Indian Post Office Timings, Working Hours, Lunch Breaks, and 2023 Holidays

The Indian post office has been vital for over 150 years, connecting people nationwide. With 155,000 post offices, India has the largest postal network in the world. Since its establishment in 1854 under British rule, the Indian postal service has delivered vital government documents and enabled financial inclusion through savings schemes and banking. Today, the postal service offers sophisticated services like insurance, e-commerce, and more beyond mail delivery. As an essential infrastructure arm of the government, understanding post office timings, hours, breaks, and 2023 holidays is crucial to using postal services efficiently.

Key Facts About the Indian Postal Service

indian post office timings today
indian post office timings sunday
indian post office timings saturday
  • Annual Revenue in 2021-22: ₹11,496.18 crores
  • Number of Post Offices: 155,000 approximately
  • Divided into 23 Circles headed by Chief Postmaster General
  • Circles are further divided into Regions/Divisions led by Postmaster General
  • Categorization of Post Offices: Head Post Office, Sub Post Office, and E.D. Branch Office
  • Highest Post Office at Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 14,567 ft

Post Office Circles and Classification

The Department of Posts has divided the expansive postal network into 16 Postal Circles for administrative and operational efficiency. Each circle operates under a Postmaster General except for the Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala Circles. The three circles align directly with state boundaries. Furthermore, the 16 Postal Circles contain 139 Head Post Offices, 548 District Head Post Offices, and thousands of E.D. Post Offices and Sub Post Offices. The three broad categories encompass:

  • Head Post Office: Main post office of a city
  • Sub Post Office: Operates under a Head Post Office
  • E.D. Branch Post Office: Subsidiary office in rural areas

Therefore, based on your location, identifying the correct post office category will ensure you visit the appropriate one for required postal or financial services.

Indian Post Office Working Days

Despite India’s cultural diversity and geographical variance, post offices adhere to standardized timings countrywide. These enable the smooth operation of interlinked post offices for sorting and routing mail nationwide.

General Post Office Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday Closed

However, post office timings may stretch beyond the conventional hours based on mail volumes. Postmaster Generals can exercise discretion in extending working hours when necessitated.

While these timings apply pan-India, state or region-specific holidays can lead to closures. Customary days of closure include:

  • Republic Day (January 26th)
  • Independence Day (August 15th)
  • Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd)
  • Additional Central & State Governments declared holidays

Indian Post Office Timings of Key Services

The Indian post office provides an array of services beyond standard mail delivery. Based on the service required, visiting during appropriate hours ensures efficient fulfillment.

  • Regular Mail (Letters, Postcards): 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Parcel Booking/Collection: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Savings Account Transactions: 10 AM to 2 PM
  • Postal Life Insurance Payments: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Money Orders & Remittances: 10 AM to 4 PM

Therefore, aligning your post office visit with desired services saves time and unnecessary trips caused by timing mismatches.

Speed Post Timings 

Speed post enables time-sensitive mail and documents to be delivered faster across India through expedited processing. Critical timings for speed posts include:

  • Booking Speed Post: 8 AM to 1 PM
  • Speed Post Delivery Time: Generally 24-48 hours, depending on the destination
  • Speed Post Office Hours:
    • Head Post Office: 9 AM to 4 PM
    • Sub Post Office: 9 AM to 2 PM
    • Branch Post Office: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Therefore, customers should book speed post items early in the day before the 1 p.m. cut-off time. Delivery typically takes 1-2 days, based on location. Visiting speed post counters must be aligned with respective office hours. Proper planning is critical to timely speed post-booking and delivery.

Leveraging Extended Working Hours

While conventional working hours cater to standard services, customers can capitalize on extended timings to avoid queues and delays.

Many large Head Post Offices offer night counters with extended operational hours between 6 PM and 8 PM. Additionally, postmasters may extend working hours from the usual 8 AM to 4 PM based on mail volumes to boost processing capacity.

Visiting during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late evenings, can help customers avoid crowds and maximize the efficiency of postal errands. Calling ahead for timing confirmation is advisable.

Optimizing Visits by Minding Indian Post Office Lunch Time

Ensuring seamless mail operations requires post office staff Intervals for meals and rest. Customers should factor in lunch break timings when visiting post offices to prevent waiting in long queues.

