Customers should complete urgent branch-related work at State Bank of India soon. SBI branches may remain closed for several days between May 23 and May 28, 2026. The possible closure links to weekend holidays, a proposed two-day staff strike, and Bakrid holidays. Therefore, customers who need counter services should plan ahead.
Weekend Holidays Start The Closure Window
SBI and several other bank branches will remain closed on May 23 and May 24. May 23 falls on Saturday, while May 24 falls on Sunday. Banks remain shut on the second and fourth Saturdays every month. Hence, the holiday stretch may begin with the weekend.
Staff Federation Plans Two-Day Strike
SBI Staff Federation has proposed a two-day strike on May 25 and May 26. These dates fall on Monday and Tuesday. Employees want fresh recruitment in the bank. Moreover, they want workers to receive an option for choosing NPS fund managers. Staff members have also raised concerns over outsourcing, promotion policy, HRMS, and several other issues.
Bakrid Holidays May Extend Closures
Banks will also remain closed for Bakrid in different states on different dates. According to the Reserve Bank of India holiday calendar, most states will observe a bank holiday on May 27. However, some states will mark the holiday on May 28. Jammu and Kashmir will observe Bakrid holidays on both May 27 and May 28.
Digital Banking Will Continue
Although branches may remain shut, SBI’s digital services will continue normally. Customers can use internet banking, UPI, and ATM services. Therefore, they can complete online transactions, withdraw cash, and access digital banking options. Still, branch-dependent work may face delays during this period.
Why Employees Want To Strike
SBI employee organisations say outsourcing reduces job opportunities for rural youth. They also claim it affects economically weaker groups, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward communities. Besides this, workers have raised concern over the lack of security guard recruitment. According to them, this may increase risk for employees, customers, and bank assets. Additionally, employees remain unhappy about limited NPS pension fund manager choices. They claim SBI staff face discrimination compared with other government bank employees.
