Simple Resignation Letter Format (10+ Samples to Copy & Paste)
Need to resign? Pick a template below, fill in the blanks, send it. Every sample is professionally worded, India-friendly, and ready to copy in 30 seconds.
💡 Quick guide: Most Indian companies need 30, 60, or 90 days notice. Send your resignation by email (CC HR), keep it short and polite, and never explain in detail why you’re leaving. Pick the right template below and you’re done.
What Should a Simple Resignation Letter Include?
A good resignation letter has only 6 parts. Everything else is unnecessary:
- Subject line — “Resignation – [Your Name]” or “Resignation Letter”
- Date — the date you’re submitting the letter
- Recipient — your direct manager’s name (CC HR by default)
- Resignation statement — clear, in the first sentence. No build-up.
- Last working day — calculated from your notice period. Be exact.
- Closing line — a brief thank you, your signature, contact info
Skip these things — they make letters longer without adding value: detailed reasons for leaving, complaints about colleagues or management, long explanations of your future plans, salary negotiations, demands or ultimatums.
🔗 Not sure about your last working day? Use the Notice Period Calculator to figure out the exact date based on your notice period.
The Standard Simple Resignation Letter Format
This is the format used by 90% of Indian employees. Memorize this structure — it works for any situation:
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Dear [Manager's First Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. As per my notice period of [30/60/90] days, my last working day will be [Date]. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had during my time at [Company Name] and will do my best to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities before I leave. Thank you for your support and understanding. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Employee ID] [Phone] | [Personal Email]
That’s it. 7 lines. Don’t overthink it.
10 Simple Resignation Letter Samples (Pick Yours, Copy, Send)
Each template below is written for a specific situation. Find the one that matches yours, copy it, replace the bracketed text with your details, and you’re done.
1. Simple Resignation Letter — 1 Month Notice (Most Common in India)
Use when: You have a 30-day notice period (standard for most Indian companies) and you’re leaving on good terms.
Subject: Resignation – Rahul Sharma Date: 30 May 2026 Dear Priya, I am writing to formally resign from my position as Senior Software Engineer at TechVista Solutions. As per my 30-day notice period, my last working day will be 29 June 2026. I have truly valued my time at TechVista and will ensure a complete handover of all my responsibilities before I leave. Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to prioritize during this transition. Thank you for the support and opportunities provided during my tenure. Sincerely, Rahul Sharma Employee ID: TVS-2347 +91-98765-43210 | rahul.sharma@personalemail.com
2. Simple Resignation Letter — 2 Months / 60 Days Notice
Use when: Your contract specifies 60 days notice (common for mid-level IT and finance roles).
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Date: [Date] Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally tender my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As per my 60-day notice period, my last working day will be [Date 60 days from today]. I appreciate the trust, learning opportunities, and professional growth I have experienced here. I will work closely with my team to ensure all ongoing projects are handed over properly and any pending work is completed before my departure. Thank you for your guidance and support. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
3. Simple Resignation Letter — 3 Months / 90 Days Notice
Use when: Senior roles, IT services, or contracts with 90-day notice.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Date: [Date] Dear [Manager's Name], This letter is to formally inform you of my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As per my contractual 90-day notice period, my last working day will be [Date]. The decision to move on was not easy. I am genuinely grateful for the experience, mentorship, and opportunities I have received during my time here. During the notice period, I will ensure a comprehensive handover of all my responsibilities, documentation of ongoing projects, and a smooth transition for whoever takes over my role. Thank you for everything. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
4. Short Resignation Letter (2-3 Lines, No Frills)
Use when: You want minimum drama, minimum words. Works perfectly for routine resignations.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I am grateful for the opportunities provided. Thank you. Regards, [Your Name]
5. Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
Use when: You don’t want to specify a reason but want to give a polite hint. “Personal reasons” is a legitimate, respected reason in Indian workplaces and HR will not push for details.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name] due to personal reasons. As per my notice period, my last working day will be [Date]. I appreciate your understanding regarding this decision and thank you for the support you have shown during my tenure. I will do my best to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
6. Resignation Letter for Better Opportunity / New Job
Use when: You’re moving for a better role and want to be honest without going into detail.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have accepted a new opportunity that aligns with my long-term career goals, and my last working day will be [Date] as per my notice period. The experience and learning I have gained here have been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for your mentorship and the support of my colleagues. I will work diligently during the notice period to ensure a seamless transition. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
7. Resignation Letter Due to Health Issues
Use when: Health concerns are forcing you to step away. Be honest but brief — your employer doesn’t need a medical history.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name] due to ongoing health issues that require me to prioritize recovery and treatment. My last working day will be [Date]. I sincerely appreciate the support I have received during my time here. I am committed to ensuring a complete handover of my responsibilities before I leave and remain available for any clarifications during the notice period. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
8. Immediate Resignation Letter (No Notice / Short Notice)
Use when: An unavoidable situation forces immediate exit. Be aware: this usually means buying out your notice period or losing your relieving letter.
