# The Handbook — Public Guidance Export Version: 2026.08.30 Last updated: 2026-08-30 Canonical site: https://www.thehandbook.in Published guides: 48 Published CSD guides: 5 This file is generated from the same published Markdown allowlist as the public website. Staged and noindex material is excluded. The guidance is an independent summary, not an official authority. Confirm current applicability with the relevant unit or accounts office before acting. ## CSD catalogue reference Public catalogue: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd Private member tools: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/member The public catalogue is a server-rendered, dated reference. It excludes prices, stock, availability, entitlement claims, and private dealer/canteen data. Individual catalogue records are intentionally not duplicated in this export. --- # CSD guides Guide hub: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides These pages are independently published summaries based only on linked official sources. Their source-check date is shown, and named specialist review remains pending. ## How to Apply for or Replace a CSD Canteen Smart Card Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-smart-card-apply-replace Official sources checked: 2026-08-30 Review status: independent guidance; named specialist verification pending > **Independent guidance:** The official smart-card and AFD portals were > checked on 30 August 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not an official > application instruction. ## Overview Use the physical application route through a canteen if you are applying for your first CSD smart card or fall within a category the official portal sends offline. Existing cardholders may use the official online portal to request replacement grocery, liquor or dependent cards. The AFD shopping portal has a separate registration and approval process. ## Who this applies to This guide separates a first application, replacement of an existing card and registration for the AFD shopping portal. It does not establish eligibility, cover every physically routed case or promise approval, processing time, delivery time or acceptance of an uploaded document. ## First application or online replacement? The official [smart-card eligibility page](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/eligibility_conditions.html) makes the split clear: - **New or first-time applicant:** submit a physical application form through a canteen. - **Existing cardholder replacing a grocery, liquor or dependent card:** the online replacement portal may be used, subject to the portal's eligibility conditions. - **Special categories listed by the portal:** use the physical route even if the person is otherwise a beneficiary. Those physically routed categories include applicants without a PAN card, ex-servicemen with less than five years of service, marital-discord cases, several named organisations or defence-civilian categories, widows or next of kin, Veer Nari or next of kin of fatal battle casualties, and differently abled dependent children. Read the official page for the exact list. [CSD smart-card eligibility](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/eligibility_conditions.html) ## What you may need ### What an online replacement applicant must have The official instruction page lists these details for all online applicants: - The applicant's PAN number. - The applicant's operational mobile number and email address. - The ID and serial number of the applicant's previous grocery or liquor card. - Applicable single, joint-with-spouse and dependent photographs, each no larger than 150 KB. - Signature images for the applicant and dependants, where applicable, each no larger than 20 KB. - Photographs in civil dress. - The applicant's pay level as recorded in the current pay slip or PPO. [CSD smart-card important instructions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/important_Instructions.html) ### Category-specific evidence on the portal The same instruction page lists: - Appendix A for promoted serving Armed Forces personnel. - PPO for a pensioned ex-serviceman, with the pay level matching the category applied for. - Appendix B for an ex-serviceman without pension. - A current pay slip showing payment from Defence Estimates for a serving defence civilian. - A current PPO showing payment from Defence Estimates for a retired defence civilian, with the pay level matching the category. - Appendix D or an authorised document for an exempt-payment category such as a Chakra awardee. The page sets a 200 KB limit for each of those uploaded documents. [CSD smart-card important instructions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/important_Instructions.html) ## Rates and dates The portal's terms state a charge of Rs. 165 per smart card plus a Rs. 60 convenience charge per application for direct courier delivery. They also say the applicant can track status through the portal. Fees are described as non-refundable after payment except for failed online transactions or a duplicate payment for the same application. In certain rejected cases, a reapply option may be enabled and must be used within 90 days of the original application date. [CSD smart-card terms and conditions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/TermsConditions.aspx) These amounts and terms must be checked again before payment. ## Registering separately for AFD purchases A CSD smart card and an AFD portal account are related but not identical. The official AFD FAQ lists a valid grocery card, beneficiary mobile number and valid PAN card as mandatory for AFD registration. It also says the account remains invalid until administrator approval, after which notice is sent to the registered email address and mobile number. [Official AFD FAQ](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/faq/) After approval, use only the official AFD portal reached through the CSD website. CSD warns beneficiaries about fake sites and middlemen. [CSD official website](https://csdindia.gov.in/) ## Payment rules for an approved AFD demand The official payment page says payment must come from the beneficiary's own account. It directs beneficiaries to use the payment gateways on the portal and says direct bank transfer is not accepted except for loan cases. For a loan case, it provides a separate process for the lending bank's transfer and the beneficiary's balance payment. [Official AFD payment guidance](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/how-to-make-online-payments/) Always use the instructions and payment details generated by the live portal. This article deliberately does not reproduce bank-account numbers. ## Related guidance - [Who is eligible for CSD canteen facilities?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-canteen-eligibility/) - [When can CSD beneficiaries buy AFD items?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-afd-purchase-limits/) - [What are CSD, URC and AFD?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/what-is-csd-urc-afd/) ## Authorities and source references - Canteen Services Directorate, QMG Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army). - The applicant's canteen or URC for physically routed applications. - Canteen Stores Department AFD portal for AFD registration and payment. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order and does not establish an individual's entitlement. Confirm the applicable rule and your eligibility with the Canteen Services Directorate or your authorised Unit Run Canteen before acting. --- ## What Are CSD, URC and AFD in Defence Canteens? Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/what-is-csd-urc-afd Official sources checked: 2026-08-30 Review status: independent guidance; named specialist verification pending > **Independent guidance:** Official CSD sources were checked on 30 August > 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not an official eligibility decision. ## Overview CSD is the Ministry of Defence department that procures and distributes goods for authorised consumers. Unit Run Canteens, or URCs, are the retail outlets through which stocked goods reach beneficiaries. AFD, meaning Against Firm Demand, is the separate system used for specified goods that are procured for an identified buyer rather than stocked on URC shelves. ## What is the Canteen Stores Department? The Canteen Stores Department is a Government of India department under the Ministry of Defence. The official CSD history says the present department was born on 1 January 1948 and became a full-fledged government department on 1 April 1977. Its stated mission is to make quality consumer products available to the Armed Forces fraternity at cheaper rates across India. [CSD history and mission](https://csdindia.gov.in/history.html) CSD is the procurement and distribution organisation; it is not simply the shop a beneficiary visits. The official description places CSD Head Office, area depots and Unit Run Canteens in the same supply chain. [CSD history and depots](https://csdindia.gov.in/history.html) ## What is a Unit Run Canteen? A Unit Run Canteen is the retail point for authorised consumers. CSD describes URCs as one-stop shops offering food and beverages, toiletries and consumer durables. It also says URCs are spread across India for the convenience of troops. [CSD Unit Run Canteens](https://csdindia.gov.in/unit-run-canteens.html) This distinction matters: CSD procures and moves goods through its system, while a URC serves the beneficiary. A local question about opening hours, entry, stock or service therefore belongs with the relevant URC or local formation, not with an unofficial website. ## What does AFD mean? AFD means **Against Firm Demand**. CSD explains that Group VII goods cannot be stored or displayed at URCs, so CSD procures them from the trade for an end user against a firm demand. [CSD explanation of AFD](https://csdindia.gov.in/history.html) The official clientele page lists examples in Group VII such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, two-wheelers, cars, tractors, ovens, air conditioners and microwave ovens. The actual products offered can change, so the live official AFD portal is the place to check a listed item. [CSD clientele and inventory groups](https://csdindia.gov.in/clientele.html) The Ministry of Defence described the online AFD-I portal as the route for CSD beneficiaries to buy items including cars, motorcycles, scooters, televisions and refrigerators. [PIB, Ministry of Defence, 7 January 2022](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1788321&lang=2®=48) ## Who the official public description covers CSD's public clientele page names Army, Navy and Air Force personnel, select paramilitary forces and civilian organisations. It also says CSD serves families and ex-servicemen. That is a description of the clientele, not a complete rule for issuing an individual card. [CSD clientele](https://csdindia.gov.in/clientele.html) Do not infer personal eligibility from that summary alone. Card status, service category, pay level and the type of purchase can matter. Use the official smart-card and AFD eligibility pages and ask the competent canteen authority where the published material does not cover a case. ## Who this applies to This guide explains the public meaning of CSD, URC and AFD. It does not decide whether a named person may receive a smart card, enter a particular URC, buy a particular item or use a particular quota. Those questions require the applicable beneficiary and item rules. ## What CSD sells The official clientele page divides the inventory into seven groups: 1. Toiletries and cosmetics. 2. Household requisites. 3. General-use items. 4. Watches and stationery. 5. Liquor. 6. Food, stationery and medicinal items. 7. AFD goods. The examples above paraphrase the official classification; they do not promise that a particular product is listed or in stock. [CSD inventory groups](https://csdindia.gov.in/clientele.html) ## Rates or benefits No rate or personal benefit is stated in this terminology guide. The official mission refers to cheaper rates, but an item-specific price must be checked in the relevant CSD or AFD system on the date of purchase. ## What you may need No document is required merely to understand these terms. A transaction may require a valid card and category-specific evidence; see the related eligibility and application guides. ## Related guidance - [Who is eligible for CSD canteen facilities?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-canteen-eligibility/) - [When can CSD beneficiaries buy AFD items?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-afd-purchase-limits/) - [How to apply for or replace a CSD smart card](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-smart-card-apply-replace/) - [Why CSD prices can be lower](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/why-csd-prices-are-lower/) ## Authorities and source references - Canteen Stores Department, Ministry of Defence. - Canteen Services Directorate for card and beneficiary policy. - Unit Run Canteens for retail service to authorised consumers. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order and does not establish an individual's entitlement. Confirm the applicable rule and your eligibility with the Canteen Services Directorate or your authorised Unit Run Canteen before acting. --- ## When Can CSD Beneficiaries Buy Cars and Other AFD Items? Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-afd-purchase-limits Official sources checked: 2026-08-30 Review status: independent guidance; named specialist verification pending > **Independent guidance:** The live official AFD eligibility page was checked > on 30 August 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not an official order. ## Overview The waiting period depends on the item and beneficiary category. The official AFD page requires an eight-year gap between car purchases and, for some pay levels, also imposes a lifetime number of cars. It records block limits for televisions and air conditioners, while most other listed AFD-I goods have a four-year same-item gap. ## Who this applies to This guide covers the categories and AFD-I items displayed on the dedicated eligibility page on 30 August 2026. It does not cover grocery or liquor quotas, prove that a model is listed, or decide a case involving an inaccurate pay level or incomplete purchase history. ## Rates and dates The official page does not print an effective-from date beside the table. Accordingly, the figures below are described only as the values displayed on the date checked, not as permanently current rates. ### Four-wheeler eligibility table The figures below are a dated transcription of the dedicated [official AFD eligibility page](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) as checked on 30 August 2026. "Excluding taxes" is part of the official ceiling. | Category on the official page | Price ceiling excluding taxes | Purchase interval or limit | |---|---:|---| | Armed Forces, serving or retired, and widows as applicable; pay levels 3-5 | Rs. 8 lakh; Rs. 13 lakh for an electric vehicle | Four cars in a lifetime; first car after five years of service; eight-year gap between two car purchases | | Armed Forces, serving or retired, and widows as applicable; pay levels 6-9 | Rs. 10 lakh; Rs. 15 lakh for an electric vehicle | Five cars in a lifetime; first car after five years of service; eight-year gap between two car purchases | | Armed Forces, serving or retired, and widows as applicable; pay levels 10-18 | Rs. 20 lakh; Rs. 25 lakh for an electric vehicle | Once in eight years | | Serving or retired civilian officers paid from Defence Estimates, including family pensioners; pay levels 10-18 | Rs. 20 lakh; Rs. 25 lakh for an electric vehicle | Once in eight years | For the pay-level 3-5 and 6-9 categories, the page says pensioner widows or next of kin may purchase against the deceased individual's unavailed quota. It also says there is no entitlement where the individual had already used the full four- or five-car quota, as applicable. The eight-year gap still applies. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) ## TVs, air conditioners and other AFD-I items The same official page records: - Televisions: two in a four-year block. - Air conditioners: four in a four-year block. - Other AFD-I goods other than four-wheelers: one in four years from the date of the last purchase. - The gap between a purchase of the same item, or between two-wheeler purchases, is at least four years from the previous purchase. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) The page describes other AFD-I goods with examples including two-wheelers, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, laptops and desktops. A named model must actually appear on the live portal; an example in a policy heading is not a stock promise. ## When does the clock start? For four-wheelers, the official table describes the interval as the gap between two car purchases. For other AFD-I goods, it expressly measures the four-year period from the date of the last purchase. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) Do not substitute registration date, demand date or delivery date unless the official portal or competent authority tells you that it is the recorded purchase date for your case. ## Price ceiling is not a quoted final price The official car ceiling is stated before taxes. It does not say that every model below that number is listed, available or deliverable in every place. Check the product and price shown on the live AFD portal before creating a demand. [Official AFD portal](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/) ## Why this page must be rechecked The AFD portal can revise eligibility and it currently contains older figures in parts of its FAQ markup. This draft uses the dedicated live eligibility page, which displays the newer Rs. 8 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh bands. No older amount has been blended into the table. ## What you may need The official AFD FAQ names a valid grocery card, beneficiary mobile number and valid PAN card for portal registration. The portal must approve a registration before login becomes active. [Official AFD FAQ](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/faq/) ## Related guidance - [Who is eligible for CSD canteen facilities?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-canteen-eligibility/) - [How to use the official CSD card and AFD routes](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-smart-card-apply-replace/) - [Why CSD prices can be lower](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/why-csd-prices-are-lower/) ## Authorities and source references - Canteen Services Directorate. - Canteen Stores Department and its AFD portal. - The relevant CSD depot and nominated URC for an individual demand. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order and does not establish an individual's entitlement. Confirm the applicable rule and your eligibility with the Canteen Services Directorate or your authorised Unit Run Canteen before acting. --- ## Who Is Eligible for CSD Canteen Facilities? Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-canteen-eligibility Official sources checked: 2026-08-30 Review status: independent guidance; named specialist verification pending > **Independent guidance:** Official CSD, AFD and smart-card sources were > checked on 30 August 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not an official > eligibility decision. ## Overview Official CSD material names serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, families, ex-servicemen, and specified defence-civilian or other authorised groups among its clientele. That public description is not a complete individual-entitlement table. Access depends on an authorised CSD smart card, and eligibility for AFD purchases also depends on the buyer's category, pay level, item and previous purchases. ## Broad beneficiary groups named by CSD The official CSD clientele page says consumers include personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force together with select paramilitary forces and civilian organisations. It also states that CSD serves families and ex-servicemen. [CSD clientele](https://csdindia.gov.in/clientele.html) The Ministry of Defence has separately described AFD portal beneficiaries as including serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, war widows and civilian defence employees. [PIB, Ministry of Defence, 7 January 2022](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1788321&lang=2®=48) These are broad public descriptions. Neither source says that every person within a broad label automatically qualifies for every card or every item. ## Who this applies to This guide covers only categories expressly named on the linked public pages. It does not infer eligibility for an omitted service organisation, relative, dependant, discharge category or card type. The smart-card portal's physical application list is a routing instruction, not an exhaustive entitlement list. ## The smart card is the practical access credential The official online smart-card portal is specifically for existing holders who want replacement grocery, liquor or dependent cards. It is not the online first-application route. [CSD smart-card eligibility conditions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/eligibility_conditions.html) The same page directs all first-time or new applicants to apply through a physical application form through a canteen. It also requires the physical route for the following published categories: - Applicants without a PAN card. - Ex-servicemen with less than five years of service. - Marital-discord cases. - Serving and retired BRO/GREF, Assam Rifles, SFF and Coast Guard personnel. - Serving defence civilians on deputation. - The listed serving and retired defence-civilian categories connected with the Directorate of Ordnance, NCC or Sainik Schools. - Widows or next of kin in all categories. - Veer Nari or next of kin of a fatal battle casualty. - Differently abled dependent children. This list is a routing rule from the portal: it says **how those applicants must apply**. It should not be rewritten as a new or expanded entitlement rule. [CSD smart-card eligibility conditions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/eligibility_conditions.html) ## Eligibility for four-wheelers through AFD The live AFD eligibility page uses pay levels and beneficiary category. As checked on 30 August 2026, its four-wheeler table covers: - Armed Forces personnel, serving or retired, and widows as applicable, in pay levels 3 to 5. - Armed Forces personnel, serving or retired, and widows as applicable, in pay levels 6 to 9. - Armed Forces personnel, serving or retired, and widows as applicable, in pay levels 10 to 18. - Serving and retired civilian officers paid from Defence Estimates, including family pensioners, in pay levels 10 to 18. The table also sets price ceilings, lifetime limits for the first two bands, and minimum gaps between purchases. