Application for Sick Leave – Formats 2026

💡 Key Takeaway

• A sick leave application must include your name, dates, brief reason, work/class coverage plan, and a polite closing.
• Office employees should email their reporting manager before work hours; students or parents should address the principal or class teacher.
• For Sanskrit applications, use the formal प्रार्थनापत्रम् (Prārthanāpatram) format with Devanagari script and transliteration.
• Attach a medical certificate if the absence exceeds 2–3 days, as most Indian company HR policies and CBSE/ICSE schools require it.
• According to the Indian government's Factories Act 1948, workers are entitled to paid sick leave for at least 12 days per year.

📑 Table of Contents

1. What Is an Application for Sick Leave?
2. Standard Format of a Sick Leave Application
3. Sick Leave Application for Office (5 Samples)
4. Sick Leave Application for School (5 Samples)
5. Sick Leave Email Templates for Office (10 Ready Formats)
6. Sanskrit Application for Sick Leave (प्रार्थनापत्रम्)
7. Office vs School vs Sanskrit – Quick Comparison
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
9. Do's and Don'ts Checklist
10. Downloadable Templates (Free)
11. About the Author
12. FAQs – People Also Ask

Sick leave (noun): Authorised time away from work or school granted to an employee or student who is unable to perform duties due to illness, injury, or a medical appointment. In India, the Factories Act 1948 mandates a minimum of 12 days of paid sick leave per year for factory workers, while the Shops and Establishments Act varies by state.

"According to a 2024 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 96% of employers offer some form of paid sick leave, and 78% of organisations require a medical certificate for absences exceeding three consecutive days."

📝 Sick Leave Application Format – Step by Step

1. To / Addressee: Name and designation of the recipient (e.g., The HR Manager, The Principal).
2. Subject Line: A clear one-liner — "Application for Sick Leave – [Your Name]".
3. Salutation: "Respected Sir/Madam," or "Dear [Name],".
4. Body – Paragraph 1: State your name, designation/class, and the reason for leave (illness) briefly.
5. Body – Paragraph 2: Mention exact leave dates (from–to), doctor's advice if any, and work/class coverage plan.
6. Body – Paragraph 3: Offer to provide a medical certificate and give your emergency contact number.
7. Closing: "Kindly grant me leave for the mentioned period." + "Thanking you."
8. Signature: Your name, designation/class, date.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep the body of your application under 150 words. A concise application demonstrates professionalism and is more likely to be read and approved quickly—especially when the HR manager or principal receives dozens of leave requests daily.

To:
The HR Manager
[Company Name]

Subject: Application for Sick Leave – [Your Name]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am [Your Name], working as [Designation] in [Department]. I am writing to inform you that I am suffering from high fever and body aches since last night. My doctor has advised one day of complete rest.

I kindly request you to grant me sick leave for today, [Date]. [Colleague's Name] will handle any urgent tasks in my absence. I can be reached at [Phone Number] for emergencies.

I will provide a medical certificate if required. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID] | [Department]
[Date]

To:
The HR Manager
[Company Name]

Subject: Application for Sick Leave – [Start Date] to [End Date]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am [Your Name], [Designation], [Department]. I have been diagnosed with a viral infection, and my physician has recommended [X] days of rest. I request sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].

During my absence, [Colleague's Name] will manage my ongoing projects. I have briefed them on all pending deliverables. I am available at [Phone Number] for urgent queries.

A medical certificate from my doctor is attached for your reference. I plan to resume duties on [Return Date].

Thanking you,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID] | [Department]
[Date]

To:
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Subject: Medical Leave Request – Scheduled Procedure

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to request medical leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for a scheduled surgical procedure. My doctor has advised [X] days of post-operative recovery.

I have documented all ongoing work and handed responsibilities to [Colleague's Name]. Medical documentation is attached.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

To:
The HR Manager
[Company Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Health Condition Management

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am experiencing a flare-up of a pre-existing health condition that requires immediate medical attention and rest. I request sick leave for [Date(s)].

[Colleague's Name] will cover urgent responsibilities. I will provide updated medical documentation upon return.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]

To:
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]

Subject: Sick Leave Request – Personal Health Matter

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to request sick leave today, [Date], to attend to a personal health matter. I need time to rest and recharge for optimal performance.

[Colleague's Name] will handle any urgent tasks. I am reachable via email for critical matters.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Date]

"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated US $1 trillion per year in lost productivity, making mental-health sick leave not just valid but essential for workforce sustainability."

To:
The Principal
[School Name]

Subject: Application for Sick Leave

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am [Student Name], a student of Class [X], Section [Y], Roll No. [Z]. I am suffering from [illness, e.g., viral fever] and my doctor has advised [X] days of rest.

I kindly request you to grant me sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will complete all missed assignments and catch up on lessons upon my return. A medical certificate is attached.

Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
[Student Name]
Class [X], Section [Y]
[Date]

To:
The Class Teacher
[School Name]

Subject: Sick Leave Application for [Child's Name]

Dear [Teacher's Name],

I am writing to inform you that my child, [Child's Name], a student of Class [X], Section [Y], is unwell and unable to attend school from [Start Date] to [End Date].

[He/She] is suffering from [illness] and has been advised rest by our family doctor. I will ensure [he/she] completes all missed classwork and homework upon recovery.

Please excuse [his/her] absence. A doctor's note is enclosed.

Thank you,
[Parent's Name]
[Contact Number]
[Date]

To:
The Principal
[School Name]

Subject: Sick Leave During Examination Period

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am [Student Name], Class [X], Section [Y]. I am unwell with [illness] and unable to appear for the exam(s) scheduled on [Date(s)]. My doctor's certificate is attached.

I respectfully request permission to appear for a re-examination or submit an alternate assessment at your convenience. I will provide any additional medical documentation required.

Yours obediently,
[Student Name]
[Date]

To:
The Class Teacher
[School Name]

Subject: Sick Leave for [Child's Name]

Dear Ma'am/Sir,

My child, [Child's Name], of Class [5/6], Section [Y], has a stomach ache and mild fever. The doctor has asked [him/her] to stay home for [X] days.

Please grant [him/her] leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will help [him/her] finish the missed class notes.

Thank you,
[Parent's Name]
[Date]

To:
The Head of Department
[College Name]

Subject: Application for Sick Leave

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am [Your Name], Roll No. [X], [Course/Year]. I have been diagnosed with [illness] and require [X] days to recover. I request sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].

I will coordinate with classmates to obtain lecture notes and submit pending assignments on time. A medical certificate is attached.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Subject: Sick Leave Request – Unable to Work Today

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm feeling unwell with fever and body aches and need to take sick leave today, [Date]. [Colleague's Name] will handle urgent matters. I'm available at [Phone Number] for emergencies and expect to return tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave Request – [Start Date] to [End Date]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm requesting sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to [illness]. My doctor has advised [X] days of rest. [Colleague's Name] will cover ongoing projects. I'll check emails periodically and am reachable at [Phone Number].

I'll provide medical documentation if required. Thank you.

Regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Food Poisoning

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm suffering from food poisoning and unable to work today, [Date]. [Colleague's Name] is aware and will cover essential tasks. I'll update you on my condition tomorrow.

Thank you.

Regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Migraine

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm experiencing a severe migraine and cannot work effectively today. I need rest and expect to return tomorrow. [Colleague's Name] can handle any urgent items.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Contagious Illness (Quarantine)

Dear [Manager's Name],

I've tested positive for [illness] and must quarantine per health guidelines from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I can work remotely if feeling well enough; otherwise, [Colleague's Name] will handle my duties. I'll provide medical clearance before returning.

Thank you for prioritising team safety.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Medical Appointment

Dear [Manager's Name],

I have a scheduled medical appointment on [Date] and need time off from [Time] to [Time]. [Colleague's Name] will cover immediate needs. I expect to return [later today/tomorrow].

Thank you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Leave – Pregnancy-Related

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm experiencing pregnancy-related complications and my doctor has advised rest from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [Colleague's Name] will manage my responsibilities. Medical documentation is attached.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Subject: Emergency Leave – Family Health Issue

Dear [Manager's Name],

I need immediate leave to attend to a family health emergency. My [family member] has been hospitalised. I'll be away from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [Colleague's Name] will handle my duties.

I'll keep you updated. Thank you for understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Subject: Extension of Approved Sick Leave

Dear [Manager's Name],

My doctor has advised additional rest of [X] more days beyond my current sick leave end date of [Date]. I request an extension until [New Return Date]. [Colleague's Name] will continue covering my tasks. Updated medical documentation is attached.

Thank you.

Regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Urgent – Sick Leave Today

Dear [Manager's Name],

I woke up feeling very unwell and cannot come to work today, [Date]. I apologise for the short notice. I've texted [Colleague's Name] about urgent meetings. I'll update you on tomorrow's status.

Thank you.

Best,
[Your Name]

प्रार्थनापत्रम्

सेवायाम्,
श्रीमन् प्रधानाचार्य महोदयः,
[विद्यालयस्य नाम],
[नगरस्य नाम]।

विषयः – अस्वस्थतायाः कारणात् अवकाशार्थं प्रार्थनापत्रम्।

महोदय,
सविनयं निवेदनम् अस्ति यत् अहं [छात्रस्य नाम], भवतः विद्यालयस्य कक्षायाः [कक्षा-संख्या] विभागस्य [विभाग-नाम] छात्रः/छात्रा अस्मि।

अद्य अहं ज्वरेण / उदरशूलेन पीडितः/पीडिता अस्मि। चिकित्सकः मम [दिन-संख्या] दिनानां विश्रामं सूचितवान्। अतः अहं दिनाङ्कात् [आरम्भ-तिथि] दिनाङ्कपर्यन्तम् [अन्तिम-तिथि] विद्यालयम् आगन्तुं असमर्थः/असमर्था अस्मि।

