Working hours in India are not much different from those in other countries. People generally work 9 hours per day or 48 hours a week, including one hour of rest or a meal break. However, labour laws and norms are different in each country. These might differ for overtime, part-time, minor, and women employees, depending on the country, industry, and workplace. Sometimes, working hours may also vary according to time zones and work requirements. It simply means, your designation, responsibilities and dedication to work can not define your working hours. There can be uncertainty depending on the work culture and priorities.
Aspiring entrepreneurs understand that the clock doesn’t bind true dedication to work. However, understanding the standard working hours in India—or any country—is essential for maintaining professionalism, punctuality, and respect for local business culture. So, we are discussing the standard working shifts in India.
What are the Standard Working Hours in India?
Whether you are a beginner planning to start a new venture or an entrepreneur expanding into the Indian market, understanding work culture is essential –starting with working hours.
In India, the standard working hours in India are typically 9 hours per day, not exceeding 48 hours per week as outlined in The Factories Act, 1948. Talking about the working days in India, traditionally, it used to be Monday to Saturday, but many modern companies, many in the urban corporate sector or MNCs, follow a 5-day week. Saturdays and Sundays are mostly weekends; some companies offer flexibility in choosing weekends like Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, according to their business venture.
Another important thing to know is break time. According to the Factories Act 1948, these working hours in India include a lunch break of 30-60 minutes. While flexibility is growing, especially in startup and tech firms, it is important to define working hours clearly in your company policy. Doing so, helps maintain productivity while respecting employees well-being and legal compliances.
Overtime Rules and Part-time Norms in India
When it comes to a startup, passion for your business often means working unpredictable hours. There’s no fixed schedule if you’re aiming to build a successful and thriving company. At times, some dedicated employees also choose to work extended hours voluntarily, driven by their own commitment and enthusiasm. Working extended hours for personal growth won’t be considered overtime. Let’s understand the working hours in India (Overtime and part-time).
Overtime is defined as work that extends 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week when asked by the employer. Overtime employees get twice the regular rate, which means double. It is important to know the maximum overtime hours, which are two hours a day.
Part-time work isn’t strictly defined under Indian labour laws. However, it refers to roles requiring less than 30 hours per week. This is common in all sectors like retail, e-commerce, education and freelancing. However, part-time workers often do not include the same benefits as full-time workers, like paid leave, health coverage, etc.
Specific Regulations for Night Shift Working Hours in India
Night shifts are also common in India. Nowadays, corporate offices are opting for night shifts in India, depending on the business type. In India, night shift working hours typically range from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Employees assigned to night shifts must be provided with a minimum rest period of 11 hours between the end of one shift and the start of the next.
Women can only work the night shift, as per their preference. Moreover, proper safety measures should be taken for women working the night shift. Employers must provide them with transportation from the workplace to their residence and adhere to other safety guidelines provided by the government. The working hours in India for night shift women may vary depending on the company norms.
Specific Employee Categories in India are-
- Factory workers
- Mine Workers
- Construction workers
- Transportation Industry
- Beedi and Cigar Industry Workers
- Information Technology (IT) industry
- Audio-Visual Industry
Disclaimer- This blog is curated for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its completeness or error-free nature. Readers are advised to consult official sources or legal professionals for specific guidance.
