It's usual in India to have a notice period of 60 to 90 days, but new employers might want you to start sooner. Enter your dates to create a polite email asking your manager to let you leave early.
Your email
Subject:Request for early release — [Your name], [Your job title]
Dear [Manager's name],
As you know, I resigned from my position as [Your job title] at [Company name] on [Date you resigned]. As per my notice period, my last working day would be [Last day as per notice period]. I am writing to request an early release, with [Last day you are asking for] as my last working day.
[Reason]
I know how important a smooth transition is, and I will make sure the team is not left with any gaps. Before [Last day you are asking for], I will:
- document my ongoing work, processes and key contacts
- complete or hand over all pending tasks to the person you nominate
- guide my replacement or a colleague through anything they need to know
- stay reachable by phone for a few weeks after I leave in case questions come up
I would be grateful if you could support this request and help me get it approved by HR. I am happy to review the handover plan with you whenever you are free.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
With a full handover plan
Subject: Request for early release — [Your name], [Your job title]
Dear [Manager's name],
As you know, I resigned from my position as [Your job title] at [Company name] on [Date you resigned]. As per my notice period, my last working day would be [Last day as per notice period]. I am writing to request an early release, with [Last day you are asking for] as my last working day.
[Reason]
I know how important a smooth transition is, and I will make sure the team is not left with any gaps. Before [Last day you are asking for], I will:
- document my ongoing work, processes and key contacts
- complete or hand over all pending tasks to the person you nominate
- guide my replacement or a colleague through anything they need to know
- stay reachable by phone for a few weeks after I leave in case questions come up
I would be grateful if you could support this request and help me get it approved by HR. I am happy to review the handover plan with you whenever you are free.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Offering a notice period buyout
Subject: Request for early release with notice period buyout — [Your name], [Your job title]
Dear [Manager's name],
As you know, I resigned from my position as [Your job title] at [Company name] on [Date you resigned], and as per my notice period, my last working day would be [Last day as per notice period]. I would like to request an early release, with [Last day you are asking for] as my last working day.
[Reason]
I am prepared to buy out the remaining notice period following company policy. Could you please ask HR to confirm the buyout amount, and whether it will be deducted from my full and final settlement or paid separately?
Before I leave, I will finish a full handover, including documenting my work and briefing whoever takes over my responsibilities.
Thank you for considering my request.
Regards,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Adjusting against leave balance
Subject: Request to adjust leave balance against notice period — [Your name], [Your job title]
Dear [Manager's name],
As you know, I resigned from my position as [Your job title] at [Company name] on [Date you resigned], and as per my notice period, my last working day would be [Last day as per notice period]. I would like to request that my remaining leave balance be adjusted against the notice period, so that my last working day can be [Last day you are asking for].
[Reason]
If my leave balance does not cover the full period, I am happy to buy out the remaining days based on company policy. Could you please check with HR whether this adjustment is possible?
Before I leave, I will complete a full handover, including documenting my work and briefing whoever takes over my responsibilities.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Tips
Check your appointment letter first. It tells you the notice period and if a buyout is possible.
Discuss early release with your manager before sending the email. Their agreement is often needed for HR to proceed.
Find out if your new employer will pay or cover the notice period buyout. Some do, especially when they need you to start soon.
Get the agreed last working day confirmed in writing, by email from your manager or HR, before you set a starting date with your new employer.
Carry on with your duties until your early release is confirmed. Leaving without approval can delay your relieving letter and full and final settlement.
When to Use the Early Release Email
If you're planning to switch jobs and have a long notice period, this tool can help. Sometimes new employers want you to start sooner than expected. Use this tool to draft a polite email to your manager requesting an early release.
On Daily Hirer, as you find and apply for IT jobs, it's good to prepare for all steps, including leaving your current job. This tool fits into your job search process by helping you manage your transition period. Fill in your dates and get the email format you need for a smoother departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer say no to an early release?
Yes. It's up to the employer to allow early release. If they say no, you must work the notice period in your contract, or pay the buyout if your contract permits it.
What does notice period buyout mean?
Paying your employer for the notice days you don't work allows you to leave early. How they figure this out, for example if they use basic or gross pay, is based on what's in your appointment letter and company policy. The notice period calculator can give you an estimate.
Can I use my leave balance towards my notice period?
Some companies let you do this, but others might not and will instead include unused leave in the full and final settlement. Check the HR policy or ask HR before making plans.
When is the right time to ask for an early release?
Ask as soon as you know your new joining date, ideally when you resign. The sooner you ask, the more easily your manager can plan for your handover.