Bank Timings in India

5paisa Research Team

Last Updated: 19 Oct, 2023 06:17 PM IST

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Bank Timings in India play an essential role in the lives of millions of people who rely on banking services for their financial transactions. As a result, understanding the operating hours of banks becomes crucial for customers to manage their banking needs efficiently. Bank timings can vary depending on the institution, branch location, and the services offered. This article provides an overview of the general bank timings in India, as well as insight into lunch timings, NEFT and RTGS services, and working hours during holidays, ensuring that you have the information necessary to plan your banking activities effectively.

What are Bank Timings in India?

Bank timings in India refer to the operational hours during which banks are open to serve their customers. These timings are essential for customers to be aware of, as they dictate when they can visit a branch to access various banking services such as depositing cash, requesting a new cheque book, or updating their passbook. In India, bank timings can differ based on the specific institution, branch location, and the services they provide. 

Typically, bank opening time is around 9:30 AM and closing time is at 5:30 PM, with some banks offering extended hours or shorter operational windows. It is important to note that banks also have different timings on weekends and holidays. Additionally, banks in India have adopted staggered lunch breaks for their employees, ensuring that customer service remains uninterrupted during these times. Understanding bank timings helps customers effectively plan their banking activities and ensure that they can access the financial services they require.
 

Major Banks of India Working Hours

Below is a table listing the working hours of some major banks in India, including their opening and closing timings:


Name of the Bank

Weekdays (Monday to Friday) Saturdays (1st, 3rd and 5th of the Month)
HDFC Bank 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM
State Bank of India 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM
RBL Bank 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM 9.00 AM - 3.30 PM
ICICI Bank 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
YES Bank 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Allahabad Bank 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bank of Baroda 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
IDBI Bank 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
HSBC Bank 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Please note that these bank timings may vary from branch to branch, and it is always a good idea to check with your local branch for the most accurate information.

 

Bank Timing on Saturdays

On Saturdays, banks in India follow the guidelines set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays, banks maintain their regular weekday timings. However, it's essential to verify with your local branch for any variations in operational bank timings.

Bank Lunch Time

During lunch hours, banks in India remain open for business to ensure that customers can continue to access banking services without interruption. Employees take their lunch breaks in batches so that the bank's operations are not affected. 

Bank lunch time typically occurs between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, although the exact timing may vary depending on the bank and the branch. This staggered lunch break approach allows customers to visit the bank at any time during operational hours to conduct their transactions and access banking services, without having to worry about the lunch break causing any disruptions or delays.
 

What are the Timings of NEFT and RTGS?

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) and RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) are electronic funds transfer systems in India, overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). NEFT facilitates one-to-one fund transfers between banks, while RTGS processes transfers in real-time on a gross settlement basis.

Since December 16, 2019, NEFT has been available 24x7, allowing customers to transfer funds at any time, including weekends and holidays. This round-the-clock service consists of 48 half-hourly settlement batches, running from 00:30 hours to 00:00 hours.

Similarly, RTGS has also been made available 24x7 for customers, allowing funds to be transferred in real-time as soon as the instructions are received, without any waiting period or batching, ensuring swift and seamless transactions.
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, Indian banks operate from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. However, some banks may have extended hours or shorter operational windows. It's important to check with your local branch for specific times.

Not all banks have changed their timings. Bank timings may vary depending on the bank, branch location, and services offered. Always verify with your local branch for the most accurate information.

Cheque clearing time may vary depending on the bank and the type of cheque. Generally, local cheques clear within 2-3 working days, while outstation cheques may take up to 7-10 working days.

Most banks are closed on Sundays in India. However, you may be able to access customer service helplines for certain banks, depending on their availability.

The Reserve Bank of India operates on weekdays only, with working hours from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM and banking hours from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Indian banks are closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, as per RBI guidelines.

No, banks remain open during lunch hours. Employees take staggered lunch breaks, ensuring that banking services are available to customers without interruption.

Banks in India operate on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of each month, following their regular weekday timings.