Bank Strike on February 12, 2026: Will SBI, UCO Bank, and Others Be Closed Due to Bharat Bandh?

Many bank customers are unsure whether banks will remain open on Thursday, February 12, 2026, due to the nationwide Bharat Bandh and bank strike call. While it is not an official RBI-declared bank holiday, banking services may still be disrupted if the strike is widely observed.

Several major banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), and UCO Bank, have already alerted customers about the possibility of work-related disruptions.

Are Banks Closed on February 12, 2026?

Banks are not officially closed simply because a strike has been announced. Branches are expected to remain open unless the strike results in staff shortages and operational issues. This may affect certain branches more than others. 

What Have SBI, UCO Bank, and Others Told Customers?

SBI, Bank of Baroda, and UCO Bank have informed stock exchanges that they are taking steps to keep operations running. However, they have also indicated that if the strike takes place, it may affect normal work in branches and offices.

Customers should be prepared for possible disruptions in:

• Cash deposits and withdrawals
• Cheque clearing
• Branch-based services
• Customer support at physical branches

Digital services like UPI and mobile banking may continue, but some backend processes could still face delays.

Who Has Called for the Nationwide Bank Strike?

Major bank unions and employee bodies have called for the strike on February 12, 2026. These include:

• All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA)
• All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA)
• Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI)

The strike is also linked with a broader general strike supported by 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs).

Why Are Bank Unions Striking?

The strike is linked to long-standing concerns raised by bank unions. These include:

• Opposition to proposed labour codes
• Concerns over trade union registration rules
• Demands related to work-life balance
• Request for a five-day work week

What Customers Should Do

To avoid last-minute inconvenience, customers may consider using digital banking where possible, and keeping extra cash ready for essential needs. They should also monitor updates from their bank branch to know if they can offer services timely or not. 

Read more: 8th Pay Commission Website Goes Live: Govt Opens Public Consultation for Pay, Pension and Allowances.

Conclusion

Banks are not officially shut on February 12, 2026, but a nationwide strike call may lead to service disruptions in several branches across India. Customers are advised to plan in advance and rely on digital banking where possible to avoid inconvenience.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.