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) ## Eligibility for other AFD-I goods For the other AFD-I items listed on its page, the official portal names Armed Forces personnel (serving and retired), defence-civilian employees (serving and retired), and defence-civilian family pensioners, across pay levels 1 to 18. The same page imposes item-specific purchase intervals. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) ## What cannot be answered safely from the public summary The public pages checked for this draft do not provide one exhaustive matrix covering every family member, dependant, widow, service organisation, discharge situation and card type. This article therefore does not invent one. For a case that is not expressly covered, use the official card route and ask the competent canteen authority. Do not rely on a commercial blog, agent or middleman to decide entitlement. CSD warns that it does not deal with agents or middlemen and directs beneficiaries to reach the AFD portal through its official website. [CSD official website](https://csdindia.gov.in/) ## What you may need For online replacement of an existing card, the official instruction page requires the applicant's PAN, operational mobile number, operational email, and the ID and serial number of the applicant's previous grocery or liquor card. It also lists photographs, signatures and category-specific evidence. [CSD smart-card instructions](https://csdsmartcard.co.in/important_Instructions.html) For registration on the AFD portal, its FAQ names a valid grocery card, beneficiary mobile number and valid PAN card as mandatory. [Official AFD FAQ](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/faq/) ## Rates or benefits This article does not state grocery, liquor or other purchase quotas. The separate AFD limits guide records the dated vehicle ceilings and purchase intervals shown on the live official eligibility page. ## Related guidance - [What are CSD, URC and AFD?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/what-is-csd-urc-afd/) - [When can CSD beneficiaries buy AFD items?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-afd-purchase-limits/) - [How to apply for or replace a CSD smart card](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-smart-card-apply-replace/) ## Authorities and source references - Canteen Stores Department, Ministry of Defence. - Canteen Services Directorate, QMG Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army). - The applicant's authorised canteen or URC. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order and does not establish an individual's entitlement. Confirm the applicable rule and your eligibility with the Canteen Services Directorate or your authorised Unit Run Canteen before acting. --- ## Why Can CSD Canteen Prices Be Lower Than Market Prices? Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/why-csd-prices-are-lower Official sources checked: 2026-08-30 Review status: independent guidance; named specialist verification pending > **Independent guidance:** Official CSD and tax sources were checked on 30 > August 2026. This is a plain-language summary, not tax advice. ## Overview CSD's stated mission is to make quality consumer goods available to the Armed Forces fraternity at cheaper rates. Official tax notifications give CSD special GST treatment, including a refund mechanism for part of the tax on qualifying inward supplies. Procurement and supplier competition also affect prices. None of this guarantees that every CSD item beats every market offer. ## CSD's stated purpose The official CSD history page states that its mission is to make quality consumer products available to the Armed Forces fraternity at a cheaper rate across India. It also says CSD encourages competition among suppliers to achieve the best price for consumers. [CSD history, mission and suppliers](https://csdindia.gov.in/history.html) The wording is important: it explains the purpose of the system. It is not a promise that every listed item will always be cheaper than every shop, manufacturer discount or online sale. ## Who this applies to This guide explains the public tax and procurement reasons that can contribute to a lower CSD price. It does not calculate an individual's tax position, cover liquor taxation, guarantee a saving, or compare a particular CSD record with a civilian seller's offer. ## The GST mechanism Central Tax Notification No. 6/2017, dated 28 June 2017, specifies CSD under the Ministry of Defence as entitled to claim a refund of 50 percent of the applicable central tax paid on qualifying inward supplies of goods meant for subsequent supply to CSD Unit Run Canteens or authorised customers. It took effect on 1 July 2017. [CBIC Notification No. 6/2017-Central Tax (Rate)](https://cbic-gst.gov.in/hindi/pdf/central-tax-rate/Notification-for-under-section-55-for-CSD.pdf) CBIC's official notification index separately describes Notification No. 7/2017 as the exemption covering supplies by CSD to Unit Run Canteens and supplies by CSD or URCs to authorised customers. [CBIC Central Tax (Rate) notifications](https://cbic-gst.gov.in/hindi/central-tax-rate.html) ## What "50 percent" does not mean It does not mean the shelf price must be 50 percent below MRP. The official notification refers to 50 percent of the **applicable central tax**, not 50 percent of the product price. The final price can also reflect the underlying product price, the applicable tax rate and the CSD procurement price. Accordingly, this draft does not calculate a universal CSD discount. A valid comparison must use the exact item, pack or model, location, taxes and date. ## Rates or benefits and effective dates Notification No. 6/2017 took effect on 1 July 2017. The stated benefit is a refund to CSD of 50 percent of applicable central tax on the qualifying inward supply described by the notification. It is not a 50 percent product-price discount. Tax review is required to confirm later amendments and the treatment of an individual supply. ## Why prices can differ between products or places CSD's official material says it procures goods from suppliers and distributes them through depots and URCs, while AFD goods are obtained for the identified end user against firm demand. These are different supply routes. [CSD history and AFD explanation](https://csdindia.gov.in/history.html) For vehicles, the live AFD eligibility table expressly states beneficiary ceilings **excluding taxes**. A ceiling is not the final invoice and is not a guaranteed saving. [Official AFD eligibility criteria](https://afd.csdindia.gov.in/eligibility-criteria/) ## How to compare responsibly 1. Match the exact brand, model, variant and pack size. 2. Use the dated CSD or AFD price shown by the official system. 3. Compare it with a dated civilian-market quotation that includes applicable taxes and compulsory charges. 4. Do not treat stock, dealer availability or a promotional discount as permanent. This is a comparison method, not an official entitlement rule. CSD's public catalogue or AFD portal remains the source for its own listed record. ## What you may need For an item-level comparison, retain the dated CSD or AFD record and the dated civilian quotation for the exact product. This is an editorial evidence rule, not a document requirement imposed by CSD. ## Related guidance - [What are CSD, URC and AFD?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/what-is-csd-urc-afd/) - [When can CSD beneficiaries buy AFD items?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-afd-purchase-limits/) - [Who is eligible for CSD canteen facilities?](https://www.thehandbook.in/csd/guides/csd-canteen-eligibility/) ## Authorities and source references - Canteen Stores Department, Ministry of Defence. - Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. - Unit Run Canteens serving authorised customers. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not tax advice, an official order or a price guarantee. Confirm the applicable tax treatment, listed price and your individual eligibility with the competent CSD authority before making a purchase. --- # Service guidance ## Advances Available to Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/advances Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook records that most Government advances were discontinued after Seventh CPC decisions. It identifies limited retained interest-free categories for specified medical and travel needs. It does not confirm a general advance of pay, vehicle advance, computer advance, or House Building Advance entitlement for Army officers. ## What the handbook says - The source says interest-free advances were abolished except for medical treatment, travel for the family of a deceased employee, tour or transfer travel, and Leave Travel Concession travel (source: printed p. 184; PDF p. 195). - It records that Motor Car and Motorcycle, Scooter, or Moped advances were discontinued under the cited 7 October 2016 order (source: printed p. 184; PDF p. 195). - It states that Ministry of Defence orders extending the revised House Building Advance Rules to Defence personnel were awaited when the handbook was prepared (source: printed p. 184; PDF p. 195). ## What this means An officer must identify a retained category and then apply the separate rules for that category. The summary does not itself create an entitlement or show that the House Building Advance rules were later extended to Defence personnel. ## Who this applies to - Eligibility depends on satisfying the governing rules for a retained medical or travel advance. - The page excludes a general advance of pay and the discontinued vehicle advances. - House Building Advance eligibility is not established by this 2023 source. ## Rates and dates The discontinuance order cited by the source is dated 7 October 2016. The revised House Building Advance Rules cited by the source took effect on 9 November 2017, but the source says their extension to Defence personnel was still awaited (source: printed p. 184; PDF p. 195). ## What you may need The source page does not list a common application or evidence set for all retained advances. Use the documents required by the category-specific medical, tour, transfer, or LTC provision. ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure OM No. 12(1)/E.II(A)/2016, 7 October 2016 - Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs OM No. I.17011/11(02016-H-III), 9 November 2017 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Air Journey Booking Rules for Official Travel Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/air-journeys Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview For Government-funded air travel, the handbook records that tickets must be booked through Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels & Tours or IRCTC from 1 January 2022. The traveller should select the best available fare in the entitled class, preferably a non-stop flight within the permitted time band. ## What the handbook says The source requires use of one of the three named authorised agents and says one selected agent should handle the tickets for a single tour. It records self-declared justification for tour bookings made less than 72 hours before travel and cancellations made less than 24 hours before travel. It also requires a prescribed certificate or undertaking within seven days after the journey so that ticket payment and performance of travel can be confirmed. A specified senior authority may relax the authorised-agent condition in unavoidable circumstances. ## What this means The booking channel, timing and fare selection are separate from class entitlement. Confirm all four before purchase: the journey's sanction, the entitled class, an authorised booking channel and the best-available-fare requirement. ## Who this applies to - These rules apply where the Government of India bears the air-passage cost. - The handbook does not permit routine booking through an unauthorised website or agent. - A late booking or cancellation justification is not itself approval of an otherwise unauthorised journey. - Relaxation is limited to the authority and circumstances stated in the governing order. ## Rates and dates - Authorised-agent requirement: recorded as effective 1 January 2022. - Late tour booking threshold: less than 72 hours before intended travel. - Late tour cancellation threshold: less than 24 hours before intended travel. - Journey certificate or undertaking: within seven days after completion. No airfare amount is fixed by these pages. ## What you may need - journey and air-travel sanction; - ticket and fare details; - boarding pass or other evidence accepted under the applicable order; - late-booking or late-cancellation self-declaration where triggered; and - prescribed post-journey certificate or undertaking. ## Authorities and source references - GoI, MoF, DoE letter No. 19024/03/2021-E.IV, 31 December 2021 - GoI, MoF, DoE OM No. 19024/03/2021-E.IV, 16 February 2022 - GoI, MoF, DoE letter No. 19024/03/2021-E.IV, 16 June 2022 - DoPT letter No. 31011/12/2022-Estt.A-IV, 29 August 2022 ## Related guidance - [Official Travel Entitlements Overview](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/entitlements/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Official Travel Abroad](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/official-travel-abroad/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Annual Leave Encashment with LTC Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/leave-encashment Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook states that an eligible Army officer may encash up to 10 days of annual leave when LTC is used, subject to a 60-day career limit. The officer may claim when travelling personally or when eligible family uses the LTC, provided the other conditions and documentation are met. ## What the handbook says - Up to 10 days of annual leave may be encashed on an LTC occasion, subject to an aggregate limit of 60 days over the service career. - Leave encashed with LTC is not deducted from the maximum leave encashment available on retirement. - Where both spouses are Government employees, each may retain an individual entitlement of up to 10 days on an LTC occasion, subject to a 60-day career maximum for each. - The source states that there is no limit on the number of spells, apart from the per-occasion and career ceilings. - The officer may seek encashment when the officer uses LTC or when the family uses it without the officer, if all other conditions are satisfied. ## What this means Leave encashment with LTC is linked to a valid LTC event and is not a separate unconditional cash benefit. Previous LTC-linked encashment, regular-service history, re-employment, notification, and submission requirements can affect the amount payable. ## Who this applies to - The officer must be entitled to the LTC connected with the encashment. - A re-employed officer's 60-day ceiling includes LTC-linked leave encashment already received during regular service. - The source does not support exceeding 10 days for one LTC occasion or 60 days across the applicable career history. - The page does not establish that every family journey qualifies; the underlying LTC conditions still have to be fulfilled. ## Rates and dates - Maximum per LTC occasion: 10 days of annual leave. - Maximum across the service career: 60 days. - The dual-Government-employee-spouse provision is recorded as effective from 1 September 2008. - The source says payment may be allowed 60 days before the proposed outward journey. - These limits are taken from the 2023 edition and must be checked against later orders before being described as current. ## What you may need - The unit must publish a Part II order notifying the encashment and including the required certificates. - The source requires the officer to submit the prescribed claim to the relevant Ledger Wing section of PCDA(O), Pune. - The Part II order must identify the warrant used or LTC availed. - The applicable proforma and certificate wording must be taken from the current documentation procedure, not recreated from this summary. ## Authorities and source references - Notes (i) to (iv) below Rule 177(B)(viii) of the Travel Regulations - Documentation Procedure for Publication of Part II Orders (Officers), 2014 - PCDA(O), Pune Ledger Wing ## Related guidance - [Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview/) - [Leave Encashment for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/encashment/) - [Home Town LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown/) - [Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Annual Pay Increments for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/increments Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Only full-pay commissioned service counts for an Army officer's pay increment, including leave carrying full pay and allowances or furlough-rate pay. Under the cited Seventh CPC rule, annual increments fall on 1 January or 1 July, but an officer receives only one annual increment each year (printed page 18; PDF page 29). ## What the handbook says The source defines qualifying service for increment as full-pay commissioned service and includes paid leave at full or furlough rates. It identifies 1 January and 1 July as the two possible annual-increment dates and limits an officer to one annual increment, determined by appointment, promotion, or upgradation timing (printed page 18; PDF page 29). A forfeiture-of-service sentence for increased pay does not retrospectively alter pay already drawn; it affects future increments after forfeiture. A forfeiture for promotion purposes does not alter increment-qualifying service based on length of service (printed page 18; PDF page 29). ## What this means An increment requires the officer's service history, pay level, cell, and recognised increment date. Promotion pay and sports incentives are separate events and should not be treated as the normal annual movement to the next vertical cell (printed pages 18-22; PDF pages 29-33). ## Who this applies to - Full-pay commissioned service, including the paid-leave periods identified by the source, counts for normal increments (printed page 18; PDF page 29). - An officer receives only one annual increment on either 1 January or 1 July under the cited Seventh CPC rule (printed page 18; PDF page 29). - Brevet or local rank does not carry an increase in pay and allowances (printed page 19; PDF page 30). - A sports incentive requires the prescribed achievement, recognised event, and individual Government sanction; it is not automatic (printed pages 19-20; PDF pages 30-31). ## Rates and dates There is no standalone rupee rate for the normal annual increment in this chapter; movement follows the applicable vertical cells in the Pay Matrix. The source records that the small-family incentive was withdrawn from 1 July 2017 (printed page 19; PDF page 30). It also records revised sports personal-pay amounts from 1 July 2017, but those category rates are not reproduced here and must be checked before publication (printed page 21; PDF page 32). ## What you may need For a sports incentive, the source requires: - a Part II order notifying the grant; - the Government sanction letter; - the relevant sports authority's certificate of achievement; and - certification that the organising body and event have the required national or international recognition (printed page 22; PDF page 33). For a normal increment, use the service record, pay level and cell, and the recognised date of appointment, promotion, or upgradation (printed page 18; PDF page 29). ## Authorities and source references - SRO 12(E), 3 May 2017 (printed page 