Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s major public sector banks, maintains a standard branch working schedule across most of its network, with certain regional variations. Knowing the bank timings is useful for customers planning branch visits, especially for transactions that cannot be done online. Below is a comprehensive guide to PNB’s opening, closing, lunch break, and related timings as of 2025.
PNB Working Hours: Opening & Closing Times
- On weekdays (Monday to Friday), most PNB branches open at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM.
- Some sources, however, note that the business hours (for certain transactions) may be indicated as 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in internal references.
- On Saturdays, PNB branches generally operate only on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of the month with the same schedule (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) as a regular business day.
- On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, branches are typically closed.
- Sundays and national holidays are non-working days for branches.
These timings are broadly followed across PNB’s network, but there can be branch-level variations depending on local decisions, state regulations, or special conditions (e.g. smaller branches, rural branches). It’s always prudent to check with your specific branch before visiting.
Lunch Break / Noon Closure
One distinct feature in banking in India is that branches do not shut completely for lunch. Instead, PNB employees follow a staggered lunch schedule, with staff going for lunch in batches so that the branch remains operational throughout the day.
- In many branches, the typical window when lunch breaks occur is between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, though this can extend or shift (some sources mention up to 3:00 PM) depending on branch norms.
- Because of the staggered approach, customers can usually carry out their transactions (deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearings, etc.) uninterrupted during lunch hours.
Thus, there is no fixed “lunch closure window” during which all services stop; service continuity is maintained.
Specialized & Digital Service Timings
Beyond counter services, PNB offers several facility timings worth knowing:
- NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer): While branch-based NEFT transactions must conform to branch hours, the NEFT infrastructure has been extended to 24×7 operation by the RBI, enabling transfers even outside branch times.
- RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement): In-branch RTGS transactions generally adhere to branch hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on business days), while online RTGS is increasingly available round the clock (per evolving banking norms).
- IMPS / UPI / Mobile & Net Banking: These digital channels operate 24×7, unaffected by branch hours or lunch breaks.
- Locker / Safe Deposit Services: These are accessible only during the branch’s operational hours.
What to Keep in Mind & Tips for Visitors
- Always confirm branch timing: Given local variations, calling or checking the branch’s official contact info is wise before making a trip.
- Avoid late afternoon visits: Some counters (e.g. cash counters) might close earlier (e.g. 4:00 PM) even when the branch remains open for other tasks.
- Use digital channels when possible: For many transactions, online and mobile banking can save time and avoid branch queues.
- Plan Saturdays wisely: Since many PNB branches are closed on 2nd/4th Saturdays, check your branch’s Saturday schedule in advance.
In summary, the typical PNB branch timing is from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekday and specified Saturdays, with no full lunch closure, thanks to staggered lunch shifts. Digital banking makes many services accessible 24×7. Always verify with your local branch for precise hours.
