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Customers of India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India, may face banking disruptions over the next several days as multiple branch holidays, a proposed staff strike, and Bakrid-related closures are expected to affect operations across different states.

According to the latest updates, several SBI branches could remain shut for nearly six consecutive days between May 23 and May 28, 2026. Customers who need branch-related services have been advised to complete urgent banking tasks immediately to avoid inconvenience.

Why SBI Branches May Remain Closed

A combination of weekend holidays, a nationwide employee strike proposal, and regional festival holidays could impact branch operations across the country.

1. Weekend Bank Holidays: May 23–24

Banks are likely to remain closed on:

• May 23, 2026 — Fourth Saturday
• May 24, 2026 — Sunday

As per standard RBI banking norms, banks remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month along with Sundays.

2. Proposed SBI Staff Strike on May 25–26

The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has proposed a two-day nationwide strike on:

• May 25, 2026 (Monday)
• May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)

If the strike proceeds as planned, branch services such as:

• Cash deposits and withdrawals
• Cheque clearance
• Passbook updates
• Counter services

could face major disruptions.

3. Bakrid Holidays on May 27–28

The Reserve Bank of India has also announced regional bank holidays for Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid).

• Most states may observe the holiday on May 27
• Some states could remain closed on May 28
• In Jammu & Kashmir, banks may remain shut on both May 27 and May 28

This could further extend the disruption period for customers depending on their location.

Will Online Banking and ATMs Continue Working?

Despite branch closures, SBI customers are expected to continue using:

• Internet banking
• Mobile banking
• UPI services
• ATM withdrawals and deposits

without interruption.

Digital banking services are likely to operate normally during the holiday period.

Why Are SBI Employees Planning a Strike?

The AISBISF has reportedly raised 16 major demands related to employee welfare, staffing, pension benefits, and banking operations.

Some of the key demands include:

• Recruitment for vacant messenger and armed guard posts
• Additional staffing to reduce workload pressure
• Better promotion and career progression policies
• Improvements in medical reimbursement schemes
• Resolution of HRMS software issues
• Stopping excessive outsourcing of permanent work
• Restoration of employee representation on the bank’s board
• Freedom for NPS employees to choose pension fund managers

The federation says these measures are necessary to improve employee welfare and ensure better banking services for customers in the long run.

Customers Advised To Plan Ahead

Banking experts recommend customers avoid last-minute branch visits during this period, especially for services requiring physical verification or document processing.

Customers planning to:

• Deposit or withdraw large amounts
• Submit cheques
• Update passbooks
• Complete loan-related paperwork
• Handle branch verification tasks

should ideally finish these activities before May 23.

Final Takeaway

While SBI’s online banking systems are expected to function normally, physical branch services could face interruptions for several days due to holidays and the proposed employee strike.

Customers are strongly advised to plan their banking activities in advance and rely on digital banking services whenever possible during the affected period.