In 2026, Most post offices operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), with counter services available during limited hours.
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Counter Services: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (booking, payments, banking)
- Lunch Break: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (may be staggered)
- Saturdays: Open, but financial services often close by 1:00 PM
- Sundays/Holidays: Closed (except select night post offices in big cities)
Note: Mail operations usually continue till 5:00 PM even on Saturdays.
Pro Tip: Head Offices follow full timings, but rural Branch Offices often work only 4–5 hours and may close by 2:00 PM.
What time does my local post office open today?
To find the exact opening and closing hours for a specific Sub-office or Branch, use these verified methods:
1. Use Google Maps (fastest method)
- Open Google Maps on your phone or computer.
- Search using post office name or PIN code. (Example: “Bhiwadi Post Office” or “301019 post office”)
- Tap on the correct result to open the info card.
- Check “Open/Closed” status and daily timings. (Google may also show holiday hours)
- View phone number, photos, and website. (if available)
- Call before visiting if needed—useful for banking, Speed Post, or other services 👍
2. Other Method:
- Digital: Search your PIN code on Google Maps or use the PostInfo App for quick, real-time updates
- Official: Visit indiapost.gov.in and use the “Locate Post Office” tool
- In-Person: Check the notice board outside the branch—many rural offices display timings there
- Local Help: Ask nearby people or the counter staff for the most accurate timing
Pro Tip: Even though timing rules are same across India, actual hours can change by location. The easiest way is to check on Google Maps for today’s status. If you are in a village or rural area, try to visit before 1:00 PM, because many small post offices open only for a few hours and close early.
City-wise Local post office timings (major cities)
Opening times are usually the same, but closing hours and lunch breaks can vary depending on the city and local crowd levels.
| City | Office Type | Opening | Counter Close | Lunch Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | GPO / Sub-Office | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Mumbai | GPO / Head Office | 9:30 AM | 6:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Chennai | Sub-Post Office | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Kolkata | GPO / MDG | 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Bengaluru | Sub-Post Office | 9:30 AM | 5:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Hyderabad | Head Office | 9:30 AM | 5:30 PM | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Pune | Sub-Post Office | 9:00 AM | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
Indian Post Office Timetable
Here’s the typical timetable most of your city or village post offices follow across India on working weekdays:
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Opening, counters gradually start services |
| 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Full services (banking, booking, speed post, money orders, etc.) |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Lunch break (many branches close counters completely or some rotate employees) |
| 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Services reopen (but some banking counters are already shut) |
| 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Limited acceptance (mainly bookings & inquiries) |
| After 5:00 PM | Public counters stop — internal closing work continues |
Working Days each Week
| Day | Working? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Yes | Standard time – 9 to 5 |
| Tuesday | Yes | |
| Wednesday | Yes | |
| Thursday | Yes | |
| Friday | Yes | |
| Saturday | Yes, but working hours are shorter. | |
| Sunday | No | Closed |
How lunch hours work in Post offices
The Lunchtime is usually from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, as per the GPOs and head offices’ norms.
- In big city offices, some counters remain open in rotation, so you won’t face a total closure.
- In rural and small-town offices, counters often shut completely, and in practice, some don’t reopen fully after lunch.
- For Practical purposes, you can avoid visiting between 1:15 PM and 2:45 PM if you want quick service.
So if you are planning anything on Saturday, go before lunch to be safe.
Which services stop earlier than closing time?
| Service | Typical last acceptance |
|---|---|
| Banking services (like Savings Bank, RD, PPF): | Usually open till 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. |
| Mail and booking counters (Speed Post, Parcels): | Operate till 3:30–4:00 PM depending on workload. |
| Money Orders / PO Bills | ~4:00 PM |
| Counter inquiries / small services | Till ~4:30–5:00 PM in cities |
| E-payments | 9:00 am to 3 pm |
| Savings certificate | Last 2:00 PM or extend for 30 mintues |
If you need banking transactions, treat 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM as the real deadline in many branches.
Indian Post Office Gazetted Holidays 2026
Post offices across India follow a common holiday calendar set by the Department of Posts. In 2026, there are 17 gazetted (compulsory) holidays, during which all physical branches remain closed.
| Month | Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26 | Monday | Republic Day |
| March | 04 | Wednesday | Holi |
| March | 21 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr |
| March | 26 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| March | 31 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
| April | 03 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May | 01 | Friday | Buddha Purnima |
| May | 27 | Wednesday | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| June | 26 | Friday | Muharram |
| August | 15 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August | 26 | Wednesday | Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) |
| September | 04 | Friday | Janmashtami |
| October | 02 | Friday | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday |
| October | 20 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi) |
| November | 08 | Sunday | Diwali (Deepavali) |
| November | 24 | Tuesday | Guru Nanak’s Birthday |
| December | 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
- Extra holidays: Each state can add more holidays for local festivals like Pongal, Onam, or Bihu
- Online services: Even when branches are closed, ATMs and mobile banking apps still work 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delivery time of India Post?
Your delivery usually depends on the service you choose – Speed Post 1–3 days (urban), 3–7 days (rural), regular mail 5–10 days; RMS hubs manage long-distance dispatch.
What is the timing of parcel booking in India Post?
The timing for your parcel booking goes from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM at your area BO or Sub-post office.
Is the post office closed today?
Your local or BO post offices are usually closed on holidays such as Sundays, national holidays, and stops relevant to a particular circle. Please, you can check on Google Maps or inquire at the branch for the present status.
Does India Post deliver after 6 PM?
Not really, they usually deliver between 10:00 AM to last 5:30 PM. Night delivery is for RMS/logistics, not public service.
What is the Timing of India Post Payments Bank?
The branches of IPPB are active between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including Saturdays.
Are post office timings the same everywhere in India?
No. Official timing is 9 AM to 5 PM, but real hours vary by office type, workload, and staffing. Local sub and branch offices often close earlier.
Is Saturday a full working day in post offices?
Saturday is usually a half-day for sub and branch offices. GPOs and big head offices may work longer, but banking counters often close early.
Does the post office fully close during lunch break?
In smaller towns and rural areas, yes. Counters usually shut from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. In cities, some counters work on rotation.
What is the safest time to visit for banking work?
You can visit between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Branch staff confirm most savings, RD, PPF, and IPPB services stop accepting work after 3 PM.
Do Speed Post and parcel services run till closing time?
Not always. Last acceptance is usually between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. After that, counters may refuse bookings despite the office being open.
Does India Post work on public holidays?
No. All physical counters remain closed on national and circle holidays. Only online services, ATMs, and mobile banking continue on those days.
How can I confirm today’s timing of my local post office?
Google Maps is fastest. Search the office name or PIN code, check “Hours,” and call once. Branch timings are often displayed only on notice boards.
Similar Content for You – LIC Office Hours and timings
Hope you liked the content. Explore smart options below 👇
🔥 Recommended