Post Office Timings 2026 — Opening Hours, Working Days & Holiday List
Before rushing to your nearest post office, the most frustrating thing is arriving to find it closed — whether it's a lunch break, a gazetted holiday, or simply past working hours. This complete guide covers every aspect of India Post office timings so you never waste a trip.
Standard Post Office Working Hours in India (2026)
India Post follows a standardised schedule across all 1.65 lakh+ post offices, though some variations exist depending on office type and location.
Regular Working Days (Monday to Friday)
| Office Type | Opening Time | Closing Time | Lunch Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Post Office (HO) | 8:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 1:00–2:00 PM |
| Sub Post Office (SO) | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 1:30–2:00 PM |
| Branch Post Office (BO) | 10:00 AM | 4:00 PM | 1:00–2:00 PM |
| Speed Post Centre | 8:00 AM | 8:00 PM | None |
| GPO (General Post Office) | 7:00 AM | 9:00 PM | None |
Saturday Timings
Saturday is a working half-day for most post offices:
- Head Post Office / GPO: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sub Post Office: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Branch Office: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (alternate Saturdays in rural areas)
- Speed Post Centres: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: All post offices are closed on Sundays. Emergency postal services are only available at select GPOs in metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) on Sundays for Speed Post bookings.
Post Office Holiday List 2026
India Post observes all central government gazetted holidays. The major holidays in 2026 are:
| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 26 | Republic Day | National |
| Mar 31 | Annual Accounts Closing | Departmental |
| Apr 14 | Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti | National |
| Aug 15 | Independence Day | National |
| Oct 2 | Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | National |
Note: Regional holidays (Diwali, Holi, Eid, Onam, Pongal, etc.) vary by state and circle. Post offices in that state will be closed on local gazetted holidays even if open elsewhere in India.
Post Office Timings by State / Circle
While the central government sets the framework, each of India's 23 Postal Circles may have minor variations based on local practices, seasonal adjustments, and regional holidays.
Metropolitan Cities
Delhi (Delhi Circle): Delhi GPO on Sansad Marg operates 7 AM – 10 PM on weekdays. Most Sub Post Offices across Delhi follow the standard 10 AM – 5 PM schedule.
Mumbai (Maharashtra Circle): Mumbai GPO (Fort area) — one of India's oldest post offices — operates extended hours: 8 AM – 8 PM weekdays, 9 AM – 4 PM Saturdays.
Bengaluru (Karnataka Circle): Bengaluru GPO on Raj Bhavan Road: 9 AM – 7 PM weekdays, 10 AM – 1 PM Saturdays.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu Circle): Chennai GPO: 8 AM – 7 PM weekdays, 9 AM – 3 PM Saturdays.
Which Services Are Available at What Time?
Not all services are available throughout the post office's working hours:
- Speed Post Booking: First booking of the day dispatched usually by 12 PM. Last booking at 4:00–5:00 PM depending on the office. Confirm with your specific post office.
- Registered Post: Available during all counter hours, Monday–Saturday.
- Money Order: Available 10 AM – 4 PM (sub offices), 8 AM – 6 PM (head offices).
- Savings Account / Banking: IPPB and Post Office Savings Bank transactions: 10 AM – 4 PM weekdays, 10 AM – 12 PM Saturdays.
- Passport Application (POPSKs): By appointment only, typically 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
- Aadhaar Services: Available at designated post offices, 10 AM – 3 PM.
What to Do When the Post Office is Closed
If you need postal services when your nearest post office is closed, here are your options:
- India Post Website: Book Speed Post online at indiapost.gov.in — schedule pickup for the next working day.
- India Post App: The official mobile app allows you to track parcels 24/7 and book services in advance.
- PostMAN App: India Post's doorstep delivery app — available in select cities for home pickup scheduling.
- GPO After-Hours Window: In major cities, the GPO Speed Post counter often operates extended hours including Sunday mornings.
- Dak Mitra: India Post's authorised franchise outlets — often have slightly different hours than the main post office.
How to Find Your Nearest Post Office Timing
The most reliable way to check a specific post office's hours is:
- Visit indiapost.gov.in → Locate Us → Post Office Locator
- Enter your PIN code or city name
- The locator shows office name, address, contact number, and sometimes hours
- Alternatively, search your PIN code on pincodesinfo.in to find the exact post office for your area
- Call 1800-11-2011 (toll-free, 24×7) to ask about specific office timings
Tips to Save Time at the Post Office
- Go early: The first hour (10–11 AM) and lunch hour (12–1 PM) tend to be the least crowded.
- Avoid month-end: Last 3–5 days of the month are peak periods for financial transactions (RD, TD installments, savings deposits).
- Carry the right documents: For Aadhaar updates, savings accounts, and passports — carry original + photocopy of all required documents.
- Book Speed Post online: Avoid counter queues by scheduling home pickup at indiapost.gov.in.
- Check holidays in advance: Especially around Diwali, Holi, and regional festivals — multiple consecutive days may be closed.
Knowing your post office's exact timings helps you plan around India Post's schedule and get your postal tasks done without wasted trips. For finding the specific post office that serves your area, search your PIN code on PincodesInfo.