Subject: Immediate Resignation – [Your Name] Dear [Manager's Name], I regret to inform you that due to unavoidable personal circumstances, I must resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name] with immediate effect. I understand this is short notice and apologise for any inconvenience caused. I am willing to discuss notice period buyout terms as per company policy and will do my best to assist with handover documentation remotely if needed. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
⚠️ Before sending an immediate resignation: Use the Notice Period Calculator to estimate buyout cost. Most Indian companies deduct unserved notice from your Full & Final Settlement.
9. Resignation Email to Manager (Short Version)
Use when: Sending by email (most companies prefer this). Keep the email itself short — attach a formal letter as PDF if your HR requires it.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] – [Employee ID] Hi [Manager's Name], I hope this email finds you well. This is to formally inform you of my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As per my notice period, my last working day will be [Date]. I will ensure all my work is properly handed over and remain committed to a smooth transition during the notice period. I have CC'd HR for their records. Thank you for the opportunities and support. Regards, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
10. Resignation Letter During Probation
Use when: You’re still on probation (usually first 3-6 months). Probation notice is typically shorter — 7 to 15 days in India.
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name] (Probation Period) Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As I am still in my probation period, my notice requirement is [7/15] days as per the offer letter. My last working day will be [Date]. I appreciate the opportunity and the experience I have gained in this short time. I will ensure my pending work is documented and handed over before my last day. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Employee ID] [Contact details]
How to Submit Your Resignation Letter (Step-by-Step)
Writing the letter is the easy part. Submitting it correctly matters more than people realise. Follow this sequence:
- Step 1 — Tell your manager first, in person or on a 1:1 call. Do not blindside them with an email. A 5-minute conversation before the letter arrives keeps the relationship intact.
- Step 2 — Email the formal letter the same day. Subject line: “Resignation – [Your Name].” Send it from your work email, addressed to your manager, with HR (or HRBP) in CC.
- Step 3 — Wait for acknowledgment. Your notice period officially starts when HR or your manager acknowledges your resignation, not when you sent it. Confirm the acceptance date in writing.
- Step 4 — Calculate your exact last working day. Add your notice period to the acceptance date. Use the Notice Period Calculator for an exact date.
- Step 5 — Start handover documentation immediately. Don’t wait. A well-documented handover protects your relieving letter and final settlement.
- Step 6 — Track your Full & Final Settlement. F&F typically takes 30-45 days after your last working day. Follow up if delayed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Resigning on email without telling your manager first. Bad form, damages relationships, and can lead to a worse reference.
- Writing long, emotional letters. Save it for the exit interview if you must. The letter is a legal document, not a journal.
- Mentioning the new company by name. Some employment contracts have non-compete clauses. Be vague: “a new opportunity,” not “I’m joining Infosys.”
- Specifying complaints about colleagues or salary. Anything you write becomes part of your HR file and can affect background verification.
- Negotiating in the resignation letter. If you want to negotiate, do it before sending the letter, not in it.
- Resigning before your offer is in writing. Always have your new offer letter in hand and signed before you submit resignation.
- Forgetting to keep a copy. Save a PDF of your resignation email for your records. You will need it for background verification 5 years from now.
What Happens After You Submit?
Indian companies follow a fairly standard process after resignation. Knowing the sequence helps you plan:
- Acknowledgment (1-3 days): HR or your manager confirms receipt of the resignation. Your notice period clock starts.
