The Indian postal system, operated by India Post, stands as the world’s largest postal network with over 155,000 post offices serving 1.3 billion citizens. Whether you need to send mail, make financial transactions, or access government services, knowing the correct post office timings is crucial for planning your visit effectively.
This guide provides accurate, verified information about post office operating hours across India, accounting for regional variations, holidays, and special circumstances.
Quick Overview
Post offices maintain different operating schedules throughout the week, with special considerations for Saturdays. While most locations offer service on Saturdays, hours are typically shortened to 9:00 AM-1:00 PM compared to weekday hours of 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. Many branches close on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month as designated holidays, though this policy varies by location.
For banking services, each post office has a unique IFSC code that customers need for transactions. These codes can be found on account documents or through official channels.
To find specific post office timings in your area, check the official postal service website, call your local branch, or use the postal service’s mobile app for the most current information.
Standard Post Office Working Hours in India
India Post categorizes its offices into four main types, each with different operational hours to serve various community needs.
General Post Office (GPO) Timings
GPOs are the flagship post offices located in major cities and serve as the headquarters for postal operations in that region.
| Day | Service Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | Counter Service: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Mail Processing: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday (except 2nd & 4th) | Counter Service: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Mail Processing: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| 2nd & 4th Saturday | Counter Service: Closed Mail Processing: Limited operations |
| Sunday | Counter Service: Closed Mail Processing: Limited operations |
Head Post Office (HPO) Timings
HPOs serve as administrative centers for postal districts and offer comprehensive postal services.
| Day | Service Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday (except 2nd & 4th) | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| 2nd & 4th Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Sub Post Office (SO) Timings
SOs cater to smaller towns and urban neighborhoods with a wide range of postal services.
| Day | Service Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | Urban Areas: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Rural Areas: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday (except 2nd & 4th) | Urban Areas: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Rural Areas: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| 2nd & 4th Saturday | Urban Areas: Closed Rural Areas: Closed |
| Sunday | Urban Areas: Closed Rural Areas: Closed |
Branch Post Office (BO) Timings
BOs serve rural areas and provide basic postal services.
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday (except 2nd & 4th) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| 2nd & 4th Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Note: These are standard timings and may vary by postal circle and specific location. Always verify with your local post office for the most accurate information.
Regional Variations in Post Office Timings
India Post operates through 23 postal circles, each with some autonomy in setting operational hours based on local needs.
Notable Regional Variations
- Metropolitan GPOs (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru): Extended evening hours until 7:00 PM on weekdays at select locations.
- Hill Stations: Often operate from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM due to weather conditions.
- Tourist Areas: Some post offices in popular tourist destinations offer extended hours during peak season.
- North-Eastern States: May have adjusted hours during monsoon season (June-September).
- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Winter timing adjustments from November to March.
Post Office Lunch Hours
Most post offices observe a lunch break, during which certain services may be limited:
| Post Office Type | Lunch Hours |
|---|---|
| GPOs and Head Post Offices | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Sub Post Offices | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Branch Post Offices | No formal lunch break (limited staff) |
Pro Tip: Many larger post offices maintain at least one operational counter during lunch hours for urgent services like Speed Post and registered mail. If you need to avoid waiting, plan your visit outside these lunch hours.
Many larger post offices maintain at least one counter operational during lunch hours for urgent services.
Saturday and Sunday Operations
Saturday Working Hours
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays: Full working day with regular hours
- 2nd and 4th Saturdays: Closed for public transactions (following banking holidays)
Exceptions: Mail sorting centers and some delivery units may operate with reduced staff on all Saturdays.
Sunday Operations
Most post offices remain closed on Sundays with these exceptions:
- Select GPOs in Major Cities: Some maintain limited Sunday hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) for essential services
- Railway Mail Service Offices: Those attached to major railway stations may operate based on train schedules
- Special Holiday Arrangements: During festival seasons, certain post offices may open for limited hours on Sundays
Holiday Schedule for Indian Post Offices
National Postal Holidays
Post offices remain closed on all gazetted holidays. Key dates for 2025 include:
- January 26: Republic Day
- March 7: Holi
- April 11: Good Friday
- May 1: Labor Day
- August 15: Independence Day
- October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
- October 24: Dussehra
- November 12: Diwali
- December 25: Christmas
For a complete list of regional holidays, check your local post office notice board or the India Post website.
