transactions.
This allows branches to focus on more complex customer needs such as loans, investments, and personalized advisory — thus making physical visits more efficient and meaningful.
Branch Timings in Special Areas
Some regions may have slight modifications based on local needs:
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Hilly areas and districts with challenging weather may have adjusted branch hours for staff safety.
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Border or high-security zones may follow specific local guidelines in consultation with state authorities.
Customers should always check branch notices or bank apps for exact timings.
1. What are new bank working hours from February 1, 2026?
Most banks operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with cash transactions usually between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Some branches may open on Saturday morning.
2. Are ATMs available after branch hours?
Yes. ATMs and cash machines are available 24×7 for withdrawals and mini-statements.
3. Can I visit the bank on Saturday?
Many branches continue selective Saturday services, generally until 2:00 PM.
4. Does the timing change apply to all banks?
The revised schedule broadly applies to most public and private banks, but exact timings may vary slightly by branch or state.
Conclusion
Starting February 1, 2026, banks in India have revised their working hours to align with modern customer needs and digital adoption trends. The updated timings aim to streamline in-branch services, reduce congestion, and encourage use of online banking for routine tasks.
Customers should plan their visits within the 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM framework for cash, cheque, account, loan, or investment services. With digital banking increasingly accessible, many routine tasks can be completed without visiting a branch — saving time and effort.