The leave rules established by the 7th Pay Commission continue to apply to central government staff members because the commission finished its work on December 31 2025. The existing leave entitlements which the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules 1972 as modified by 7th CPC recommendations provide will remain in force until the 8th Pay Commission issues new regulations. The rules establish work-life balance requirements which organizations must meet while delivering productivity results.
Types of Leave Available
Central government employees enjoy several categories of leave to cover personal, medical, family, and emergency needs.
| Leave Type | Entitlement per Year | Key Conditions & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Leave (CL) | 8 days | For short, unforeseen requirements; not accumulated |
| Earned Leave (EL) | 30 days | Credited 2.5 days/month; maximum accumulation 300 days |
| Half Pay Leave (HPL) | 20 days | On half pay; can be commuted to full pay with medical certificate |
| Child Care Leave (CCL) | Up to 730 days total | For female employees to care for minor children |
| Maternity Leave | 180 days | For female employees; can be combined with other leave |
| Paternity Leave | 15 days | For male employees (up to two children) |
These entitlements help employees manage personal and family responsibilities effectively.
Accumulation & Encashment Benefits
At retirement or resignation or during Leave Travel Concession (LTC) journeys which permit up to 10 days per block employees can encash their earned leave which accumulates until it reaches 300 days. Half Pay Leave converts to full pay when medical evidence supports the request. The provisions offer workers both financial protection and the ability to take time off from work.
Leave During Transition Period
The 8th Pay Commission has not yet introduced any new leave policies for the year 2026. Employees continue to follow 7th CPC rules for casual, earned, half-pay, maternity, paternity, child care, and other special leaves. Departments must approve leave requests according to the established regulations which currently exist.
Tips for Employees in 2026
Employees need to schedule their leave beforehand and document their accumulation records. Employees should use their earned leave for LTC travel to receive payment for unused leave time. Female employees should apply for CCL well before the child turns 18. Employees must review all current DoPT circulars to find new information.
The 7th Pay Commission Leave Update 2026 confirms that all present benefits will remain in effect until the new commission completes its recommendation process. The existing system permits employees to balance their work and personal responsibilities without facing unexpected interruptions.
Also read: Old Pension Scheme 2026: Latest Updates for Central & State Employees