Lunch Break Duration: 1 PM to 2 PM or 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

However, lunch break timings may vary across specific post offices and states. General best practices include:

  • Visiting early morning soon after opening hours
  • Visiting before lunch break at around 11 AM to 12 noon
  • Waiting until after lunch break for any late-day requirements

Avoiding the peak lunch break hours from 12:30 PM to 2 PM circumvents prolonged waits for counter service.

post office timings today
post office timings today near me
post office timings for speed post
post office lunch timings today

India Post Office Holidays 2023

Post offices remain closed on declared national holidays and regional holidays. Planning visits on working days while noting holidays prevents wasted trips.

Key Holidays When Post Offices Remain Closed in 2023:

  • Republic Day – January 26
  • Independence Day – August 15
  • Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
  • Dussehra – October 5
  • Diwali – October 24
  • Christmas Day – December 25

Additionally, state-level holidays for events like regional festivals also warrant closures. Customers should check with local post offices on specific regional holidays before visiting.

Helpful Tips to Visit Indian Post Offices

  • Note lunch break timings and avoid visiting during the peak break hours
  • Leverage extended working hours in the mornings, evenings, or night counters when available
  • Plan your visit before or after lunch breaks to prevent waiting
  • Check for state and regional holidays before visiting on a given date
  • Call ahead for timing confirmation on working hours, lunch breaks, etc.
  • Visit Head Post Offices for more comprehensive service options and extended hours
  • Carry appropriate identity documents and copies when collecting parcels

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the working hours of post offices in India?

A: The standard working hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Saturday. However, timings may vary by state and individual post office.

Q: What is the lunch break timing at post offices?

A: Lunch break generally spans 1-2 hours between 12 PM to 2 PM. The exact timing varies across circles and post offices.

Q: Can I visit the post office on Sundays?

A: No, post offices are closed on Sundays across India, except for a few Night Post Offices in some cities.

Q: How do I find my nearest post office contact details?

A: You can find your nearest post office address and contact info on the India Post website by searching your location. Or call the postal department helpline.

Q: What are the speed post delivery times?

A: Speed post generally delivers in 1-2 days within major cities and 2-4 days across different states.

Q: How can I avoid crowds at the post office?

A: Visit early mornings, before lunch hours, or late evenings. Also, leverage extended working hours at Head Post Offices.

Conclusion

The Indian post office delivers invaluable services, enabling communication, financial access, and convenience for Indian citizens. However, due diligence requires understanding the nuances of working hours, lunch breaks, and holidays. This definitive guide provides all requisite details regarding optimized timings for visiting Indian post offices across various states. Following the tips highlighted can help customers circumvent delays and maximize the efficiency of their postal needs and requirements. The next time you need to mail an urgent letter or parcel, withdraw cash from savings, or submit an insurance payment, be sure to keep this guide handy for a seamless post office experience.

Leave a Reply to Tamoris Bhattacharyya Cancel reply

82 thoughts on “Indian Post Office Timings, Working Hours, Lunch Breaks, and 2023 Holidays”

  1. Thank you for sharing this information about the lunchtime and working hours of post offices in India. I recently moved to a new city and was unsure about the best time to visit the local post office. Your detailed breakdown of the lunch hours and working days is incredibly helpful. It’s great to know that I can plan my visit around these times to avoid the lunch break. Keep up the great work with these informative posts!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome! I’m glad that you found this information useful. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead when visiting a post office or any other government office. I’m glad that I was able to help you out. Thanks for the kind words!

      Reply
  2. This article is a lifesaver! I’ve had a couple of instances where I reached the post office only to find it closed for lunch, which was quite frustrating. Knowing the exact lunch hours and working days will definitely help me plan my visits better. It’s also good to see that different regions might have slightly different timings; this is something I hadn’t considered before. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive guide. Looking forward to more such useful posts!

    Reply
    • Glad to hear that this article has been helpful to you! We always try to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information so that it can be useful to our readers. We are pleased to know that you have found the information useful and that it has been helpful in planning your visits to the post office better. Keep an eye out for more helpful posts in the future!

      Reply
    • Aapka bahut-bahut shukriya. Yeh jankari aapke liye faydemand sabit hui. Aapko aur bhi jankari chahiye toh, hum aapki madad karenge!

      Reply
  3. This is such a handy reference! I’ve often found myself reaching the post office right during their lunch break, and it’s a bit frustrating. Now, with this guide, I can plan my visits better. It’s great to see the working hours for different states and cities all in one place. Thanks for putting this together!

    Reply
    • Glad to hear that this guide is useful for you! It’s always important to plan ahead and be aware of store hours, so we’re glad to have been able to provide this information. Thanks for taking the time to read it!

      Reply
  4. I’ve always wondered about the uniformity of lunch hours across different post offices. It’s good to have a clear idea now. This will definitely save me some waiting time on my next visit. Appreciate the effort in compiling this for all states and cities!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome! I’m glad I was able to help. It’s always great to have the correct information so you know when to plan your visits.