- Counter-offer attempt (Days 3-10): Many companies will try to retain you with a counter-offer. Decide your stance in advance — accepting a counter-offer often delays, not solves, the underlying issue.
- Handover plan (Throughout notice period): You should document all your responsibilities, ongoing projects, login credentials, and key contacts. A well-documented handover is your strongest leverage for a clean exit.
- Exit interview (Last 1-2 weeks): HR will schedule an exit interview. Stay professional. Avoid criticism — most exit interview feedback ends up in your HR file.
- Last working day: Submit your laptop, ID card, and any company property. Collect a no-dues certificate if your company issues one.
- Relieving letter (Day 1-30 after exit): Your relieving letter confirms your last working day and is essential for background verification at your next job. Follow up if delayed.
- Full & Final settlement (Day 30-45): Your final salary, leave encashment, gratuity (if eligible), and any other dues are settled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best simple resignation letter format?
The best format has 6 elements: a clear subject line, the date, the recipient’s name, a one-sentence resignation statement, your exact last working day, and a brief thank you. Keep the entire letter under 100 words for most situations. Save detailed reasons or feedback for the exit interview.
Can I resign by email in India?
Yes. Email resignation is fully accepted by almost all Indian companies, especially since remote work became common. Send it from your work email, address your manager, and CC HR. Some companies may also require a signed PDF or physical letter — check your HR policy.
Should I mention the reason for resignation?
You don’t have to. “Personal reasons” or “to pursue a new opportunity” are both fully acceptable in India. Avoid specific complaints or criticism — anything you write becomes part of your HR record and can affect background verification later.
How long should a simple resignation letter be?
5-10 lines is ideal. The shorter and clearer, the better. A 200-word letter looks suspicious; a 50-word letter looks professional. The goal is to formally communicate your decision and date, not to explain your career story.
How much notice period do I need to give in India?
Standard notice periods in India are 30 days for junior roles, 60 days for mid-level, and 90 days for senior/IT roles. Probation periods usually require 7-15 days. Your appointment letter or employment contract is the source of truth — check it before resigning.
Do I need to give a hard copy resignation letter?
Most Indian companies accept email resignations as the primary record. Some traditional companies (PSUs, government bodies, certain banks) may require a signed physical letter in addition. When in doubt, send both — an email plus a signed PDF or printed copy.
What if I want to resign immediately without serving notice?
You can resign immediately, but expect consequences: notice period buyout deducted from your Full & Final settlement, possible delay in receiving your relieving letter, and a difficult background verification at your next job. Always negotiate a buyout or short-notice exit in writing before walking out.
Can I withdraw my resignation after submitting?
Yes, but only before your employer formally accepts it. Once HR has acknowledged the resignation in writing, withdrawal requires their consent. Many companies have policies allowing withdrawal within 24-72 hours of submission. If your manager wants to retain you, withdrawal is usually possible.
Who should I address my resignation letter to?
Address it to your direct reporting manager. CC the HR head and your skip-level manager (your manager’s manager). For very small companies, address it directly to the founder or department head.
Do I get paid during the notice period?
Yes. You are a full employee during the notice period and receive your full salary, benefits, and statutory contributions until your last working day.
What documents should I collect before my last working day?
Get your relieving letter, experience certificate, salary slips for the last 6-12 months, Form 16 for tax purposes, no-dues certificate if applicable, and a copy of your full and final settlement statement. These are critical for your next job’s background verification.
Should I tell my colleagues I’m resigning?
Tell your manager first. Wait until your resignation is officially accepted before telling colleagues. Then announce it cleanly — a one-line message on your team chat or an “out of office” email a few days before your last working day is enough.
Related Tools and Templates
- 📊 Notice Period Calculator — Calculate your exact last working day
- 📊 LOP Calculator — Salary deduction for any leave during notice
- 📊 Experience Calculator — Calculate total work experience for resume
- 📊 Net Salary Calculator — Estimate your take-home pay
- 📄 Resignation Email to Manager — Email-format resignation
- 📄 Sick Leave Application — For approved sick leave during notice
- 📄 Casual Leave Application — For approved casual leave
- 📄 Meeting Request Email — For requesting a discussion with manager
Last updated: May 2026 | Templates are for reference. Adjust to your specific role, company culture, and employment contract before sending.