Leave Application — Complete Guide
What is a Leave Application?
A leave application is a formal letter written to request permission to remain absent from school, college or office for a certain period. It is usually addressed to the Headteacher, Principal or concerned authority.
Why Do We Write Leave Applications?
Leave applications are necessary to inform the authority about our absence and to request official permission. In the SEE examination, students are often asked to write a leave application based on a given situation. This task tests formal letter writing skills.
- To request permission for absence
- To inform the school or office about the reason for leave
- To maintain proper official records
- It is a common writing task in SEE English
Structure of a Leave Application
- 1Writer’s Address and Date
- 2Receiver’s Address (The Principal / Headteacher, School Name, Address)
- 3Subject: A short line stating the purpose (e.g., Application for sick leave)
- 4Salutation (Respected Sir/Madam)
- 5Body: Reason for leave, duration of leave, polite request
- 6Closing (Yours obediently / Yours faithfully)
- 7Name, Class and Signature of the applicant
Language Features
- Use formal and polite language
- Clearly state the reason and duration of leave
- Be brief and to the point
- Use respectful tone throughout
- Request permission politely
Useful Phrases
| Purpose | Useful Expressions |
|---|---|
| Stating the purpose | I most respectfully beg to state that…, I am writing to request leave… |
| Giving reason | I am suffering from…, I have to attend…, due to a family function… |
| Requesting leave | I therefore request you to grant me leave for… days…, Kindly grant me leave from… to… |
| Closing | I shall be grateful…, Thanking you, Yours obediently |
Tips for Writing a Leave Application (SEE)
- 1Follow the correct formal letter format.
- 2Write a clear subject line.
- 3State the reason for leave briefly and honestly.
- 4Mention the exact dates or number of days required.
- 5Use polite and respectful language.
- 6Keep the application short and clear.
- 7End with a proper closing and your details.
- 8Check spelling, dates and format carefully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Missing the subject line.
- 2Not mentioning the duration of leave clearly.
- 3Using informal or casual language.
- 4Writing a very long and unnecessary explanation.
- 5Incorrect letter format.
- 6Forgetting to write class and name at the end.
How Leave Application Appears in SEE
- Write an application to the Principal requesting sick leave.
- Write an application for leave to attend a family function / marriage ceremony.
- Prepare a leave application in about 100 words.
Model Example
Kathmandu 13th August 2026 The Principal Shree Secondary School Kathmandu Subject: Application for sick leave Respected Sir, I most respectfully beg to state that I have been suffering from fever since yesterday. The doctor has advised me to take rest for three days. I therefore request you to grant me leave from 13th August to 15th August 2026. I shall be grateful to you for this kindness. Yours obediently, Hari Bahadur Thapa Class 10
Quick Revision
- Formal letter format
- Clear subject line
- Reason + duration of leave + polite request
- Respectful and formal language
- Proper closing with name and class
- Keep it short and clear
Leave Application — Practice
Study the situations carefully. Write your own leave application first. Then compare it with the model answer.
Example 1
Situation: Write an application to the Principal requesting three days’ leave to attend your sister’s marriage. Model Application: Lalitpur 12th August 2026 The Principal Green Valley Secondary School Lalitpur Subject: Application for leave to attend sister’s marriage Respected Sir, I most respectfully beg to state that the marriage ceremony of my elder sister is going to be held on 18th August 2026. I need to go to my village to attend the ceremony and help my family. I therefore request you to grant me leave from 17th August to 19th August 2026. I shall be grateful for your kind permission. Yours obediently, Sita Sharma Class 10
Example 2
Situation: Write an application for two days’ sick leave due to fever. Model Application: Bhaktapur 14th August 2026 The Principal Shree Janata Secondary School Bhaktapur Subject: Application for sick leave Respected Madam, I beg to state that I have been suffering from high fever since last night. The doctor has advised me to take complete rest for two days. I therefore request you to grant me leave from 14th August to 15th August 2026. I shall be thankful to you for this kindness. Yours obediently, Ramesh Adhikari Class 10
Example 3
Situation: Write an application requesting leave for one day to attend a relative’s funeral. Model Application: Kathmandu 11th August 2026 The Principal Himalayan Secondary School Kathmandu Subject: Application for leave due to a family bereavement Respected Sir, I most respectfully inform you that one of my close relatives passed away yesterday. I have to attend the funeral ceremonies today. I therefore request you to grant me leave for 11th August 2026. I shall be grateful for your kind consideration. Yours obediently, Bikash Thapa Class 10
Example 4
Situation: Write an application for four days’ leave to visit your grandparents in the village. Model Application: Pokhara 10th August 2026 The Principal Shree Secondary School Pokhara Subject: Application for leave to visit grandparents Respected Sir, I beg to state that my grandparents are not keeping well. My parents have decided that I should visit them in the village. I therefore request you to grant me leave from 12th August to 15th August 2026. I shall be very grateful for your kind permission. Yours obediently, Anita Gurung Class 10
Example 5
Situation: Write an application requesting leave for two days due to an urgent family matter. Model Application: Kathmandu 13th August 2026 The Principal Shree Secondary School Kathmandu Subject: Application for leave due to urgent family work Respected Sir, I most respectfully beg to state that there is an urgent family matter that requires my presence at home. I therefore request you to grant me leave from 14th August to 15th August 2026. I shall be thankful to you for your kind cooperation. Yours obediently, Nabin Shrestha Class 10