Notice Period in India: Serving It, Shortening It and Buyouts
How notice periods work, how to ask for an early release, what a buyout is, and how to handle a new employer who needs you sooner.
By the JobSpri teamUpdated 3 October 20266 min read
Notice periods of 60 to 90 days are common in Indian companies, especially in IT services, and they're one of the main reasons offers fall through. Knowing your options before you resign makes the switch much smoother.
Read your own contract first
Your appointment letter or employment contract sets your notice period, whether it can be bought out, and whether leave can be adjusted against it. Probation and confirmed employees often have different notice periods.
Ways to leave sooner
- Early release: ask your manager to relieve you early once your work is handed over. Offer a clear handover plan; it's much easier to say yes to.
- Leave adjustment: some companies let you set unused earned leave against part of the notice period.
- Buyout: you (or your new employer) pay your current employer the salary for the days you won't serve.
How a buyout works
The amount is usually your basic or gross pay for the unserved days, as defined in your contract. Ask HR to confirm the exact calculation in writing. Many new employers will reimburse a buyout, partly or fully, if they need you quickly, so ask before you pay it yourself.
Never just stop going to work. Leaving without serving or buying out the notice period can mean no relieving letter, a withheld full-and-final settlement, and problems in background verification for your next job.
Telling your new employer
Be upfront about your notice period from the first conversation, and give a realistic joining date. If you're negotiating an early release, say so, but don't promise a date you can't guarantee.