Central Bank of India Timings: Complete Guide to Working Hours & Services

A small business owner named Raj in Mumbai needs to deposit cash and apply for a loan. He plans his visit during the bank’s operational hours, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Because he arrives just before 2:00 PM, he is able to complete both the deposit and consult with a loan officer before closing time. 

This highlights how the Central Bank of India's clear and consistent timings help customers manage their finances efficiently without last-minute rushes.

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Central Bank of India timings. 

Brief Introduction to the Central Bank of India

The Central Bank of India is one of India’s oldest and most respected public sector banks, established in 1911. As on 31 March 2021, the bank has a network of 4,608 branches, 3,644 ATMs, ten satellite offices and one extension counter. It has a pan-India presence covering all 28 states, Seven out of eight union territories and 574 district headquarters out of all districts in the country.

Central Bank of India Opening Time

The opening time of Central Bank of India branches varies slightly based on the location. However, most branches typically open at 10:00 AM from Monday to Saturday.  It is advisable to visit early to avoid long queues, especially on salary days or peak banking hours.

Example Scenario: Visiting the Central Bank of India

A customer, Rahul, needs to deposit a cheque at his nearest Central Bank of India branch. Since he knows that most branches open at 10:00 AM, he plans to reach there on time to avoid waiting.

However, he gets delayed and reaches the bank at 11:30 AM. By this time, the branch is crowded with customers, some depositing cash, some withdrawing money, and others waiting for account-related services. The queue at the cash counter is long, and Rahul realizes he will have to wait at least 30-40 minutes before his turn.

Meanwhile, Neha, another customer, arrives at the bank at 9:50 AM, just before it opens. As soon as the doors open at 10:00 AM, she is among the first to be served, and her work is done in just 10 minutes.

Lesson for Bank Customers:

• If you visit early (around 10:00 AM), you can complete your work faster with minimal waiting.
• If you visit during peak hours (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, especially on salary days), expect longer queues and delays.
• Planning can save time and help avoid frustration during peak banking hours.

Central Bank of India Closing Time

The closing time of Central Bank of India branches is generally 5:00 PM on weekdays and working Saturdays. However, the closing time of Central Bank of India branches varies slightly based on the location.  For example, in Metro, Urban and Semi Urban areas, the closing time is around 4:00 PM, while for the rural areas, the closing time is around 3:30 PM.

Customers are advised to complete their transactions well before the closing time, as certain services like cash deposits and withdrawals may stop earlier than the branch closing hours.

Scenario: Missing the Bank’s Closing Time

A customer, Amit, needs to withdraw a large sum of money from his Central Bank of India branch in a metro city. He checks online and sees that the bank closes at 4:00 PM in metro areas. Thinking he has plenty of time, he arrives at the branch at 3:55 PM.

However, when he reached the cash counter, the staff informed him that cash withdrawal services stopped at 3:45 PM, 15 minutes before closing time. Since transactions like cash deposits and withdrawals typically end earlier than branch closing hours, Amit is unable to withdraw his money and will have to return the next day.

Meanwhile, Priya, another customer, needs to update her passbook. She arrives at 3:30 PM and gets her work done smoothly since non-cash services like passbook printing often continue until the official closing time.

Lesson for Bank Customers:

• Cash transactions may stop earlier than the official closing time, so arriving at least 30 minutes before closing is advisable.
• Rural branches close even earlier (around 3:30 PM), so customers in these areas must plan accordingly.
• For non-cash services like passbook updates or inquiries, customers may still get assistance closer to closing time.

Central Bank of India Working Days

The Central Bank of India operates on all weekdays (Monday to Friday) and the month's first, third, and fifth Saturdays. The bank remains closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Below is a breakdown:

• Monday to Friday: Open
• 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays: Open
• 2nd and 4th Saturdays: Closed
• Sundays: Closed
• Public/National Holidays: Closed

Central Bank of India Lunch Timings

The lunch break at the Central Bank of India usually falls between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, but banking services continue in most branches as employees go for lunch in shifts. Customers can still visit the bank during these hours for essential services, though response times may be slightly slower.

Central Bank of India Specialized Banking Services Timings

Cash deposits and withdrawals are available on working days from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It is advisable to visit before 3:00 PM to ensure smooth transactions without last-minute rushes.

Locker Facility Access Hours

The locker facility is generally accessible during regular banking hours, i.e., 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, customers should check with their branches for specific locker access timings and appointment requirements.

Customer Support Desk Timings

The customer support desk is available for in-branch queries from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Customers should arrive early to ensure service before closing time for specific services such as loan inquiries, account opening, and document verifications.

Scenario: Managing Banking Services Within Timings

Situation 1: Cash Deposit at the Last Minute

Rohit needs to deposit ₹50,000 into his account. He arrives at his Central Bank of India branch at 3:20 PM, thinking he has enough time since the bank closes at 5:00 PM. However, when he reaches the cash counter, he finds a long queue. By the time his turn comes, it is 3:35 PM, and the cashier informs him that cash transactions have closed for the day. Rohit now has to return the next working day.

Situation 2: Accessing a Bank Locker

Meena needs to retrieve important documents from her bank locker before leaving for an international trip. She reaches the branch at 3:50 PM, expecting to access her locker. However, the bank staff informs her that the locker facility closes at 4:00 PM and prior appointments are recommended. Luckily, she is served just in time, but she realizes she should have arrived earlier to avoid any issues.

Situation 3: Visiting the Customer Support Desk

Arun wants to inquire about a home loan and arrives at the bank at 3:45 PM. The customer support desk operates until 4:00 PM, but due to high demand, the bank staff tells him they cannot process new inquiries so close to closing time. They advised him to come earlier the next day for proper assistance.

