CCS Leave Rules 1972: Complete Guide for Central Government Employees, EL, HPL, CCL & FAQs
An easy-to-understand, chapter-wise guide to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, covering Earned Leave, Half Pay Leave, Commuted Leave, Leave Not Due, Extraordinary Leave, Maternity, Paternity, Child Adoption, Child Care Leave, WRIIL, Leave Encashment, Retirement, Study Leave and important leave-administration questions.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This guide is prepared for general information and educational purposes for Central Government employees, Heads of Office, Leave Sanctioning Authorities, administrators and other readers dealing with leave matters.
The explanations, examples and FAQs are intended to make the official rules easier to understand. They do not replace the CCS (Leave) Rules, Government notifications, Office Memoranda, departmental instructions, delegated powers or orders of the competent authority.
Where a later Government notification, Office Memorandum, departmental instruction or applicable special rule differs from the explanation on this page, the latest applicable official instruction will prevail.
Staffcorner.in does not sanction leave and does not determine individual leave entitlement. Employees and offices should verify a particular case with the competent authority before relying on it for an official decision.
📌 Current Rule Position
This guide explains the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 in simple language and incorporates the latest amendments, Government instructions and relevant provisions available at the time of review.
The article is intended to be a practical reference for employees and offices. Where a later official instruction changes a provision, the latest applicable Government instruction should always be followed.
CCS Leave Rules — Quick Facts
Chapter 1 — Applicability, Definitions & Basic Principles
The CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 are the principal leave rules for the Government servants to whom they apply. Before calculating EL, HPL, CCL or any other leave, it is important to establish whether the employee is actually governed by these rules. Rule 2 contains a number of exclusions, while Rule 3 explains important expressions used throughout the rules.
The most important general principle is equally simple: leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right. At the same time, the authority cannot casually change the kind of leave requested by the employee. These basic principles affect almost every leave application.
Who is generally excluded?
The rules exclude, among others, Railway servants, members of All India Services, casual/daily-rated/part-time employees, persons paid from contingencies and persons governed by other specified leave rules.
FAQs — Applicability & Definitions
Do the CCS (Leave) Rules apply to every Central Government employee?
No. Rule 2 contains specific exclusions. The employee’s service category and the rules governing that category must be checked.
What does “completed years of service” mean?
It refers to continuous service under the Central Government, including periods spent on duty and leave, including Extraordinary Leave.
What is “foreign service” under the Leave Rules?
It means service in which the Government servant receives pay, with Government sanction, from a source other than the Consolidated Fund of India, a State or a Union Territory.
Do the CCS Leave Rules continue during temporary transfer or foreign service in India?
Yes, in the circumstances covered by Rule 4.
FAQs — Right to Leave
Can leave be claimed as a matter of right?
No. Leave cannot be claimed as of right. The competent authority may refuse or revoke leave when public-service exigencies require it, subject to the provisions of the rules.
Can the authority change the kind of leave I applied for?
The competent authority cannot alter the kind of leave due and applied for except at the written request of the Government servant.
Should leave ordinarily be granted during the last ten years of service?
Leave should not ordinarily be denied during the last ten years of service. This should not be read as an absolute prohibition on refusal in every circumstance.
Can different kinds of regular leave be combined?
Generally yes, subject to the conditions in the rules. Casual Leave is different because it is not recognised as regular leave under the CCS (Leave) Rules.
What is the maximum period of continuous leave?
Normally, no Government servant may be granted leave of any kind for a continuous period exceeding five years, subject to the specific provisions of Rule 12.
Can a Government servant take private employment while on leave?
Previous sanction is required for service or employment of the kind covered by Rule 13. The rule also contains specified exceptions.
Chapter 2 — Leave Application, Leave Account & Medical Leave
A leave application does not end with the employee selecting a leave type and submitting a form. The office must verify whether the leave is actually admissible, confirm the available balance where relevant, and obtain sanction from the authority competent to grant that kind of leave.
Medical leave requires particular care. A medical certificate supports the application but is not, by itself, a sanction order. The rules also prescribe the medical authorities and the circumstances in which a second medical opinion may be obtained.
Important: Leave account responsibility varies
The rule distinguishes between Gazetted and non-Gazetted Government servants and also provides a specific exception for certain Gazetted employees whose pay is drawn and disbursed by the Head of Office.
FAQs — Application & Administration
Which form is used to apply for leave?
Application for leave or extension of leave is made in Form 1.
Who maintains the leave account of a Gazetted Government servant?
