Leaving During Training: Can I Quit Without Notice If I Haven't Signed a Contract?

Hello, can I leave the company during training without serving the notice period if I didn't accept or sign any employment contract or bond? I was enrolled in a training program, and the trainee letter states that failing to attend training for three consecutive days will automatically terminate the training program. There is no mention of a notice period or payment for the unserved notice period in the trainee letter.

Without signing any contract of employment, how did you join the company? If you have signed the offer letter and accepted the terms and conditions mentioned in it, that is enough to establish that you have entered into a contract. If the contract includes a notice period during the training period, you should adhere to it. However, if your position does not entail decision-making powers or you are not in a supervisory or managerial role, you can skip this requirement.

Training Letter as an Office Order
A training letter functions as an office order. If it specifies that the program will be automatically terminated if you fail to attend training for three days, it indicates the training's termination and not your employment. Termination of employment should strictly adhere to the terms of the employment contract.

Hi, Leaving a company without any information is not ethical for whatever reason it may be. Discuss with your employer and make a decision.

Hello Madhu ma'am, We were supposed to receive the offer of the appointment letter only after completing the OJT (On-the-Job Training) and passing the certification exam, which is after 21 days. Only then is the job secured. Therefore, to secure the job, we have to pass the certification. That's why initially they did not give any offer of appointment letter. Previously, they used to provide the offer letter before training, but later on, they changed the rule. Our trainer and HR also confirmed the same. So, can I say that I am not an employee as of now because I haven't signed the contract or appointment letter?

Yes, you are not an employee, and you can leave at any time you wish. No notice is required.

Important Note: One important thing, please don't call me Madhu 'Mam' because I 'can't' be a mam anyway... see my photograph in the profile!

Sorry, Madhu sir. I didn't check that. Thank you for replying. One more question, sir. Can they put me on the absconding list even after this? If I am not their employee and didn't sign any contract or bond. I got an email saying that they will put me on the abandonment of service.

They can do it if they are under a strong employer syndicate or association like those in IT companies. It is because of this kind of harassment that many employees stick to the job. But if you think that this job is not your cup of tea, then you should leave it right now, ignoring the consequences. Legally, they cannot do anything. However, morally, it is always good to drop a mail saying that after reviewing the detailed job description, you find that it does not match your expected profile and therefore, you are opting out.

Okay, Madhu sir. I think I will take this issue to the competent authorities because putting me on the absconding list for no reason will hamper my career growth, especially when I didn't sign any contract letter. I wanted to ask, can I mark the exit myself in the EPFO portal?

You can leave at any time by being absent continuously for 3 days, as per the instructions you have mentioned. It would be better to speak directly to me or share the letter you are referring to here.