      Reply
  5. Very informative! Knowing the lunch timings and working hours of the post office is crucial for planning our visits. This article provides a clear schedule and even gives insights into the peak hours to avoid. A must-read for anyone looking to navigate their post office visits efficiently. Great job!

    Reply
    • Thank you! I’m glad that this article has been helpful. I’ll be sure to keep it updated with any changes.

      Reply
  6. It’s great to see such a comprehensive guide on post office timings. The inclusion of holidays for 2023 is a thoughtful touch for planning ahead.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the kind words! We strive to provide customers with the most up-to-date information so they can plan ahead.

      Reply
  7. The breakdown of post office working hours and lunch breaks is super handy. No more guessing or arriving at the wrong time!

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you find it useful! We hope that this information helps make your post office visits more efficient.

      Reply
  8. I had no idea that some Head Post Offices offer night counters with extended operational hours. That’s a great initiative to cater to people who might be busy during regular hours.

    Reply
    • That’s fantastic to hear! It’s great that Head Post Offices are making this effort to serve people who may not be able to access postal services during traditional operating hours.

      Reply
  9. The tip about visiting the post office early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds is really helpful. I’ll keep that in mind for my next visit.

    Reply
    • That’s great to hear! It’s always a good idea to plan ahead as much as you can to make the most of your time.

      Reply
  10. I always wondered about the lunch timings at the post office. Thanks for clarifying! I’ll make sure to avoid the peak lunch break hours next time.

    Reply
    • No problem! It’s always best to double-check the opening and closing times before you make a trip to the post office. Have a great day!

      Reply
  11. Wow, I never realized how extensive the Indian postal network is. Over 150 years of service and still going strong! It’s impressive to see how they’ve evolved over the years to offer so many different services.

    Reply
    • That’s amazing! I’m sure the Indian postal network has made a huge impact on people’s lives over the years. It’s comforting to know that they will continue to offer reliable services for years to come.

      Reply
  12. The post is quite informative, particularly for those who are new to the locality and are unfamiliar with the post office timings. It would be great if you could also provide information about any holiday schedules or special circumstances that might alter these timings. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Thank you for your feedback! I’m glad that the post was useful. I will definitely add information about holiday schedules and special circumstances that impact post office timings. Thanks again for your suggestion!

      Reply
  13. I wish I had read this earlier! I once visited the post office during their lunch time and had to wait for quite a while. It’s essential to have such information handy to manage our time efficiently. A well-detailed article, indeed!

    Reply
    • Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad that you found this article useful. Planning ahead is always the best way to avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations, so I’m glad to hear that this article was able to help you out.

      Reply
  14. I was unaware that the post office had different working hours on Saturdays. This information will definitely save me a trip in the future. It’s always good to plan postal activities keeping in mind their lunch hours to avoid waiting. Great post!

    Reply
    • Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad this post was able to help you out. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and know the post office’s hours. I hope it continues to be useful for you!

      Reply
  15. It’s really helpful to know the working hours and lunch time of the post office, especially for someone like me who sends out parcels frequently. The detailed information for various days of the week is quite useful. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome! I’m glad to be able to help. Sending out parcels can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to make sure you have all the right information beforehand.

      Reply
  16. I wish I had known this earlier! I once visited the post office during lunchtime and had to wait for a while. It’s essential to be aware of the working hours and lunchtime to plan our visits accordingly.

    Reply
    • I completely agree with you! Knowing the working hours and lunchtime is key for efficient planning. I always check the opening hours online before visiting any post office to make sure I get the best service.

      Reply
  17. This information is quite helpful, especially for those who are planning to visit the post office during working hours. It’s always good to know the lunch timings to avoid waiting. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • I’m glad you found it useful! It’s always helpful to know the opening hours of post office so that you can plan your visit accordingly.

      Reply
  18. Great post! It’s vital information like this that helps us plan our day better. Knowing the working hours and lunchtime of the post office can save us from unnecessary trips and waiting. Keep sharing such useful information!

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s great that this information was useful to you. I’m glad I could help!

      Reply
  19. I appreciate the detailed information about the post office timings. It’s always been a bit unclear to me, and this post clarifies it. It will surely help many people plan their visits better.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the kind words! It’s great to hear that the post was helpful. I’m glad that it was able to clarify the post office timings for you. Hopefully, it will be useful to many more people in the future.