Normally the Audit Officer maintains the leave account of a Gazetted Government servant. Where pay and allowances are drawn and disbursed by the Head of Office, the Head of Office maintains it.
Can provisional leave be sanctioned when the admissibility report is delayed?
Yes. Where obtaining the admissibility report would cause undue delay, provisional sanction may be granted for up to 60 days, subject to subsequent verification.
Can leave be granted when dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement has been decided?
Rule 17 restricts the grant of leave in such circumstances.
Can a medical certificate itself guarantee that leave will be granted?
No. A medical certificate is evidence for the leave application; it does not itself create an entitlement to leave not otherwise admissible.
Can the requirement of a medical certificate be waived for very short medical leave?
The leave sanctioning authority may, at discretion, waive production of the medical certificate where the leave applied for on medical grounds is for less than three days.
Can a second medical opinion be obtained?
Yes. Where required, the authority competent to grant leave can arrange a second medical examination in accordance with the rule.
Chapter 3 — Holidays, Recall, Return from Leave & Overstayal
Some of the most practical leave problems occur after leave has already been sanctioned. Employees often want to know whether a holiday can be attached to leave, what happens when they are recalled early, whether they may return before the approved date, and what happens if they fail to return when the leave ends.
These matters are not merely office conventions. They are expressly dealt with in Rules 21–25 and can affect leave salary, travel, duty status and subsequent leave accounting.
FAQs
Can holidays be prefixed or suffixed to leave?
Rule 22 contains provisions regarding prefixing and suffixing holidays to leave. The precise treatment depends on the kind of leave and the circumstances under which it is taken.
What happens if I am recalled from leave before it expires?
Recall before expiry is governed by Rule 23. The period spent in travelling back to the station and taking over charge receives the treatment specified by that rule, including the prescribed travelling allowance provisions.
Can I return from leave before the sanctioned date?
A Government servant should not return before expiry of leave unless permitted by the authority that granted the leave. Special conditions apply to Leave Preparatory to Retirement.
Is a fitness certificate required after medical leave?
In the circumstances specified by Rule 24, a certificate of fitness to return to duty in Form 5 is required.
What happens if an employee remains absent after leave expires?
Unless the leave is extended, no leave salary is payable for the unauthorised absence. The period is dealt with under Rule 25, including debit to HPL to the extent HPL is due and treatment of the excess as EOL. Wilful absence can also attract disciplinary action.
Chapter 4 — Earned Leave (EL)
Earned Leave is the principal accumulated leave available to most Central Government employees outside Vacation Departments. It is normally credited in advance twice a year and can accumulate up to the prescribed ceiling.
The important point is that the familiar 300-day figure does not mean that every employee can simply take 300 days at once. The rules separately regulate the amount that can be granted at one time, how the advance credit works near the ceiling, and how EL is calculated when an employee joins, retires, resigns or has periods of EOL or dies-non.
| EL issue | Current position |
|---|---|
| Normal annual credit | 15 days on 1 January + 15 days on 1 July. |
| Maximum accumulation | 300 days, subject to the detailed provisions of Rule 26. |
| Normal maximum grant at one time in India | 180 days. |
| Special outside-India provision | Up to 300 days in the circumstances specified by Rule 26(3). |
FAQs — Earned Leave
How many days of EL are normally credited each year?
30 days in total: 15 days on 1 January and 15 days on 1 July, subject to the conditions of Rule 26.
What is the maximum EL that can normally remain at credit?
The normal maximum accumulation is 300 days.
How much EL can normally be granted at one time?
Normally up to 180 days for a Government servant employed in India, subject to the special provisions of Rule 26.
Can more than 180 days of EL ever be granted?
Yes. The special circumstances in Rule 26(3) permit more than 180 days and up to 300 days for the categories and circumstances specified there.
How is EL calculated when an employee joins during a half-year?
Rule 27 provides the calculation based on completed calendar months of service likely to be rendered during the relevant half-year.
Does private-ground EOL affect the next EL credit?
Yes. Rule 27 provides for reduction of the subsequent advance EL credit by one-tenth of the period of EOL on private grounds or dies-non, subject to the maximum reduction prescribed by the rule.
Does EOL on medical grounds receive the same EL reduction?
The reduction under Rule 27(3) is specifically linked to EOL on private grounds and dies-non. Medical-ground EOL should therefore not automatically be treated in the same way.
What happens to EL credit when the balance is close to 300 days?
