CCS Leave Rules — Central Government Employee Guide

The Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 govern leave entitlements for all civilian Central Government employees. These rules define the types of leave, accrual rates, encashment, and rules of combination. State Government rules are largely modelled on CCS rules with minor variations.

Earned Leave (EL)

Earned at the rate of 2.5 days per month or 30 days per year, credited 15 days each on 1 January and 1 July in advance. Maximum accumulation is 300 days. Cash equivalent of accumulated EL is paid on retirement up to 300 days.

Half Pay Leave (HPL)

Accrued at 20 days per year — credited 10 days each on 1 January and 1 July. There is no accumulation cap. HPL can be taken on medical grounds or for private affairs.

Commuted Leave

Half Pay Leave can be commuted to Full Pay Leave on medical certificate from an Authorised Medical Attendant. Two days of HPL are debited for every one day of commuted leave granted. Maximum 180 days during entire service (240 days for permanent disability).

Casual Leave (CL)

Up to 8 days per calendar year for short personal exigencies. Cannot be accumulated. Can be combined with closed holidays but not with other leave types in most departments.

Special Casual Leave (SCL)

Granted for specific purposes — blood donation, sports representation, participating in cultural events, examination conducting duties, and tubectomy/vasectomy. Daily limits and total annual limits vary by category.

Maternity Leave

Women central government employees are entitled to 180 days of maternity leave for up to two surviving children. The leave may begin up to 8 weeks before expected delivery. No HPL is debited.

Child Care Leave (CCL)

Female employees with minor children below 18 (or below 22 for differently-abled children) may avail up to 730 days of CCL during entire service. CCL is at 100% pay for the first 365 days and 80% pay for the next 365 days. Single male parents also have analogous entitlement.

Paternity Leave

Male central government employees with fewer than two surviving children may avail 15 days of paternity leave within 6 months of delivery.

Adoption Leave

Female central government employees adopting a child below one year may avail 180 days of adoption leave. The leave is treated as maternity leave for service record purposes.

Study Leave

Available for higher studies in subjects of relevance to government service. Maximum 24 months during entire service (extended to 36 months for medical studies). Granted with specific service conditions and bond requirements.

How to apply

Most central government departments use the e-HRMS platform or NIC leave portals. The application is filed online, supervisor approves, and HR records the debit. Medical leave requires AMA certificate uploaded along with the application.