Bank 5-Day Work Week 2026 — Notification Status & Saturday Holiday Truth
Thousands of bank employees and SBI PO / IBPS PO aspirants are waiting for "all Saturdays off." As of May 14, 2026, it has NOT been implemented — but AIBOC has written to PM Modi today urging personal intervention.
Current Status of the 5-Day Work Week (May 14, 2026)
As of today, May 14, 2026, the 5-day work week for Indian banks has not yet been officially implemented. The current rule remains: bank branches are closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, plus all Sundays and gazetted holidays.
While the 12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS) and the 9th Joint Note (signed in March 2024) both included a formal agreement for a 5-day work week, the final notification from the Ministry of Finance is still pending. The settlement agreement and the government implementation are two separate steps — and the second one has not happened yet.
Today's Breaking: AIBOC Writes to PM Modi
On May 14, 2026, the All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) wrote an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his personal intervention to expedite the approval of the 5-day work week for bank employees.
The letter emphasises that the 5-day work week was already agreed upon in the 12th Bipartite Settlement and the 9th Joint Note. AIBOC argues that over 15 lakh bank employees are waiting for this benefit, which is essential for better work-life balance and long-term productivity in the sector.
In previous cycles, similar union letters have taken weeks to months before resulting in gazette notifications. There is no confirmed date as of today — any date you see on social media is speculation.
History & 12th Bipartite Settlement Background
The demand for a 5-day work week in Indian banking has existed for decades. Here is a timeline of how the current situation came about:
Banks worked 6 days a week — all Saturdays were working days.
2nd and 4th Saturdays declared holidays via a government notification. 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays remained working.
12th Bipartite Settlement (BPS) signed between IBA and bank unions. The settlement included a clause agreeing on a 5-day work week — pending government notification.
9th Joint Note also signed, confirming the 5-day work week agreement between Indian Banks' Association (IBA) and officers' unions.
Finance Ministry notification awaited. Multiple union letters sent. No official date set.
AIBOC escalates with a letter to PM Modi urging personal intervention.
How Will Bank Timings Change?
If the 5-day work week is approved, bank employees will not simply "get extra days off" without compensation. Daily working hours are expected to increase to offset the lost Saturdays.
- • Working days: Monday to Saturday (exc. 2nd & 4th Sat)
- • Daily hours: Approx. 7 hours (branch timing ~10am–5pm)
- • Monthly working Saturdays: 3 (1st, 3rd, and 5th)
- • Working days: Monday to Friday only
- • Daily hours: +40 minutes extra per day (expected)
- • Monthly working Saturdays: 0
Bank PO Salary Update 2026 (12th BPS Active)
While the 5-day work week notification is still pending, salary revisions under the 12th Bipartite Settlement are fully active. Bank PO salaries have seen a significant revision for the 2026 cycle.
Impact on SBI PO & IBPS PO Aspirants
If you are preparing for SBI PO 2026 or IBPS PO 2026, here is what the 5-day work week news means for you specifically:
The 12th BPS salary revisions are in effect now. You will join at the revised pay scale regardless of the 5-day week decision.
Once the notification is issued, you will get all Saturdays off. This is a meaningful benefit — but there is no confirmed date yet.
The 5-day week notification has no bearing on SBI PO or IBPS PO exam dates. Both exams will proceed as per their official calendars.
Use the TaiyarHo Eligibility Checker to verify your age and qualification for SBI PO and IBPS PO before applying.
Which Saturdays Are Bank Holidays Right Now?
Under the current 2015 rule that is still in force, bank branches observe the following Saturday schedule:
May 2026 Saturday check:
- May 3 — 1st Saturday → Open
- May 10 — 2nd Saturday → Holiday
- May 17 — 3rd Saturday → Open
- May 24 — 4th Saturday → Holiday
- May 31 — 5th Saturday → Open