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Monday, May 4, 2026
A notice period is the time between when you submit your resignation and your last working day. It gives both you and your employer time to plan for the transition. In India, notice periods typically range from 30 days to 90 days depending on the company, seniority level, and employment contract. Some companies in IT and consulting require 90 days for senior roles, while startups often have 30-day notice periods. During the notice period, you're expected to hand over responsibilities, document processes, and help onboard your replacement.
The calculation depends on whether your company counts calendar days, business days, or has specific rules about holidays and weekends.
If you resign on March 5 with a 30-day notice period, your last working day is April 4. Most Indian companies count all calendar days including weekends and holidays. Your resignation date is Day 1 (some companies count the next day as Day 1, check your policy).
Some companies count only working days. A 30 business day notice period with weekends off means approximately 42 calendar days. If your company follows this method, account for public holidays too.
You can ask your manager for an early release. Many companies agree to shorten the notice period if your work is handed over. Some companies have a formal early release policy where the manager and HR can approve a shorter notice. If denied, you'll need to serve the full period or buy out the remaining days.
Notice period durations vary widely across industries and roles.
| Company Type / Level | Typical Notice Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Startups (early stage) | 15-30 days | Often flexible, negotiable |
| Mid-size companies | 30-60 days | Standard for most roles |
| Large IT companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro) | 60-90 days | 90 days common for experienced roles |
| MNCs (Google, Amazon, Microsoft) | 30-60 days | Varies by country and level |
| Banking / Financial Services | 30-90 days | Longer for compliance roles |
| Junior / Entry Level (0-3 years) | 30 days | Across most industries |
| Mid Level (3-8 years) | 30-60 days | Depends on company policy |
| Senior / Leadership (8+ years) | 60-90 days | 90 days standard at director level and above |
| During Probation | 0-15 days | Many companies allow immediate exit during probation |
If you can't serve the full notice period, you may need to buy it out by paying the company an amount equivalent to your salary for the unserved days. The buyout formula is: Buyout Amount = (Monthly CTC or Basic Salary / 30) x Remaining Notice Days. Which salary component the buyout is calculated on (CTC, gross, or basic) varies by company. Some key points to know.
Garden leave means the employer asks you NOT to come to work during your notice period, but you remain on the payroll. You can't join your new employer during garden leave. It's typically used for senior employees who have access to sensitive information or client relationships. During garden leave, you receive your full salary and benefits. It's more common in the UK, financial services, and consulting firms. In India, garden leave clauses appear in employment contracts of senior management and sales leadership roles. The key difference: during a regular notice period you work and hand over. During garden leave, you don't work but you're still employed and can't start elsewhere.
Most Indian companies have a shorter or zero notice period during probation. A typical probation period lasts 3 to 6 months, and the notice requirement during this time is usually 7 to 15 days (sometimes immediate). Check your appointment letter or employee handbook for the exact terms. If the probation clause says "either party may terminate with 7 days' notice," that applies to both you and the employer. Once probation is confirmed, the standard notice period kicks in. Some companies have a clause where the notice period increases automatically after confirmation without explicitly informing the employee, so read your confirmation letter carefully.