Ending a Contract in India: Do I Really Need a Relieving Letter for My New Job?

I was working on a one-year contract as a consultant with a small organization in India. The contract is now coming to an end, and I have got a new job that starts after the end date of the current contract.

Do I need a relieving letter from the old organization?

They have told me that they will take some months to verify that all my files are in place before issuing a letter.

As I'm starting my new job after completing the term of the previous contract, do I still need a relieving letter?

Hi, yes, you should for sure.

Relieving cum experience certificate

A relieving cum experience certificate is mandatory irrespective of the category of employment, whether regular or consultant on contract. What is the proof that you successfully completed the one-year consultant contract? Whatever experience you gained in the one-year period, how are you going to substantiate it with your future employers without proper documentary proof in place?

The relieving letter confirms your completion of the past assignment, and the experience certificate certifies your role with the past employer. So, both are important. Some employers combine both and issue them in the same letter. Please collect them without fail.

Note: Always scan the relieving/experience certificate letter and keep a copy in your email inbox. Even if you misplace it, it would be easy for you to retrieve the same through email.

Hi, thank you for the reply. I understand and will collect it. However, as they are saying they will take time to verify my work before issuing the letter, it may take a few months. I'm just concerned if my new workplace will be okay to wait for this.

Hi, Yes, I can update the fact with the new employer. However, I'm just wondering why the current employer requires one month's time to issue the relieving cum experience certificate.

Thanks, I'll do that. I'm not sure why, but my old employer is saying that they need that much time to go over all my files from past projects and make sure everything is there. It is a small company, and they are a bit slow with these things.

It is indeed puzzling why your old employer would need so much time to go over your past files. It would be good to clarify their intentions behind such a detailed review. If they do find any discrepancies or issues, you might want to ask how they plan to handle them and whether that would affect your exit process, especially in terms of your experience certificate. It’s important to ensure that any delays won’t negatively impact the issuance of this crucial document.

I don't know the details of your contract, whether it is nearing completion or has just been completed. Subject to this, it will require a reasonable amount of time to verify the parameters laid down in the contract for the designated Project Manager in charge of the project. If your contract involves erection, commissioning, test runs, etc., there may be formalities covering 'performance guarantees', 'liquidated damages', etc., although these are not common to all projects. However, if the cordial relationship and rapport with your project personnel are good, the verification process shouldn't take longer than necessary. After completing the formalities, you may receive a 'Completion Certificate' instead of a 'relieving letter' if you are considered a contract labor or representative.