SBI Bank Closed 23 to 28 May 2026: Banks will remain closed for 6 days from tomorrow, complete important work today itself, know the reason?

Business Desk – SBI Bank Closed 23 to 28 May 2026: SBI customers of the country’s largest public sector bank should complete all their important branch related work today (Friday, 22 May). This is because SBI branches may remain closed for six consecutive days between May 23 and May 28, 2026. The main reasons for this include the weekend, the proposed two-day strike of employees and the two holidays declared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Bakrid (Eid-ul-Azha). Know why SBI branches may remain closed between May 23 and May 28.

There are many reasons for disruption in banking operations between May 23 and May 28…

Weekend Holidays: 23rd May is the fourth Saturday of the month. 24th May is Sunday. As per the rules, all banks across the country observe a holiday on the second and fourth Saturday of every month; Therefore, banks will remain closed during these two days.

SBI employees strike: All India State Bank of India Staff Federation has proposed a two-day nationwide strike on 25th and 26th May (Monday and Tuesday) to press ahead with their various demands. This can have a direct impact on banking operations.

Bakrid holiday: The festival of Bakrid will be celebrated on different dates in different states of India, for which RBI has fixed two holidays. In most parts of the country, SBI will remain closed on May 27 due to Bakrid, while in some areas this holiday will be on May 28. At the same time, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, banks will remain closed on both May 27 and May 28.

Why are SBI employees planning to go on strike?

All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has announced a strike to fulfill 16 specific demands. This strike has been called with the aim of protecting the rights of employees, ensuring better working conditions and protecting the interests of customers.

What will be the effect of the strike? Since the strike involves ‘workmen category’ (clerks and other staff), work like check clearing, cash counter services and passbook updates may come to a standstill.

16 main demands of SBI employees

Fresh Recruitment of Messenger: Immediate and permanent recruitment should be made to fill the vacant Class IV (Messenger) posts in the Bank.

Recruitment of Armed Guards: Adequate number of armed guards should be appointed to ensure the security of the bank and to meet the operational needs of its branches.

NPS option facility: Employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) should be given the freedom to choose their ‘pension fund manager’.

Inter-Circle Transfer (ICT): Employees recruited after 2019 should be given the opportunity to request transfer to another circle.

Ban on outsourcing: The practice of outsourcing work of permanent nature to external agencies should be stopped immediately.

Appointment of adequate staff: In view of the increasing workload in all branches, adequate number of staff should be recruited.

Issue of equality: The existing disparities in pay and other allowances among State Bank employees should be removed.

Review of Career Progression Scheme: There is a need to improve the existing policies related to promotion and career growth of employees.

Benefits for retired employees: Employees retired under the 10th bilateral agreement should be given the benefit of ‘8th Stagnation Increment’.

Consultation Fees: Doctor’s consultation fees applicable from July 15, 2024 should be reviewed and changed.

Reforms in the medical scheme: The medical reimbursement scheme should be made better and simpler.

Inclusion of all allowances in pension: Under the 7th bilateral agreement, all components of pay should be included in the calculation of pension of retired employees.

Resolution of HRMS problems: Technical glitches in the HR Software (HRMS) of the bank should be rectified once and for all.

Appointment of employee director: The old tradition of appointing a director from the ‘workman category’ on the board of directors of the bank should be revived. Nomination of PF Trustee: A representative of the employees should be appointed in the Provident Fund (PF) Trust.

Prohibition of mis-selling: The practice of mis-selling products to customers, whereby employees are put under pressure under the guise of ‘cross-selling’ (selling insurance, mutual funds, etc.). Should be stopped immediately.