Bank Holiday February 2026 : Hello friends! February is just around the corner, and if you have any bank-related work, it’s time to plan ahead. In February 2026, banks across India will remain closed for a total of 9 days. These include weekly holidays, second and fourth Saturdays, as well as state-specific holidays for local festivals and special events. Whether it’s clearing a check, issuing a demand draft, or accessing your locker, knowing the bank holiday schedule in advance will save you time and stress.
RBI Releases Bank Holiday List for February 2026
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially released the bank holiday list for February 2026. Some holidays are nationwide, while others are applicable only in certain states. By checking this list, you can avoid last-minute surprises and ensure all your important banking tasks are completed on time.
How RBI Classifies Bank Holidays
RBI categorizes bank holidays into three main types, and it’s important to understand them so you know which services may be affected.
Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act
These holidays typically affect check clearance, bills of exchange, and promissory notes. Most government-declared holidays fall under this category. During these days, banks will not process these instruments, so plan your transactions accordingly.
State-Specific Holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act
Certain holidays are observed only in specific states for local festivals or historical occasions. On these days, banks in the respective states remain fully closed, while banks in other states operate normally.
RTGS Holidays
Some holidays affect RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) transactions. While RTGS services may be unavailable, other digital banking services such as UPI, IMPS, and internet banking generally continue to function.
Total Bank Holidays in February 2026
In February, banks will be closed for 9 days in total. These include both nationwide holidays and state-specific closures. The dates are:
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1 February 2026 (Sunday) – Weekly holiday across India.
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14 February 2026 (Saturday) – Second Saturday, all banks closed nationwide.
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15 February 2026 (Sunday) – Weekly holiday.
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18 February 2026 (Wednesday) – Losar festival in Sikkim; banks closed only in Sikkim.
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19 February 2026 (Thursday) – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in Maharashtra; banks closed in Maharashtra.
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20 February 2026 (Friday) – State Foundation Day in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram; banks closed in these states.
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22 February 2026 (Sunday) – Weekly holiday nationwide.
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27 February 2026 (Friday) – Lui-Ngai-Ni festival in Manipur; banks closed in Manipur.
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28 February 2026 (Saturday) – Fourth Saturday, all banks closed nationwide.
Knowing these dates helps you plan tasks like issuing demand drafts, check deposits, or locker access without last-minute stress.
Which Banking Services Will Be Affected
On bank holidays, several in-branch services will not be available. These include depositing checks, check clearance, creating demand drafts, operating lockers, and updating passbooks. If you have urgent deadlines for payments or need official bank verification, it’s best to complete these tasks in advance.
Digital Banking Services Will Remain Active
Even when branches are closed, digital banking will continue. Services such as UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS (some exceptions), mobile banking, and internet banking remain active. ATM withdrawals and balance checks are also available. While daily transactions are usually unaffected, for larger or official matters, branch visits will still be necessary.
Special Note About the Stock Market in February 2026
An exception this month is the stock market. Despite Sunday, 1 February 2026, being a bank holiday, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open. This is usually done during major financial events like the Union Budget to allow investors to react immediately. All segments, including equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities, will operate normally. Clearing and settlement processes will also function as usual.
Tips for Bank Visits in February 2026
Before visiting a bank in February, check the RBI-issued bank holiday list. State-specific holidays may affect your local branch, while branches in other states could remain open. Using digital banking wherever possible is advisable, and any important documents, checks, or payments should be processed before holidays to avoid inconvenience.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Disruption
February 2026 will require careful planning if you need in-branch services. With a total of 9 days of closure, missing these dates could delay your work. Even though digital banking has made daily transactions easier, in-person branch services are still essential for certain financial activities. Advance planning ensures smooth handling of all banking tasks.
Conclusion
Bank Holiday February 2026 is a clear reminder that planning ahead is crucial. By noting all 9 closure dates and understanding which services are affected, you can prevent delays and inconvenience. While UPI, IMPS, and other digital services are available, branch-related tasks like check clearance, locker access, or official documents require careful scheduling. A little preparation now can save time, effort, and unnecessary stress.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general awareness purposes only. Bank holidays and schedules may vary based on state regulations, RBI notifications, or unforeseen administrative changes. Customers are advised to verify dates and branch availability with their local bank before planning any critical banking transactions to avoid inconvenience. The author or publisher is not responsible for any discrepancies in schedules or service delays.