Rumors are spreading fast that banks across India will remain shut from 24 to 28 February 2026. Messages circulating online claim that the Reserve Bank of India has ordered a nationwide closure of all branches for five consecutive days.
But is this really true? Here is a clear explanation of what is happening and whether you should plan for a long banking break.
Is RBI Shutting All Banks Nationwide?
There is no official announcement confirming that all banks across India will remain closed nationwide from 24 to 28 February 2026.
Bank holidays in India are not uniform across the country. They depend on:
State specific holidays
Regional festivals
Second and fourth Saturday rules
Sunday weekly closure
The RBI issues a state wise holiday calendar every year. Unless a specific nationwide holiday is declared, all branches do not close simultaneously.
Why Multiple Bank Holidays May Fall in One Week
Sometimes, multiple holidays cluster within the same week due to regional observances combined with weekends. For example, if a state has a local festival on a weekday and it is followed by a Saturday and Sunday, banks in that state may appear closed for several consecutive days.
However, this does not mean every state in India follows the same closure schedule.
How RBI Bank Holidays Are Structured
The RBI holiday list categorizes holidays into three types:
Real Time Gross Settlement Holidays
Banks Closing of Accounts Holidays
State specific religious or regional holidays
Banks also remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, along with Sundays.
If 24 to 28 February includes a regional festival and a weekend, closures may apply in certain states but not nationwide.
Will Online Banking and ATMs Work?
Even during branch holidays, digital services usually remain operational.
Customers can still use:
Internet banking
Mobile banking apps
ATMs for cash withdrawal
UPI and digital payments
Card transactions
Only physical branch services such as cheque clearing and in person assistance may be unavailable during official holidays.
What Customers Should Do Before Holiday Clusters
If multiple holidays are expected in your state, it is wise to:
Complete urgent bank visits in advance
Ensure sufficient cash availability
Schedule important cheque deposits earlier
Verify local branch holiday lists
Checking the official RBI holiday calendar or your bank’s website is the most reliable method.
Are Government Offices Also Closed?
Government office holidays depend on central and state administrative calendars. They do not automatically follow bank holiday patterns unless a national holiday is declared.
Private offices operate according to their own internal holiday policies.
Conclusion
There is no confirmed nationwide shutdown of all bank branches from 24 to 28 February 2026. While some states may observe multiple holidays due to regional events and weekends, closures vary by location.
Before believing viral claims, always verify information through official RBI notifications or your bank’s website to avoid inconvenience.
Disclaimer: Bank holidays vary by state and institution. Readers should refer to official RBI and bank holiday calendars for accurate information.