Rule 26 contains a special mechanism for advance credit and adjustment when the existing balance is near the 300-day ceiling. The employee should therefore not assume that every 15-day advance credit permanently increases the balance beyond the ceiling.
Chapter 5 — Half Pay Leave (HPL)
Half Pay Leave is another major leave account under the rules. Unlike EL, it does not carry the same general 300-day accumulation ceiling. HPL is normally credited twice a year and can be used for medical grounds as well as private affairs, subject to the rules.
HPL also becomes particularly important when an employee uses Commuted Leave or Leave Not Due, because both facilities are linked to the HPL account.
FAQs — HPL
How much HPL is credited each year?
Normally 10 days on 1 January and 10 days on 1 July.
Is there a maximum accumulation ceiling for HPL?
There is no general maximum accumulation ceiling for HPL comparable to the 300-day EL ceiling.
How is HPL calculated for a part-year appointment?
Rule 29 provides credit at the rate of 5/3 days for each completed calendar month of service likely to be rendered during the relevant half-year.
Can HPL be taken for private affairs?
Yes. HPL may be granted on medical certificate or on private affairs, subject to the rule.
How does dies-non affect HPL credit?
The subsequent HPL credit can be reduced by one-eighteenth of the period treated as dies-non, subject to the maximum reduction prescribed by Rule 29.
What is the leave salary during HPL?
A Government servant on HPL is entitled to leave salary equal to half the amount specified for Earned Leave under Rule 40(1).
Chapter 6 — Commuted Leave
Commuted Leave is one of the areas where employees often misunderstand the wording of the rule. It does not create an independent pool of full-pay leave. Instead, it is granted by commuting HPL in accordance with Rule 30.
The most important practical formula is simple: two days of HPL are debited for one day of Commuted Leave. That is why the special 180-day study provision must be read carefully.
Commuted Leave — the practical formula
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| General medical commutation | Granted subject to the medical-certificate and HPL conditions of Rule 30. |
| Debit ratio | 2 days HPL are debited for each 1 day of Commuted Leave. |
| Leave salary | Full-pay treatment under Rule 40(4). |
| Approved-study provision without medical certificate | Up to 180 days of HPL may be commuted, resulting in up to 90 days of actual Commuted Leave. |
⚠️ Important distinction
“HPL up to 180 days may be commuted” does not mean that 180 days of actual Commuted Leave can be taken under this study provision. Because the debit is 2:1, 180 days of HPL permits up to 90 days of actual Commuted Leave.
Simple example
90 days Commuted Leave → 180 days HPL debited.
This distinction is worth remembering whenever the phrase “180 days may be commuted” appears in the rule.
FAQs — Commuted Leave
How much Commuted Leave can normally be granted on medical grounds?
It is governed by the amount of HPL due and the conditions of Rule 30, including the limitation relating to the amount of HPL that may ordinarily be commuted.
How much HPL is debited for one day of Commuted Leave?
Two days of HPL are debited for every one day of Commuted Leave.
How much actual Commuted Leave can be taken without a medical certificate for approved study?
Up to 90 days of actual Commuted Leave, because Rule 30(1-A) permits HPL up to 180 days to be commuted and Rule 30(2) requires a 2:1 HPL debit ratio.
What is the leave salary during Commuted Leave?
It is equal to the amount admissible under Rule 40(1).
What happens if an employee voluntarily retires while on Commuted Leave without returning to duty?
Subject to the exceptions in Rule 30, the difference between Commuted Leave salary and HPL salary may be recovered in the circumstances specified by the rule.
Chapter 7 — Leave Not Due (LND)
Leave Not Due is a special facility under Rule 31 that allows a Government servant to use HPL in advance, subject to important safeguards. It is therefore different from ordinary HPL and should not be treated as a simple “extra leave” entitlement.
The rule is particularly important where the employee has insufficient HPL at present but is expected to earn future HPL and there is a reasonable prospect of returning to duty.
FAQs — Leave Not Due
When can Leave Not Due be granted?
It may be granted when the conditions of Rule 31 are satisfied, including the requirement that there is a reasonable prospect of the Government servant returning to duty.
What is the maximum Leave Not Due during the entire service?
Up to 360 days during the entire service, subject to Rule 31.
What happens if an employee takes LND and then resigns before earning it back?
Rule 31 contains cancellation and recovery provisions for the unearned portion, subject to the exceptions stated in the rule.
Can medical-ground EOL be converted retrospectively into LND?
Yes, where the requirements of the Note below Rule 10 and the proviso to Rule 31 are satisfied.
