Planning a trip to the post office can be frustrating if you arrive only to find it closed. Whether you need to send a Speed Post, update your passbook, or complete an Aadhaar verification, knowing the exact working hours and holiday schedule is essential.
This guide covers the standard post office timings in India for 2026, including working days, Saturday schedules, and the complete holiday list so you never make a wasted trip.
Post Office Working Days 2026
Post offices in India operate from Monday to Saturday . Unlike banks, which observe holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays, post offices remain open on all Saturdays . This makes Saturday a reliable day for postal services, though the hours are shorter than weekdays.
| Day | Status |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | Full working day |
| Saturday | Half-day (limited hours) |
| Sunday | Closed |
| 2nd & 4th Saturday | Open (unlike banks) |
| Gazetted Holidays | Closed |
Post Office Timings 2026: Opening and Closing Hours
Post office timings vary depending on the type of office and its location. Here are the standard schedules:
| Office Type | Weekday Timings | Saturday Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Head Post Office (HO) | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sub Post Office (SO) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Branch Post Office (BO) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| GPO (General Post Office) | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Varies by city |
| Speed Post Centre | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Note: Timings may vary slightly by state and postal circle .
Metropolitan City Post Office Timings
Major cities often have extended hours at their General Post Offices:
- Delhi GPO: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM on weekdays
- Mumbai GPO (Fort): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturdays
- Bengaluru GPO: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturdays
- Chennai GPO: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturdays
Is the Post Office Open on Saturday?
Yes, post offices are open on all Saturdays, including the second and fourth Saturdays . However, most branches operate on a half-day basis. Public counter services for financial deposits, parcel bookings, and passport verification typically conclude by 1:00 PM .
Some larger Head Post Offices may remain open until 3:00 PM on Saturdays . It is advisable to visit before noon if you have time-sensitive work.
Post Office Holidays 2026: Complete List
Post offices remain closed on gazetted holidays, which are mandatory national closures observed across all branches. The following are the 14 gazetted holidays for post offices in 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr (Eid) |
| March 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Buddha Purnima |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| June 26 | Friday | Muharram |
| August 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Prophet Mohammad‘s Birthday (Id-e-Milad) |
| October 2 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi) |
| November 8 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak‘s Birthday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
*Source: India Post official holiday list *
Regional and Restricted Holidays
In addition to the national gazetted holidays, post offices may observe restricted holidays that vary by state and postal circle . These include festivals such as:
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal (January 14) – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Holi (March 4) – Most North Indian states
- Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (March 19) – Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Onam (August 26) – Kerala
- Chhath Puja (November 15) – Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Since these holidays are region-specific, check with your local post office or the official India Post website for your state’s holiday list .
Services Available on Post Office Holidays
While physical counters remain closed on Sundays and gazetted holidays, several digital and automated services continue to operate:
Available on holidays:
- India Post ATMs: Standalone ATMs remain operational 24/7 for cash withdrawals and balance inquiries
- Online tracking: Track Speed Post, registered letters, and parcels through the India Post website
- Mobile banking app: Check balances, transfer funds, and view transaction history
- IPPB app: India Post Payments Bank services including IMPS/NEFT transfers and bill payments
NOT available on holidays:
- Counter bookings for Speed Post, registered parcels, and stamps
- Door-to-door mail delivery
- Savings Bank counter services (deposits, withdrawals, passbook updates)
- Aadhaar enrolment and updates
- Passport Seva Kendra appointments
How to Check Post Office Timings Near You
Post office timings can vary slightly by location. To confirm the exact schedule for your nearest branch:
- Visit the official India Post website (indiapost.gov.in) and use the post office locator
- Check notice boards at your local post office for updated timing announcements
- Call the branch directly using the phone number listed on the India Post portal
- Use the India Post mobile app for location-specific information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the post office open on Sunday?
No, all post office branches remain closed on Sundays. Counter services and regular mail delivery are unavailable .
Is the post office closed on 2nd and 4th Saturday?
No, post offices remain open on all Saturdays. The alternate Saturday holiday rule applies only to banks, not to India Post .
Is Speed Post available on holidays?
No, Speed Post booking counters and regular doorstep delivery are suspended on Sundays and gazetted holidays. Services resume on the next working day .
Are post office holidays the same as bank holidays?
Not exactly. While both observe gazetted holidays, post offices remain open on the second and fourth Saturdays, whereas banks are closed on those days .
Can I use my post office savings account on a holiday?
You cannot conduct counter transactions on holidays. However, you can use India Post ATMs and the mobile banking app for eligible transactions .
How do I check my state‘s post office holiday list?
Visit the official India Post website and select your postal circle to view regional holiday notifications .
Summary
Post offices in India operate Monday through Saturday, with Sunday closures and 14 gazetted holidays in 2026. Saturday hours are typically half-day, ending around 1:00 PM for most branches. While physical counters close on holidays, digital services like ATM withdrawals, online tracking, and mobile banking remain accessible. Always verify timings with your local branch, as schedules may vary by state and office type.
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