Indians are known for their creativity, but when it comes to skipping work or school, our innovation reaches legendary levels. From divine interventions to mysteriously recurring illnesses, we have an excuse for every occasion—sometimes so bizarre that they deserve an award.
Here are 20 of the funniest, most outrageous, and oddly believable excuses Indians have used to dodge work or school.
1. “Dadi Ki Tabiyat Kharab Hai” (Grandmother Is Unwell—Again!)
The classic grandparent illness excuse has been in circulation for generations. The same dadi has made more miraculous recoveries than a Bollywood hero. Some dadis have even “fallen sick” multiple times in a single semester—truly a medical marvel!
2. “Ghar Mein Pooja Hai” (There’s a Religious Ceremony at Home)
A pooja (religious ritual) is the ultimate foolproof excuse. Whether it’s a Satyanarayan Katha, a havan, or just “Mummy ne bola hai,” no one questions it. Bonus points if you bring prasad the next day—it adds authenticity.
3. “Raste Mein Gai Aa Gayi” (A Cow Blocked the Road)
In India, cows are VIPs of the road. If one decides to sit in the middle of the street, you’re not moving until she does. This excuse is so relatable that no boss or teacher will argue with it.
4. “Bijli Chali Gayi, Alarm Nahi Baja” (Power Cut, Alarm Didn’t Ring)
Blaming a power cut is an unbeatable excuse—especially in areas where load shedding still exists. Just throw in “transformer ud gaya tha” for extra believability.
5. “Mera Wi-Fi Kharab Ho Gaya” (My Wi-Fi Stopped Working)
A go-to excuse for students and employees working from home. Given India’s love-hate relationship with internet providers, this one is practically bulletproof. Just make sure you’re not caught streaming cricket in the background.
6. “Mujhe Urgent Bank Ka Kaam Hai” (I Have Urgent Bank Work)
Banks in India are like black holes—once you enter, there’s no telling when you’ll return. No one questions a bank-related excuse because they’ve suffered through it themselves.
7. “Aaj Shaniwar Hai, Main Nahi Nikal Sakta” (It’s Saturday, I Can’t Leave the House)
Many Indians take astrology very seriously. If Shani is in a bad mood or Rahu-Ketu are playing hide and seek, you simply cannot step out. Who dares to challenge planetary misalignment?
8. “Bhai Ka Result Aane Wala Hai” (My Brother’s Exam Results Are Coming Out)
Because obviously, your entire family needs to be present for this earth-shattering event. If the results are bad, there will be mourning. If they’re good, there will be celebrations. Either way, no work is happening.
9. “Aaj Ghar Mein Koi Nahi Hai” (No One’s Home, I Have to Watch the House)
Indian households follow an unwritten rule: someone must stay home when the house is empty. Whether you’re actually home alone or just using this as an excuse to nap, it works every time.
10. “Chacha Ji Aa Rahe Hain” (Uncle Is Visiting)
In Indian families, an uncle’s visit is treated like a major diplomatic event. Even if Chacha Ji last came unannounced five years ago, his sudden arrival today is reason enough to skip everything.
11. “Mere Pet Ko Doctor Ke Paas Le Jaana Hai” (My Pet Has a Vet Appointment)
The beauty of this excuse? No one can verify it. Even if your “pet” is an imaginary dog named Sheru, it works. Just add a sad tone for extra sympathy.
12. “Auto Waale Ne Beech Raste Chhod Diya” (The Auto Driver Left Me Midway)
With Indian public transport, anything is possible. Whether the auto driver suddenly changed routes or the bus broke down, this excuse is just vague enough to be believable.
13. “Pados Wale Uncle Ka Accident Ho Gaya” (My Neighbor Had an Accident)
This is a high-risk, high-reward excuse. It works because Indians are deeply involved in neighborhood affairs. Just make sure your boss doesn’t bump into your perfectly healthy neighbor the next day.
14. “Mummy Ka Phone Aaya, Jaldi Ghar Aana Padega” (Mom Called, I Have to Rush Home)
Indian moms have an unquestionable authority. Whether it’s a genuine emergency or just “Papa ghar pe aaye hain,” their call is the ultimate work/school exit pass.
15. “Gas Khatam Ho Gaya, Cylinder Aane Wala Hai” (Our Cooking Gas Is Finished, Waiting for a Cylinder)
A solid excuse for work-from-home employees. Everyone knows waiting for the gas cylinder guy is like waiting for an Indian train—it’ll come eventually, but you have no idea when.
16. “Bhai Ki Shaadi Ki Shopping Karni Hai” (Shopping for My Brother’s Wedding)
Weddings in India are serious business. Even if the wedding is six months away, preparations start now. No one dares question wedding shopping—it’s practically a full-time job.
17. “Mujhe Bukhaar Ho Gaya” (I Suddenly Got a Fever)
The classic sick leave excuse. The key is to sound weak and throw in just enough fake coughing to be convincing—but not so much that they recommend a hospital visit.
18. “Cycle Puncture Ho Gayi” (My Bicycle Got a Puncture)
For school kids, this is a legendary excuse. It’s easy, effective, and almost impossible to prove wrong. Just remember to walk your cycle the next day to sell the story.
19. “Baarish Bahut Ho Rahi Hai” (It’s Raining Too Much)
Monsoon season = built-in excuse generator. Whether it’s a light drizzle or a full-blown flood, rain is always a reliable way out of commitments.
20. “Main Galat Office Chala Gaya” (I Went to the Wrong Office by Mistake)
A hilariously risky excuse for corporate employees. You claim you “forgot” your own office location and landed at a different branch. The only problem? Your boss might recommend a brain scan instead of approving your leave.
Conclusion
Indians don’t just skip work or school—we do it with flair. From blaming astrology to unexpected family commitments, our excuses are an art form, passed down through generations.
So, the next time you need a day off, take inspiration from this list. Just remember, your boss or teacher might be reading this too!
