Indian post offices are usually open from Monday to Saturday. The opening hours of the post office are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These timings vary from one city to another in India.
In some towns, the post office opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. Understanding the post office timings can save you effort and time.
It is crucial to know about the post office working hours in India so that you can plan your work and visit the post office without waiting long hours or returning without doing the work.
Indian Post Office Timings
The post offices in India open at 9:00 am and close at 4:00 pm on all working days of the week. The post office opening times are sometimes extended based on their work. People who want to visit the post office can check their post office working time and visit the Indian Post Office.
Every Sunday, the post office remains closed. Some post offices are also open on Sunday, according to regions. The post office remains closed during the holidays. The holidays of the post office are similar to the government holidays. Generally, the post office lunch time is from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
As per post office timings, the post office will open at 9:00 am, however, all the employees come to the office at 10:00 am.
Indian Post Office Working Days: Weekday Timings
The common post office timings are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, these post office timings can also increase according to the guidance of the Director General of Posts under certain conditions. Here is the list of daily post office timings for your convenience.
Day | Timing |
Monday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Tuesday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Wednesday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Thursday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Friday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Indian Post Office Working Days: Weekend Timings
Usually, the post offices in India remain closed on Sundays. On Saturdays, the post offices follow their standard schedules. Here’s a brief detail of the post office timings on weekends.
Saturday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Sunday | Off |
Indian Post Office Lunch Timings
Before visiting the Post office in India, you should know about lunch timings. It helps you to ensure that you do not go to the Post office during lunch hours and do not need to wait there. Generally, post office lunch time is from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. However, these post office timings can vary based on the postal circles.
Standard Lunch Break
Most Indian post offices set this Indian post office lunch time.
Day | Lunch Break Time |
Monday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Tuesday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Wednesday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Thursday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Friday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Saturday | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Sunday | Closed |
During Indian post office lunch time, all staff at the post office get a break for their lunch. Knowing these timings allows you to plan your visit before or after the lunch hour to ensure smooth and quick service.
Major Indian Cities Post Office Opening Times
Most of the main cities in India have post offices. The given table tells you about Indian post office timings and will come up with brief details of the major Indian cities.
City | Weekdays (Mon-Fri)
Opening and Closing Time |
Saturday | |
Delhi | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Mumbai | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Bangalore | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Kolkata | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Chennai | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Hyderabad | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Pune | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Jaipur | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Lucknow | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Ahmedabad | 8:00 AM-10:00 AM | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Varies) |
Indian Post Office Holiday Timings
Post offices play a main role in collecting, processing, and delivery of mail from one address to another. However, just like every other business sector or company, post offices have their holidays, and on holidays, post offices throughout the country don’t work.
List of Indian Post Office Holidays 2024
Here, you can learn about Post Office Holidays 2024. People frequently check if the post office is open today. The postal branch sets holidays on some days. Check the listing of Post Office Holidays 2024. The table below shows the Indian post office holidays for 2024, although this can vary by region.
Date | Day | Event |
26th January | Friday | Republic Day |
25th March | Monday | Holi |
29th March | Friday | Good Friday |
9th April | Tuesday | Eid Ul Fitr |
17th April | Wednesday | Ram Navami |
21st April | Sunday | Mahavir Jayanti |
23rd April | Thursday | Buddha Purnima |
17th June | Monday | Bakrid or Eid al Adha |
17th July | Wednesday | Muharram |
15th August | Thursday | Independence Day |
26th August | Monday | Janmashtami |
16th September | Monday | Milad-un-Nabi |
2nd October | Wednesday | Gandhi’s Birthday |
13th October | Sunday | Dussehra |
1st November | Friday | Diwali |
15th November | Friday | GuruNanak’s Birthday |
25th December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
Indian Post Office Timings: Tips for Planning Your Visit
Here are some tips you can follow to visit the Indian post office:
1. Understanding Peak hours
One of the keys to a successful visit to the post office is understanding the post office’s working days and peak hours. You should visit the post office in India during its peak hours. It saves you to stand in long waiting times and saves you time. On the other hand, mid-morning or mid-afternoon slots are usually off-peak times. It is suggested to plan your visit at some point during these hours to reduce wait times.
2. Preparing Necessary Documents and Information
Different postal responsibilities can require particular documents. Whether you’re sending an application, applying for a passport, or handling different postal needs, having the necessary documents is important, to make your visit hassle-free. Moreover, it is suggested to check the official USPS website or contact your local post office and tell them your requirements.
3. Use the Right Service
While for your visit to the post office, you must be clear about your aim. It will even help the staff at the post office to serve you the right services.
4. Use Self-Service Kiosks
Some post offices have self-service kiosks for getting stamps. It reduces the long waiting lines and makes your visit smooth to the Post office.
5. Be Patient
During peak times or festive seasons, post offices can get crowded. Thus, a little patience at the customer’s end will ensure a smooth experience.
6. Ask Questions
If you’re unsure about postage costs, mailing options, or some other service, don’t hesitate to ask the staff. They’re there to assist.
7. Stay Updated
Periodically, there can be changes in fees, services, or policies. Keeping yourself updated can help avoid any surprises.
8. Get Online Services
Before visiting, check if the service you require is available online. Many postal offices now provide online services that save you time.
Post Office Contact Details
- Toll-Free Enquiry Helpline: 18002666868 (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) (Except Sundays & Gazetted Holidays)
- IVRS facility is available at 247365
| Read more: SBI Bank Timings: Working Hours, Lunch Time
Conclusion
In India, there are many post offices in different areas, so the common opening and post office closing times vary accordingly. The Indian Post Office assists people in different ways with lower fees. India has already enhanced its use of advanced technology, but still, the postal branch is stable in use. To work appropriately and systematically, it’s split into numerous postal circles or areas and managed by a postmaster officer. The Indian Post Offices are divided into 3 categories: E.D. Branch Post Offices, Sub-Post Offices, and Head Post Offices.
Indian Post Office Timings: FAQs
Is the post office closed on Saturdays?
Ans. As per Indian post office timings, Indian post offices are open on Saturdays. They follow the same post office working hours as weekdays, normally from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Unlike banks, post offices do not declare holidays on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.
What are the lunch hours for post offices?
Ans. The lunch timings in the India Post office are from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. These timings vary according to different postal circles in different areas. It is recommended to check the local Indian post office timings for any visits.
Do post offices work on Sundays?
Ans. No, Indian post offices are closed on Sundays.
What are the Speed Post opening hours?
Ans. Speed Post services are commonly available from the opening post office timings till one hour earlier than the closing time. Usually, it means from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Are post offices open on public holidays?
Ans. No, post offices are closed on all important public holidays as declared by the government. This includes national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day and local holidays based on local festivals.