Types of Leave in India: Casual Leave, Comp-Off, Sick Leave & More (2026)
Quick answer: The main types of leave in India are casual leave (CL), sick leave (SL), earned/privilege leave (EL/PL), compensatory off (comp-off), maternity and paternity leave, bereavement/compassionate leave, and loss of pay (LOP). Casual leave is short-notice personal leave, while comp-off is a paid day off granted when an employee works on a weekly off or holiday.
Key facts
- Casual leave (CL): short leave for personal reasons; usually cannot be clubbed for long periods.
- Sick leave (SL): leave for illness; may need a medical certificate beyond 2–3 days.
- Earned/Privilege leave (EL/PL): accrues over time, is usually encashable and can be carried forward.
- Comp-off: a day off earned by working on a week off or holiday.
- Statutory basis: the Factories Act, 1948 and state Shops & Establishments Acts, plus company policy.
What is casual leave?
Casual leave is paid leave granted for short, unplanned personal needs — a day for personal work, an emergency, or a family requirement. Most Indian companies offer roughly 7–12 casual leaves a year. It is typically taken for 1–3 days at a time and often cannot be combined with other leave types for extended breaks.
What is comp-off (compensatory off)?
A compensatory off (comp-off) is a paid day of leave an employee earns when they work on a weekly off (like Sunday) or a public holiday. Instead of overtime pay, the employee "banks" a day off to be used later, subject to company policy and a validity window (often 30–90 days).
Comp-off vs overtime: overtime pays extra wages for extra hours; comp-off grants time off instead. Some organisations offer one or the other; a few offer both.
Common types of leave (with meaning)
| Leave type | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Casual leave (CL) | Short personal leave | 1–3 days, unplanned |
| Sick leave (SL) | Leave for illness | Recovery, medical needs |
| Earned/Privilege (EL/PL) | Accrued, encashable leave | Planned long breaks |
| Comp-off | Day off for working a holiday/week off | Balancing extra work |
| Maternity leave | 26 weeks under the Maternity Benefit Act | Pre/post delivery |
| Paternity leave | Policy-based in the private sector | Post childbirth |
| Bereavement/Compassionate | Leave after a death in the family | Grieving, arrangements |
| Restricted holiday (RH) | Optional holiday from a list | Festivals of choice |
| Loss of pay (LOP) | Unpaid leave when balance is exhausted | Emergencies |
Week off and restricted holiday explained
A week off is the weekly rest day (or two) an employee is entitled to. A restricted holiday (also "optional holiday") lets employees choose a set number of festival holidays from a wider list, reflecting India's diversity of observances.
Leave rules employers should know
- Define entitlements, accrual, carry-forward, encashment and comp-off validity clearly in the leave policy.
- Align with the Factories Act / applicable Shops & Establishments Act in each state.
- Track leave transparently — ambiguity around casual leave, comp-off and LOP is the most common source of payroll disputes.
Frequently asked questions
What is casual leave?
What is comp-off?
What is the difference between casual leave and sick leave?
Is comp-off paid?
How many types of leave are there in India?
What is a week off?
Related reading
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