Wages register format (Excel)
A wages register records, for each staff member and each wage period, the days worked, the rate, what was earned (basic, DA, overtime, other), the deductions and the net amount paid, with the staff member's signature or thumb impression. This free Excel register follows the column layout of Form XVII of the old Contract Labour Central Rules, 1971, and works out basic wages, total and net pay for you. It is a format aid, not legal advice.
Part of our guide: How to calculate salary for contract staff (daily and monthly wage)
By HaazriPro Team · Last updated
Wages register, Form XVII-style, 30 staff
Excel (.xlsx) · free · no sign-up · opens in Excel, Google Sheets and WPS
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What columns does it have?
| Column | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Sl. No. | Running number. |
| Name of workman | Full name of the staff member. |
| Serial No. in register of workmen | Their number in your register of workmen. |
| Designation / nature of work | For example security staff, housekeeping, helper. |
| No. of days worked | Paid days in the wage period (half-day = 0.5). |
| Units of work done | Only for piece-rate work; leave blank otherwise. |
| Daily rate of wages (₹) | Basic daily rate. |
| Basic wages (₹) | Worked out: days worked × daily rate. |
| Dearness allowance (₹) | VDA / DA for the period, if paid separately. |
| Overtime (₹) | Overtime earnings for the period. |
| Other cash payments (₹) | Any other payment; write its nature in the remarks. |
| Total (₹) | Worked out: basic + DA + overtime + other. |
| Deductions (₹) | Advances recovered, fines, damage or loss, PF/ESI share. |
| Nature of deductions | Say what each deduction is for. |
| Net amount paid (₹) | Worked out: total − deductions. |
| Signature / thumb impression of workman | Taken when wages are paid. |
| Initial of contractor or representative | Your initials on payment. |
How do I fill it in?
- Fill the header once: contractor, establishment, nature and location of work, principal employer, and the wage period.
- Enter one row per staff member, using their number from your register of workmen.
- Enter days worked (from your monthly attendance sheet; a half-day is 0.5) and the daily rate. Basic wages fill in.
- Add DA, overtime and other payments. Enter deductions and write what each one is for, such as an advance recovered.
- Pay, take the signature or thumb impression, and initial the row.
Which wages register format applies now?
The Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025. For establishments under the central government, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026, notified on 8 May 2026, replaced the 1971 Contract Labour Central Rules. They prescribe a register of wages, overtime and deductions in Form XV, which can be kept electronically. Establishments under a state government follow that state's rules. The columns in this sheet cover the same information, but if you are inspected, use the form your rules prescribe. Check with your labour consultant. Our guide to contractor registers explains the change.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official form?
No. It follows the column layout of Form XVII (Register of Wages) under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Central Rules, 1971, which many contractors still know. Those central rules were superseded on 8 May 2026. Use it as a working register and check the format your current rules require.
How long must I keep the wages register?
Under the old Contract Labour Central Rules it was three years from the last entry. The 2026 central rules under the Labour Codes say five calendar years. Keeping five years is the safer choice; confirm the period that applies to you.
Can I keep it in Excel instead of a printed book?
The 2026 central rules allow registers to be kept electronically or otherwise. Keep a backup, and make sure you can print or show it on inspection.
Which deductions can I enter?
Only those the Code on Wages allows, such as recovery of advances, fines, deductions for damage or loss, and PF and ESI shares. Together they cannot exceed 50% of the wages for the period. Our guide on staff advances explains the rules.
Where do the days worked come from?
From your attendance record. If the attendance is wrong, the register is wrong. That is why HaazriPro builds the salary sheet directly from attendance marked against each staff member's face photo.
HaazriPro does this automatically from your attendance every month
Supervisors mark attendance by tapping each staff member's face photo, even offline. The salary sheet and the client bill are ready at month end.
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