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Managing employee leaves is no longer just an administrative task—it is a critical pillar for statutory compliance and employee satisfaction. However, without a dedicated leave management system in India, HR teams often face a “bottleneck” that can stall growth.
Why Your Business Needs Automated Leave Management
Relying on manual spreadsheets in 2026 is a risk. Here are the three primary challenges of managing leaves manually in the modern Indian workspace:
- Hybrid & Remote Friction: In a remote-first world, manually approving leaves via emails or paper forms is impossible to track accurately.
- The Productivity Gap: As AI and HR automation become industry standards, manual data entry slows down your entire operations, costing you valuable time and money.
- Complex Compliance Landscape: India’s labor laws (like the Factories Act or Shops and Establishments Act) are strict. Errors in maintaining records or calculating leave accruals can lead to heavy legal penalties.
To help you navigate the crowded HR tech market, we have compiled a data-backed list of the top 10 leave management systems in India. We have evaluated each platform based on:
- Pros & Cons: Real-world feedback from Indian HR professionals.
- Key Features: Automated payroll integration, GPS-based attendance, and mobile-first portals.
What is a Leave Management System?
A Leave Management System (LMS) is software that automates and streamlines an organization’s entire employee time-off process, replacing manual methods like spreadsheets with a digital platform. This includes sick days, vacations, and other types of leave. Traditionally, leaves were managed manually, and employees sent emails to managers to request time off.
Now, organizations can manage employees’ time off with a centralized leave management application. The system eliminates the need for sending emails. Employees can submit leave applications online. Subsequently, managers can approve with a multi-approval flow. Employees can also check their leave status and balance from an ESS portal.
Using an online leave management system in India can help improve efficiency and reduce the time taken for processing leaves.
List of Top 10 Leave Management System in India
This list highlights the best leave management system in India, catering to businesses of all sizes and industries. Compare features, pricing, and reviews to find the best leave management system for your organization. Make informed decisions and ensure a hassle-free leave management process with the right leave management software.
1. factoHR
factoHR is the best leave management system in India for streamlining end-to-end leave management. The software’s central platform facilitates real-time access to leave balance. It also offers a customizable policy engine that can configure various types of leave. It seamlessly integrates with payroll and attendance modules and automates leave applications with a mobile-first platform.
Features
| Accessibility and self-service automation: Employees can apply for leave online and access their leave balance in real time. | Flexible policy configuration: Organizations can set multiple leave policies based on compliance measures and company policy. |
| Holiday calendar management: Employers can also configure holiday policies for different locations. | Team leave calendar: Managers can find whether an employee is available to work in real-time. |
| Custom approval workflows: Employers can also approve leaves in bulk and assign leave approval to multiple professionals. | Leave encashment: Businesses can set up flexible encashment policies, and employees can stay updated about their encashed leaves. |
| Analytics and reporting: Leaders can use analytics to identify trends and reduce absenteeism. | Also, comprehensive reporting facilities help keep track of employees’ leave balance. |
Pros
- Internal and external integrations
- Real-time leave tracking
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- Occasional bugs in performance
Best Suited for
factoHR is suited for small, medium, and large businesses.
Manage Employee Leave Better, Starting Today
2. greytHR
greytHR is another popular online leave management software in India. It provides a self-service portal for employees to apply for time off. It also helps create configurable leave policies. It ensures compliance and reduces the time taken for processing leaves.
Features
- Custom leave policies
- Leave accrual rules
- Manager approvals
- Employee self-service portal
- Holiday calendar
- Real-time leave balance tracking
Pros
- Easy to configure leave policies
- Balances sync directly with payroll
Cons
- The mobile app for leave is less intuitive
- Limited analytics on leave trends
Best Suited for
It is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
3. HROne
HROne is another leading leave management software in India. It includes a flexible leave management module that adapts to company policies. It helps HR teams automate approvals, track absences, and maintain leave balance records. Employees get instant visibility into their balances and history. This reduces manual requests and ensures transparent communication.
Features
- Customizable leave types
- Automated approval workflows
- Leave balance visibility
- Team calendar
- Integration with attendance data
- Reports on leave usage
Pros
- Simple automation of leave processes
- Improves transparency for employees and managers
Cons
- Setup can feel complex for first-time users
- Mobile app experience can be improved
Best Suited for
HROne is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses.