Chapter 8 — Extraordinary Leave (EOL)
Extraordinary Leave is intended for circumstances specifically provided by Rule 32. It is important because it normally carries no leave salary and, depending on the circumstances, can affect future leave credit.
The limits applicable to employees not in permanent or quasi-permanent employment also vary according to the reason for which EOL is being taken. Therefore, a single “maximum EOL” figure should not be applied to every employee or every circumstance.
FAQs — EOL
When can Extraordinary Leave be granted?
EOL may be granted when no other leave is admissible or when the Government servant requests it in writing, subject to Rule 32.
Does EOL carry leave salary?
No. No leave salary is admissible during EOL.
Does EOL affect future EL credit?
EOL can affect subsequent EL credit where Rule 27(3) applies. The reduction is specifically linked to EOL on private grounds and dies-non, subject to the rule’s maximum reduction.
What is the ordinary EOL limit for a temporary employee?
The ordinary limit is three months, with longer periods available in the special cases provided by Rule 32(2).
Can a longer period of EOL be granted for specified serious illness?
Yes. Rule 32 contains specified provisions permitting longer EOL in cases of serious/chronic illness, subject to its conditions.
Can EOL be granted for higher studies?
Rule 32 provides a special EOL provision for specified public-interest study situations, subject to the service and other conditions stated in the rule.
Chapter 9 — Leave Preparatory to Retirement (LPR) & LTC Encashment
Retirement-related leave questions are among the most searched and most misunderstood areas of the CCS Leave Rules. LPR and leave encashment are related, but they are not the same thing.
LPR is leave taken before retirement. Leave encashment is a cash equivalent paid in lieu of eligible leave in the circumstances specified by the rules. LTC encashment is yet another distinct facility.
Leave Preparatory to Retirement
LPR may be granted to the extent of leave due, subject to the conditions and ceiling specified by Rule 38. The leave extends up to and includes the retirement date.
EL Encashment with LTC
Up to 10 days of EL may be encashed while availing LTC, subject to the prescribed conditions and overall career ceiling.
FAQs — LPR & LTC
Can Extraordinary Leave be included in LPR?
No. The Note below Rule 38 excludes EOL from LPR.
How many days of EL can be encashed with LTC?
Up to 10 days at a time, subject to the conditions of Rule 38-A.
How much EL must remain after LTC leave encashment?
The rule requires the prescribed minimum EL balance to remain after taking into account leave and encashment. The detailed condition should be checked in Rule 38-A before applying.
Does LTC leave encashment reduce the normal retirement encashment quantum?
No. Rule 38-A provides that EL encashed under that rule is not deducted from the quantum available under the specified retirement encashment provisions.
Chapter 10 — Retirement, Resignation, Death & Leave Encashment
The amount of leave that can be converted into cash depends on how the employee leaves Government service. Retirement, resignation, death in service, invalidation and permanent absorption are not treated identically.
| Situation | Key position |
|---|---|
| Normal retirement | EL + HPL at credit, subject to the overall ceiling prescribed by Rule 39. |
| Resignation/quitting | EL encashment to the extent of half of EL at credit, maximum 150 days. |
| Death in service | EL + HPL at credit up to the prescribed ceiling, payable to family as provided. |
| Permanent absorption | Special cash-equivalent provision under Rule 39-D. |
FAQs — Encashment
What is the normal retirement encashment ceiling?
The overall ceiling for EL and HPL together is 300 days.
How is retirement leave encashment calculated?
The cash equivalent is calculated using pay and Dearness Allowance in the manner prescribed by Rule 39.
Can Commuted HPL be used simply to make up a shortfall in EL for retirement encashment?
No. Rule 39 specifically restricts the use of Commuted HPL for merely making up a shortfall in EL available for encashment.
How much EL can generally be encashed on resignation?
Cash equivalent may be granted to the extent of half of the EL at credit, subject to a maximum of 150 days.
What happens to leave encashment when an employee dies in service?
The cash equivalent of EL and HPL at credit, subject to the prescribed ceiling, is payable to the family in the manner specified by the rules.
What is the position on permanent absorption in a PSU or autonomous body?
Rule 39-D provides a specific cash-equivalent facility for permanent absorption, subject to the conditions and ceiling in that rule.
