Will SBI Banks Remain Closed for 6 Days From May 23? Here’s a Fact Check
Claims that State Bank of India (SBI) branches may remain closed for up to six days from May 23 are largely true in certain regions. The closures are linked to the fourth Saturday, Sunday, a proposed two-day staff strike and Bakrid holidays. However, online banking, UPI and ATM services will continue functioning normally throughout the period.
Claims that State Bank of India (SBI) branches could remain closed for six days beginning May 23, 2026, have been circulating widely online. The claim suggests that customers may face disruptions because of weekend holidays, a proposed bank strike and Bakrid-related closures.
The concern has gained attention among SBI customers who may need to visit branches for banking services that require physical verification or documentation. Did Tesla Really Scrap Plans for Indian EV Plant? Here’s a Fact Check of Viral Claim.
Fact Check: The Claim Is True, But With Conditions
The claim is broadly accurate, although the six-day closure does not apply uniformly across the entire country. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar and notices issued by employee unions, SBI branches may remain shut across different dates due to a combination of scheduled holidays and a proposed strike.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the sequence of closures could extend up to six days because Bakrid holidays fall on both May 27 and May 28. However, digital banking services, including internet banking, UPI payments and ATM operations, are expected to continue normally. Is the EPS-95 Viral Letter Real? Did EPFO Raise EPS-95 Pension to INR 7,500? Fact Check Reveals Truth.
Why SBI Branches May Remain Closed
The possible disruption is linked to three separate factors, weekend holidays, a proposed two-day strike by SBI staff unions and Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) holidays.
Weekend Holidays on May 23 and 24
SBI branches will remain closed on May 23 and May 24 due to the regular weekend holiday schedule. Banks remain shut on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, while Sundays are standard weekly holidays.
Proposed SBI Strike on May 25 and 26
The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has announced a proposed strike on May 25 and May 26. The employee body said the strike has been called over issues including recruitment policies, outsourcing concerns, career progression, HRMS-related grievances and the selection of National Pension System (NPS) fund managers.
The federation has also raised concerns regarding the reduction in armed guard recruitment and alleged inequalities affecting SBI employees.
Bakrid Holidays Extend Closure in Some Regions
The Reserve Bank of India has declared separate holidays for Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid), which will be observed on different dates in various parts of India. In most states, banks are expected to remain closed on May 27. In some regions, the holiday may fall on May 28 instead.
In Jammu and Kashmir, banks are expected to remain closed on both May 27 and May 28, potentially extending the total shutdown period to six consecutive days when combined with weekends and the proposed strike.
Online Banking Services Will Continue
Despite possible branch closures, SBI customers will still be able to use digital banking facilities. Services expected to remain operational include, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI transactions, ATM withdrawals, and online fund transfers.
Customers have been advised to complete branch-related work before May 23 if in-person banking services are required.
Why SBI Employees Are Protesting
According to the federation representing SBI employees, one of the key concerns is outsourcing in recruitment. The union claims that outsourcing policies are limiting opportunities for economically weaker sections, rural youth and candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
The federation also alleged that SBI employees are still unable to freely change Pension Fund Managers under the NPS framework despite central government notifications permitting such options. It further warned that delays in armed guard recruitment could create security risks for employees, customers and bank assets.
SBI Employee Union Calls For Strike
Extending Fraternal Support to the Two Day Strike Call by ALL INDIA STATE BANK OF INDIA STAFF FEDERATION #Strike pic.twitter.com/7WVB4QMIbS
— ALL INDIA BANK OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (@AIBOAOFFICIAL) May 3, 2026
Customers Advised To Check Local Holiday Schedule
Since Bakrid holidays differ by state, customers are advised to verify local RBI holiday notifications and SBI branch notices for region-specific closures.
While the proposed strike may affect branch operations, final participation levels could vary depending on employee response and local arrangements.
Fact check
SBI branches could remain closed for six days beginning May 23.
The claim is true.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2026 10:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