4. Keka
It is a popular online leave management system that automatically tracks employee absences and simplifies leave management. It provides for mobile approvals. It facilitates online leave applications. It possesses various features like leave entitlement, leave encashment, carry forward leaves, leave lapsation, and much more. Its focus on transparency reduces disputes related to leave management.
Features
- Custom leave policies
- Mobile leave requests
- Manager approvals
- Leave balance visibility
- Integration with timesheets
- Holiday calendar
Pros
- Employee-friendly design encourages adoption
- Mobile approvals make processes faster
Cons
- Reports on leave data lack depth
- For smaller businesses, this might be expensive
Best Suited for
It is ideal for mid-sized businesses.
5. sumHR
sumHR provides a clear and structured employee leave management system for small teams. It allows HR to define accruals and monitor usage. Like other softwares, it also provides for customizable leave policies. It focuses on accuracy in leave planning and payroll management. Also, employees can apply online to request time off with sumHR.
Features
- Leave policy customization
- Accrual and carry-forward rules
- Employee self-service
- Manager approvals
- Holiday calendar
- Integration with payroll
Pros
- Leave balances link directly with payroll calculations
- Straightforward setup
Cons
- Limited leave analytics
- Dated interface design
Best Suited for
It is suitable for Startups and small businesses.
6. Zoho People
Zoho People is a comprehensive leave management system that improves leave management for diverse teams. It facilitates custom approval rules and helps define leave policies for Indian businesses. It also provides calendar integration for improving leave visibility. Employees can use the web or app to apply for leave and track their balance.
Features
- Custom leave policies
- Multi-location holiday calendars
- Employee self-service portal
- Manager approvals
- Integration with Google and Outlook calendars
- usage reports
Pros
- Flexible for global and local leave policies
- Strong integrations with calendars
Cons
- Initial setup may feel overwhelming
- Payroll connection is weaker without add-ons
Best Suited for
Zoho People is best suited for small, medium, and large businesses.
7. RazorpayX Payroll
It offers combined payroll and leave management software for a streamlined experience. It automatically sinks the data related to payroll and absenteeism. Like other softwares, employees can apply for leave online and track their leave balance as well.
Features
- Leave request management
- Balance tracking
- Manager approvals
- Holiday calendar
- Integration with payroll
- Employee self-service
Pros
- Sync between payroll and leave
- Easy for startups to adopt quickly
Cons
- Not suited for enterprises with complex leave needs
- Limited functions
Best Suited for
It is ideal for startups and small businesses.
8. Quikchex
Quikchex is one of the popular employee leave management systems in India. It allows employees to monitor their leave balance. It also integrates leave management software with payroll. It also supports policy customization and different types of leave. Additionally, it helps manage approvals and define leave policies. Quikchex also maintains consistent reports.
Features
- Leave reports
- Balance tracking
- Employee self-service
- Automated approvals
- Configurable leave policies
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Accurate reporting for compliance
Cons
- Older interface
- Slower during peak times
Best Suited for
It is best suited for small and medium businesses.
9. Kredily
Kredily provides free leave management software that supports startups and SMEs. Companies can set policies, handle approvals, and track employee time-off & absences easily. Employees benefit from an ESS portal to apply and view balances. Its zero-cost model makes it appealing for small organizations.
Features
- Free leave tracking
- Policy customization
- Manager approvals
- Holiday calendar
- Employee self-service
- Leave balance visibility
Pros
- Free for unlimited employees
- Quick setup with minimal training needed
Cons
- Limited depth in analytics
- Support may be slower for free users
Best Suited for
It is best suited for startups and small businesses.
10. Leave Dates
Leave Dates is one of the best leave management software solutions. It provides a shared calendar that highlights employee availability. Managers and teams can plan better by viewing all types of leaves, in one place. Its lightweight design makes it easier to adopt.
Features
- Leave tracking
- Shared team calendar
- Employee self-service
- Manager approvals
- Mobile access
- Integration with Google and Outlook calendars
Pros
- Simple to use
- Leave visibility across teams/departments
Cons
- Limited functionality
- Difficult to integrate with other HR modules
Best Suited for
It is ideal for small teams that only need a leave management module.