Chapter 11 — Leave Salary & Leave Salary Advance
Leave balance and leave salary are two separate questions. The kind of leave taken determines the leave salary payable, and Extraordinary Leave is fundamentally different because it carries no leave salary.
| Leave | General treatment |
|---|---|
| Earned Leave | Pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave, subject to Rule 40. |
| HPL / LND | Half the amount specified for EL leave salary. |
| Commuted Leave | Leave salary equal to the amount admissible under Rule 40(1). |
| EOL | No leave salary. |
FAQs — Leave Salary
What is the leave salary during Earned Leave?
Generally the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on Earned Leave, subject to Rule 40.
What is the leave salary during HPL or LND?
Half the amount specified for EL leave salary.
What is the leave salary during Commuted Leave?
It is equal to the amount admissible under Rule 40(1).
Is leave salary paid during EOL?
No.
Chapter 12 — Maternity, Paternity, Child Adoption & Child Care Leave
Family-related leave has seen important amendments over time, so this is an area where employees should be especially cautious about old articles and old PDF copies circulating online.
The provisions cover Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Child Adoption Leave and Child Care Leave. The current position also contains a hospitalisation-related CCL relaxation introduced in 2024.
Maternity Leave
A female Government servant with fewer than two surviving children may be granted 180 days of Maternity Leave. The current rules also contain provisions concerning miscarriage/ abortion and surrogacy.
Paternity Leave
A male Government servant with fewer than two surviving children may be granted 15 days of Paternity Leave within the period prescribed by Rule 43-A.
Child Adoption Leave
A female Government servant with fewer than two surviving children may be granted 180 days in the circumstances prescribed by Rule 43-B.
Child Care Leave
Female Government servants and single male Government servants may be granted up to 730 days during the entire service for the two eldest surviving children, subject to Rule 43-C.
Normally not more than three spells may be granted in a calendar year. The 2024 relaxation permits additional spells in the specified inpatient-hospitalisation situation.
FAQs — Family Leave
How many days of Maternity Leave are available?
Up to 180 days, subject to Rule 43.
Is Maternity Leave debited to the regular leave account?
No.
How many days of Maternity Leave are available for miscarriage or abortion?
Up to 45 days during the entire service in the circumstances prescribed by Rule 43(3).
How many days of Paternity Leave are available?
15 days, subject to Rule 43-A.
When can Paternity Leave be taken?
Up to 15 days before delivery or within six months from the date of delivery, subject to the rule.
How many days of Child Adoption Leave are available?
Up to 180 days, subject to the conditions of Rule 43-B.
How many days of Child Care Leave are available during the entire service?
Up to 730 days during the entire service, subject to Rule 43-C.
For how many children can Child Care Leave be granted?
For the two eldest surviving children, subject to the conditions of Rule 43-C.
What is the normal maximum number of CCL spells in a calendar year?
Normally three spells. The 2024 hospitalisation relaxation permits additional spells in the specific circumstances stated by the Government instruction.
What is the minimum CCL spell?
Ordinarily CCL cannot be granted for less than five days at a time.
How is salary paid during Child Care Leave?
100% salary for the first 365 days and 80% salary for the next 365 days, subject to Rule 43-C.
Chapter 13 — WRIIL & Other Special Leave
Not all leave is part of the ordinary EL/HPL system. The rules contain special provisions for work-related illness or injury and certain special situations. These provisions are particularly important because they can provide treatment that differs substantially from ordinary medical leave.
Work Related Illness and Injury Leave (WRIIL)
WRIIL applies where illness or injury is attributable to or aggravated in the performance of official duties or in consequence of official position, subject to Rule 44.
The rule provides full pay and allowances during hospitalisation on account of WRIIL, subject to its conditions.
Special Leave connected with sexual-harassment inquiry
Up to 90 days may be granted to an aggrieved female Government servant during the pendency of the inquiry, under the conditions specified by Rule 48.
FAQs — Special Leave
What is WRIIL?
Work Related Illness and Injury Leave is a special leave provision for illness or injury attributable to or aggravated by official duties or official position.
Is full pay available during hospitalisation under WRIIL?
Yes, subject to the conditions of Rule 44.
Is Special Leave connected with a sexual-harassment inquiry debited to the regular leave account?
No.
Chapter 14 — Study Leave
Study Leave is a specialised facility and should not be confused with ordinary leave taken merely for personal education. Chapter VI sets out the purposes, eligibility conditions, maximum period, study-leave salary arrangements and the consequences of failing to fulfil the required post-study service conditions.
