Notice Period Calculator

What Is a Notice Period?

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.

How to Calculate Your Notice Period End Date

The calculation depends on whether your company counts calendar days, business days, or has specific rules about holidays and weekends.

Typical Notice Periods in India by Company Type and Seniority

Notice period durations vary widely across industries and roles.

Notice Period Buyout: How Does It Work?

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.

• Tax implication: Notice period buyout paid by the employee is generally not tax-deductible. It comes from your post-tax income.
• Recovery from full and final: Most companies deduct the buyout amount from your final settlement (remaining salary, leave encashment, bonus).
• New employer bearing the cost: Some companies offer a "buyout reimbursement" where your new employer pays the notice period cost on your behalf. This is more common for senior hires.
• Legal enforceability: Indian courts have mixed views on notice period enforcement. Companies can withhold the relieving letter and experience certificate, which practically forces compliance.

Garden Leave vs Notice Period: What's Different?

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.

Notice Period During Probation

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.