Simplify Leave Management Without Adding More HR Work
Quick Comparison of the Best Leave Management Software
| Software Name | Mobile Access | Policy Flexibility | Integration Support | Pricing | G2 rating | Capterra rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| factoHR |  |
|
|
Prices vary based on the preferred services and add-ons. | 4.6 | 4.7/5 |
| greytHR | |
|
|
between ₹3,495 and ₹7,495 per month | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| HROne | |
|
|
between ₹4,499 and ₹8,999 per month | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Keka | |
|
|
between ₹9,999 and ₹15,999 per month | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| sumHR | |
|
|
between ₹49 and ₹119 per user per month | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Zoho People | |
|
|
between ₹132 and ₹441 per user per month | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| RazorpayX Payroll | |
|
|
between ₹2,999 and ₹5,999 per month | 4.2/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Quikchex | |
|
 |
between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 per month | 3.7/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Kredily | |
|
|
between ₹0 and ₹1,499 per month | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Leave Dates | |
|
|
between ₹90 and ₹180 per user per month | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
How to Choose the Best Leave Management Software in India (2026)?
Here are the top factors to keep in mind when choosing a leave management system in India.
Check Compliance Support
Compliance is the most important aspect of leave management. It is advised to check the compliance support measures before opting for that vendor.
Customizable Leave Policies
At a time when workforces operate in distributed teams, customizable leave policies are a must to comply with regional laws. So, prefer a solution that supports customizable leave policies.
Integration Capability
Businesses are increasingly moving towards integrated HR solutions. In such a scenario, opt for a leave management solution that can easily integrate with other facilities.
Ease of Use
The software should be user-friendly for HR professionals. Relying on software that offers guided processes and wizards can be particularly beneficial in this case.
Scalability
Software should grow with the needs of an organization. So, look for a provider that provides flexible and affordable pricing plans.
Analytics & Reporting
Comprehensive reporting and analytics have become a necessity in this age of data. This makes it necessary to choose software that offers comprehensive reporting and advanced features such as predictive analytics.
Automation Features
The primary purpose of a leave management system is to automate annual processes. So, software with automation features is a must.
Budget & Pricing Model
Consider value for money options. For example, a software can offer certain features but can be costly. On the other hand, there are some cost-effective options that offer advanced AI-powered features for HRMS.
Customer Support & Training
New software can present a learning curve to professionals. So, choose a vendor that provides consistent training and support to professionals in implementing the leave management system.
Reduce Absenteeism and Streamline Employee Leave Management with factoHR
Managing employee leave across teams, locations, and policies can be challenging without the right system in place. The factoHR leave management system in India helps organizations handle leave requests, approvals, and records in one centralized platform. Employees can easily apply for leave and check balances, while managers get clear visibility into team availability and absence trends. With accurate, real-time leave data connected to attendance and payroll, HR teams can reduce manual effort, improve policy compliance, and take timely action on frequent or unplanned absences – making leave management more transparent and efficient for everyone involved.
Make Leave Management Clear, Consistent, and Stress-Free
FAQs
What is the Purpose of a Leave Management System?
The purpose of a Leave Management System (LMS) is to automate and centralize the entire process of employee time-off, from request to approval and record-keeping, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance while minimizing disruption and administrative burden for HR, managers, and employees.
How does a Leave Management System Help both Employees and Organizations?
For employees, a leave management system makes it easier to apply for leave and check leave balance status. For employers, it simplifies approval with auto approval workflows and even allows for bulk approvals. Also, a leave management software keeps comprehensive leave reports that can be used during compliance audits.
How do You Know when You Need a Leave Management System?
You may need a leave management system when leave requests are handled through emails, messages, or spreadsheets, approvals get delayed, balances are unclear, or payroll errors happen due to incorrect leave data, it’s a sign that a centralized system is needed.
How Much does a Leave Management System Cost?
The cost of a leave management system can vary based on features, number of users, and whether it is cloud-based or on-premises. You can explore factoHR’s pricing details to learn more.
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