Resignation Letter Format for India (2026)
Published
A resignation letter tells your employer in writing that you are leaving and gives your last working day. How much notice you give comes from your appointment letter or company policy. After you leave, your final wages are due within two working days, and where the Model Standing Orders apply you are entitled to a service certificate within ten days.
What a resignation letter should include
- Date
- Your manager's or HR's name and the company name
- A clear line that you are resigning, and your designation
- Your last working day, worked out from your notice period
- A short line on handover
- A thank-you line (optional)
- Your name, employee ID and signature
Sample 1 - standard resignation letter
Date: [date]
To,
[Manager's name]
[Designation]
[Company name]
Subject: Resignation from the post of [your designation]
Dear [Manager's name],
Please accept this letter as my resignation from the post of [your designation] at [company name]. As per my notice period of [X] days, my last working day will be [date].
I will complete the handover of my work and share all files and access with [name / the team] before I leave.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team.
Regards,
[Your name]
Employee ID: [ID]
Sample 2 - asking for early release
Subject: Resignation and request for early release
Dear [Manager's name],
Please accept my resignation from the post of [your designation]. My notice period is [X] days, which would make my last working day [date].
I request an early release on [earlier date]. I am happy to complete the handover before then, and to settle the unserved notice period as per company policy.
Regards,
[Your name]
Employee ID: [ID]
Sample 3 - short resignation email
Subject: Resignation - [your name], [your designation]
Dear [Manager's name],
I am resigning from my role as [your designation]. As per my notice period, my last working day will be [date]. I will make sure the handover is complete.
Thank you for your support.
[Your name]
Download this format: Word (.docx) | PDF
Free, no sign-up. Replace the text in [brackets] with your details.
How notice period works
- Your notice period is set by your appointment letter or company policy, not by a single all-India number. Check it before you pick your last working day.
- If you cannot serve the full notice, ask for an early release. Many companies let you pay for the unserved days (a notice buyout) or waive part of it - this depends on your letter and policy.
- Work out your last working day and any buyout with our notice period calculator.
After you resign
- Final wages: within two working days of your resignation taking effect. Read more: full and final settlement.
- Service certificate: where the Model Standing Orders apply, your employer issues a service certificate with your work, designation and period of employment within ten days.
- Relieving and experience letters: see our experience letter and relieving letter format.
- PF: you keep the same UAN at your next job.
Tips
- Keep it short and polite. Do not list complaints in the letter.
- Send it by email to your manager and HR so the date is on record, even if you also hand over a signed copy.
- Ask HR to confirm your last working day in writing.
- Keep copies of your resignation, the acceptance and your relieving letter.
Part of our guide: Employee exit
Frequently asked questions
Format for reference only, not legal advice. Check your appointment letter and the standing orders that apply to your establishment.