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Free letter template · Word

Appointment Letter Format

An appointment letter is the formal document a company issues after a candidate accepts the offer, confirming the post, salary, probation and service conditions. HR sends it on or just before the date of joining, and the signed duplicate becomes the base record in the employee file.

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Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

APPOINTMENT LETTER

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
[City] – [PIN Code]

Subject: Appointment as [Designation]

Dear [Candidate Name],

With reference to your application and the subsequent interviews, we are pleased to appoint you as [Designation] in the [Department] department of [Company Name] on the following terms and conditions.

  1. Date of joining: You will join duty on or before [Date of Joining] at our [Work Location] office. If you do not join by this date, this appointment will stand withdrawn unless extended in writing.
  2. Reporting: You will report to [Reporting Manager] or any other person designated by the management.
  3. Remuneration: Your Cost to Company (CTC) will be ₹[CTC] per annum, as detailed in the annexure below. Salary is subject to statutory deductions and applicable income tax.
  4. Probation: You will be on probation for [Probation Period] months from the date of joining. On satisfactory completion, your confirmation will be communicated in writing.
  5. Working hours: Normal working hours are [Working Hours], [Working Days] days a week, as per the company attendance policy.
  6. Statutory benefits: You will be covered under the Employees' Provident Fund and, where eligible, ESI. Gratuity will be payable as per law after five years of continuous service.
  7. Leave: You will be entitled to leave as per the company leave policy and applicable state rules.
  8. Notice period: During probation either party may end employment with [Probation Notice] notice. After confirmation, the notice period will be [Notice Period] or salary in lieu thereof.
  9. Conduct and confidentiality: You will follow the company code of conduct, POSH policy and other policies in force, and keep all business information confidential during and after employment.
  10. Documents: Your appointment is subject to verification of your educational certificates, previous employment records, PAN and Aadhaar (masked copy).

Annexure A – Salary Structure

ComponentMonthly (₹)Annual (₹)
Basic Salary[Basic Salary][Amount]
House Rent Allowance (HRA)[HRA][Amount]
Special Allowance[Amount][Amount]
Employer PF Contribution[Amount][Amount]
Gratuity (as applicable)[Amount][Amount]
Total Cost to Company (CTC)[Amount][CTC]

Please sign the duplicate copy of this letter as a token of your acceptance and return it to the HR department. We welcome you to [Company Name] and wish you a rewarding career with us.

Yours sincerely,

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
I accept the above terms and conditions.
[Candidate Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Reference number and date so the letter can be traced in the personnel register
  • Designation, department, work location and reporting manager to define the role clearly
  • Salary annexure in CTC format so the candidate knows gross and in-hand pay
  • Probation period and confirmation process to set expectations from day one
  • Notice period on both sides to avoid disputes at exit
  • Statutory benefits such as PF, ESI and gratuity as applicable
  • Duplicate copy acceptance line so you hold signed proof

When to use it

  • A selected candidate has accepted your offer and is about to join
  • You need a general-purpose appointment format that fits most office roles
  • Older employees joined without written terms and you are regularising files
  • An auditor or labour inspector asks for written service conditions for each employee

How to customise this template

  1. 1Replace every square-bracket placeholder with candidate and company details
  2. 2Fill the CTC table from your payroll structure and check the totals
  3. 3Change probation and notice period to match your HR policy
  4. 4Delete PF or ESI lines if your establishment is not covered
  5. 5Print on letterhead, sign, and issue two copies

HR tips

  • Keep the offer letter and appointment letter figures identical; mismatches cause disputes
  • Do not promise bonuses in the letter unless the payout rule is written
  • Collect the signed duplicate on the joining day itself
  • Refer to your HR policy manual instead of copying all policies into the letter

This template is a starting point only. Review it against applicable labour laws (including the Labour Codes in force from 21 November 2025 and the state rules being notified), your Shops & Establishments registration, standing orders and company policies, and take advice from a legal adviser where needed.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an offer letter and an appointment letter?+

An offer letter invites the candidate to join on proposed terms. The appointment letter is issued after acceptance and records the final terms of service that both sides sign.

Is an appointment letter mandatory in India?+

Written terms of employment are expected under the Labour Codes and many state laws, and they protect both parties. Issuing a signed appointment letter to every employee is good practice.

Should the appointment letter mention CTC or in-hand salary?+

Mention the CTC with a component-wise breakup. The candidate can then see deductions such as employee PF and professional tax that reduce in-hand pay.