Indian Bank Holidays in Late February and Early March 2026

Banks across India will be closed on February 28th and March 1st, 2026, due to the fourth Saturday and Sunday weekend holiday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has scheduled a total of nine holidays for the month of February 2026, impacting both public and private lenders, including the State Bank of India (SBI).

RBI Holiday Schedule and Bank Closures

The RBI’s holiday calendar includes weekend closures for the second Saturday, fourth Saturday and all Sundays. Banks generally remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month unless a specific public or regional holiday is declared. It’s important to note that bank holidays can vary across states due to regional and local requirements. Checking with your local bank branch for their approved holiday schedule is advisable, especially in case of emergencies or planned long holidays.

Banking Services During Holidays

Despite bank closures, customers can continue to utilize online and mobile banking services, barring any technical issues or specific notifications from their bank. ATMs will remain operational for cash withdrawals, and UPI and app-based transactions should function as usual.

Legal Framework for Bank Holidays

The RBI’s annual holiday calendar is established under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs the issuance of cheques and promissory notes. Transactions involving these instruments are unavailable during the listed holidays.

RBI and SBI: Distinct Roles in the Indian Financial System

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the State Bank of India (SBI) are key financial institutions in India, but they serve different purposes. The RBI functions as the central bank, responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policies, regulating banks, and maintaining financial stability. SBI, is a commercial bank and the largest public sector bank, providing a wide range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and the government. Learn more about the differences between RBI and SBI.

Recent Updates: Website Domain Changes

Indian banks, including SBI, have recently transitioned their net banking websites to the new ‘.bank.in’ domain, as instructed by the RBI. This change, completed by October 31, 2025, aims to enhance cybersecurity and reduce fraud, bolstering public confidence in digital banking. Read more about the website domain changes. SBI’s new URL is now https://sbi.bank.in.

Further Information

For more information on RBI policies and initiatives, visit the Reserve Bank of India website.