18; PDF page 29) - Rule 41, Pay and Allowances Regulations for the Officers of the Army (printed page 18; PDF page 29) - Sections 71 and 84, Army Act 1950 (printed page 18; PDF page 29) - GoI, MoD letter No. 30(13)/2007-D(P/S), 24 August 2018, and GoI, DoPT OM No. 6/1/2017-Estt(Pay-I), 11 June 2018, for sports increments (printed page 22; PDF page 33) ## Related guidance - [Pay matrix](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) - [Promotion pay fixation](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/promotion-pay-fixation/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes Anywhere in India LTC under Rule 177(B) as an alternate-calendar-year concession used instead of Home Town LTC. It supports eligible travel within India to the declared leave station for the officer, spouse, and dependent children, subject to timing, destination, route, transport, and return-to-duty conditions. ## What the handbook says - The concession is described as available once in alternate calendar years, in lieu of the Home Town LTC under Rule 177(A) (printed pages 154-155). - The officer, spouse, and dependent children may travel together or independently, but the spouse and children must proceed to the same leave station as the officer (printed pages 155-156). - A family member's outward journey determines the year against which that concession is counted, and the return journey should ordinarily be completed within six months (printed page 155). - The benefit is unavailable in a year in which Home Town LTC is used. - An officer known not to be returning to duty after leave is not entitled to this LTC (printed page 157). ## What this means "Anywhere in India" does not mean unrestricted reimbursement for any route or traveller. The declared leave station, the particular family member, the shortest permissible route, the authorised transport mode, and the timing of both journey legs control the payable amount. ## Who this applies to - The source names the officer, spouse, and dependent children as beneficiaries of Rule 177(B). - It expressly states that parents are not covered by the Rule 177(B) anywhere-in-India concession (printed pages 153-154). - First-year eligibility is affected if the officer already used LTC as a cadet or received the training-institute warrant described on printed page 156. - The spouse cannot select a different or onward destination merely because the route passes through the officer's declared leave station. - The source says LTC is not provided for travel abroad (printed page 159). ## Rates and dates - The benefit is reimbursement or free conveyance within the applicable mode, class, route, and actual-cost limits; it is not a fixed allowance. - For a rail-connected route travelled by another permitted mode, the source records an actual-expense ceiling based on the entitled rail warrant cost (printed page 157). - Operational-area concessions and additional warrants described on printed pages 159-161 are separate options or benefits and can cause other LTC titles for that year to lapse. - The cited rates and procedures are from the 2023 edition and require review for later changes. ## What you may need - Retain travel evidence establishing the traveller, dates, declared leave station, actual route, mode, fare, and completion of the journey. - Where the Controlling Officer waives missing receipts in the limited operational-area case described on printed page 160, the source says the waiver certificate must record PNR or ticket numbers. - Disability-based approval for own-car or hired-taxi travel requires the medical certificate and officer undertaking described on printed page 162. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 39, 47, 176(e), 177(B), 177(C), 177(D), 178, and 179 of the Travel Regulations - AI 85/1969 and AI 165/1970 - AI 94/1972 and AO 331/1973 - GoI, MoD letter No. 5(1)/2007/D(Mov)(I), dated 20 August 2007 - GoI, MoD letter No. 5(3)/07/D(Mov)/2010, dated 28 April 2010 - MoD ID Note No. 10(8)/2014-D(Mov), dated 19/28 January 2016 ## Related guidance - [Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview/) - [Family Definition for Leave Travel Concession](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/family-definition/) - [Home Town LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown/) - [LTC Rules for Special Regions and Postings](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/special-regions/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Army Group Insurance Scheme Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/insurance/army-group-insurance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes Army Group Insurance as a departmental scheme with mandatory advance subscription for eligible Army officers. It summarises life cover, maturity or terminal benefits, disability and extended cover, and special cover. Territorial Army and NCC categories have separate arrangements, and all rates and terms require current AGIF verification. ## What the handbook says - The scheme was introduced from 1 January 1976 and is run by the Army Group Insurance Directorate; mandatory subscription is recovered in advance by PCDA(O) (source: printed p. 259; PDF p. 270). - The source describes insurance, maturity or terminal, disability, extended, and specified special-cover objectives (source: printed p. 259; PDF p. 270). - General life assurance ends on retirement, release, or cessation of membership, subject to separate extended cover (source: printed p. 261; PDF p. 272). ## What this means The correct scheme depends on service and membership status. Figures shown for Territorial Army or NCC arrangements must not be applied to Regular Army officers. ## Who this applies to - The source includes serving Regular, MNS, Short Service and other specified commissioned officers, re-employed officers, DSC personnel, and eligible cadets (source: printed pp. 259-260; PDF pp. 270-271). - It excludes reservists, personnel on deputation to the Army, deserters, foreign cadets, and categories covered by separate TA or NCC schemes (source: printed p. 260; PDF p. 271). - Transferred medical officers remain in their original service group scheme and must remit subscription as prescribed (source: printed p. 260; PDF p. 271). ## Rates and dates The chapter records a Territorial Army Group Insurance annual premium of Rs. 48,000 and insurance benefit of Rs. 50 lakh from 1 April 2021. These figures apply only to that specified TA scheme and are not a Regular Army rate (source: printed p. 262; PDF p. 273). Current subscriptions and cover must be obtained from AGIF. ## What you may need The source says the prescribed retirement claim should be sent through PCDA(O) to AGI Directorate six months before retirement or release. It also records recovery of the final four months' premium in advance (source: printed p. 261; PDF p. 272). Other claims and AGIF loans follow their separate forms and sanctions. ## Authorities and source references - AO 23/2002 - SAO 5/S/78 - SAO 11/S/86 - AGIF letter No. A/56271/R/AG/Ins(Coord), 3 September 2020 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/children-education-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Children Education Allowance is a fixed reimbursement for eligible children, while Hostel Subsidy reimburses eligible residential lodging and boarding up to a ceiling. The 2023 handbook generally limits both to two eldest surviving children, subject to stated exceptions, and requires academic-year evidence. Historical rates and individual eligibility require current verification. ## What the handbook says The handbook consolidates Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy instructions effective 1 July 2017. It generally limits reimbursement to two eldest surviving children, with exceptions for multiple births at the second childbirth and the first child born after a failed sterilisation operation (source: printed p. 178; PDF p. 189). ## What this means CEA is a fixed amount independent of actual expense. Hostel Subsidy is limited to the lower of eligible lodging and boarding expenditure or the recorded ceiling. Both use the completed academic year as the claim period. ## Who this applies to - CEA and Hostel Subsidy may be claimed concurrently, but when both spouses are Government servants only one may claim (source: printed p. 179; PDF p. 190). - Hostel Subsidy applies only when the residential educational institution is at least 50 kilometres from the officer's residence (source: printed p. 179; PDF p. 190). - The source states age, class, recognised-institution, disability, cessation-of-service, leave, suspension, and dies-non conditions (source: printed pp. 179-181; PDF pp. 190-192). - For children other than eligible children with disabilities, the age limit is 20 years or passing Class 12, whichever is earlier; for eligible children with disabilities it is 22 years (source: printed p. 180; PDF p. 191). ## Rates and dates Effective 1 July 2017: - CEA: Rs.2,250 per month per eligible child. - Hostel Subsidy ceiling: Rs.6,750 per month. - CEA for an eligible child with disability: Rs.4,500 per month. The source states that these amounts increase by 25 percent each time DA rises by 50 percent (source: printed pp. 178-179; PDF pp. 189-190). No later amount is inferred. ## What you may need - For CEA, a Head of Institution certificate confirming study during the previous academic year; if unavailable, the source permits a self-attested report card or self-attested fee receipts covering the academic year (source: printed p. 178; PDF p. 189). - For Hostel Subsidy, the institution certificate must also state lodging and boarding expenditure; the source gives an alternative involving a self-attested report card and original receipts when the certificate is unavailable (source: printed pp. 178-179; PDF pp. 189-190). - The chapter includes specimen declaration and institution-certificate formats (source: printed pp. 182-183; PDF pp. 193-194). They are not reproduced here. ## Authorities and source references - MoD ID No. 1(23)/2017/D(Pay/Services), 2 August 2018. - DoPT OM No. A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL), 16/17 July 2018. - ADGPS letter No. A/32813/Circular/AG/PS-3(a)/01/2018, 21 August 2018. ## Related guidance ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Commencement of Pay for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/commencement-of-pay Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview An officer's pay on first commission generally begins on the commission date, subject to reporting and training conditions. MNS and specified field-area or medical cases use the actual joining or reporting date. PCDA(O) requires countersigned Form A within seven days of reporting to commence the account (printed pages 15-17; PDF pages 26-28). ## What the handbook says The source states that first-commission pay begins on the commission date. For an officer commissioned after NDA, IMA, or OTA training, pay cannot cover more than 30 days before reporting for duty; a selected postgraduate trainee must report on the ordered date (printed page 15; PDF page 26). MNS officers receive pay and allowances only from the date they join duty. For the cited field-concessional-area and medical-officer cases, the effective commission date is actual reporting at the unit or for duty, not reporting at a transit camp (printed page 15; PDF page 26). ## What this means The commission order, officer category, training route, reporting record, and regularisation of any delay must be read together. Form A enables PCDA(O) to open payment records; it does not itself decide the legal commencement date (printed pages 15 and 17; PDF pages 26 and 28). ## Who this applies to - A newly commissioned officer reporting late requires the absence to be regularised (printed page 15; PDF page 26). - An officer reporting to a transit camp after 21 days of joining leave is deemed to have reported for duty under the source note (printed page 15; PDF page 26). - The fixed cadet stipend applies during the specified pre-commission training; that period is not commissioned service (printed pages 16-17; PDF pages 27-28). - PBOR trainees continue the pay and allowances of their existing rank during pre-commission training, with the stated difference payable after successful completion (printed page 17; PDF page 28). ## Rates and dates The handbook records a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month, corresponding to the starting pay of Level 10, for the specified cadets under SRO 12(E) dated 3 May 2017. It records the same amount in the PBOR trainee difference calculation (printed pages 16-17; PDF pages 27-28). This is a 2023 source snapshot; the stipend must be checked for a superseding order before publication. ## What you may need - the commission and first-posting orders; - actual reporting or joining evidence and any absence-regularisation order (printed page 15; PDF page 26); and - completed Form A under AO 03/03, signed by the officer, countersigned by the CO/OC unit, and submitted with the prescribed checklist within seven days of reporting (printed page 17; PDF page 28). ## Authorities and source references - Rules 1 and 2, Pay and Allowances Regulations for the Officers of the Army (printed page 15; PDF page 26) - AI 196/51 and AI 53/74 (printed pages 15-16; PDF pages 26-27) - SRO 12(E), 3 May 2017 (printed page 16; PDF page 27) - AO 03/03 for Form A (printed page 17; PDF page 28) - Rule 55, Pay and Allowances Regulations for the Officers of the Army, for prisoners of war (printed page 17; PDF page 28) ## Related guidance - [Pay accounting](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-accounting/) - [Pay matrix](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Composite Transfer Grant Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/composite-transfer-grant Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The handbook records Composite Transfer Grant at 80% of the previous month's basic pay for an eligible transfer between stations at least 20 kilometres apart, and 100% for specified island transfers, from 1 July 2017. NPA and MSP are excluded from the basic-pay calculation. ## What the handbook says CTG replaces separately claimed transfer incidentals and terminal road mileage between residence and the rail station, bus stand or airport at the old and new stations. The cited pages set different treatment for a same-station move where a genuine change of residence occurs. Where both spouses are in service and transfer between the same places, the source varies CTG according to the interval between their transfers. It also excludes CTG for a transfer at own request or outside the public interest. ## What this means CTG is not an additional payment for every posting order. Confirm that the move qualifies, that the relevant distance and residence conditions are met, and whether a spouse has already received CTG for a connected transfer. Do not add separate terminal incidentals that CTG already covers. ## Who this applies to - The move must be an eligible permanent transfer in the public interest. - A transfer of at least 20 kilometres between stations receives the standard treatment recorded by the source. - For a same-station move, no CTG is payable without a change of residence; with a qualifying change, the source records one-third treatment. - For spouses transferred from the same place to the same place, the later spouse's entitlement depends on whether the interval is within 60 days, between 60 days and six months, or at least six months. - NPA and MSP are excluded when identifying basic pay for CTG. ## Rates and dates Effective 1 July 2017, the source records: - 80% of the last month's basic pay for an eligible transfer involving stations at least 20 kilometres apart; - 100% of the last month's basic pay for transfer to or from Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Lakshadweep; and - one-third of the applicable CTG treatment for an eligible same-station move involving a change of residence. The source records from 6 January 2022 that the 20-kilometre condition was removed for retirement CTG where a change of residence actually occurs. That retirement rule is covered separately. ## What you may need - transfer and movement order; - pay record for the last month before transfer; - route or distance evidence where relevant; - proof or declaration of change of residence for a same-station case; and - spouse-transfer dates and connected CTG details where both spouses serve. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 67(c) and 81, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/3737/D(Mov)/08, 29 December 2008 - GoI, MoF, DoE OM No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV, 6 January 2022 ## Related guidance - [Permanent Duty Move Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview/) - [Travel Entitlements on Retirement](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/retirement/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Daily Allowance on Temporary Duty Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/daily-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Daily allowance on temporary duty can cover eligible hotel accommodation, within-city travel and a food lump sum during qualifying absence from headquarters. The amount depends on Pay Matrix level, duration, actual facilities provided and required evidence. Hotel and travel components remain subject to separate ceilings and voucher rules. ## What the handbook says The source records separate components for hotel accommodation, local travel and food from 1 July 2017. Food is a lump sum rather than reimbursement of an individual meal bill, so food vouchers are not required. Hotel vouchers are mandatory for level 10 and above. It records travel vouchers as mandatory for level 12 and above, with a waiver for levels up to 11. Free boarding, lodging, transport or rations can affect the payable components. A detention certificate is used to record accommodation and hospitality at the temporary-duty station. ## What this means Calculate each component independently. A hotel ceiling does not create a flat payment: it caps supported expenditure. The food amount is instead regulated by duration. Local travel must reflect actual official engagement and the evidence rule for the officer's pay level. ## Who this applies to - The absence must arise from authorised temporary duty. - No mileage is payable where free conveyance was used without personal expenditure. - Food allowance is not admissible for restricted holidays or casual leave as described by the source; half-day casual leave receives separate treatment. - Daily allowance is not due merely because a Sunday or holiday falls within the period if the officer does not actually remain at the duty station. - The source says full DA applies for the first 180 days of a continuous halt outside headquarters and not beyond that period. ## Rates and dates The source records these ceilings effective 1 July 2017: - levels 14 and above: hotel up to Rs.7,500 per day, actual AC-taxi expenditure commensurate with official engagements, and food lump sum Rs.1,200 per day; - levels 12 to 13B: hotel up to Rs.4,500 per day, AC-taxi travel up to 50 kilometres per day, and food lump sum Rs.1,000 per day; - levels 10 to 11: hotel up to Rs.2,250 per day, non-AC-taxi travel up to Rs.338 per day, and food lump sum Rs.900 per day. For the food lump sum, the source records 30% for absence under six hours, 70% for six to twelve hours and 100% above twelve hours, reckoned midnight to midnight. It also says the ceilings rise by 25% upon specified DA triggers. ## What you may need - movement sanction and completed temporary-duty claim; - detention certificate recording free accommodation, messing and transport; - hotel voucher; - local-travel voucher for level 12 and above, or the prescribed self-certification where a waiver validly applies; - ration or ration-allowance certificate where applicable; and - journey and absence timings. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 61, 111 and 114, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12650/TA/Mov C/198/D(Mov)/2018, 6 December 2018 - GoI, MoD, DMA letter No. 12630/TA/DA/7th CPC/Mov C/43/D(Mov)/21, 16 March 2021 ## Related guidance - [Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview/) - [Road Mileage on Temporary Duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/road-mileage/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Dearness Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dearness-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Dearness Allowance is sanctioned periodically and calculated on the pay elements recognised by the applicable order. The 2023 handbook says the Seventh CPC calculation base includes pay in the prescribed matrix level, Military Service Pay, and Non-Practicing Allowance where applicable. Its historical percentage table does not establish today's rate. ## What the handbook says The source describes DA as sanctioned twice yearly, payable from 1 January and 1 July. For the revised pay structure, its calculation base is pay in the prescribed matrix level plus Military Service Pay and Non-Practicing Allowance, if applicable; it excludes other pay such as special pay (2023 handbook, printed p. 130; PDF p. 141). DA remains a separate element of remuneration rather than pay within the Defence Forces pay rules. During paid leave it follows the leave salary actually drawn, while leave without pay and allowances does not carry DA (2023 handbook, printed pp. 130-131; PDF pp. 141-142). ## What this means The percentage must come from the Government order covering the relevant effective date. The 2023 handbook explains the calculation base but cannot be used alone to state the present DA percentage. ## Who this applies to - DA applies to pay elements expressly included by the governing order. - Special pay and other unlisted pay elements are outside the calculation base described by the source. - Leave without pay and allowances does not carry DA under the source summary (2023 handbook, printed p. 130; PDF p. 141). ## Rates and dates The source's historical table runs from nil on 1 January 2016 to 42 percent on 1 January 2023. It identifies the rates from 1 January 2020 through 1 January 2021 as frozen or notional, with a retirement-benefit qualification (2023 handbook, printed p. 130; PDF p. 141). No rate is presented here as current. ## What you may need The cited source page does not state a separate claim-document checklist. Pay records must nevertheless identify the included pay elements and the effective DA order used for calculation. ## Authorities and source references - The cited source page does not identify a specific DA sanction number. Obtain the applicable Government order for the relevant 1 January or 1 July effective date. ## Related guidance - [Military Service Pay](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/military-service-pay/) - [Transport Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/transport-allowance/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Defence Services Officers Provident Fund Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dsop-fund Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes Defence Services Officers Provident Fund subscription as compulsory for an Army officer after one year of continuous service and optional for a re-employed officer. It also summarises subscriptions, nominations, advances, withdrawals, sanctioning authorities, and final payment, all subject to the cited rules and later amendments. ## What the handbook says - Compulsory subscription begins after one year of continuous service; it is optional for re-employed officers (source: printed p. 185; PDF p. 196). - Monthly subscription is at least 6 percent of emoluments and cannot exceed total monthly emoluments (source: printed p. 185; PDF p. 196). - From 1 January 2016, the source defines emoluments for this purpose as Pay Matrix basic pay plus NPA, if any, excluding DA (source: printed p. 185; PDF p. 196). - The source permits specified advances and withdrawals subject to purpose, amount, service, and sanction conditions (source: printed pp. 187-191; PDF pp. 198-202). ## What this means Membership does not make every advance or withdrawal automatic. The officer must use the correct category, meet its conditions, and obtain sanction from the authority applicable to the posting and amount. ## Who this applies to - Army officers cross the compulsory-subscription threshold after one year of continuous service; re-employed officers have the option described by their rules. - Advance purposes listed by the source include illness, education, obligatory ceremonies, legal proceedings, defence, consumer durables, and travel or pilgrimage (source: printed pp. 187-188; PDF pp. 198-199). - Withdrawal categories have separate service and amount conditions; one withdrawal is admissible for the same purpose under the source (source: printed pp. 189-191; PDF pp. 200-202). ## Rates and dates - The last interest rate in the handbook is 7.1 percent for 1 April 2020 through 31 March 2023. It is a historical rate, not a later rate (source: printed p. 186; PDF p. 197). - For advances under the cited orders effective 7 March 2017, the source gives a ceiling of 12 months' pay or three-fourths of the credit balance, whichever is less, with recovery in up to 60 instalments (source: printed p. 188; PDF p. 199). - The source says subscriptions may be increased twice and reduced once in a financial year, and recovery stops for the last three months before superannuation or release (source: printed p. 185; PDF p. 196). ## What you may need - For the advance and withdrawal procedure effective 7 March 2017, the source says a declaration explaining the reason is sufficient and documentary proof is not required (source: printed pp. 188, 190; PDF pp. 199, 201). - A nomination may identify one or more eligible persons and allocate shares; a subscriber may replace it by written notice (source: printed p. 186; PDF p. 197). - The correct sanction and submission route must be checked against the officer's unit, formation, institution, or deputation category. ## Authorities and source references - General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules, 1960 - SAI 1/S/80 - SRO 12E, 3 May 2017 - AI 22/96, as amended by AI 9/98 - DoP&PW OM Nos. 3/2/2017-P&PW(F)(i) and (ii), 7 March 2017 - Ministry of Defence letter No. C/7026/VII CPC/73/423/D(Pay/Services), 22 May 2019 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Deputation Duty Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/deputation-duty Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Deputation Duty Allowance may apply when an Army officer is temporarily transferred outside the regular line in the public interest. It excludes appointments obtained through direct effort or open competition. Under the 2023 handbook, the payable percentage and ceiling depend on station change and whether the officer retains or gives up service concessions. ## What the handbook says The handbook limits deputation for this purpose to temporary transfers outside the regular line and in the public interest. It excludes appointments obtained through direct effort or direct open competition (source: printed p. 148; PDF p. 159). ## What this means The deputation order must establish a qualifying temporary transfer. The officer's station circumstances and option concerning service concessions then determine which recorded percentage and ceiling apply. ## Who this applies to - The source identifies officers posted to civil employ, Establishment No. 22, Coast Guard, and Assam Rifles as entitled, subject to the governing terms (source: printed p. 149; PDF p. 160). - Special allowance or special pay attached to a military appointment generally does not continue unless the sanction provides otherwise; the source separately identifies certain continuing allowances (source: printed p. 148; PDF p. 159). - Posts governed by special orders and specified security assignments may fall outside these general rules (source: printed pp. 148-149; PDF pp. 159-160). - Training Allowance is not concurrent with Deputation Duty Allowance (source: printed p. 145; PDF p. 156). ## Rates and dates From 1 July 2017, the source describes: - Same station: 2.5 percent of Basic Pay with service concessions, capped at Rs.2,250, or 5 percent without them, capped at Rs.4,500. - Change of station: 5 percent with service concessions, capped at Rs.4,500, or 10 percent without them, capped at Rs.9,000. It states that ceilings rise by 25 percent when DA rises by 50 percent. These figures and the DA-trigger mechanism appear on printed p. 149, PDF p. 160, and are historical until checked against later orders. ## What you may need The cited pages do not provide a general claim-document checklist. The deputation order, station details, option on service concessions, and any special sanction affecting concurrent benefits should be verified by the competent authority. ## Authorities and source references - MoD letter No. 13(1)/87/D(Pay/Services), 25 September 1987. - MoD letter No. 1(16)/2017/D(Pay/Services), 18 September 2017, and amendment dated 14 September 2018. ## Related guidance - [Training Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/training-allowance/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Dress Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dress-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Dress Allowance replaced specified uniform-related allowances from 1 July 2017. The 2023 handbook says it covers an officer's basic uniform and is credited annually in July, while special clothing for particular duties remains governed separately. The recorded rates and recovery rules are historical and must be checked against later orders. ## What the handbook says The handbook says uniform outfit and kit maintenance allowances were subsumed into Dress Allowance for Army and MNS officers. It limits the allowance to basic uniform and leaves special clothing supplied for particular duties under existing norms (source: printed p. 160; PDF p. 171). ## What this means The annual payment concerns basic uniform needs. It should not be interpreted as replacing every separately supplied special-clothing item or as authorising reimbursement for an unlisted uniform change. ## Who this applies to - The source covers Army officers, including MNS officers, at different annual rates (source: printed p. 160; PDF p. 171). - Special clothing for particular duties remains separately governed (source: printed p. 160; PDF p. 171). - The source says the governing order is silent on reimbursement for a change of uniform caused by a change of regiment or corps (source: printed p. 161; PDF p. 172). ## Rates and dates - Army officers: Rs.20,000 per year. - MNS officers: Rs.15,000 per year. The rates apply from 1 July 2017, and the source says they rise by 25 percent each time Dearness Allowance rises by 50 percent (source: printed p. 160; PDF p. 171). No later rate is inferred. ## Recovery and effective date The handbook describes percentage recovery based on the quarter of retirement or voluntary retirement/resignation, with no recovery for death or invalidment for causes beyond the officer's control. Those recovery rules apply from 1 March 2021 (source: printed p. 160; PDF p. 171). The detailed table is not reproduced. ## What you may need The cited pages do not specify a routine claim document because the source describes annual salary credit. Retirement, voluntary retirement, resignation, death, or invalidment records may affect recovery and must be verified by the pay authority. ## Authorities and source references - MoD letter No. PC-1(16)/2017/D(Pay/Services), 16 November 2017. - MoD, DMA letter No. 1(4)2019/D(Pay/Services), 1 March 2021. ## Related guidance - [Pay accounting and notifications](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-accounting/) - [Dearness Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dearness-allowance/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/medical/echs Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes ECHS as a lifetime contributory medical scheme for eligible pension-receiving ex-servicemen, family pensioners, and qualifying dependants. It records outpatient treatment through ECHS facilities and reimbursement for services from empanelled providers. Contribution, dependency, referral, and treatment requirements must be checked against current official ECHS instructions. ## What the handbook says The source says ECHS covers ex-servicemen receiving pension, including disability pension, family pensioners, and qualifying dependants. It describes the scheme as compulsory and applicable for life after the retiring member's contribution (2023 handbook, printed p. 297; PDF p. 308). The source records free outpatient treatment at ECHS polyclinics and augmented clinics, with reimbursement for services obtained from empanelled diagnostic centres, nursing homes, or hospitals (2023 handbook, printed p. 298; PDF p. 309). ## What this means ECHS membership does not by itself establish that every dependant, provider, procedure, or expense is covered. The applicable membership, dependency, referral, empanelment, emergency, and reimbursement rules must be confirmed before treatment or a claim. ## Who this applies to The source includes pensioners receiving service, disability, or family pension and lists spouse, children, and wholly dependent parents as potential dependants. It records a parental income test of less than Rs.9,000 plus Dearness Relief per month (2023 handbook, printed p. 297; PDF p. 308). Eligibility definitions and income limits must be verified for the date of enrolment. Where both spouses are serving, the handbook says the spouse who retires first contributes and enrols; the later-retiring spouse receives cover as a spouse without a second deduction under the stated rule (2023 handbook, printed p. 297; PDF p. 308). ## Rates and dates From 29 December 2017, the source records a one-time contribution of Rs.1,20,000 for all officers with private-ward entitlement. This is a historical amount, not confirmation of the present contribution (2023 handbook, printed p. 297; PDF p. 308). ## What you may need The cited pages do not prescribe a complete enrolment or reimbursement document list. Obtain the current membership, dependant, referral, treatment, invoice, and reimbursement requirements from ECHS or the applicable Regional Centre before acting. ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare letter No. 22D(04)/2010/WE/D(Res-I), 29 December 2017 - ECHS and the applicable Regional Centre or Station Headquarters ## Related guidance - [Medical reimbursement and advances](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/medical/reimbursement/) - [Retirement benefits processing](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/retirement-benefits/) - [SPARSH defence pension administration](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/sparsh/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Family Definition for Leave Travel Concession Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/family-definition Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview For LTC, the 2023 handbook applies the family definition in the Travel Regulations and adds specific conditions for children, spouses, and dependent parents or step-parents. Residence with the officer is not always required, but dependency, the type of LTC used, journey limits, and child-number restrictions still affect eligibility. ## What the handbook says - LTC is generally limited to two surviving unmarried children or stepchildren. - The source lists exceptions for officers who already had more than two children before 1 October 1997, children born within one year of that date, and multiple births arising from the second childbirth. - A spouse or dependent child need not reside with the officer. Reimbursement is limited to the lower of the actual distance travelled and the distance between the officer's headquarters or posting and the home town or place of visit. - From 1 September 2008, wholly dependent parents and step-parents are included for LTC whether or not they reside with the officer. - The source links parental dependency to the Central Government minimum family pension of Rs.9,000 per month plus Dearness Relief. ## What this means Being related to an officer does not by itself establish LTC eligibility. The claim must satisfy the applicable family definition, dependency test, child-related restrictions, and the particular LTC rule being used. Later pages in the same source state that dependent parents are not beneficiaries of the anywhere-in-India concession under Rule 177(B). ## Who this applies to - Children and stepchildren are subject to the two-child rule and its stated transitional and multiple-birth exceptions. - Parents and step-parents must be wholly dependent under the test recorded by the source. - Separate conditions continue to apply to married, divorced, abandoned, separated, or widowed daughters; the two cited pages do not restate those conditions. - A family member living elsewhere may travel independently, but the reimbursable distance can be restricted. - Eligibility under one form of LTC must not be assumed to establish eligibility under another. ## Rates and dates - The two-child restriction is linked by the source to 1 October 1997. - Inclusion of wholly dependent parents and step-parents is stated as effective from 1 September 2008. - The dependency benchmark shown is Rs.9,000 per month plus Dearness Relief, based on the cited 2016 order. This is a 2023 source snapshot and requires current-policy verification. ## What you may need The cited pages do not prescribe a complete document list. A claim involving dependency, separate residence, or a child-number exception should not be published with an invented checklist; the competent authority must confirm the evidence required under the current rules. ## Authorities and source references - Rule 2 and Rule 176(f) of the Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/Q Mov C/2610/D(Mov)/98, dated 11 September 1998 - Note 1 below Rule 2(p) of the Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 17(01)/2016-D(Pen/Pol), dated 29 October 2016 ## Related guidance - [Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview/) - [Home Town LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown/) - [Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Home Town LTC for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook states that an eligible Army officer may use Home Town LTC during authorised leave for travel by the entitled mode and class, following the direct or main route to the recorded home town or selected place of residence. Separate conditions govern family travel, timing, carry-forward, and home-town changes. ## What the handbook says - The first home-town concession is described as due in the second year of service and thereafter once a year, subject to the alternate-year anywhere-in-India option (printed page 145). - The officer travels to and from the railway station or airport nearest the recorded home town or SPR by the entitled mode and class and the direct or main route. - Eligible family members have a separate travel title under the conditions in Rule 177; a family member cannot use the same concession more than once in the same block (printed pages 145 and 147-148). - When service exigencies prevent use in the due year, the source permits carry-forward to the next year while treating the concession as used in the original year for future eligibility (printed page 146). - A return journey by family should ordinarily finish within six months after the outward journey, with the relaxation authority identified by the source (printed page 147). ## What this means Home Town LTC is tied to the home town or SPR held in the service record. A cheaper or closer destination does not automatically replace it for family travel. Any different station, broken journey, residence away from duty station, or late journey must satisfy its own rule and reimbursement ceiling. ## Who this applies to - The source covers an officer on authorised leave within India and family members eligible under the applicable rule. - Family title does not depend on the officer travelling, but the source says it is unavailable before the officer completes one year of commissioned service. - The family may travel in batches, but each member can receive the concession only once in the relevant block. - Dependent parents living away from the officer may travel from their residence to the officer's home town; the source does not cover their travel from the home town to the officer's duty station. - A person who uses the anywhere-in-India concession for the year cannot also claim Home Town LTC for that year. ## Rates and dates - The benefit is eligible travel cost by the authorised mode and class, not a flat payment. - If a rail warrant is not used, the source limits payment to the lower of the warrant cost at public tariff rates and actual expenditure, subject to Controlling Officer sanction (printed page 146). - Children in hostels are recorded as permitted to visit family on LTC from 1 September 2008, subject to the cited clarification (printed page 149). - No later-than-2023 source has been checked, so no entitlement on this page should be labelled current. ## What you may need - The destination must agree with the home station held in the officer's service record before a warrant is issued (printed page 150). - The source treats a declared home town as final. An exceptional change must be notified through a Part II order and supported by Head of Department sanction, or MoD sanction where the officer is the Head of Department (printed pages 150-151). - Claims affected by residence away from the duty station require reasons, and the Controlling Authority must be satisfied that those reasons are genuine (printed page 148). ## Authorities and source references - Rules 39, 47, 176, and 177(A) and 177(B) of the Travel Regulations - AO 464/1955 - CGDA letter No. 4007/AT-P, dated 5 May 1976 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/LTC/Mov C/2970/D(Mov)/08, dated 17 December 2008 - CGDA letter No. AT/IV/4462/Claim/III, dated 17 July 2019 ## Related guidance - [Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview/) - [Family Definition for Leave Travel Concession](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/family-definition/) - [Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india/) - [LTC Rules for Special Regions and Postings](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/special-regions/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## House Rent Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/accommodation/house-rent-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes House Rent Allowance where Government accommodation is not provided and the officer meets conditions concerning allotment, refusal, family residence, and posting. Field-area, separated-family, selected-place-of-residence, mess, and guest-house cases carry additional rules. Recorded rates and city classes require current verification before use. ## What the handbook says - HRA depends on non-provision of Government accommodation and the applicable posting, family-residence, allotment, and refusal conditions (source: printed pp. 225-233; PDF pp. 236-244). - An officer posted to a field, operational, or concessional area may have options concerning retained family accommodation or a selected place of residence (source: printed p. 240; PDF p. 251). - Guest-house reimbursement is unavailable together with HRA for the same stay under the source (source: printed p. 241; PDF p. 252). ## What this means HRA is not established by rent payment alone. The officer's posting, accommodation availability, family location, allotment history, and chosen concession determine which rule must be checked. ## Who this applies to - The officer or family must not hold accommodation that bars HRA under the applicable rule. - Refusal of suitable married or separated-family accommodation may affect entitlement. - Field-area, mess, guest-house, separated-family, and selected-place cases require their specific conditions. - HRA is not payable for a period reimbursed as an eligible guest-house stay (source: printed p. 241; PDF p. 252). ## Rates and dates Effective 1 July 2017, the handbook records HRA as: - X cities: 24 percent of basic pay - Y cities: 16 percent of basic pay - Z cities: 8 percent of basic pay It defines basic pay here as Pay Matrix pay, excluding NPA, MSP, and other special pay. It also records automatic steps to 27/18/9 percent when DA crosses 25 percent and 30/20/10 percent when DA crosses 50 percent. The triggered rates and present city classification require independent review (source: printed pp. 225-226; PDF pp. 236-237). ## What you may need Depending on the case, the source calls for a unit certificate, family residence details, posting particulars, accommodation non-availability evidence, and rent receipts. Guest-house reimbursement from 1 February 2019 requires a Part II order, a non-availability certificate, and the original rent receipt (source: printed p. 241; PDF p. 252). ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence letter No. 3(1)/2015-D(Q&C), 11 October 2017 - Ministry of Finance OM No. 2/5/2017-E.II(B), 7 July 2017 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(3)/HRA-Pol/2017-D(Q&C), 7 January 2020 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(1)/2019-D(Q&C)/Vol-I, 4 May 2020 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## How Army Officers' Pay Accounts Are Maintained Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-accounting Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview PCDA(O) maintains a separate Individual Running Ledger Account, or IRLA, for each officer. Pay, allowances, standing recoveries, other sums due to or from the officer, admitted advances, and payments are posted under the CDA(O) account number and reflected in the monthly Statement of Account (printed page 4; PDF page 15). ## What the handbook says The source describes the IRLA as the officer's running pay account. Credits and debits are recorded even when an admitted advance is paid immediately, and both entries appear in the monthly Statement of Account (printed page 4; PDF page 15). PCDA(O) commences payment for a newly commissioned officer from the date of commission and for an officer returning from deputation or foreign service from the date military duty resumes. Form A is required when entering or re-entering PCDA(O) payment; the earlier account is reactivated after a break (printed page 4; PDF page 15). ## What this means The account number links correspondence, claims, payments, and recoveries to the officer's ledger. A Statement of Account records transactions; it does not replace the order, claim sanction, or evidence supporting an entitlement (printed pages 4-6; PDF pages 15-17). ## Who this applies to - Newly commissioned officers receive a new account number after Form A is received; officers previously paid by PCDA(O) have the former number reactivated (printed page 4; PDF page 15). - Officers returning from deputation or foreign service require a Last Pay Certificate from the previous audit office before payment commences (printed page 4; PDF page 15). - PCDA(O) does not give rulings on hypothetical cases; a reference must provide the facts, point of doubt, officer name, and account number (printed page 6; PDF page 17). ## Rates and dates There is no standalone rate for pay accounting. The IRLA records amounts admitted under the rules and effective dates governing each separate pay, allowance, advance, recovery, or claim (printed page 4; PDF page 15). ## What you may need - Form A for entry or re-entry into PCDA(O) payment (printed page 4; PDF page 15); - Last Pay Certificate when returning from deputation or foreign service (printed page 4; PDF page 15); - signed and properly countersigned claims, prescribed forms, and all connected supporting documents (printed pages 4 and 7-8; PDF pages 15 and 18-19); and - for final IRLA closure, the cited no-demand/final demand certificate and MES clearance where Government accommodation was allotted (printed page 6; PDF page 17). ## Authorities and source references - AO 03/03 for Form A (printed page 4; PDF page 15) - AO 4/03 for correspondence with PCDA(O) (printed page 6; PDF page 17) - AO 79/76 for non-effective IRLAs (printed pages 6-7; PDF pages 17-18) - PCDA(O), the relevant countersigning authority, and the previous audit office where applicable (printed pages 4-6; PDF pages 15-17) ## Related guidance - [Commencement of pay](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/commencement-of-pay/) - [Travel claim preparation](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Income Tax Overview for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/income-tax Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook summarises the old and new income-tax regimes described by the Finance Bill 2023, plus selected salary exemptions, deductions, declarations, and return administration. It is a historical snapshot, not tax advice. Actual treatment depends on the relevant assessment year, selected regime, income, evidence, and later legislation. ## What the handbook says - The source describes the new regime as the default while allowing a taxpayer to choose the old regime (source: printed p. 242; PDF p. 253). - For its Finance Bill 2023 snapshot, it records a Rs. 50,000 standard deduction and a Section 87A rebate threshold of Rs. 7,00,000 under the new regime (source: printed p. 242; PDF p. 253). - It states that deductions and exemptions differ by regime and that the old regime contains separate conditions for individual items (source: printed pp. 243-255; PDF pp. 254-266). ## What this means The page helps identify subjects requiring tax review. It does not choose a regime, calculate liability, or establish that a 2023 threshold, slab, or exemption applies to a later assessment year. ## Who this applies to - Eligibility for a deduction, exemption, or rebate depends on the tax regime, assessment year, statutory conditions, and evidence. - HRA, housing interest, insurance, NPS, disability, medical, education, and service-related items must each be assessed separately. - This page excludes tax planning, return preparation, and personal liability calculations. ## Rates and dates The source's new-regime table applies to its Finance Bill 2023 discussion and starts with nil tax up to Rs. 3,00,000, reaching 30 percent above Rs. 15,00,000 (source: printed p. 242; PDF p. 253). The Section 87A threshold is stated as effective 1 April 2023 (source: printed p. 242; PDF p. 253). These figures must not be treated as rates for a later year. ## What you may need The source says return claims should be supported by documentary evidence, and that specific figures, PAN, and CDA(O) account number should be provided. It directs salary-statement or tax-deducted-at-source discrepancies to PCDA(O) (source: printed p. 258; PDF p. 269). ## Authorities and source references - Finance Bill 2023 - Income-tax Act, including Sections 10, 80C to 80U, 87A, and 115BAC as cited - CBDT Circular No. 757, 20 October 1997 - CBDT Notification No. 8/2018 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Language Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/language-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Language Allowance may apply when an officer actually performs translator, interpreter, or instructor duties using a foreign language, passes the School of Language proficiency test each year, and meets the governing order's conditions. Language knowledge alone is insufficient. The 2023 category rates are historical and require verification before publication or use. ## What the handbook says The handbook requires a Part II order certificate confirming actual performance of qualifying foreign-language duties, annual passage of the School of Language proficiency test, and compliance with the conditions in the 3 February 1984 MoD letter (source: printed p. 150; PDF p. 161). ## What this means Eligibility is duty-based, not skill-based. The officer must both hold the required proficiency and actually use the language in one of the specified roles during the period for which payment is notified. ## Who this applies to - Qualifying duties are translator, interpreter, or instructor duties involving a foreign language (source: printed p. 150; PDF p. 161). - The proficiency test is described as an annual requirement (source: printed p. 150; PDF p. 161). - The cited source does not map individual languages or proficiency levels to Categories I, II, and III; do not infer a category without the governing order. ## Rates and dates From 1 July 2017: - Category I: Rs.2,025 per month. - Category II: Rs.1,689 per month. - Category III: Rs.1,350 per month. The source states that rates rise by 25 percent whenever DA rises by 50 percent (source: printed p. 150; PDF p. 161). No later amount is calculated here. ## What you may need - Part II order notifying the grant, with the prescribed certificate endorsed by an officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or above. - Certification of actual qualifying duties, annual proficiency, and compliance with the governing conditions (source: printed p. 150; PDF p. 161). ## Authorities and source references - MoD letter No. 1(16)/2017/D(Pay/Services), 18 September 2017, and amendment dated 14 September 2018. - MoD letter No. 22(1)/83/D(GS-II), 3 February 1984. ## Related guidance - [Training Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/training-allowance/) - [Pay accounting and notifications](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-accounting/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Leave Encashment for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/encashment Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook permits annual-leave encashment at specified service events and separately with LTC, subject to the verified leave balance and cumulative ceilings. It records a general ceiling of 300 days and an LTC-linked career ceiling of 60 days, but later orders must be checked before reliance (printed pages 58-63; PDF pages 69-74). ## What the handbook says For superannuation, release, discharge on request, invalidment, or death in service, accumulation and encashment are limited to annual leave standing to the officer's credit, subject to 300 days overall and no more than 30 days accumulated in a calendar year. The orders are stated to operate from 1 January 2006 (printed pages 58-59; PDF pages 69-70). The source separately permits encashment of up to 10 days when availing LTC, subject to an aggregate 60-day career ceiling and at least 30 days of annual leave remaining after encashment and leave actually taken (printed pages 60-61; PDF pages 71-72). For LTC encashment under the Seventh CPC orders, the handbook identifies pay in the prescribed Pay Matrix level plus Dearness Allowance as the calculation base from 1 January 2016 (printed page 63; PDF page 74). ## What this means Retirement-related encashment and LTC-linked encashment are different provisions. The leave account, event, officer category, previous encashment, and the applicable calculation order must all be checked before an amount can be determined (printed pages 58-63; PDF pages 69-74). ## Who this applies to - Officers cashiered or dismissed from service are excluded from leave encashment under the source summary (printed page 60; PDF page 71). - Annual leave accumulated during re-employment is excluded, although an eligible re-employed officer may receive LTC-linked encashment within the stated career ceiling (printed pages 60 and 62; PDF pages 71 and 73). - For SSC officers, annual leave in the year their engagement terminates is not accumulated for encashment; the source separately preserves terminal leave in kind (printed pages 58 and 62; PDF pages 69 and 73). - LTC-linked encashment requires entitlement to LTC and the source conditions on balance and cumulative use (printed pages 60-62; PDF pages 71-73). ## Rates and dates - General accumulation and encashment: up to 300 days overall, with no more than 30 days accumulated per calendar year, under orders effective 1 January 2006 (printed pages 58-59; PDF pages 69-70). - LTC-linked encashment: up to 10 days on an occasion and 60 days over the service career, with the cited conditions (printed pages 60-62; PDF pages 71-73). - The Seventh CPC calculation base stated from 1 January 2016 is Pay Matrix pay plus Dearness Allowance (printed page 63; PDF page 74). These are a 2023 historical snapshot and are not labelled current. ## What you may need - a verified annual-leave account and year-wise break-up; - the Part II order notifying leave encashment; - for LTC encashment, the LTC type, place of visit, and leave period recorded in that order (printed page 63; PDF page 74); and - evidence that the LTC journey was performed, because the source requires recovery or immediate refund when it is not performed (printed page 63; PDF page 74). ## Authorities and source references - GoI, MoD letter No. B/33931/AG/PS-2(b)/1908/D(AG), 12 April 2010 (printed pages 59 and 62; PDF pages 70 and 73) - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/Q Mov C/2610/D(Mov)/98, 11 September 1998, and related LTC encashment orders listed by the source (printed page 61; PDF page 72) - SRO 12(E), 3 May 2017 (printed page 63; PDF page 74) ## Related guidance - [Leave overview](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/overview/) - [Leave encashment with LTC](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/leave-encashment/) - [Retirement benefits](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/retirement-benefits/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Leave Entitlements for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/overview Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Army leave is not one interchangeable balance. The source identifies casual, special casual, annual, furlough, sick, invalidment, terminal, maternity, child-care, adoption, paternity, study, and ex-India leave, plus sick-list concession. Each category has separate eligibility, sanction, duration, pay, combination, and evidence rules (printed page 34; PDF page 45). ## What the handbook says The Leave Rules for the Services, Volume I - Army distinguish the leave categories listed above and state that leave is subject to the exigencies of service. An officer's absence must be covered by a recognised leave category and the applicable sanction (printed page 34; PDF page 45). Casual leave is limited to the year in which it is due and cannot be combined with another kind of leave. Special casual leave is separately regulated and may be combined only as its rule permits (printed pages 35-36; PDF pages 46-47). Sick leave and sick-list concession are also separate provisions (printed pages 44-46; PDF pages 55-57). The source treats maternity, child-care, child-adoption, paternity, study, and ex-India leave as distinct categories with their own conditions rather than as extensions of annual leave (printed pages 47-57; PDF pages 58-68). ## What this means Identify the purpose of the absence first, then check the rule for that leave category. A balance shown in a leave account does not by itself prove that a particular absence may be sanctioned or that one leave type may be combined with another (printed pages 34-35; PDF pages 45-46). ## Who this applies to - Leave is available only under the conditions for the relevant category and remains subject to service exigencies (printed page 34; PDF page 45). - Casual leave cannot be carried into another year or combined with another kind of leave (printed page 35; PDF page 46). - Furlough is not admissible to NCC whole-time officers and cannot be encashed (printed pages 43-44; PDF pages 54-55). - Sick leave applies where sickness exceeds 30 days; the sick-list concession is a different provision (printed pages 44-46; PDF pages 55-57). - Study-leave eligibility and permissible courses differ for general Army, AMC/ADC, and RVC officers (printed pages 51-57; PDF pages 62-68). ## Rates and dates There is no standalone monetary rate for leave as a whole. Duration, leave salary, allowances, and combination rules depend on the specific leave category (printed pages 34-57; PDF pages 45-68). The source includes provisions and amendments with different dates, so the 2023 summary must be checked against later orders before publication. ## What you may need - the competent authority's leave sanction and the relevant leave-account entry; - medical certification or hospital records where the applicable sick-leave rule requires them (printed pages 44-45; PDF pages 55-56); - the prescribed undertaking and approved course information for study leave (printed pages 52-55; PDF pages 63-66); and - the official-tour or deputation record for ex-India leave (printed page 57; PDF page 68). ## Authorities and source references - Leave Rules for the Services, Volume I - Army, including Rules 2, 4, 17, 19-22, 27-30, 56, 56-A, 56-B, 71 and 72 (printed pages 34-57; PDF pages 45-68) - Army Instructions 42/82, 16/92 and 1/2003 for study leave (printed page 55; PDF page 66) - GoI, MoD letter No. B/33926/AG/PS-2(b)/4894/D(AG), 8 November 2011, for the cited ex-India provision (printed page 57; PDF page 68) ## Related guidance - [Leave encashment](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/encashment/) - [Leave encashment with LTC](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/leave-encashment/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes Leave Travel Concession (LTC) as travel support within India for eligible Army officers and family members during authorised leave. It distinguishes home-town or selected-place-of-residence travel from alternate-year travel to another place in India and applies route, class, family, timing, and reimbursement conditions. ## What the handbook says - The handbook states that LTC can accompany authorised leave within Indian limits, including the leave categories identified on printed page 133. - It records home-town or selected-place-of-residence (SPR) LTC and, in alternate years, travel to another place in India in lieu of that concession (printed pages 133 and 145-155). - The travel class for LTC generally follows official tour or transfer entitlement, but daily allowance, local-journey costs, and incidental expenses are not admissible (printed pages 134-138). - Reimbursement remains subject to the authorised mode, applicable class, main or shortest direct route, and the special rules for the journey performed (printed pages 135-144 and 151). ## What this means LTC is not a general holiday allowance. It is a conditional travel concession whose result depends on which LTC title is used, who travels, the recorded home town or declared destination, the route and transport used, and whether the journey is completed within the prescribed period. ## Who this applies to - The source concerns Army officers and the family members recognised by the applicable Travel Regulations. - The family definition and the persons covered differ between home-town LTC and anywhere-in-India LTC; dependent parents are not covered by Rule 177(B) anywhere-in-India LTC (printed pages 133-134 and 153-154). - The same person cannot use both the home-town concession and the anywhere-in-India concession for the same year (printed pages 149-150 and 154-155). - The handbook says there is no LTC provision for travel abroad under the cited 1979, 1991, and 2014 Travel Regulations (printed page 159). - A journey by an unauthorised mode, a non-permitted private vehicle, or a route outside the applicable rule may reduce or defeat reimbursement. ## Rates and dates - Air, rail, sea, and road entitlements shown in the handbook reflect orders effective on dates including 1 July 2017; they are a historical 2023 snapshot and must not be presented as current without later verification (printed pages 134-138). - The source records annual LTC eligibility from 20 August 2007, with an alternate-year option to visit any place in India in lieu of home-town or SPR LTC (printed page 133). - No daily allowance, incidental expenditure, or local-journey expenditure is payable for LTC travel (printed pages 133 and 137-144). - Where the source permits private or personal transport because no public transport is available, reimbursement is capped at the transfer entitlement for 100 kilometres each way and requires self-certification (printed pages 138-139). ## What you may need - The source requires a declaration of actual travel to the declared place when part of the journey is completed by private transport or own arrangement after reaching the nearest public-transport terminal (printed pages 138-139). - Ticket, warrant, route, and actual-fare evidence may be required according to the mode and claim route. - A home-town change requires the sanction and Part II order described on printed pages 150-151. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 2, 39, 47, 176, 177, 178, and 179 of the Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 5(1)/2007/D(Mov)(II), dated 20 August 2007 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/TA/DA/7thCPC/Mov C/85/D(Mov)/2018, dated 14 May 2018 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/LTC/Mov C/82/D(Mov)/2019, dated 21 October 2019 - DoP&T OM No. 31011/8/2017-Estt.A-IV, dated 19 September 2017 ## Related guidance - [Family Definition for Leave Travel Concession](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/family-definition/) - [Home Town LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown/) - [Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india/) - [LTC Rules for Special Regions and Postings](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/special-regions/) - [Annual Leave Encashment with LTC](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/leave-encashment/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## LTC Rules for Special Regions and Postings Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/special-regions Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook records special LTC and leave-passage rules for certain island, border, field, overseas, and category-specific postings. It also summarises temporary conversion schemes for visits to the North East Region, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. None should be assumed current without checking later extension orders. ## What the handbook says - The source records category-specific sea-passage and leave arrangements for officers serving in or connected with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (printed pages 168-170). - Travel by service aircraft during leave is generally disallowed unless a specific Government order authorises the service; separate restrictions apply to the Assam Courier Service (printed pages 170-173). - It sets distinct eligibility conditions for certain Territorial Army, NCC, reserve, and other non-regular officers (printed pages 173-175). - Officers in Missions or posts abroad are covered by home-leave-fare rules, not by a general entitlement to LTC travel abroad (printed pages 175-178). - The source records special treatment for officers serving in Bhutan and transportation-only reimbursement for eligible Lakshadweep SPORTS journeys (printed pages 178-179). - It describes conversion schemes for travel to the North East Region, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (printed pages 179-181). ## What this means These are not interchangeable concessions. Eligibility depends on the officer's organisation, posting, existing LTC title, destination, scheme validity, and transport conditions. A special passage may replace part of an LTC journey, supplement ordinary LTC, or operate under a separate rule. ## Who this applies to - The Andaman and Nicobar provisions identify particular organisations, resident or posting circumstances, and embarkation arrangements; they do not establish one universal island entitlement. - Assam Courier Service use is limited by the source to eligible officers in the Eastern Sector who receive field-service concessions, plus the other stated operational conditions. - Territorial Army Home Town LTC under the cited rule requires the qualifying embodiment and one year of continuous embodied service. - For the NER, J&K, and A&N conversion scheme, officers whose headquarters or posting and home town are the same are recorded as ineligible to convert a Home Town LTC that does not exist. - Helicopter travel is excluded from the NER relaxation described on printed page 180. ## Rates and dates - Lakshadweep SPORTS reimbursement is limited to the lower of the eligible transportation component and the amount claimed; lodging and boarding are excluded. The source states that these rules applied from 11 October 2018 (printed pages 178-179). - The NER, J&K, and A&N scheme is described as a two-year scheme that was normally extended periodically. The source cites extension orders dated 8 October and 8 December 2020 and expressly tells officers to confirm scheme validity before travelling (printed pages 179-180). - Home-leave fare for an Indian-based domestic assistant is recorded as limited to 75 percent of excursion-class airfare (printed page 177). - Every figure and time-bound facility on this page is a 2023 snapshot. ## What you may need - For a Lakshadweep SPORTS package, the source requires a certificate separating transportation charges and confirming that the officer and claimed family members actually travelled (printed pages 178-179). - Overseas home-leave-fare cases can require recorded recommendations, certifications, and proof of residence or journey timing under Rule 272 (printed pages 175-178). - Category-specific and conversion claims should carry evidence of posting, eligible LTC title, destination, authorised booking, and scheme validity. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 177, 179, 188, and 272 of the Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 5(3)/07/D(Mov)/2010, dated 28 April 2010 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/LTC/SPORTS/Mov C/22/D(Mov)/2019, dated 22 March 2019 - DoP&T OM No. 31011/10/2017-Estt.A-IV, dated 11 October 2018 - DoP&T OM No. 31011/3/2018-Estt.(A-IV), dated 8 October 2020 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/LTC/Mov C/240/D(Mov)/2020, dated 8 December 2020 ## Related guidance - [Leave Travel Concession for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/overview/) - [Home Town LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/hometown/) - [Anywhere in India LTC for Army Officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave-travel-concession/anywhere-in-india/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Medical Reimbursement and Medical Advances Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/medical/reimbursement Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook says serving officers and eligible family members receive free outpatient treatment at Military Hospitals. Where military facilities and a nearby Military Hospital are unavailable, authorised civilian outpatient treatment may be reimbursable. Eligibility, referral, hospital recognition, evidence, and payment routes require current medical and administrative confirmation. ## What the handbook says - Officers and their families are described as entitled to free outpatient treatment at a Military Hospital (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). - At qualifying stations without military facilities or a nearby Military Hospital, the source allows local civil outpatient treatment through the authorised medical attendant route (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). - Indoor and outpatient bills follow different accounting routes (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). ## What this means Civilian treatment is not reimbursable merely because expenditure occurred. The station circumstances, authorised provider, referral or approval, type of treatment, and evidence determine whether the cited route applies. ## Who this applies to - Civilian outpatient treatment is tied to non-availability of military facilities and the authorised medical attendant described by the rules. - Private-hospital dental treatment is not reimbursable under the source (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). - Medicines purchased where military medical facilities are available are not reimbursable under the stated rule (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). - This page does not establish ECHS eligibility. ## Rates and dates For recognised civilian hospital or institution treatment, the source records a medical advance restricted to 90 percent of the package or CGHS-approved rate. It gives no effective date on this page, so the percentage and approved hospital list require current verification (source: printed p. 268; PDF p. 279). ## What you may need Outpatient medicine reimbursement requires a countersigned contingent bill, receipts, and certificates from authorised medical attendants (source: printed p. 267; PDF p. 278). The medical advance route uses an application through the CO or OC, hospital recommendation, and DGMS sanction; payment is made directly to the hospital (source: printed p. 268; PDF p. 279). ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence letter No. 5683/DGAFMS/DG-3A/4059/D(Med) - AO 32/81 - Financial Regulations Part II, Rule 55 - CGDA instructions cited on printed page 268 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Military Service Pay for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/military-service-pay Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The handbook records Military Service Pay of Rs. 15,500 per month for eligible Army officers through Brigadier and states that it counts for Dearness Allowance and pension. It separately records Rs. 10,800 for eligible MNS officers through Brigadier and excludes NCC officers (printed pages 80, 82, and 84; PDF pages 91, 93, and 95). ## What the handbook says Under the source's Seventh CPC pay-rule summary, MSP is admitted to eligible Army officers up to and including Brigadier at Rs. 15,500 per month and counts as pay when computing Dearness Allowance and pension (printed page 84; PDF page 95). MNS is governed separately: the source records MSP of Rs. 10,800 per month up to and including Brigadier under the MNS Pay Rules. It states that MSP is not admissible to NCC officers (printed pages 80 and 82-84; PDF pages 91 and 93-95). ## What this means MSP is a separate pay element, not the officer's Pay Matrix basic-pay cell. Confirm the officer's service category and substantive rank before applying the relevant figure. The source's treatment for Dearness Allowance and pension does not automatically extend MSP to another allowance calculation (printed page 84; PDF page 95). ## Who this applies to - General Army-officer MSP is limited to eligible officers up to and including Brigadier (printed page 84; PDF page 95). - Eligible MNS officers use the separately stated MNS amount up to and including Brigadier (printed pages 80 and 84; PDF pages 91 and 95). - NCC officers are excluded from MSP (printed pages 82 and 84; PDF pages 93 and 95). - Officers above Brigadier are outside the rank range stated for MSP in this source summary (printed page 84; PDF page 95). ## Rates and dates - General eligible Army officers: Rs. 15,500 per month through Brigadier (printed page 84; PDF page 95). - Eligible MNS officers: Rs. 10,800 per month through Brigadier (printed pages 80 and 84; PDF pages 91 and 95). The source places both figures in the 2017 pay-rule framework deemed effective from 1 January 2016 (printed page 77; PDF page 88). The 2023 edition does not prove that no later order changed either figure. ## What you may need - commission and substantive-rank record; - service-category record distinguishing regular Army, MNS, and NCC; - the applicable Pay Rules and any later amendment; and - Statement of Account or pay record showing MSP admission. These records establish the rank and service-category conditions stated by the source (printed pages 77, 80, 82, and 84; PDF pages 88, 91, 93, and 95). ## Authorities and source references - Army Officers Pay Rules, 2017, and SRO 17(E), 6 July 2017 (printed page 77; PDF page 88) - Military Nursing Service Pay Rules, 2017, and SRO 21(E), 14 July 2017 (printed page 80; PDF page 91) - GoI, MoD letter No. 4/43/2017-D(GS-VI)/2018, 16 October 2018, for NCC officers (printed page 82; PDF page 93) ## Related guidance - [Pay matrix](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) - [Dearness Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dearness-allowance/) - [Seventh CPC pension](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/seventh-cpc/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## National Pension System for NCC Whole Time Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/nps Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes the National Pension System for NCC Whole Time Officers joining Government service on or after 1 January 2004 without former Government service. It covers account registration, mandatory Tier I contributions, optional Tier II participation, withdrawals, gratuity, and fund choices. These historical rules require current NPS and service-category verification. ## What the handbook says The source limits this chapter to NCC Whole Time Officers commissioned on or after 1 January 2004 without former Government service. It describes unit initiation and PCDA(O) recording of pension account information (2023 handbook, printed pp. 290-291; PDF pp. 301-302). Tier I is mandatory and Tier II optional. The source records an officer contribution of 10 percent of basic pay plus DA and a Government contribution of 14 percent from 1 April 2019 (2023 handbook, printed p. 291; PDF p. 302). ## What this means This historical chapter concerns one officer category. It does not establish NPS coverage for every Armed Forces officer or replace current PFRDA, NPS Trust, recordkeeping agency, service, tax, or gratuity rules. ## Who this applies to This chapter does not establish NPS coverage for Regular Army officers or for an NCC Whole Time Officer with former Government service. Account history and the officer's governing service terms must be checked before applying these rules (2023 handbook, printed p. 290; PDF p. 301). ## Rates and dates - Recovery begins with the salary for the month after joining, with no recovery for the joining month (2023 handbook, printed p. 291; PDF p. 302). - The source says DSOP Fund subscription is not recovered from the covered entrant (2023 handbook, printed p. 291; PDF p. 302). - It records partial withdrawals of no more than 25 percent of the subscriber's own contributions under conditions effective from 21 March 2016. These conditions require current verification (2023 handbook, printed pp. 293-295; PDF pp. 304-306). ## What you may need The unit initiates the prescribed account and nomination information, and PCDA(O) records the pension account details under the source procedure. Current PRAN onboarding, nomination, KYC, withdrawal, and recordkeeping requirements must be obtained from the current NPS process. The source says a partial-withdrawal request uses the specified form and relevant documents (2023 handbook, printed p. 294; PDF p. 305). ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Finance notification F.No. 1/3/2016-PR, 31 January 2019 - PFRDA Circular No. PFRDA/2016/7/EXIT/2, 21 March 2016 - DoP&PW OM No. 7/5/2012-P&PW(F)/B, 26 August 2016 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 5431/DGNCC/PC/TCS/MS(b)/1130/A/D(GS-VI), 23 May 1980 ## Related guidance - [Retirement benefits processing](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/retirement-benefits/) - [Income tax for Army officers](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/income-tax/) - [Defence Services Officers Provident Fund](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dsop-fund/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Official Travel Abroad Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/official-travel-abroad Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Official travel abroad must follow the approved route, authorised mode and class, and the relevant Government sanction. The handbook links international air class to Pay Matrix level and regulates foreign daily allowance by time away, posting status, length of stay and hospitality provided. ## What the handbook says If a traveller chooses a route, mode or class other than the approved entitlement, the source limits reimbursement to the approved entitlement. From 1 July 2017 it records first class for level 17 and above, business or club class for levels 14 to 16, and economy class for levels 10 to 13B. For foreign tours, the source regulates DA by fractions of a day and uses sliding percentages for longer stays. Full hospitality changes the payable percentage. It also records CTG for qualifying permanent foreign postings, deputations or courses exceeding one year. ## What this means Foreign travel requires more than domestic class entitlement. Confirm the specific Government sanction, approved route, ticketing method, paying audit office, foreign-DA rate and any host hospitality. Do not infer a country rate from this page; the source says foreign DA rates are prescribed separately. ## Who this applies to - The journey must be approved official travel abroad. - A personally chosen route, mode or class does not enlarge reimbursement. - CTG applies only to the qualifying long-term moves described by the source and is not due in every tour case. - Where a panel-of-packers arrangement applies between missions or on return to India, the source says CTG is not admissible. - Hospitality, posting status and stay length can reduce DA. ## Rates and dates The source records from 1 July 2017: - level 17 and above: first class international air travel; - levels 14 to 16: business or club class; - levels 10 to 13B: economy class; and - CTG at 80% of the previous month's basic pay for a qualifying long-term move, excluding NPA and MSP. For a fraction of a foreign-tour day, it records nil up to six hours, 50% from six to twelve hours and full DA above twelve hours. Country DA amounts are not set out on these pages. ## What you may need - Government sanction and approved itinerary; - authorised ticket or air-warrant records; - travel and arrival/departure evidence; - host statement showing free boarding, lodging or other hospitality; - deputation or course duration order for CTG; and - the prescribed claim routed to the responsible audit authority. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 244, 245, 258, 259-C and 268, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoD, DMA letter No. 12709/Mov C/55/D(Mov)/2022, 8 March 2022 - GoI, MoD letter No. 17(21)/2006/D(GS-I), 24 August 2009 ## Related guidance - [Air Journey Booking Rules for Official Travel](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/air-journeys/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Travelling Allowance Advances and Claim Time Limits](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/advances-and-time-limits/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Official Travel Entitlements Overview Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/entitlements Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Travelling allowance applies to an authorised journey in the interest of public service. The ordering authority classifies a move as temporary or permanent, normally by the expected stay, and entitlement is then regulated by the authorised route, mode, class, pay level and family conditions in the Travel Regulations. ## What the handbook says The source defines official duty as a journey authorised under the regulations for public service, rather than personal convenience. It classifies publicly funded moves as temporary duty or permanent duty. A stay expected to exceed 180 days is generally classified as permanent; a temporary classification is revisited if the continuous halt actually exceeds 180 days. Reimbursement after using a different mode or class is limited to the actual fare paid or the cost of the authorised option, whichever is applicable under the cited rules. Mileage is ordinarily calculated by the shortest practicable or equally short cheapest route. ## What this means An entitlement is not determined by rank alone. First establish that the move was authorised, then confirm its classification, route and applicable pay level. Family travel additionally depends on the regulatory definition of family and dependency; this page does not determine an individual family member's eligibility. ## Who this applies to - The journey must be for authorised official duty. - A move at personal request is not automatically treated as being in the public interest. - A longer route requires the source-supported approval and recorded reasons. - Personal use of mileage points earned on Government-funded official tickets is excluded by the source. - Family entitlement is subject to relationship, dependency and other conditions in Rule 2(p) TR. ## Rates and dates From 1 July 2017, the source links travel and daily-allowance entitlements to basic pay in the relevant Seventh CPC Pay Matrix level. It expressly excludes NPA, MSP and other special pay from "pay in the level" for this purpose. The source says specified daily-allowance and transfer-transport ceilings rise by 25% when Dearness Allowance on the revised pay structure rises by 50%. Later triggered amounts must be independently verified before use. ## What you may need - competent-authority sanction and movement or posting order; - the move's temporary or permanent classification and nature of duty; - route, mode, class, tickets and actual expenditure; and - relationship and dependency evidence when family entitlement is claimed. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 2, 14, 16, 24, 35, 39, 40(A), 44, 56 and 91, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - CGDA letter No. AT/IV/4513/XIV, 24 December 2003 ## Related guidance - [Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview/) - [Permanent Duty Move Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview/) - [Air Journey Booking Rules for Official Travel](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/air-journeys/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Pay Fixation on Promotion for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/promotion-pay-fixation Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The source distinguishes substantive and in-situ promotions. Substantive time-scale promotion depends on prescribed reckonable commissioned service, professional requirements, and fitness. In-situ promotion is a temporary placement pending posting to a suitable appointment. Pay requires the applicable promotion authority and effective service documentation (printed pages 23-29; PDF pages 34-40). ## What the handbook says Substantive promotion through Lieutenant Colonel is by time scale after the prescribed reckonable commissioned service, provided the professional examination and fitness conditions are met. Colonel (Time Scale) is separately addressed for officers not promoted to Colonel by selection (printed page 23; PDF page 34). The source treats in-situ promotion separately. For Brigadier and above, it describes a maximum period of six months pending posting to a suitable appointment. The later cited extension to Colonel also uses a six-month limit and states that the officer is admitted pay in the rank of the appointment against which promoted (printed pages 28-29; PDF pages 39-40). ## What this means Promotion eligibility and pay fixation are related but distinct decisions. First establish the type of promotion, promotion authority, effective date, and completed notification. Then apply the pay rule governing the officer's lower and promoted levels. This source range does not provide a complete pay-fixation calculation (printed pages 23-29; PDF pages 34-40). ## Who this applies to - Time-scale promotion remains subject to the required reckonable service, professional examination, and fitness (printed page 23; PDF page 34). - Reckonable-service rules differ across general cadre, AMC, ADC, AMC non-technical, RVC, MNS, Territorial Army, Special List, and Short Service officers (printed pages 23-28; PDF pages 34-39). - In-situ promotion is not a general entitlement; it applies under the source's vacancy, rank, approval, appointment, and posting conditions (printed pages 28-29; PDF pages 39-40). ## Rates and dates There is no standalone monetary rate in the cited promotion chapter. Pay depends on the promoted rank and the separate pay-fixation rules (printed pages 23-29; PDF pages 34-40). The source states that the general-cadre time-scale changes described for Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel (Time Scale) took effect from 16 December 2004 (printed pages 23-24; PDF pages 34-35). It states that the Colonel in-situ provisions took effect from 1 August 2009, while noting that further MoD orders had not been received by the handbook date (printed page 29; PDF page 40). ## What you may need - the promotion or upgradation order and effective date; - the Gazette notification or applicable service notification; - evidence of reckonable commissioned service, required examination, fitness, and selection where applicable (printed page 23; PDF page 34); and - for in-situ promotion, the vacant appointment, approving authority, and proposed next regular appointment (printed pages 28-29; PDF pages 39-40). ## Authorities and source references - GoI, MoD letter No. 18(1)/2004-D(GS-I), 21 December 2004 (printed pages 23 and 26; PDF pages 34 and 37) - Regulations for the Army, 1987, and Army Rule 2(iii), for the cited SSC context (printed page 27; PDF page 38) - MS Branch, Army Headquarters letter No. 04477/MS 9B/P, 7 October 1986 (printed page 29; PDF page 40) - MS Branch letters No. 04502/MS Policy, 14 May 2009, and No. 04477/MS Policy, 19 August 2009, with MoD ID No. 19(28)/2009-D(MS), 20 May 2009 (printed page 29; PDF page 40) ## Related guidance - [Annual increments](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/increments/) - [Pay matrix](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Permanent Duty Move Entitlements Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview For an authorised permanent duty move, an eligible officer may receive Government-funded travel for self and qualifying family, a composite transfer grant, and reimbursement for entitled personal effects and one eligible private conveyance. The amount depends on route, pay level, distance, change of residence and supporting evidence. ## What the handbook says The source states that travel class for a permanent move generally follows the temporary-duty mode entitlement. Travel is ordinarily by the direct route. It records travel for self and qualifying family, CTG, personal-effects transportation and one owned car or motorcycle/scooter, subject to the cited conditions. It states that daily allowance is not admissible for self or family for journey time or enforced halts on a permanent move. Terminal road mileage and transfer incidentals are treated as subsumed within CTG. ## What this means A permanent-transfer claim has several separate heads. Confirm eligibility for each rather than applying one overall amount: passenger travel, CTG, personal effects and private conveyance. The family move may occur separately within the permitted lien, but the Government's route and cost limits still apply. ## Who this applies to - The move must be ordered on permanent duty and not merely requested for personal reasons. - Family members must meet the Travel Regulations definition and dependency conditions. - CTG is not admissible on a transfer at own request or otherwise outside the public interest under the cited source. - No TA or CTG is due for a same-station or short-distance transfer without a change of residence. - Private servants are excluded from Government-funded conveyance. - Separate passenger fare is not payable for a person who travels in the private car being transported under its own propulsion. ## Rates and dates The source records, from 1 July 2017: - CTG at 80% of the previous month's basic pay for an eligible change of station of at least 20 kilometres; - CTG at 100% for transfer to or from the named island territories; - up to 6,000 kilograms of personal effects for Pay Matrix levels 10 and above, with source-recorded road reimbursement of Rs.50 per kilometre; and - transportation of one motor car or one motorcycle/scooter for levels 10 and above. NPA and MSP are excluded from CTG basic pay. These historical figures and any DA-triggered revisions require current verification. ## What you may need - posting and movement orders; - completed IAFT-1715 certificates; - journey tickets and warrant or approved cash-travel details; - family relationship, age and dependency information; - consignment note, weight record and stamped receipt for personal effects; - registration and ownership evidence for the private conveyance; and - change-of-residence evidence where entitlement depends on it. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 57, 58, 61, 67, 80, 81, 82, 85 and 86, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Q Mov C/3198/D(Mov)/98, 28 October 1998 - CGDA letter No. ABTDL-4462/55/2020/E-2539, 5 February 2021 ## Related guidance - [Composite Transfer Grant](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/composite-transfer-grant/) - [Official Travel Entitlements Overview](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/entitlements/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Travelling Allowance Advances and Claim Time Limits](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/advances-and-time-limits/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview A travelling allowance claim should use the prescribed form, identify the authorised duty and journey, record any advance or Defence Travel System booking, and include the required sanctions, movement records, tickets, receipts and certificates. The appropriate authority must countersign it unless the claimant is specifically exempt. ## What the handbook says The source distinguishes claims for temporary duty, permanent duty, leave travel concession and retirement. It says the relevant journey particulars, authorisation and supporting evidence must be complete enough for audit. A supplementary claim should be linked to the original claim. The prescribed forms identified by the source are IAFT-1716 (Revised) for temporary duty, IAFT-1715 for permanent moves, and Appendix A to AO 30/89 for LTC. Retirement claims follow the permanent-move process. ## What this means Treat the claim as an audit record, not just a reimbursement request. Make the route, dates, duty purpose, actual mode of travel and amount paid consistent across the claim, sanction, tickets and certificates. Record a DTS ticket as an advance and do not omit the corresponding ticket details. ## Who this applies to - The journey must have been authorised for bona fide official duty or under another applicable travel provision. - A competent authority cannot sanction its own move where the source requires approval from a higher authority. - An exempt claimant may submit without countersignature, but that exemption does not authorise self-sanction of the move. - Claiming a higher class than used, a journey not performed, or an amount beyond actual expenditure is not permitted. ## Rates and dates This page does not establish an allowance rate. The source records submission and advance-adjustment time limits that differ by claim type; see the dedicated advance and time-limit guide. ## What you may need Depending on claim type, the source requires: - the prescribed claim form with all applicable certificates completed; - movement sanction, movement or posting order, and detention certificate; - journey dates, route, duty purpose, mode and class of travel; - ticket, PNR, boarding-pass and warrant or Form D particulars where relevant; - advance and DTS booking details; - original transport or freight receipts for baggage or a private conveyance; - dependency and family details where family travel is claimed; and - registration evidence when transportation of a private car is claimed. The source describes limited alternatives for missing evidence in specified circumstances. These require the relevant certificate or sanction and should not be treated as a general waiver. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 6, 7, 9, 17-A, 23, 43 and 47(iii), Travel Regulations - Army Orders 6/2002, 30/1989, 194/1972 and 237/1970 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/TA/Mov C/198/D(Mov)/2018, 6 December 2018 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12647/Q Mov C/2464/D(Mov)/2001, 11 September 2001 - GoI, MoD, DMA letter No. 12630/Tpt.A/Mov C/205/D(Mov)/2020, 16 December 2020 ## Related guidance - [Travelling Allowance Advances and Claim Time Limits](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/advances-and-time-limits/) - [Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview/) - [Permanent Duty Move Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview/) - [Travel Entitlements on Retirement](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/retirement/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Ration Money Allowance in Lieu of Rations in Kind Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/ration-money-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Ration Money Allowance may replace free rations in kind for eligible officers in the contingencies recognised by the applicable regulation. It is not payable for a period in which free messing, rations in kind, Daily Allowance, or Daily Messing Allowance has already covered the same requirement. Evidence and prior approval may be required. ## What the handbook says The source lists specified forms of leave, joining time, courses or postings without ration-drawing facilities, and certain temporary duty as recognised contingencies. On temporary duty, the officer must be entitled to free rations but unable to draw them and not entitled to Daily Allowance (2023 handbook, printed pp. 127-128; PDF pp. 138-139). Exceptional circumstances outside the listed cases require prior approval from the Local Station Commander (2023 handbook, printed p. 128; PDF p. 139). ## What this means Ration Money Allowance substitutes for an unavailable ration benefit; it is not an additional meal payment. The claimed dates must not overlap with free messing, rations in kind, Daily Allowance, or Daily Messing Allowance. ## Who this applies to - The claimed circumstance must fall within Rule 174(B) or receive the source-described prior station approval (2023 handbook, printed pp. 127-128; PDF pp. 138-139). - No payment is described for the actual permanent-posting journey because travel and daily allowance apply to that journey (2023 handbook, printed p. 127; PDF p. 138). - Hospitalisation, extra-ordinary leave, duplicate claims, and periods already covered by free messing, ration in kind, DA, or DMA are excluded by the source certificates (2023 handbook, printed p. 128; PDF p. 139). ## Rates and dates The cited source pages do not state a monetary rate. This page therefore does not calculate or present an amount. ## What you may need - A Part II order stating the period and reason for the claim - Confirmation that no earlier claim was made - Confirmation that free messing or ration in kind was not provided - Confirmation that DA/DMA was not claimed - Station order or prior Local Station Commander approval where required These requirements are summarised from printed pp. 128-129 (PDF pp. 139-140). ## Authorities and source references - Rule 174(B), Defence Service Regulations, Pay and Allowances (Officers) - SAPCS letter No. C/7099/Policy/SAPCS/2022, 1 April 2022 ## Related guidance - [Daily Allowance on temporary duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/daily-allowance/) - [Leave overview](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/leave/overview/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Retirement Benefits Processing for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/retirement-benefits Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The handbook separates pension sanction from PCDA(O)'s retirement-account work. It assigns PCDA(O) functions concerning leave encashment, verification of AGIF subscription, finalisation and payment of the DSOP Fund account, and pay data used in pension claims initiated through SPARSH. Current timelines, documents, and responsibilities require verification before retirement action. ## What the handbook says - Leave encashment requires the relevant Part II order, published on or after the retirement date (2023 handbook, printed p. 269; PDF p. 280). - AGIF deduction verification supports settlement of the insurance claim. - DSOP Fund finalisation depends on notification of retirement and settlement of subscriptions, advances, withdrawals, and interest. - The pension claim is initiated by the designated AG's Branch authority in SPARSH (2023 handbook, printed pp. 269-270; PDF pp. 280-281). ## What this means PCDA(O)'s account-settlement tasks are distinct from pension sanction. Completion of one task does not establish completion of the others. ## Who this applies to This page addresses processing responsibilities, not entitlement to or calculation of pension, gratuity, commutation, insurance proceeds, or tax. ## Rates and dates The source states a 300-day maximum in its leave-encashment formula (2023 handbook, printed p. 269; PDF p. 280). Treat this as historical until reviewed. ## What you may need Retirement orders, Part II orders, leave records, AGIF data, DSOP Fund records, bank and identification details, and pension-system verification may be required. This page does not calculate pension, gratuity, commutation, or tax and does not replace a retirement clearance checklist. ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence letter No. B/35612/AG/PS3(c)/1020/D(Pay/Services) - Applicable leave, AGIF, and DSOP Fund provisions cited in the chapter - SPARSH procedure described by the 2023 handbook ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Road Mileage on Temporary Duty Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/road-mileage Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Road mileage depends on Pay Matrix level, the vehicle actually used and any rate prescribed by the relevant transport authority. Where no specific rate was prescribed, the handbook recorded per-kilometre ceilings from 1 July 2017. Travel by private arrangement may also require prior approval. ## What the handbook says At places with notified rates, the source links reimbursement to actual travel by the eligible form of public transport, taxi or auto-rickshaw. Officers in levels 10 to 13B are not shown as eligible for AC-taxi mileage under this particular table. Where there is no notified State or neighbouring-State rate, the source provides fallback rates. ## What this means The fallback figure is not a universal taxi rate. First identify whether a transport-authority rate applied at the place and date of journey, then confirm the officer's pay level, actual vehicle and any approval for own-arrangement travel. ## Who this applies to - The journey must be authorised and actually performed. - The reimbursable vehicle category depends on Pay Matrix level. - An AC-taxi claim is excluded for levels 10 to 13B under the cited table. - Where rail is available, other parts of the temporary-duty rules may cap a road claim at the entitled rail cost. - No mileage is payable where no conveyance expense was incurred. ## Rates and dates The source records the following fallback rates from 1 July 2017 where no specific rate had been prescribed: - own car or taxi: Rs.24 per kilometre; - auto-rickshaw, own scooter and similar modes: Rs.12 per kilometre. It says these rates rise by 25% when DA increases by 50%. Do not calculate or publish a triggered rate without the later DA evidence and human review. ## What you may need - movement sanction and route; - actual distance and mode used; - receipt or expenditure evidence required by the applicable rule; - the relevant transport-authority rate, if one existed; and - approval for private or own-arrangement travel where required. