Daily Work Limit India – Quick Guide for Employees and Employers

If you’ve ever wondered how many hours you can legally work in a day, you’re not alone. Indian labour law sets a clear daily work limit to protect workers from exhaustion and ensure fair pay. This guide breaks down the rule, who it applies to, and what to do if you or your staff go over the limit.

What the Law Says About Daily Hours

Under the Factories Act, 1948 and the Shops and Establishments Act of each state, the normal workday is capped at nine hours. Some states allow eight hours, but nine is the most common ceiling. The weekly limit usually sits at 48 hours – that’s eight hours a day for six days, or a 9‑hour shift with a half‑day off.

When work goes beyond the daily limit, it’s considered overtime. Overtime must be paid at least double the regular wage rate, and you can’t force employees to work more than two overtime hours per day without a written agreement.

Who Must Follow the Limit?

The rule covers most employees in factories, shops, offices, and even some domestic workers. However, there are exceptions: senior managers, supervisors who earn more than a set salary threshold, and people hired for specific project‑based work may be exempt. If you’re not sure whether you fall under the exemption, check your contract or ask HR for clarification.

Contract workers and freelancers are a gray area. While the law technically applies, enforcement is weaker. Many freelancers negotiate their own hours, but they should still watch out for unreasonable demands that could lead to health issues.

How to Track and Enforce Your Rights

First, keep a simple log. Write down start‑time, break‑time, and finish‑time each day. A spreadsheet or a mobile app works fine. If you notice a pattern of extra hours, raise the issue with your manager in writing. Mention the specific law (Factories Act or relevant State Shops & Establishments Act) and ask for a corrective plan.

If the problem persists, you can approach the labour officer of your state. They will investigate and can order the employer to pay back overtime wages, fines, or even suspend operations until compliance is achieved.

Employers should set clear policies: define normal shift length, outline overtime approval processes, and display the daily limit in common areas. Transparent policies reduce disputes and keep the workplace safe.

Recent Updates for 2025

In early 2025, several states tightened enforcement by requiring electronic time‑keeping systems for factories with more than 50 workers. This means you’ll see punch‑in machines or biometric scanners becoming standard. The new rule also limits the total overtime per week to 12 hours, down from the previous 15‑hour cap.

These changes aim to curb worker fatigue and improve productivity. If your employer hasn’t updated their system, remind them about the new requirement – it’s a legal duty now.

Bottom line: the daily work limit in India is nine hours for most workers, with overtime payable at double rate and capped at two hours per day. Keep records, know your rights, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from the labour office if you’re pushed past the limit.