Panic over the Bank Strike? Here’s the Truth About UPI, Salaries, and Exam Fees in September 2026

Published: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 8:53 [IST]

A three-day bank strike from Monday, September 28 to 30, meets month-end dues. Students and job seekers worry about UPI glitches, exam fee portals, and salaries. Government has directed Sunday branch openings on September 27 to ease access. Here are myths and facts to plan calmly before deadlines and payments.

Myth: Digital payments will stop during the strike. Fact: UPI, IMPS, cards, net banking, NEFT and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) run 24x7. Banks have urged customers to rely on digital channels through these days. Minor bank-wise variations may occur, so finish critical tasks early.

Myth vs facts: UPI, NEFT and IMPS during the bank strike

UPI and IMPS should process normally, including QR codes and requests. Online NEFT works continuously; RTGS handles large, time-critical transfers instantly. Add beneficiaries today and raise app limits to avoid last-minute friction. If one app fails, retry net banking or a second app.

Exam fee payments: timing strategies that actually work

Most exam portals accept UPI, cards or net banking, which should function. Avoid challan or in-branch cash modes until after September 30, if possible. If your deadline falls this week, pay by Sunday evening and confirm. Download receipts and enable SMS or email alerts for instant proof.

Salaries, EMIs and cheque clearing: myths and verified realities

Many government offices advanced September salary and pension to Friday, September 25. EMI auto-debits via National Automated Clearing House (NACH) run every day. Cheques rely on branch back offices, so clearing may slow or spill over. If a cheque is urgent, consider an account transfer instead.

Area	Status during Sep 28–30	Why this matters
Digital rails: UPI, IMPS, cards, net banking, NEFT/RTGS	Largely on	Make urgent payments online; keep a backup app ready.
Branch/counter services: cash, drafts, in‑branch NEFT/RTGS	Disrupted	Use Sunday openings on Sep 27; expect closures on strike days.
Cheque clearing and passbook updates	May lag	Credits can arrive after the strike; prefer electronic transfers.

Sunday openings: where and how services will run on September 27

Public sector and regional rural bank branches will open on Sunday, September 27. Expect crowds and limited counters; arrive early with ID and account details. Some private banks may open select branches, subject to local advisories. Check your bank’s website or app before visiting a branch.

Contingency tips for high-value transfers during the bank strike

Use RTGS for transfers above two lakh, and initiate early in the day. Split very large payments to manage app and bank limits smoothly. Add beneficiaries now and test with a small credit for certainty. Withdraw a modest cash buffer on Sunday and keep cards enabled.