Lesson for Bank Customers:

• Cash deposits and withdrawals end at 3:30 PM, so arriving before 3:00 PM avoids last-minute rushes.
• Locker access closes by 4:00 PM, and prior appointments may be required, so customers should plan.
• Customer support services run until 4:00 PM, but arriving early ensures full assistance, especially for complex queries like loans or account openings.

Central Bank of India Weekend and Holiday Timings

Weekend Operations

• Saturdays (1st, 3rd, and 5th): Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Saturdays (2nd and 4th): Closed.
• Sundays: Closed.

Holiday Schedule

The Central Bank of India observes all major national and regional holidays. Some common holidays include:

Read More - Central Bank of India Current Account

• Republic Day (January 26)
• Independence Day (August 15)
• Gandhi Jayanti (October 2)
• Diwali
• Christmas (December 25)

It is recommended to check with your local branch or visit the official website for a complete holiday list.

Here is a list of public and national holidays for 2025, March, for your understanding:

Please Note: In India, holidays are categorized as Gazetted or Restricted:

• Gazetted Holidays: Official public holidays where government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses remain closed.
• Restricted Holidays: Optional holidays that employees can choose to take, but offices and banks generally remain open.

Example Scenario for Bank Customers

Imagine it is 31st March (Monday), Id-ul-Fitr, which is a Gazetted Holiday.

Situation 1: Visiting a Bank Branch

A customer, Ramesh, plans to visit his bank to deposit a cheque. However, when he arrives at the branch, he finds it closed because Id-ul-Fitr is a gazetted holiday. Since banks are shut, he must wait until the next working day to complete his transaction.

Situation 2: Online Transactions

Meanwhile, Priya, another customer, wants to transfer money online. She logs into her banking app and successfully makes an NEFT/UPI transfer because digital banking services remain available even on gazetted holidays.

Situation 3: Salary Credit & Delayed Transactions

A company processing employee salaries on the 31st finds that due to the holiday, salary payments might be delayed and processed on the next working day.

This highlights how gazetted holidays impact physical banking but still allow digital banking to function.

Central Bank of India Digital Fund Transfer Timings

Central Bank of India NEFT Timings

NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) has been made available for customers on all days of the year (24x7) (can be scheduled online 24/7, and settlements occur in batches during RBI-approved hours), including holidays. However, it is advised that customers consider 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM on working days for NEFT transactions for better services. 

Central Bank of India RTGS Timings

RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) services are available for high-value transactions from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days.

Central Bank of India IMPS Timings

IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, allowing instant fund transfers anytime.

Scenario: Choosing the Right Fund Transfer Method

Situation 1: NEFT Transaction on a Holiday

Ravi wants to transfer ₹50,000 to his friend’s account using NEFT on a Sunday. He logged into his Central Bank of India net banking and scheduled the transfer for 10:00 AM. Since NEFT runs 24/7, the transaction gets processed. However, since NEFT transactions are settled in batches, the money reaches his friend’s account after some delay instead of instantly.

Situation 2: RTGS for Urgent Business Payment

Anita, a business owner, needs to pay ₹3,00,000 to a supplier urgently. She knows RTGS is the best option for large-value transactions and tries to transfer the amount at 6:30 PM on a Friday. Unfortunately, she realizes that RTGS services end at 6:00 PM on working days, so she must wait until the next business day.

Also Read - Central Bank Net Banking

Situation 3: IMPS for Instant Money Transfer

At 11:00 PM, Amit is dining out and suddenly needs to transfer ₹10,000 to his friend for the bill. Since it's late at night, NEFT and RTGS wouldn’t be ideal. He uses IMPS, which works 24/7, including holidays, and the money reaches his friend’s account instantly.

Lesson for Bank Customers:

• NEFT is available 24/7, but transactions are processed in batches, so there may be some delay.
• RTGS is best for high-value transactions but is available only from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days.
• IMPS is the best choice for instant transfers at any time, including holidays and late nights.

Digital Banking Services Availability

Net Banking and Mobile Banking

The Central Bank of India's net banking and mobile banking services operate 24/7, enabling customers to:

• Transfer funds via NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or UPI.
• Pay bills and recharge mobile/DTH services.
• Manage accounts, check statements, and request chequebooks.
• Apply for loans, credit cards, and fixed deposits.

ATM Services

Central Bank of India ATMs are available 24/7 for:

• Cash withdrawals
• Mini statements
• Balance inquiries
• PIN changes

Central Bank of India Customer Care Timings

24/7 Toll-Free Helpline

Customers can contact the Central Bank of India customer care team through toll-free helpline numbers, available 24/7 for general banking queries, fraud reporting, and card-related issues.

Timings for Specific Services

• Loan and Credit Card Inquiries: Available from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days.
• Account-Related Queries: Available during branch working hours.

Conclusion

Understanding the Central Bank of India’s operating hours, lunch breaks and transaction cut-off times is crucial for managing your financial activities without any hassle. Whether you are planning to visit a branch, initiate a NEFT transfer, or even contact customer support, being aware of the correct timings ensures smoother banking.

FAQs on Central Bank of India Timings

1. What time does the Central Bank of India open and close?

• Branches usually open at 10:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM.

2. Can I access locker facilities on Saturdays?

• Yes, but only on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays during working hours.

3. Is NEFT available on Sundays?

• NEFT transactions can be initiated anytime but are processed only during RBI-approved working hours.

4. Can I transfer funds via IMPS at night?

• Yes, IMPS is available 24/7, including nights and holidays.

5. Are customer care services available at midnight?

• Yes, toll-free helpline numbers operate 24/7.

By understanding the Central Bank of India's timings and leveraging its digital banking services, customers can enjoy seamless banking with greater efficiency.

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