Regional Holidays
Post offices also observe important regional festivals and state holidays, which vary by location. Each postal circle typically has 12-15 holidays annually, combining national and regional observances.
Special Services Timings
Financial Services
| Service | Timings |
|---|---|
| Postal Savings Bank | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday – Friday) |
| Money Order Services | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Friday) |
| Pension Disbursement | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Monday – Friday) |
| International Money Transfer | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Friday) |
Premium Services
- Speed Post and Express Parcel Counters: Open until 8:00 PM on weekdays at major GPOs.
- International Mail Services: Available until 7:00 PM at designated foreign post offices.
- Business Parcel Services: Extended hours available at business-focused post offices.
Digital Service Centers
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (all Saturdays, including 2nd and 4th).
- Sundays: Closed
Best Times to Visit the Post Office
- Weekday mornings (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Generally less crowded.
- Mid-afternoon (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM): Often has shorter queues.
- Avoid: Month-end days, days following holidays, and Monday mornings, which typically see higher traffic.
- Pension disbursement days (usually 1st week of month): Expect longer waiting times due to higher footfall.
Times to Avoid
- Month-end days: High traffic due to bill payments
- Days following holidays: Backlogs create longer waits
- Monday mornings: Typically see higher traffic
- Pension disbursement days (usually 1st week of month): Expect longer waiting times due to higher footfall
Online and 24/7 Postal Services
Many postal services are now available online, allowing you to skip the queue entirely:
- India Post website: Track shipments, calculate postage, and locate post offices.
- India Post Mobile App: Access digital services and track mail.
- Automated Kiosks: Available at select locations for 24/7 basic services like purchasing stamps and weighing parcels.
Finding Your Local Post Office Hours
- Official India Post Website: www.indiapost.gov.in
- India Post Customer Care: 1800-266-6868
- Post Office Locator Tool: Available on the India Post website and mobile app.
- Local Directory: Most post offices display their operational hours at the entrance
Popular Digital Services
- Track and trace consignments
- Calculate postage
- Schedule home pickup
- Register complaints
- Make payments for postal services
- Book Speed Post and registered post
- Access Post Office Savings Bank services
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, post offices are open on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of each month with regular hours. They remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.Most post offices operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with Saturday hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Most post offices observe a 30-minute lunch break, typically between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with exact timing varying by location. Larger offices often keep at least one counter operational during this period.
Yes, all regular postal services are closed on these days. However, mail processing and sorting operations may continue with limited staff.
Yes, all regular postal services are closed on these days. However, mail processing and sorting operations may continue with limited staff.
Generally, most post offices maintain the same hours year-round, except in regions with extreme weather conditions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and hill stations, where winter timings may differ. 1. Is the post office open on Saturdays in India?
2. What are the lunch hours for post offices?
3. Do post office timings change during festivals?
4. Are all post offices closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays?
5. Do post offices follow different summer and winter timings?
How can I find my post office’s IFSC code?
You can find your post office’s IFSC code on your passbook, by visiting the branch, or by checking the official postal service website.
How can I send mail when the post office is closed?
You can use the following options:
- Drop boxes located outside most post offices (for regular mail)
- Online booking through the India Post website or app for certain services
- Automated kiosks available at select locations
- Schedule a pickup service through the India Post app
What time does Speed Post counter close?
Speed Post counters at major GPOs remain open until 8:00 PM on weekdays, while at regular post offices, they follow the standard closing time of that office.
Are post offices open during local state holidays?
This varies by region. Post offices typically follow the holiday schedule of their respective state government, which means they may be closed on state-specific holidays.
What are the timings for postal ATMs?
Postal ATMs, where available, operate 24/7 similar to bank ATMs, providing access to basic banking services even when the post office is closed.
When do money orders get processed?
Money orders are typically processed during regular counter hours. For domestic money orders, processing usually happens within the same day if submitted before 2:00 PM.
This information has been verified with official India Post sources and represents the most current operational schedule. Regional variations may apply.
Conclusion
Understanding post office timings helps ensure you can access postal services when needed. While this guide provides comprehensive information about standard timings across India, it’s always advisable to verify the specific hours of your local post office through the India Post website or customer service number, as there may be temporary adjustments or location-specific variations.
For personalized assistance and the most up-to-date information, contact India Post customer service at 1800-266-6868 or visit your nearest post office.
This information has been verified with official India Post sources and represents the most current operational schedule as of March 2025. Regional variations may apply.
