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Free agreement template · Word

Employment Contract

An employment contract is a signed document that records the terms on which an employee works for an organisation. This simple contract suits SMEs and shops that want clear numbered terms on pay, hours, leave, conduct, data handling and exit without heavy legal drafting.

  • Editable Word (.docx)
  • Made for India
  • 24 fill-in fields highlighted
  • Free, no sign-up

Preview of the agreement

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

CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT

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

Employer: [Company Name], [Company Address], Shops & Establishments Reg. No. [Registration Number]
Employee: [Employee Name], [Employee Address]

Both parties agree to the following terms of employment.

  1. Job title: The Employee is employed as [Designation] and will report to [Reporting Manager].
  2. Start date: Employment starts on [Date of Joining]. Previous service with any other employer does not count.
  3. Place of work: [Work Location], or another location of the Employer within [City/State] when reasonably required.
  4. Pay: Gross monthly salary of ₹[Amount] (annual CTC ₹[CTC]) paid by bank transfer by the [Pay Day] of each month, after deduction of PF, ESI, professional tax and TDS as applicable.
  5. Hours: [Working Hours] per day, [Working Days] days per week, with a weekly off on [Weekly Off]. Overtime, when approved in advance, will be paid as per law.
  6. Leave and holidays: As per the Employer's leave policy and applicable state rules.
  7. Probation: [Probation Period] months. Notice during probation is [Probation Notice].
  8. Conduct: The Employee will follow the code of conduct, attendance rules, POSH policy and safety instructions.
  9. Data protection: The Employee will use customer and employee personal data only for work purposes and keep it secure.
  10. Disciplinary matters: Any allegation of misconduct will be handled through a written show-cause notice and an opportunity to explain before any action.
  11. Ending employment: After probation, either party gives [Notice Period] written notice or pay in lieu. The Employee will complete handover and return company property. Full and final settlement will be made within [F&F Days] days of the last working day.
  12. Other terms: [Role-Specific Terms]
  13. Entire contract: This contract, with the salary annexure and company policies, forms the full terms. Changes must be in writing.

Signed on the date written above.

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]
Employee
[Employee Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Plain-language numbered terms that staff understand
  • Pay day and mode of payment for transparency
  • Overtime clause linked to applicable law
  • Data protection clause for customer and employee data
  • Disciplinary procedure reference to keep action fair
  • Exit clause covering notice, handover and F&F timeline

When to use it

  • Small and mid-sized businesses hiring office or store staff
  • Employers who want a short contract both sides can read in one sitting
  • Regularising long-serving staff who have no written terms
  • Branch hires where the head office wants uniform terms

How to customise this template

  1. 1Fill the employer details and Shops & Establishments registration number
  2. 2Set working hours and weekly off per your state rules
  3. 3Adjust the overtime clause to your actual practice
  4. 4Add role-specific terms in clause 12 if needed
  5. 5Translate into the local language if the employee prefers

HR tips

  • Give a copy in a language the employee understands
  • Avoid clauses that waive statutory rights; they are not valid
  • Write the full and final settlement timeline you can actually meet
  • Review the contract once a year for law changes

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

Is an employment contract different from an employment agreement?+

In practice the terms are used interchangeably. Both are signed contracts; this format is shorter and written for smaller employers.

Can an employment contract be oral in India?+

An oral arrangement can still create employment, but it is hard to prove terms. A written, signed contract protects both sides.

Should overtime be mentioned in the contract?+

Yes. State how overtime is approved and paid, in line with applicable law, so there is no confusion later.