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WB Working Hours 2026 Verified

Working Hours in West Bengal 2026

Daily and weekly limits, spread-over, rest intervals, overtime pay, and women night-shift rules for offices, shops, and factories in West Bengal.

8.5

Hrs / day (shops)

48

Hrs / week

2x

Overtime rate

1

Weekly off day

Source: West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963 and the Factories Act, 1948. Verify the latest West Bengal Labour Department notification before payroll lock.

Key Takeaway Last reviewed: June 2026

What are the working hours in West Bengal?

In West Bengal, shops cap work at 8.5 hours/day and 48 hours/week under the West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963; factories allow 9 hours/day under the Factories Act, 1948. Overtime is paid at twice the ordinary wage, capped at 50 hours / quarter.

Quick Reference

Working Hours Rules in West Bengal

Shops & Establishments Act limits for offices, retail, and services.

Rule Limit Note
Daily working hours (max) 8.5 hours Beyond this counts as overtime
Weekly working hours (max) 48 hours Spread across 6 working days
Spread-over (max) 10.5 hours Total span including breaks
Rest interval 30 minutes after 5 hours No continuous work beyond 5 hours
Weekly off 1 day Paid weekly holiday
Overtime cap 50 hours / quarter Statutory ceiling on overtime
Overtime rate 2x ordinary wages Double the ordinary wage rate
Night shift (women) Allowed With safety, transport, consent

Source: West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963. Verified as on June 2026. Cross-check the current West Bengal Labour Department notification before drafting HR policy.

Sector Comparison

Shops Act vs Factories Act in West Bengal

Factories follow the central Factories Act, 1948. Offices and shops follow the state Shops Act.

Parameter Shops & Establishments Factories
Daily hours 8.5 hours (S&E) 9 hrs (Sec 54)
Weekly hours 48 hours 48 hrs (Sec 51)
Spread-over 10.5 hours 10.5 hrs (Sec 56)
Rest interval 30 min / 5 hrs 30 min / 5 hrs (Sec 55)
Overtime rate 2x wages 2x wages (Sec 59)
OT cap 50 hours / quarter 50 hrs / quarter (Sec 64)

OSH Code 2020 - Impact on West Bengal

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 will replace the Factories Act and state Shops Acts once notified. It proposes a uniform daily limit, a 125-hour quarterly overtime cap, and double overtime pay. The Code is passed but its rules are not yet in force. West Bengal continues under the West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963 and the Factories Act, 1948 until notification.

factoHR India

Track West Bengal Working Hours and Overtime

factoHR India applies West Bengal daily and weekly caps, flags spread-over breaches, computes overtime at 2x, and keeps Form IX records audit-ready for inspections.

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FAQ

West Bengal Working Hours FAQs

What are the maximum working hours per day in West Bengal?
Shops and commercial establishments in West Bengal cap daily work at 8.5 hours under the West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963. Factories allow up to 9 hours per day under Section 54 of the Factories Act, 1948. Work beyond these limits qualifies as overtime.
What is the weekly working hour limit in West Bengal?
The weekly cap is 48 hours for both shops and factories. Hours beyond 48 in a week are paid as overtime at twice the ordinary wage rate. Every worker also gets one paid weekly off.
How is overtime paid in West Bengal?
Overtime is paid at 2x ordinary wages under the West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963 and Section 59 of the Factories Act, 1948. The overtime ceiling is 50 hours / quarter. The Code on Wages, 2019 standardises this double rate for all wage earners.
Can women work night shifts in West Bengal?
Yes. West Bengal permits women in night shifts with safeguards. Employers must provide written consent, safe transport, adequate lighting, security, and an Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act, 2013.
How does factoHR India track working hours in West Bengal?
factoHR India captures biometric, GPS, and selfie attendance, applies the West Bengal daily and weekly caps, flags spread-over breaches, and computes overtime at 2x. It keeps Form IX and audit-ready records for labour inspections.

If you employ staff in West Bengal, the same workforce is also covered by minimum wage rates in West Bengal, Professional Tax in West Bengal, Labour Welfare Fund rates in West Bengal, and the public holiday calendar for West Bengal. Keep every West Bengal statutory obligation aligned across your payroll.