Introduction

The Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) merged with Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2020. As a result, the working hours for branches originally operated by OBC now align with PNB's schedule. Understanding the current working hours and operational guidelines is crucial for customers and employees alike.

Standard Working Hours

Typically, for bank branches in India, the standard working hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed

However, it is important to note that these hours may vary based on location and specific branch. Always verify the most up-to-date information by contacting the local branch or visiting the official PNB website.

Bank Branch Operations in Reality

While the official hours suggest a 7-hour working day, in practice, bank branches often operate for much longer durations:

Early Opening: Some branches open as early as 9:00 AM and can close as late as 10:00 PM, indicating a working period of 13 to 14 hours. Extended Hours: Branches may close at 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, or even as late as 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, depending on the specific branch and the urgency of tasks.

Officer-level employees may work even longer, with some working 24 hours on duty and completing tasks by 7:00 PM or later.

Departmental Variability

The exact operating hours can also vary based on the department. For instance, at head office (H.O.) and cluster offices, the official timing is 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, if urgent work arrives, employees may extend their hours past 6:00 PM.

The opening and closing times for individual branches are variable and can range from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with closing times ranging from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, again depending on the branch and the tasks at hand.

Conclusion

While the standard working hours for OBC branches are important for customer convenience, it is crucial for both customers and employees to be aware of the extended operating hours that may come into play on a daily basis. Always confirm the latest information with your local branch or through the official PNB website to ensure accurate and up-to-date guidelines.