Microsoft India is country’s one of the leading software companies and is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft’s best products include Microsoft 365, Windows, Xbox, laptops, PCs, accessories, and more. Microsoft has more than 18k employees in India.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every organization or person to achieve more and a vision of believing in what people make possible. The leave policy in Microsoft is one of the best out there, and as per the reports, it can soon launch an unlimited time off leave policy in India. For those who do not know, Microsoft has already introduced a Discretionary Time Off policy in the United States. This policy is about completing the targets and getting leaves whenever you want.
However, the present leave policy of Microsoft India is different. There are leaves like vacation, sick, Covid, caretaker, bereavement, etc. Let’s have a detailed look at all these leaves and their categories.
Vacation Leaves in Microsoft 2025
As per various resources, Microsoft India gives around 20 vacation leaves per fiscal year. These leaves are more than what several other IT companies offer in India. Employees get these leaves quarterly.
Sick Leaves in Microsoft India
Other than vacation leaves, Microsoft India’s employees also get 12 sick leaves throughout the year. These leaves get credited at the start of a fiscal year. Employees are only allowed to utilize these leaves for personal medical reasons.
Caretaker Leaves in Microsoft India
Microsoft announced The Family Caregiver Leave Benefits in 2016, and these are among the best among other IT companies. An employee can get up to four weeks of paid leaves to take good care of an immediate family member (in-laws, grandparents, domestic partner, spouse, parents, siblings, etc.) with a severe health condition.
Maternity Leaves in Microsoft India
As per the new policy, Microsoft India’s women employees now get six months of maternity leaves. They can also avail of more unpaid leaves of up to three months and a more flexible work model of up to two additional years. But, Microsoft does not only think about women employees. Microsoft India also gives paternity leaves.
Paternity Leaves in Microsoft India
Six weeks of paid paternity leaves are the most generous amount of time, and that is what you get in Microsoft India.
Child Adoption Leaves in Microsoft India
Child adoption leaves also come under the Family Caregiver Leave Benefit Program. An employee can get up to 26 calendar weeks of paid leaves if choosing to have a child through surrogacy or adopting a child.
In addition, Microsoft also gives paternity leaves in the same case. Microsoft India provides paid Adoption Leaves for fathers for up to six weeks. It shows that Microsoft drives a culture of inclusivity and diversity across the company.
Leaves as per the Experience
Microsoft provides more leaves to its loyal employees. You get 15 days off in the first six years. After completing six years at Microsoft, you get 20 days off for the next six years. After completing 12 years in Microsoft, you get 25 days off yearly.
Microsoft Leave Policy during the Notice Period
Notice period policies are different in Microsoft India and the US. For instance, California’s Microsoft Office allows its employees to quit the same day after resigning.
However, the average notice period in Microsoft India is 45 days. As per the sources, an employee can only avail of sick leaves during this time. Other leaves result in an extension in the notice period.
Microsoft Leave Policy for Marriage
Microsoft does not have a particular marriage leave policy. Employees have to avail of vacation, caretaker, or casual leaves. It also depends on your project and the project manager.
Microsoft Resign Policy
Microsoft offers a simple resignation policy. An employee has to serve the notice period, hand over the belongings, and fill out some forms. Employee’s physical and logical access to Microsoft gets revoked after the resignation.
After giving the notice to resign, the immediate manager enters it in the HRIS portal, and the process starts. The employee has to serve the notice period for the next 45 days. Like other companies, the HR team in Microsoft India also tries to retain the employee best way possible.
Microsoft holidays list 2025
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 26 | Republic Day |
| February 1 | Maha Shivratri |
| March 8 | Holi |
| April 14 | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday |
| April 22 | Id-ul-Fitr |
| May 1 | May Day |
| May 9 | Rabindranath Tagore’s Birthday |
| June 29 | Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) |
| July 29 | Muharram |
| August 15 | Independence Day |
| September 6 | Janmashtami |
| September 17 | Vishwakarma Puja |
| September 28 | Foteha Dwaz Dham |
| October 2 | Gandhi Jayanti |
| October 14 | Mahalaya |
| October 20-28 | Durga Puja & Lakshmi Puja |
| November 12-15 | Kali Puja & Bhratridwitiya |
| November 27 | Guru Nanak’s Birthday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Google India Leave Policy — Quick Employee Guide
Policies and workflows can differ by location, employment type, business unit and grade. Always verify the latest details in the HRIS/People portal, current HR policy and manager communications.
