Question 1

How many bank holidays are there in 2026?

Accepted Answer

RBI's 2026 bank holiday calendar lists 18 holidays observed across India. Some are central (all states), others are state-specific (e.g., Maharashtra Day, Karnataka Rajyotsava, Bengali New Year). The exact count for a specific state depends on which state-specific holidays apply — check the state-wise breakdown below.

Question 2

Are NEFT and RTGS available on bank holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since RBI moved NEFT to 24×7 (December 2019) and RTGS to 24×7 (December 2020), digital fund transfers continue on bank holidays. IMPS and UPI have always been 24×7. Only branch counters close — cash deposit, cheque drop, demand draft, and locker access pause until the next working day.

Question 3

Do cheques clear on bank holidays?

Accepted Answer

No. The Cheque Truncation System (CTS) overnight batch only runs on working days. A cheque dropped before 3 PM on a working day enters that night's batch and funds are available the next working day. Cheques dropped on a Saturday before a holiday won't clear until the next working day after the holiday.

Question 4

Are 2nd and 4th Saturdays bank holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since September 2015, banks across India observe the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month as a non-working day. The 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays remain working days (typically 10 AM – 2 PM). All Sundays are also non-working.

Bank holidays in India 2026

Upcoming holidays

2026 calendar

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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Plan around the calendar