कृपया मम [दिन-संख्या] दिनानाम् अवकाशं स्वीकृतं कुर्वन्तु।

सधन्यवादम्,
भवतः आज्ञाकारी शिष्यः/शिष्या,
[छात्रस्य नाम]
कक्षा – [कक्षा-संख्या], विभागः – [विभाग-नाम]
दिनाङ्कः – [तिथि]

Sevāyām – "In service of" (To),
Śrīman Pradhānācārya Mahodayaḥ – "Respected Principal Sir,"
Viṣayaḥ – "Subject: Leave application due to illness."
Mahodaya – "Sir,"
Savinayaṁ nivedanam asti yat – "I respectfully submit that…"
Jvareṇa / Udaraśūlena pīḍitaḥ asmi – "I am suffering from fever / stomach ache."
Cikitsakaḥ mama … viśrāmaṁ sūcitavān – "The doctor has advised me … days of rest."
Kṛpayā mama … avakāśaṁ svīkṛtaṁ kurvantu – "Kindly approve my leave for … days."
Sadhan'yavādam – "With thanks."

✅ Pro Tip: For CBSE Class 9–10 Sanskrit exams, the examiner looks for correct use of सेवायाम् (Sevāyām), विषयः (Viṣayaḥ), सविनयं निवेदनम् (Savinayaṁ nivedanam), and the formal closing भवतः आज्ञाकारी शिष्यः (Bhavataḥ ājñākārī śiṣyaḥ). Practise these key phrases to score full marks on the letter-writing section.

⚠️ Important: Mistakes That Can Delay or Deny Your Leave

• Giving too many graphic details about your symptoms — keep it brief (e.g., "high fever" not a paragraph about your temperature readings).
• Forgetting to mention leave dates — always include exact "from" and "to" dates.
• Not naming a colleague for coverage — this is the #1 thing managers look for in office applications.
• Sounding uncertain — "I think I might be sick" undermines your request. Be clear: "I am unwell and need leave."
• Sending the email after work hours — notify your manager before or at the start of business hours.
• Missing the medical certificate — for absences over 2–3 days, attach a doctor's note proactively.
• Wrong addressee — double-check whether your company policy requires you to email HR, your direct manager, or both.

"A 2023 study by Mercer India found that Indian employees take an average of 8.5 sick days per year, yet 42% reported feeling uncomfortable requesting sick leave—often because they were unsure about the correct format."

✍️ About the Author

Sandhya B — Professional Content Writer & Career Adviser

Sandhya B is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience creating professional communication templates, career guides, and educational content. Her work has helped thousands of students and working professionals craft effective leave applications, resignation letters, and formal correspondence. She holds expertise in Indian employment norms, school-administration communication, and Sanskrit letter formats. Connect with Sandhya on LinkedIn.

Fact-checked by the Eduyush Editorial Team — a group of certified educators and HR professionals who review all career-advice content for accuracy and relevance.

Q1: How do I write an application for sick leave?

Start with a clear subject line ("Application for Sick Leave – [Your Name]"), address it to your manager or principal, briefly state your illness and leave dates, mention who will cover your work, and close politely. Attach a medical certificate if your absence exceeds two to three days.

Q2: How do I write a sick leave application for office for 2 days?

Address it to your HR manager or reporting manager. Mention both dates clearly (e.g., "from 17 February to 18 February 2026"), state your illness briefly, name the colleague covering your duties, and provide your emergency contact. Keep the body under 100 words.

Q3: How do I write a sick leave application for school to the principal?

Address the letter to "The Principal, [School Name]." Include your name, class, section, and roll number. State your illness, the dates you will be absent, and your commitment to completing missed schoolwork. Parents should sign the application for younger students.

Q4: How do I write a Sanskrit application for sick leave?

Use the प्रार्थनापत्रम् (Prārthanāpatram) format. Begin with "सेवायाम्, श्रीमन् प्रधानाचार्य महोदयः," state the subject as "अस्वस्थतायाः कारणात् अवकाशार्थं प्रार्थनापत्रम्," describe your illness in Sanskrit, and close with "सधन्यवादम्, भवतः आज्ञाकारी शिष्यः."

Q5: Do I need a medical certificate for sick leave?

Most Indian companies and schools require a medical certificate (doctor's note) for absences exceeding two to three consecutive days. Check your organisation's leave policy or school handbook for specific rules. Proactively attaching a certificate speeds up the approval process.

Q6: Can my employer deny my sick leave request?

In India, employers generally cannot deny legitimate sick leave if you have accrued paid leave. However, they may ask for medical documentation or proof of illness. Under the Shops and Establishments Act, specific rules vary by state, so consult your company's HR policy.

Q7: Is it okay to take sick leave for mental health?

Yes. Mental health conditions are legitimate grounds for sick leave. The WHO recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and many progressive Indian organisations now include mental-health days in their leave policies. You can phrase your request as "personal health reasons" for privacy.