      Reply
  20. It’s interesting to note that the post office has a one-hour lunch break. It’s quite considerate for the employees. However, it’s crucial for customers to know this to prevent any inconvenience. Thanks for the info!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome! I’m glad this information was useful. It’s always important to be aware of the post office’s hours and policies so that customers can plan accordingly.

      Reply
  21. This is super helpful for planning my visits to the post office. Knowing the exact working hours and lunchtime ensures I don’t end up waiting unnecessarily. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  22. It’s essential to be aware of these timings, especially for those who have tight schedules. A well-compiled list that every post office visitor should bookmark!

    Reply
    • I’m glad you found the list helpful. It’s always good to be aware of the different post office hours so you can plan accordingly.

      Reply
  23. Do businesses have the same operating hours for counter transactions from Monday to Saturday, or do they have different hours specifically for Saturday?

    Reply
    • Post offices in India generally have regular business hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they have shorter operating hours and usually close by 2:00 PM.

      Reply
    • No, I’m sorry but it is not possible to change the name of the account holder once an account has been opened. Only the guardian of the child can be changed. You may need to open a new account with your wife’s name as the holder.

      Reply
  24. regaridng Holidays..
    (refer Is Post Office working on Saturdays”)

    Your answer says…
    On Saturdays and gazetted holidays Post Offices remain closed. The working timings on Saturday are same as other days”.
    IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER SATURDAY IS A HOLIDAY OR A WORKING DAY.
    (please clarify esp wrt. 4th Saturday)

    Reply
    • Saturday is a working day for the post office. However, if gazetted holidays such as Holi and Dusshera fall on Saturday, the post office remains closed.

      Reply
  25. In this competition world keeping speedpost fascility for just 3 -4hour during daywork
    (9.00 AM. To 12.30 ) at branch offices & Then it remaines closed the whole day shows. Inefficiency . Normaly in business world most of the speedpost parcel orders are booked online after 1.00PM. All the private courier company’s timing are at least 15 hours a day at all their branches,Then why such a little time iskept in Indian Post Offices.specially intheir branch offices.

    Reply
    • wish to know the cash remittance timing of TVkoil 620005 sub post office urgently. Whether csh can be remitted in toaccount after 2 pm on any working day.

      Reply
  26. EN 434641622IN booked on 11/4/22 at 10.0 Am till date ie on 16/4/22 it has not reached the destination. Your service is hopeless, you can perform better to win the confidence of your noble organisation please .
    I humbly request you to kindly take action on the staff in case my post is purposefully delayed.

    Reply
  27. There is a mistake in the Holiday list of Postal holidays for [year] in this list the 30 November 2021 Monday Gurunanak Jayanti is shown while Just below the same list the Guru Nanak’s Birthday 19-11-2021 Friday is shown which is the correct.
    This is consfusing

    Reply
  28. Very bad service, even after mentioning proper address, the parcel is roaming here and there.

    After putting complain in Grievance portal, post five days they are not even bother to revert on same.

    Reply
  29. आजमगढ़ सिटी उप डाकघर 09:46am तक खुला नहीं जनता के कार्य कैसे होंगे.

    Reply
  30. Bad experience for two times at Satara City post their office staff not cooperative no proper inform sb AC and regained line from withdrawal.

    Reply
      • स्ट आफिस डोईवाला में दो बजे के बाद कैश का लेनदेन बंद है जबकि पोस्ट आफिस की वेबसाइट में 8 बजे से 04 बजे का समय दिया गया है। कभी स्पीड पोस्ट का टाइमिंग अलग -अलग बताया जाता है। यदि पोस्ट आफिस खुला है तो इन कार्यो के लिए समय निर्धारित होना चाहिए जब तक पोस्ट आफिस खला है सब सुविधाऐं लोगों को मिलनी चाहिए। यदि पोस्ट आफिस में हर कार्य के लिए अलग अलग टाइमिंग है तो पोस्ट आफिस के बाहर बोर्ड में लिखा जाना चाहिए इसके कारण लोग परेशान होते हें।

        Reply
        • मै आपकी शिकायत का अनूमोदन करता हू.

          Reply
        • धन्यवाद आपको अपनी प्रतिक्रिया देने के लिए। हालांकि, पोस्ट ऑफिस और स्पीड पोस्ट की टाइमिंग पर विषयवस्तु संबंधी असुविधाओं के बारे में हमें खेद है। हम समय पर नवीनीकरण करने का प्रयास करेंगे ताकि लोगों को सही जानकारी और उपयुक्त सुविधाएं मिल सकें। आपका सहयोग हमारे लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

          Reply