PSBs and RRBs Open on Sunday 27 September 2026 – Ahead of UFBU Strike

What happened

The Ministry of Finance announced that all Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The Reserve Bank of India approved full operations of branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests that day.

The step was taken because the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) had called a three-day nationwide bank strike from 28 to 30 September 2026, which would otherwise follow the weekend holidays of 26–27 September and leave customers without banking access for a long stretch.

Background

UFBU is the umbrella of major bank unions. When a strike coincides with weekends, the government and RBI often open selected working days under special approval so salary credits, cash and Currency Chest operations are not disrupted.

Why it matters for exams

Banking awareness questions in IBPS, SBI, RRB and insurance exams frequently ask about RBI approvals, Currency Chests and reasons for Sunday banking. Strike calendars also appear in current-affairs MCQs.

Key facts for exams

• Release ID: 2313778 (PIB Delhi, Ministry of Finance)
• Open day: Sunday, 27 September 2026 – PSBs and RRBs
• RBI approved branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests
• UFBU strike window cited: 28–30 September 2026
• Weekend holidays preceding the strike: 26–27 September 2026

Practice MCQs

1. Why were PSBs and RRBs kept open on Sunday, 27 September 2026?

   (A) World Tourism Day banking drive
   (B) To cushion the impact of a UFBU strike from 28–30 September after the weekend
   (C) Mandatory weekly Sunday banking under RBI Act
   (D) Launch of a new digital rupee trial

   Answer: (B) – PIB said the Sunday opening was to protect customer needs ahead of the UFBU strike.

2. Which regulator approved full bank operations on 27 September 2026?

   (A) SEBI
   (B) NABARD
   (C) Reserve Bank of India
   (D) DFS only, without RBI

   Answer: (C) – PIB states RBI granted approval for branches, offices, ATM-link branches and Currency Chests.

3. Currency Chests primarily relate to:

   (A) Forex trading desks
   (B) Currency storage and supply linked to RBI notes
   (C) Cooperative housing finance
   (D) NRI remittance hubs only

   Answer: (B) – Currency Chests hold notes for distribution in the banking system.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2313778