Indicative Leave Types (India)
| Leave Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PTO / Privilege Leave | Planned time-off, vacations | Accrual/flexible model; request via People portal |
| Sick Leave | Illness, recovery | Medical certificate required beyond threshold |
| Casual Leave | Short personal work | State rules may influence entitlement |
| Maternity Benefit | As per Indian law | Up to 26 weeks (conditions apply) |
| Paternity/Adoption Leave | New parent support | As per policy and approval workflow |
| Bereavement / Wellness Days | Wellbeing & family support | Manager approval as applicable |
Exact entitlements/workflows depend on role, location and policy version. Check HRIS for your eligibility.
Holiday Calendar (India)
- Holiday lists are released annually; many teams follow a region-specific calendar.
- Check Holiday Calendar in the People portal for your city/region and team before booking long weekends.
Region Mini-Note (Examples)
- Bengaluru: Regional festivals (e.g., Ugadi) may be part of the calendar.
- Hyderabad: Local public holidays (e.g., Bonalu) can vary by team calendar.
- Gurugram: North-India festival lineup (e.g., Holi/Diwali) plus national days.
Always rely on your team’s published calendar in the People portal.
Hybrid/Attendance Basics
- Follow team/location hybrid norms; align with manager and project plans.
- Mark WFH/WFO correctly to avoid attendance corrections or LOP.
Payroll & Statutory Compliance
- PF/ESI: Processed as per eligibility; verify UAN/ESIC in HRIS.
- TDS (Income Tax): Submit proofs during the investment declaration window.
- Gratuity and Maternity Benefits: Processed per law and policy.
Apply Leave & Verify Holidays (HRIS)
- Login to the HRIS/People portal → open Leave & Attendance.
- Select the correct leave type (PTO/CL/SL) and dates.
- Attach supporting documents where required (medical/travel).
- Open Holiday Calendar for your city/region/team and plan accordingly.
- Submit for manager approval and track status under My Requests.
Tip: Add handover notes to keep projects on track and avoid last-minute payroll issues.
Salary Impact, LOP & Sandwich Rule
- Payroll impact: Approved leave is updated into payroll as per policy.
- LOP (Loss of Pay): If balance is nil or leave is unapproved/late, absence may be treated as LOP.
- Sandwich rule: Applicability can vary; confirm if weekly offs/holidays between leave dates count as leave.
Leave Encashment (If Applicable)
Under flexible/PTO models, encashment may not apply. Where encashment is allowed (e.g., accrued PTO or at Full & Final), payout is processed via payroll and taxed as per law.
Leave Encashment — Illustration
| Parameter | Example Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Eligible Pay (e.g., Basic + DA) | ₹65,000 | Illustrative component used for payout |
| Accrued PTO/EL Balance | 8 days | As per HRIS ledger (if applicable) |
| Daily Rate (Illustrative) | ₹2,166.67 | ₹65,000 ÷ 30 days |
| Gross Encashment | ₹17,333 | 8 × ₹2,166.67 |
| TDS (Example) | ₹1,733 | 10% illustration; actual tax per slab/rules |
| Net Payout (Payroll) | ₹15,600 | Credited with salary as per payroll cycle |
Disclaimer: Eligibility, formula and taxation depend on policy, role and law.
FAQs
How do I check city-wise or team-wise holidays?
Open the Holiday Calendar in the People portal, select your city/region and team, and download the list.
What happens if I apply late?
Late or unapproved absence may be treated as LOP. Apply in advance and attach supporting proof if retrospective approval is needed.
Is leave encashment available?
Depends on the leave model. Flexible PTO may not be encashable. Where allowed, payout is processed via payroll and taxed as per law.
Do I need a medical certificate for Sick Leave?
Beyond a threshold, a valid medical certificate may be required. Upload it in HRIS within the defined timeline.
Quick Checklist (Before You Apply)
- Choose the correct leave type and verify balance in HRIS.
- Confirm the holiday calendar for your city/region/team.
- Attach medical/travel proofs if required.
- Coordinate with your manager/project and track approval.