SBI Bank Holidays May 2026: Why Branches Could Stay Shut for Nearly a Week Starting May 23

SBI customers may find many branches shut for up to six straight days between 23 and 28 May 2026. The long stretch links weekends, a proposed two‑day strike, and Bakrid bank holidays. People who must visit a branch for cash, KYC, lockers or paperwork are advised to plan early. Digital channels like net banking and UPI will still be available nationwide.

The possible six‑day disruption starts with the regular weekend break. SBI branches will not open on 23 May, which is a Saturday, or 24 May, a Sunday. As per current banking rules, branches work on first, third and fifth Saturdays. They remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays every month, so counters will stay down that weekend.

SBI bank holidays May 2026: Strike dates and reasons

After the weekend, SBI staff may go on a two‑day nationwide strike on 25 and 26 May 2026. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has sent a strike notice covering these dates. The body represents SBI workmen employees across India. The federation has flagged issues around hiring, outsourcing, internal parity, promotions, HRMS and the choice of pension fund managers under NPS.

The largest concern raised is over outsourcing in SBI and its impact on jobs. The federation argues that contract‑based hiring leaves fewer openings for disadvantaged groups. According to the letter, weaker economic sections, rural youth, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes and other underprivileged communities are losing access to bank employment opportunities that offer stable income and benefits.

SBI bank holidays May 2026: Bakrid closures across states

Bakrid, or Eid‑ud‑Adha, then adds at least one more non‑working day to this stretch. The RBI holiday list shows two separate Bakrid holidays, on 27 and 28 May 2026, depending on the state. Most regions, including major metros, will see banks shut on 27 May. Some states and union territories will instead observe Bakrid closure on 28 May.

Jammu and Kashmir will experience the longest festival break, as banks there will close on both 27 and 28 May for Bakrid. This means SBI branches in that union territory may stay shut for the full six days from 23 to 28 May. Customers in Jammu and Srinagar need to factor in this extended gap for branch‑based work, including loan processing or document updates.

SBI bank holidays May 2026: Impact on services and employee demands

Despite branch closures, SBI confirms that online banking, mobile banking, UPI payments and ATM withdrawals will continue to function. Customers should however expect higher traffic on ATMs during the affected period. People may avoid last‑minute crowds by keeping some cash handy and completing branch‑linked work before 23 May, especially in areas with single or few branches.

Security staffing is another major demand in the federation’s charter. It points to many vacancies among armed guards due to retirements and promotions. The letter says, "At such a critical time, a reduction of the armed guards due to retirements, promotions and no recruitment for strengthening the cadre exposes employees, customers, and bank assets to heightened safety risks. Incidents involving inadequate security can cause irreparable reputational damage."

The staff body has also highlighted issues under the National Pension System. It says SBI employees still cannot switch their Pension Fund Manager, despite government and Finance Ministry directions allowing that choice. According to the federation, this restriction leaves SBI staff at a disadvantage compared with employees of other public sector banks. The group wants equal flexibility for all NPS subscribers within SBI.