Resignation letter format in India (with notice period samples)
Indian rules as of 30 October 2026. A resignation letter in India states that you are resigning, the date you submitted it, and your proposed last working day under the notice period in your offer letter. In this format, keep it to two to four sentences, address your reporting manager, copy HR, and send it only after speaking to your manager.
At a glance
- Check your notice period (commonly 30, 60 or 90 days) in the offer letter or appointment letter.
- Speak to your manager first, then send the email, then, if HR asks, a signed copy.
- State the notice period you are serving and your expected last working day (LWD).
- Ask about buyout or early release only if you want it, and as a separate request.
- Get your relieving letter, experience letter, final settlement and Form 16 in writing.
What should a resignation letter contain?
- Date and the name of your manager and company.
- A clear statement: "I am resigning from the position of [designation]."
- Your last working day, counted from the date of submission under your notice period.
- A thank-you line.
- An offer to hand over.
- Your name, employee ID and signature.
Leave out criticism, details about your new employer, and requests mixed into the same email as the resignation.
Sample 1: Standard resignation with full notice period
Subject: Resignation: [Name], [Employee ID]
Dear [Manager's name],
I wish to resign from my position as [designation] at [Company], and I submit this letter on [DD Month YYYY]. As per my appointment letter, I will serve a notice period of [60] days and my last working day will be [DD Month YYYY].
I thank you and the team for the learning and support during my time here. I will ensure a complete handover of my responsibilities before I leave.
Yours sincerely, [Name] [Employee ID]
Sample 2: Resignation with a request for early release
Dear [Manager's name],
Please accept my resignation from [designation], submitted on [DD Month YYYY]. My notice period is [90] days, ending on [DD Month YYYY].
I have an offer with a joining date of [DD Month YYYY]. If the company is open to it, I request an early release on [DD Month YYYY] or a notice period buyout on the terms in my appointment letter. I will complete the handover of [project/clients] in the time available and will remain available for queries.
Thank you for your understanding.
[Name]
Send the early-release request in the same mail only if you have spoken to your manager. Otherwise send the plain resignation first.
Sample 3: Resignation email, short
Subject: Resignation: [Name]
Dear [Name],
I am resigning from [designation] effective [LWD], following my [30]-day notice period from today, [date]. Thank you for the opportunity. I will prepare a handover plan this week.
Regards, [Name]
Sample 4: Where the contract has no stated notice period
Dear [Name],
I wish to resign from [designation] with effect from [date]. As my appointment letter does not specify a notice period, I am proposing [30] days and will adjust the date if the company's policy requires otherwise.
[Name]
Notice period: how it is counted
| Question | Usual practice | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Does it start on the day I submit? | Usually, the day the employer accepts or receives the resignation | Appointment letter, HR policy |
| Are weekends and holidays counted? | Often yes (calendar days) | Appointment letter |
| Can I use leave during notice? | Policies differ; some do not allow it | HR policy |
| Can I be released early? | At the employer's discretion | Appointment letter |
For the full picture, including buyout and garden leave, read our notice period guide and how to negotiate a notice period.
What to do after you resign
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Handover | Write notes, list live tasks, introduce successors |
| Full and final (F&F) settlement | Ask HR for the date and the breakup: pending salary, leave encashment, bonus, recoveries |
| Relieving letter | Needed by most new employers; ask for the date it will be issued |
| Experience letter | Confirm the designation and dates |
| Form 16 | Issued by the employer after the financial year; keep track of the TAN and your PAN details |
| PF | Check your UAN is active and update your date of exit; transfer the PF to the new employer using the EPFO member portal |
| Gratuity | Payable after five years of continuous service under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 |
| Laptop and ID | Return and get a written acknowledgement |
Update your LiveRec profile too. See set your notice period and availability.
Common mistakes
- Giving only verbal notice. Always send an email.
- Resigning before the offer letter is signed and background checks are cleared.
- Leaving without serving the notice. It can lead to a delayed or withheld relieving letter and recovery claims under your contract.
- Forwarding confidential files to personal email.
- Burning bridges in the exit interview.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handwritten resignation letter required? Usually not. Most Indian employers accept an email to your manager and HR. A signed copy is sometimes asked for. Follow your HR policy.
Can the company refuse my resignation? You can resign, but the employer decides on early release. Your contract sets what happens if you leave before the notice ends.
Do I get paid during my notice period? Normally yes, you continue to be an employee and receive pay for the days you work.
What if my manager is not available? Email your manager and HR together and ask for a time to talk.
Is a Hindi resignation letter acceptable? Yes, if your organisation accepts it. Most keep records in English.
Related guides
Sources
- EPFO member services: https://www.epfindia.gov.in (accessed 30 October 2026)
- Ministry of Labour and Employment: https://labour.gov.in (accessed 30 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.