Probation Period in India: Length, Reviews, Confirmation Letters and Extensions
How probation works in India: typical length, what the Model Standing Orders 2026 say (six months, extendable by three), running a fair review, confirmation and extension letters, and ending employment during probation.
pagar karo Payroll Desk· Published 27 Oct 2026· 3 min readProbation in India is set by the appointment letter and, for establishments covered by standing orders, by those orders. The Model Standing Orders, 2026 under the Industrial Relations Code provide a six-month probation that can be extended by up to three months, after which eligible workers should be confirmed with a confirmation letter. Review performance before the end date, record the decision, and issue a confirmation, extension or termination letter.
- Model Standing Orders 2026: six months’ probation, extendable by up to three months.
- Establishments with 300+ workers must have standing orders under the IR Code.
- Decide before the end date — don’t let probation lapse by silence.
- Even during probation, final dues on exit are payable within two working days.
What probation is for
Probation is a trial period in which the employer checks fit and performance before making the appointment permanent. Its length, notice and benefits come from the appointment letter and — where they apply — the establishment’s standing orders.
What the Model Standing Orders 2026 say
The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Model Standing Orders, 2026 under the Industrial Relations Code on 8 May 2026, with a separate model for the services sector. Establishments with 300 or more workers on any day in the preceding 12 months must have standing orders. Key points for probation:
- Probation of six months, extendable by up to three months where performance needs more assessment.
- Eligible workers are to be confirmed with a confirmation letter consistent with the appointment letter.
- Dues on removal, dismissal, retrenchment or resignation payable by the second working day.
- A service certificate within 10 days of leaving.
Smaller establishments are not required to frame standing orders, but using similar terms in appointment letters keeps things clear.
Running a fair probation review
- Set goals in week two — 2–4 measurable ones.
- Check in monthly with short notes.
- Review 2–4 weeks before the end date: goals, attendance, conduct, manager rating.
- Decide: confirm, extend (with reasons and a new date) or end employment.
- Issue the letter and record the outcome on the employee’s profile.
What the letters should say
| Letter | Include |
|---|---|
| Confirmation | Effective date, designation, any change in pay or benefits, reference to the appointment letter |
| Extension | Reasons, areas to improve, new end date, support offered |
| Termination during probation | Effective date, notice or pay in lieu as per the appointment letter, final settlement details |
Payroll effects
- Leave rules often change on confirmation (e.g. earned leave usable only after probation).
- Confirmation increments become salary revisions effective from the confirmation date.
- On exit during probation, run full & final within two working days.
Probation in pagar karo
The Probation page lists reviews due, those due in the next 30 days, extended and decided. The manager records comments and a rating, then confirms (probation leave rules lift and a confirmation letter is drafted), extends by N days with a new reminder, or ends employment and starts the exit. See onboarding & exit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the normal probation period in India?
Three to six months is common. The Model Standing Orders, 2026 provide six months, extendable by up to three more months.
Is a confirmation letter mandatory?
Where the Model Standing Orders apply, employers are to confirm eligible workers and issue a confirmation letter in line with the appointment letter. Elsewhere it is good practice and avoids disputes about status.
Can probation be extended?
Yes, if the appointment letter or standing orders allow it — under the Model Standing Orders, by up to three months when performance needs more time. Tell the employee in writing with the reasons and the new date.
What notice applies to ending employment during probation?
Whatever the appointment letter and applicable standing orders say — often a shorter notice than for confirmed staff. Final wages must still be paid within two working days.
This guide is general information for employers in India, checked against the sources above on 27 Oct 2026. Rules and rates change — confirm with your CA or the official notification before acting.