Notice periods of 60 to 90 days are common in India, and new employers often want you to join sooner. Fill in your dates to get a polite email asking your manager to relieve you 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 understand 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
- walk 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 go through the handover plan with you whenever it suits you.
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 understand 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
- walk 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 go through the handover plan with you whenever it suits you.
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 willing to buy out the remaining notice period as per company policy. Could you please ask HR to confirm the buyout amount, and whether it will be recovered from my full and final settlement or paid separately?
Before I leave, I will complete 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 as per 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
Read your appointment letter first. It sets out the notice period and whether a buyout is allowed.
Talk to your manager before you send the email. Early release usually depends on their agreement, and HR acts on it.
Ask your new employer whether they will pay or reimburse the notice period buyout. Some do, especially when they want you to join early.
Get the approved last working day in writing, by email from your manager or HR, before you confirm a joining date to your new employer.
Keep working normally until the early release is approved. Leaving without approval can hold up your relieving letter and full and final settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse an early release?
Yes. Early release is at the employer's discretion. If they refuse, you are expected to serve the notice period in your contract, or pay the buyout if your contract allows it.
What is a notice period buyout?
Paying your employer for the notice days you don't serve, so that you can leave early. How it is worked out, for example on basic or gross pay, depends on your appointment letter and company policy. The notice period calculator gives an estimate.
Can I adjust my leave balance against the notice period?
Some companies allow it; others don't and pay out unused leave in the full and final settlement instead. Check the HR policy or ask HR before you count on it.
When should I ask for an early release?
As soon as you know your new joining date, ideally when you resign. The earlier you ask, the more time your manager has to plan the handover.