Casual Leave (CL)

Short-notice paid leave for personal errands or sudden plans, typically 7-12 days a year, lapses at year-end, and usually not encashable.

What is Casual Leave (CL)?

Casual Leave is the bucket employees dip into for short, unplanned breaks, a half-day for a bank visit, a day off for a family function, or just feeling under the weather without a formal medical reason. Most Indian employers offer 7 to 12 CL days a year, often credited upfront on January 1 (or the financial year start). Unlike Earned Leave, CL doesn't accrue monthly in most policies. It also doesn't carry forward, so any unused CL on December 31 simply lapses. CL is generally not encashable at exit. Some companies cap consecutive CL at 2-3 days to discourage stretched breaks. The exact entitlement depends on the state's Shops & Establishment Act and company policy.

How Casual Leave (CL) is used

Employees apply for CL through the HR portal, often the same day or a day before. HR tracks CL balances to flag misuse and reset them at year-end.

Casual Leave (CL) FAQs

Can I take 5 days of CL together?

Most companies cap consecutive CL at 2-3 days. For longer breaks, you're expected to use Earned Leave. Check your specific policy.

Does unused CL get paid out?

Usually not. CL is meant to lapse at year-end, and most employers don't encash it during exit settlement.

Can I combine CL with weekends?

Yes, but watch out for the sandwich leave clause. Some policies count the in-between weekend as leave too if you take CL on Friday and Monday.