Customers of State Bank of India may face temporary disruption in branch banking services later this month as SBI branches across several states could remain closed for up to six consecutive days between May 23 and May 28, 2026. The extended closure period is due to a combination of weekend holidays, a proposed nationwide bank strike, and Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) holidays.
The development has triggered concern among customers who rely on branch banking services for cash deposits, cheque clearances, passbook updates, loan-related work, and other in-person transactions. Customers are being advised to complete all important banking tasks in advance to avoid inconvenience during the closure period.
According to reports, the six-day disruption may begin with the regular fourth Saturday bank holiday on May 23, followed by Sunday on May 24. After that, employee unions associated with SBI are planning a two-day nationwide strike on May 25 and May 26. The final two days, May 27 and May 28, coincide with Bakrid holidays in several states, especially in regions where Eid-ul-Adha is observed as an official bank holiday.
While not every SBI branch across India may remain shut for the full six days, banking operations are expected to be significantly affected in many locations. Customers in states where Bakrid holidays are officially declared may experience the longest disruption. In Jammu and Kashmir, for example, banks are expected to remain closed on both May 27 and May 28 due to Eid-related holidays.
The proposed strike has been called by employee unions over several unresolved demands related to staffing, recruitment policies, pension issues, outsourcing practices, and employee welfare measures. Reports suggest that the unions are unhappy with management decisions and are demanding better recruitment policies for support staff, armed guards, and improved pension flexibility under the National Pension System (NPS).
Union representatives have reportedly accused the bank management of implementing key policy decisions without adequate consultation with employees. Employee groups have also raised concerns regarding workforce shortages and increased outsourcing in several operational areas. The strike notice was submitted earlier this month, and if discussions between unions and management fail, the planned agitation may go ahead as scheduled.
Despite the expected disruption in physical branch operations, SBI customers will still be able to access most digital banking services during the closure period. Internet banking, mobile banking apps, UPI services, ATM withdrawals, and online fund transfers are expected to continue functioning normally. Customers can use SBI’s digital platforms for routine transactions such as balance checks, money transfers, utility bill payments, and online shopping payments.
However, experts warn that certain backend banking operations may still experience delays due to reduced staff availability during the strike period. Services like cheque clearance, account verification, document processing, and branch-level approvals may take longer than usual. Customers dealing with high-value transactions or urgent paperwork are advised to complete them before May 23.
Financial advisors are also recommending that customers withdraw sufficient cash in advance, especially those living in semi-urban and rural areas where ATM availability may be limited. Although ATMs are expected to function, higher withdrawal volumes during extended holidays can sometimes lead to temporary cash shortages at certain locations.
The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar already includes regular second and fourth Saturday closures for banks, along with Sundays and regional public holidays. The overlap of these scheduled holidays with the proposed strike has created the possibility of one of the longest continuous disruptions in SBI branch operations this year.
Industry analysts believe the impact may extend beyond SBI because banking sector unions often coordinate protests and strikes involving multiple public sector banks. However, SBI remains the primary focus due to its massive customer base and nationwide branch network. Millions of customers across India depend on SBI for savings accounts, pensions, loans, and government-related banking services.
Customers who need to visit branches for loan EMIs, KYC verification, locker access, or cheque deposits should plan accordingly. Businesses that rely on daily banking operations are also expected to adjust their schedules to avoid transaction delays during the possible closure period.
At present, no official confirmation has been issued regarding cancellation of the strike. If negotiations between unions and management produce a resolution, the disruption period could become shorter. Until then, customers are being urged to remain updated through official SBI announcements and RBI holiday notifications.
The upcoming holiday period once again highlights the growing importance of digital banking in India. Over the last few years, customers have increasingly shifted toward online banking platforms for day-to-day transactions, reducing dependence on physical branches. Even during strikes and public holidays, digital banking infrastructure continues to provide uninterrupted access to essential financial services.
Still, for services that require physical presence or manual verification, customers may face inconvenience if the six-day closure materializes. Experts therefore recommend completing all branch-related work before the holiday sequence begins later this week.