Central Government Job Rules — Recruitment, Probation & Service Conditions

Central government jobs in India are categorised into four groups (A, B, C, D) and recruited through competitive examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRB, and several specialist agencies. Once recruited, employees are governed by the Fundamental Rules & Supplementary Rules (FR&SR), CCS Conduct Rules, and Pay Commission notifications.

Recruitment agencies

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — Civil Services, Engineering Services, Combined Defence Services
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC) — CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable, Stenographer, JE
• Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) — Group D, NTPC, ALP, JE, Paramedical
• Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) — PSU bank PO and Clerk
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) — Officer and Assistant
• EPFO and ESIC departmental exams
• Defence-specific entries — NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET

Reservation policy

Central government recruitment follows the constitutional reservation policy — 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC (NCL), 10% EWS, and horizontal reservations for women, persons with disabilities (4%), ex-servicemen and economically backward groups. The 50% ceiling on total reservation is observed except in special amendments.

Probation period

Most central government posts have a probation period of 2 years. During probation, the employee's performance is evaluated against the Probation Rules of the relevant cadre. Probation can be extended by one year. Discharge during probation is governed by the standing rules and natural justice principles.

CCS Conduct Rules

The CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 govern the moral and professional conduct of central government employees. Key rules include prohibition of accepting gifts, no engagement in private business, restrictions on political activity, intimation of immovable property transactions, and family commitment declarations.

CCS CCA Rules

The CCS (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 govern disciplinary proceedings. Penalties range from censure and withholding of increments to dismissal from service. Major penalties require formal inquiry and natural justice opportunity. Appeals can be filed within prescribed time limits.

7th Pay Commission framework

The 7th Central Pay Commission, implemented from 1 January 2016, introduced the Pay Matrix replacing the earlier Pay Bands. Pay Matrix Levels run from Level 1 (Group D) to Level 18 (Cabinet Secretary). Each Level has horizontal cells reflecting annual increments. Dearness Allowance is revised twice a year.

Allowances and benefits

• Dearness Allowance (DA) — revised every 6 months based on AICPI
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) — 9%, 18%, 27% of basic depending on city classification
• Transport Allowance — based on level and city
• Children Education Allowance — ₹2,250 per month per child (up to 2 children)
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC) — once every two years
• Medical facilities under CGHS
• NPS or OPS depending on date of joining

Promotion and transfers

Promotion is governed by the cadre-specific Recruitment Rules and the principle of seniority-cum-fitness. The MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) scheme guarantees three financial upgrades after 10, 20 and 30 years of service if no promotion is granted. Transfers follow departmental policy with regional rotation.