For most Government servants, the normal ceiling is 12 months at one time and 24 months during the entire service, subject to the special provisions of the rules.
| Issue | General position |
|---|---|
| Normal maximum at one time | 12 months. |
| Normal maximum during entire service | 24 months. |
| Special CHS provision | Special higher ceiling for the circumstances specified in Rule 51. |
| Normal service requirement | Subject to satisfactory completion of probation and the prescribed regular-service condition. |
FAQs — Study Leave
How much Study Leave can normally be availed during the entire service?
Normally up to 24 months during the entire service, subject to Rule 51.
How much Study Leave can normally be taken at one time?
Ordinarily up to 12 months at one time, subject to the rule’s conditions.
How much regular service is normally required before Study Leave?
The Government servant should satisfy the probation and regular continuous-service requirements prescribed by Rule 50.
Is Study Leave debited to the normal leave account?
No. Study Leave is not debited against the ordinary leave account.
Can Study Leave be combined with other leave?
Yes, subject to the total-absence limits prescribed in Rule 54.
Can money be recovered if an employee does not fulfil the post-study service conditions?
Yes. Rule 63 contains refund and recovery provisions covering leave salary, fees, travel and other expenditure in the circumstances specified by the rule.
Chapter 15 — Competent Authorities, Interpretation & Relaxation
The First Schedule is especially useful for Heads of Office, establishment sections and Leave Sanctioning Authorities because it identifies who is competent to grant different kinds of leave and how the powers may be delegated.
The rules also contain two important “last resort” provisions: Rule 64 deals with doubts regarding interpretation, while Rule 65 deals with relaxation in cases of undue hardship subject to the safeguards prescribed by the rule.
Competent authority
The First Schedule covers major forms of leave including EL, HPL, Commuted Leave, LND, EOL, Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Child Adoption Leave and Child Care Leave.
FAQs — Administration
Can any officer sanction any kind of leave?
No. The competent authority depends on the kind of leave and the applicable delegation of powers.
What happens if there is a doubt about interpretation of the CCS Leave Rules?
A doubt regarding interpretation is referred to the Government of India in the Ministry specified by Rule 64 for decision.
Can the Government relax a Leave Rule in a case of undue hardship?
Rule 65 provides a discretionary power to relax a rule where its operation causes undue hardship in the individual case and the prescribed safeguards and concurrence requirements are satisfied.
Does Rule 65 give an employee an automatic right to relaxation?
No. Relaxation is a discretionary power subject to the safeguards specified in the rule.
Quick Reference — Most Important CCS Leave Rules
Remember These
✔ Leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right — Rule 7.
✔ Normal continuous leave ceiling — 5 years — Rule 12.
✔ EL credit — 15 days on 1 January + 15 days on 1 July — Rule 26.
✔ Normal EL accumulation ceiling — 300 days.
✔ HPL credit — 10 days on 1 January + 10 days on 1 July — Rule 29.
✔ HPL has no general maximum accumulation ceiling.
✔ Commuted Leave — 2 HPL days debited for each 1 day of Commuted Leave.
✔ Approved-study commutation without medical certificate — up to 180 HPL may be commuted, giving up to 90 actual days of Commuted Leave.
✔ Leave Not Due — up to 360 days, subject to Rule 31.
✔ EOL — no leave salary.
✔ LPR does not include EOL.
✔ LTC EL encashment — up to 10 days at a time, subject to Rule 38-A.
✔ Normal retirement EL + HPL encashment ceiling — 300 days.
✔ Resignation EL encashment — half of EL at credit, maximum 150 days.
✔ Maternity Leave — 180 days, subject to Rule 43.
✔ Paternity Leave — 15 days, subject to Rule 43-A.
✔ Child Adoption Leave — 180 days, subject to Rule 43-B.
✔ Child Care Leave — 730 days during the entire service.
✔ Study Leave — ordinarily 12 months at one time and 24 months during the entire service.
Official Sources & Latest Updates
This article is based primarily on the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 as published by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India, together with applicable amendments, Government notifications and relevant subsequent Office Memoranda/instructions considered in preparing this guide.
The consolidated rule text used for the detailed review was the Department of Personnel & Training version updated as on 24 September 2024. Relevant later instructions have been considered separately where applicable.
Readers should always verify the latest official DoPT notification, Office Memorandum or departmental instruction for matters affected by subsequent amendments.
Editorial note: Staffcorner explains the rules in simpler language and does not reproduce the complete official rule book. The examples and FAQs are intended to make the provisions easier to understand and locate. For an official decision, the latest applicable Government rule/order and the competent authority’s decision will prevail.