7th Pay Commission Leave Rules 2026, in fact, still apply for all central government employees, even after the official termination of the commission on the 31st of December, 2025. No major changes have been done up to 2026 which follows the existing entitlements under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 (as modified by 7th CPC). These rules are meant to bring harmony between employees’ work life and personal life while in the office.
Why Leave Rules Are Important
It is these rules that become guides for employees’ better health care, managing family responsibilities, attending to emergencies, or just relaxation rest from work, making the system easier, given that there is still a constant push for more labor-saving in many other directions. The 7th Pay Commission supported most earlier leave types while helping clarify aspects concerning accumulation, encashment, and special leaves. These benefits have been retained for 2026, thus making the system stable until a new recommendation mated by the 8th Pay Commission is adopted.
Main Types of Leave Available
Central employees enjoy a wide range of leave categories to meet different needs.
| Leave Type | Annual Entitlement | Key Features & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Leave (CL) | 8 days | For short, unforeseen needs; not carried forward |
| Earned Leave (EL) | 30 days | Credited 2.5 days/month; max accumulation 300 days |
| Half Pay Leave (HPL) | 20 days | On half pay; convertible to full pay with medical certificate |
| Child Care Leave (CCL) | Up to 730 days total | For women employees to care for children under 18 |
| Maternity Leave | 180 days | For female employees; can combine with other leave |
| Paternity Leave | 15 days | For male employees (limited to two children) |
These entitlements support work-life balance effectively.
Accumulation & Encashment Benefits
Earned Leave accumulates up to 300 days and can be encashed at retirement, resignation, or during Leave Travel Concession (LTC) journeys (up to 10 days per block). Half Pay Leave can be commuted to full pay for medical reasons. These guidelines provide both financial protection and rest.
Special Leaves for Family & Health
Maternity leave encompasses 180 days for women. Paternity leave gives 15 days to fathers for their two children. Child Care Leave offers 730 days in total during the entire service for women employees to look after minor children. Commuted leave and Work Related Illness/Injury Leave provide more support in emergencies.
The 7th Pay Commission Leave Rules 2026 assure ongoing benefits and retain fairness for central government employees. For any fine point clarifications or subsequent procedural updates, one may always go back to the most recently issued DoPT circulars or one’s department’s administrative section.
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