Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Union Finance Ministry has confirmed.
The unusual Sunday opening is intended to protect customers from an extended interruption before a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike from September 28 to 30.
Which banks are covered?
The government's announcement explicitly covers:
- Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Their branches and offices
- ATM-linked branches and currency chests
The Reserve Bank of India approved the operational arrangement for September 27, according to the Press Information Bureau release.
What about private banks?
The central announcement does not say that every private bank branch must open. Customers of a private-sector, cooperative or small-finance bank should check that bank's official app, website or branch notice before travelling.
Even among participating banks, local branch hours may differ from a normal weekday. Calling the branch first can prevent an unnecessary trip.
What services should customers prioritise?
Anyone with a time-sensitive branch transaction should consider completing it today. That may include cash deposits requiring a counter, document submission, demand drafts or account-service requests that cannot be completed online.
Digital payments, mobile banking and ATMs usually operate independently of branch counters, but a strike can still affect cash replenishment or back-office processing. Customers should keep a second payment option and avoid sharing OTPs with anyone claiming to offer strike-related help.
Why the decision was taken
September 26 and 27 fall on the weekend immediately before the proposed strike. Opening covered banks on Sunday reduces the risk of customers facing five consecutive days without regular branch access.
The official position comes from the Finance Ministry release published by PIB. This article distinguishes the confirmed PSB/RRB opening from unverified claims about every bank.
Frequently asked questions
Are SBI branches open today?
SBI is a public sector bank and is covered by the government's Sunday-working announcement, although local hours should be confirmed.
Are all private banks open?
Not necessarily. Check the individual bank's official notice.
Will ATMs and mobile banking work?
Digital channels and ATMs are expected to remain available, subject to normal technical and cash-availability conditions.
