How Many Days Do Government Employees Work Each Week in India?

Government jobs in India are often associated with stability, structured hours, and work-life balance. One of the key aspects that aspirants and employees consider is the number of working days in a week. The structure may vary slightly depending on the department, type of government job (central or state), and office-specific policies, but some standard practices apply across the board.

Standard Workweek: 5 Days vs 6 Days

1. Central Government Offices

Most central government offices follow a 5-day workweek, typically from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday as holidays.

Working Hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a lunch break included. This applies to departments like the Ministry of Finance, Home Affairs, Railways (administrative roles), etc.

2. State Government Offices

Work schedules in state government offices vary based on the policies of individual states.

Some states (like Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka) also follow a 5-day week, especially for administrative roles. Others continue with a 6-day workweek, with only Sunday as the weekly off.

Saturday may be a half-day or full working day, depending on the department.

Exceptions in Certain Departments

1. Public Sector Banks

As of 2024, public sector bank employees in India do not yet follow a 5-day workweek. Although there have been proposals and discussions to make all Saturdays non-working, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not officially approved this change.

Currently, banks remain open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month, while the second and fourth Saturdays are observed as holidays. This pattern continues to be the standard banking schedule until any formal notification is issued.

2. Essential Services

Employees in departments like police, medical services, and public transport may work rotational shifts, often including weekends, due to the continuous nature of their services.

3. Schools and Colleges

Government school teachers and college staff typically follow a 6-day week, with Sunday off and Saturday often being a half day.

Read More: Check the Retirement Age of Employees From Different Sectors- Government Doctors, Teachers, and More. 

Recent Demand for a Uniform 5-Day Workweek

The demand for a uniform 5-day workweek across all government offices has gained traction in recent years. Various employee associations have submitted proposals to state and central authorities citing improved productivity, reduced stress, and better work-life balance.

Some states have already begun adopting 5-day weeks for certain departments, and further changes could be expected depending on administrative reforms and employee welfare policies.

Who Decides the Workweek for Government Employees?

The working days, holidays, and office hours for central government administrative offices are generally shaped by the recommendations of the Central Pay Commissions. According to government sources, the five-day workweek structure currently followed by many central offices was introduced based on the recommendations of the Fourth Central Pay Commission.

In a related update, Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar noted that the Seventh Central Pay Commission reviewed this system and recommended that the existing setup five working days per week should continue without change. This indicates a preference for maintaining the current structure across central government administrative offices.

Conclusion

The number of days government employees in India work each week largely depends on the department and whether it’s under the central or state government. While a 5-day week is standard for central government roles, many state offices and essential services still follow a 6-day or rotational system.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.