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 102, 106 and 111, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 ## Related guidance - [Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview/) - [Daily Allowance on Temporary Duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/daily-allowance/) - [Official Travel Entitlements Overview](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/entitlements/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Service Accommodation, Rent, and Allied Charges Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/accommodation/rent-and-charges Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook says Army officers apply to the station allotting authority for accommodation appropriate to rank. It summarises licence fees, furniture, water and electricity charges, private hiring and reimbursement, and limited retention after specified service events. Station procedures, rates, and retention periods require current verification. ## What the handbook says - Quarters are held in a station pool, and officers apply to the relevant allotting authority for the class appropriate to rank (source: printed p. 202; PDF p. 213). - Higher-class and lower-class allotments are subject to the administrative principles stated by the source (source: printed p. 202; PDF p. 213). - Private arrangements, rent reimbursement, furniture reimbursement, and retention each have separate approvals and conditions (source: printed pp. 205-224; PDF pp. 216-235). ## What this means The applicable outcome depends on rank, station pool, marital status, availability, posting status, and the allotting authority. Permission to make private arrangements does not remove the approval and evidence requirements. ## Who this applies to - The source says married officers below age 25 are not entitled to married accommodation until that age (source: printed p. 202; PDF p. 213). - Reimbursement and retention rules do not create a right to a preferred house, privately purchased furniture, or indefinite retention. - Buying furniture where MES cannot supply it does not create reimbursement under the cited provision (source: printed p. 213; PDF p. 224). ## Rates and dates - The source's licence-fee table is effective 1 July 2020 and caps furniture charges at 50 percent of licence-fee liability (source: printed p. 203; PDF p. 214). - It records sub-standard or unclassified accommodation at 75 percent of the corresponding normal licence fee from 1 July 2022 (source: printed p. 213; PDF p. 224). - It says the free ceiling of 100 electricity units and electricity reimbursement ended from 1 July 2017 (source: printed p. 204; PDF p. 215). All figures are historical source values and require current verification. ## What you may need Private hiring may require prior permission, approved rent, non-availability or allotment evidence, and the applicable rent documents. Initial furniture claims require original dealer receipts and an MES non-availability certificate; later claims use the periodic certification described by the source (source: printed pp. 205-206, 213; PDF pp. 216-217, 224). ## Authorities and source references - SAO 10/S/86 - Pay and Allowances Regulations for Officers of the Army, Rules 376 and 377 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(1)2014-D(Q&C), 1 July 2022 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(2)/2021-D(Q&C), 8 April 2022 - AI 27/78 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Seventh Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The Army Officers Pay Rules, 2017 place officers in specified Defence Pay Matrix levels and vertical cells. Basic pay is the amount at the applicable cell. Rank determines the relevant level, while increments, promotions, options, and fixation rules determine movement; a flat percentage is not a substitute (printed pages 77-83; PDF pages 88-94). ## What the handbook says The source says the 2017 pay rules are deemed effective from 1 January 2016 and apply to the listed Army officer categories and trainees. It identifies SRO 17(E), dated 6 July 2017, as the notified Army officer Pay Matrix (printed page 77; PDF page 88). The Defence Pay Matrix maps levels to vertical cells and separately records matrices for MNS and NCC whole-time officers. The source also maps regular Army, MNS, and NCC officer ranks to their corresponding levels (printed pages 78-83; PDF pages 89-94). ## What this means Determine the officer category and substantive rank first, then identify the notified level and current cell. Movement within a level follows the increment rules; movement between levels follows the applicable promotion, option, and fixation rules. The matrix table alone cannot establish an individual's basic pay (printed pages 83-104; PDF pages 94-115). ## Who this applies to - The source lists regular Army officers, AMC, ADC, RVC, Special List, RCO, SCO, embodied Territorial Army, APS, specified cadets and trainees, NCC, and MNS within the stated 2017 rules context (printed page 77; PDF page 88). - MNS and NCC officers use their separately prescribed matrices rather than the regular-officer matrix (printed pages 80-82; PDF pages 91-93). - An officer draws pay in the revised level applicable to the rank held in a substantive capacity, subject to the option provisions in the source (printed pages 83-84; PDF pages 94-95). ## Rates and dates The rules are stated to operate from 1 January 2016 (printed page 77; PDF page 88). The regular Army matrix is identified with SRO 17(E), 6 July 2017 (printed page 77; PDF page 88), while the MNS rules are identified with SRO 21(E), 14 July 2017 (printed page 80; PDF page 91). The complete matrix is not reproduced here. Every cell amount is a historical snapshot in the 2023 handbook and requires source and amendment review before use in a public calculator. ## What you may need - the commission, substantive-rank, promotion, or upgradation order; - officer category and the corresponding notified Pay Matrix; - any written option and undertaking required by the applicable pay rules (printed pages 83-85; PDF pages 94-96). ## Authorities and source references - Army Officers Pay Rules, 2017 (printed page 77; PDF page 88) - SRO 17(E), 6 July 2017 (printed page 77; PDF page 88) - MoD Resolution No. 1(6)/2016/D(Pay/Services), 22 June 2017 (printed page 80; PDF page 91) - MNS Pay Rules, 2017, and SRO 21(E), 14 July 2017, where applicable (printed page 80; PDF page 91) - GoI, MoD letter No. 4/43/2017-D(GS-VI)/2018, 16 October 2018, for NCC officers (printed pages 77 and 82; PDF pages 88 and 93) ## Related guidance - [Annual increments](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/increments/) - [Promotion pay fixation](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/promotion-pay-fixation/) - [Military Service Pay](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/military-service-pay/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Seventh CPC Pension Provisions for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/seventh-cpc Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 source summarises Seventh CPC pension, gratuity, commutation, and family pension provisions for covered Army, MNS, and TA officers who retired, were released or invalided, or died in harness on or after 1 January 2016. It is a general summary, while sanction rests with the pension authority. Every figure and applicability rule requires qualified review. ## Who this applies to Separate provisions apply by retirement or casualty date, commission and service category, qualifying service, pay option, type of award, and cause of invalidment or death. The ordinary-pension ceilings summarised below do not apply identically to every disability, war-injury, or casualty element. ## What the handbook says - For pensionary benefits other than gratuity, the source uses Pay Matrix pay, MSP, and NPA, if any, last drawn. - For gratuity, it adds DA admissible on the relevant date. - Officers who remained in pre-revised pay scales and officers who moved to revised pay within the final ten months have separate calculations (2023 handbook, printed pp. 279-280; PDF pp. 290-291). ## What this means The source records 20 years as the usual minimum qualifying service for retiring pension, with a 15-year rule for the defined late-entrant case. It states that service weightage for pension computation was withdrawn. For qualifying retirements from 2 September 2008, it describes pension as 50 percent of last reckonable emoluments or the average of the last ten months, whichever is more beneficial. From 1 January 2016, the handbook records a Rs.9,000 monthly minimum and a Rs.1,25,000 ceiling for specified pension elements (2023 handbook, printed p. 281; PDF p. 292). These are historical figures requiring current verification. ## Rates and dates The summarised provisions apply from 1 January 2016, while the pension formula described for qualifying retirements applies from 2 September 2008 (2023 handbook, printed pp. 279, 281; PDF pp. 290, 292). Do not treat the stated amounts as current. ## What you may need Verify the retirement or casualty date, commission and service category, qualifying service, pay option, reckonable emoluments, award type, and sanctioning records. The chapter's forms and factors require current-version review. ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare letter No. 17(02)/2016-D(Pen/Pol), 4 September 2017 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 17(4)/2008(2)/D(Pen/Pol), 12 November 2008 - Army Officers' Pay Rules, 2017 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## SPARSH Defence Pension Administration Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/sparsh Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook describes SPARSH as a defence pension system supporting claim initiation, sanction, disbursement, revision, identification, profile management, service requests, and grievances. It records rollout from 1 September 2021 and assigns roles to several offices. Current portal access, responsibilities, documents, and support channels must be independently verified. ## Who this applies to The source covers specified Defence pension workflows and assigns different initiating offices by officer category. It does not itself determine pension eligibility or amount, and portal access does not replace approval by the competent pension sanctioning authority. ## What the handbook says - MP 5 and 6 of AG's Branch initiates claims and service or personal data for the specified Army officer categories. - MPRSO performs the corresponding role for AMC and MNS officers. - TA Directorate and NCC Directorate handle their respective officer categories. - PCDA(O) initiator and verifier roles upload, check, audit, correct, and respond to discrepancies. - PCDA(P), Prayagraj sanctions pension after Pensioner Data Verification and audit approval (2023 handbook, printed pp. 307-308; PDF pp. 318-319). Role names and organisational ownership may have changed since the source edition and require confirmation. ## What this means SPARSH administers pension workflows; it does not itself establish pension eligibility or remove the need for sanction by the competent authority. ## Rates and dates The source records rollout from 1 September 2021 (2023 handbook, printed p. 307; PDF p. 318). These pages establish no monetary rate. ## What you may need After claim approval, the source says system credentials are sent through the registered mobile number or email for Pensioner Data Verification. The e-PPO then becomes available electronically following sanction. Depending on the request, a pensioner may need identity, bank, service, nominee or dependant, death, tax-saving, or profile-correction documents. Post-sanction corrections may produce a corrigendum e-PPO. ## Facility-centre support The handbook lists support for life certificates, profile updates, reporting death, family-pension initiation, tax documents, password reset, PPO and pension-slip printing, grievances, and dependant documentation at the SPARSH Facility Centre. Availability and present channels must be checked directly. ## Authorities and source references - PCDA(O), Pune - PCDA(P), Prayagraj - AG's Branch MP 5 and 6 - MPRSO, TA Directorate, and NCC Directorate The cited pages do not provide a formal rollout order number. That provenance gap must be resolved before publication. ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Technical, Qualification, and Specialist Allowances Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/technical-qualification Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Technical, qualification, specialist, and postgraduate allowances are separate benefits with different conditions. Eligibility may depend on a recognised course, technical employment, professional status, appointment, and supporting Part II orders. A qualification alone does not establish every entitlement, and the rates recorded in the 2023 handbook require later-order verification. ## What the handbook says The source treats Qualification Allowance, the former Qualification Grant, Technical Allowance, Specialist Allowance, and Post Graduate Allowance as different provisions. Technical Allowance requires both the prescribed qualification and full-time deployment in a qualifying technical branch or technical and maintenance work (2023 handbook, printed pp. 105-108; PDF pp. 116-119). Specialist Allowance depends on recognised specialist status and a qualifying pool post or authorised specialist appointment. Post Graduate Allowance is described for eligible AMC and ADC officers with a postgraduate degree or diploma who are not eligible for Specialist Allowance (2023 handbook, printed pp. 112-114; PDF pp. 123-125). ## What this means A course certificate is only one part of the decision. The relevant appointment, branch, deployment, approved course list, and notified professional status must also support the claim. Qualification Grant should not be treated as the same recurring payment as Qualification Allowance. ## Who this applies to - Technical Allowance is limited to technically qualified officers appointed against technical vacancies and available for full-time technical deployment (2023 handbook, printed p. 107; PDF p. 118). - AMC, ADC, AEC, MNS, non-technical officers, and officers in posts unrelated to technical and maintenance duties are excluded from Technical Allowance under the source summary (2023 handbook, printed p. 107; PDF p. 118). - Specialist Allowance requires qualifying specialist status plus a listed pool post or authorised specialist appointment (2023 handbook, printed pp. 112-114; PDF pp. 123-125). - Post Graduate Allowance is described as an alternative where the eligible AMC or ADC officer is not eligible for Specialist Allowance (2023 handbook, printed p. 114; PDF p. 125). ## Rates and dates The source records Technical Allowance from 1 April 2018 at Rs.3,000 per month for Tier I and Rs.4,500 per month for Tier II (2023 handbook, printed p. 108; PDF p. 119). It separately records specialist rates from Rs.3,600 to Rs.5,400 per month from 1 July 2017 (2023 handbook, printed p. 113; PDF p. 124). These are historical source values, not verified current rates. ## What you may need - The Technical Allowance claim uses the Part II order, deployment certificate, and the one-time Line Directorate certificate described by the source (2023 handbook, printed pp. 108-110; PDF pp. 119-121). - A course completed through study leave, distance learning, part-time study, or an officer's own arrangement requires the source-described MT Directorate relevance certificate (2023 handbook, printed p. 107; PDF p. 118). - Specialist and Post Graduate Allowance processing depends on the DGAFMS list or letter and the applicable Part II order (2023 handbook, printed pp. 113-114; PDF pp. 124-125). ## Authorities and source references - GoI, MoD letter No. 15(49)/2017/Tech Allowance/D(GS-II), 25 June 2018 - CGDA letter No. ARMY/BR/OFF./ALLOW/1223/Misc, 7 October 2019 - Rules 88 to 91, Pay and Allowances Regulations for the Army - GoI, MoD letter No. 1(16)/2017/D(Pay/Services), 18 September 2017, and amendment dated 14 September 2018 ## Related guidance - [Pay matrix and pay levels](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) - [Training allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/training-allowance/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview An officer on authorised temporary duty may receive travel reimbursement for the journey and daily allowance for qualifying absence from headquarters. Entitlement depends on the sanction, Pay Matrix level, route, actual mode, duration, accommodation and transport provided, and supporting evidence. Some special duties follow additional rules. ## What the handbook says The source covers rail, air, road and sea travel; road mileage; daily allowance; and a range of specialised duties. It records domestic travel entitlements linked to Pay Matrix level from 1 July 2017. Temporary-duty components include the authorised inter-station journey, eligible terminal journeys, qualifying local travel, accommodation and the food lump sum. The source generally treats a move expected to last no more than 180 days as temporary duty, subject to exceptions and reclassification rules. ## What this means Start with the movement sanction and classification. Then separate the claim into the inter-station fare, road or terminal mileage, hotel cost, local travel and food component. Each is governed differently; free transport, boarding or lodging may remove or alter individual components. ## Who this applies to - The movement must be authorised by the appropriate authority. - The source generally does not allow TA where the officer never reaches a point beyond eight kilometres from the headquarters duty point; separate local-journey provisions may apply. - No mileage allowance is due for a journey made in free transport or another officer's vehicle without personal conveyance expenditure. - Local travel, courses, attachments, examinations and ceremonial duties may carry additional conditions not summarised here. - A continuous halt beyond the period permitted by the temporary-duty rule may require transfer action rather than continued daily allowance. ## Rates and dates The source records domestic rail and air class entitlements and daily-allowance ceilings effective 1 July 2017. It also records later changes for certain within-city evidence requirements from 16 March 2021 and road-mileage handling from 1 October 2022. These historical figures require later verification. ## What you may need - movement sanction showing the nature of temporary duty; - completed IAFT-1716 (Revised); - tickets, boarding pass and warrant or DTS details; - detention certificate; - hotel and eligible local-travel vouchers where required; - ration, free-board, free-lodging and free-transport certificates as applicable; and - approval for travel by own arrangement where required. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 40(A), 56, 61, 91, 92, 108, 111 and 114, Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12650/TA/Mov C/198/D(Mov)/2018, 6 December 2018 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/TPT.A/Mov C/81/D(Mov)/2022, 25 February 2022 ## Related guidance - [Road Mileage on Temporary Duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/road-mileage/) - [Daily Allowance on Temporary Duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/daily-allowance/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Air Journey Booking Rules for Official Travel](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/air-journeys/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Terminal Benefits for Short Service Commission Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/short-service-terminal-benefits Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 handbook lists leave encashment, AGIF savings benefit, final DSOP Fund payment with interest, terminal gratuity, and pay and allowances during terminal leave as potential benefits when a Short Service Commission officer completes applicable service and is released. Eligibility, monetary ceilings, leave records, proceedings, and forms require current verification before any settlement action. ## Who this applies to The chapter addresses release after the relevant Short Service Commission tenure. The actual settlement depends on release terms, prior leave encashment, subscription records, qualifying service, proceedings, and audit; the listed benefits are not an unconditional lump-sum package. ## What the handbook says - Annual leave encashment is described as subject to an overall 300-day limit across service. - Terminal leave remains separate: the full or balance of annual leave for the release year plus 28 days is recorded, subject to the governing conditions. - AGIF settlement requires deduction verification. - DSOP Fund credit and accrued interest are finalised after release is notified. - Terminal gratuity uses the applicable reckonable emoluments and is subject to pre-audit and any pending proceedings (2023 handbook, printed pp. 271-272; PDF pp. 282-283). The source records a Rs.20 lakh terminal-gratuity ceiling effective 1 January 2016, with a 25 percent increase mechanism when DA rises by 50 percent. This is a historical source figure and not a current ceiling. ## What this means The listed items are separate potential benefits, not one unconditional payment. Service completion, release terms, leave history, fund and insurance records, proceedings, and audit can affect individual settlement. ## Rates and dates The source records a Rs.20 lakh terminal-gratuity ceiling from 1 January 2016, with the stated DA-linked increase mechanism (2023 handbook, printed p. 272; PDF p. 283). It also records a 300-day overall leave-encashment limit and 28 days of terminal leave (2023 handbook, printed p. 271; PDF p. 282). These historical provisions require current verification. ## What you may need - The leave-encashment Part II order must include the required accumulation details and be issued after expiry of the contractual period. - The prescribed AGIF form is to be sent through PCDA(O) six months before release under the source. - A countersigned contingent bill is described for terminal gratuity. - Release orders must state whether relevant proceedings are pending. ## Authorities and source references - Ministry of Defence letter No. B/33931/AG/PS-2(b)/1908/D(AG), 12 April 2010 - Ministry of Defence letter No. B/33931/AG/PS-2(b)/2890/D(AG), 18 July 2011 - AI 6/S/65 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 17(02)/2016-D(Pen/Pol), 4 September 2017 - AO 23/2002 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Terms for Re-Employed Retired Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pension/re-employed-officers Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The 2023 source describes rank, age, tenure, pay fixation, pension deduction, allowances, leave, DSOP Fund, insurance, and accommodation rules for retired Army officers re-employed in the Army. The appointment order and current Government instructions determine the actual terms. Historical amounts, ceilings, and eligibility conditions must not be applied without current verification. ## Who this applies to The source distinguishes rank, age, retirement date, re-employment date, and the pay structure from which the officer retired. It does not cover every civilian re-employment arrangement, and the terms cannot be transferred to a different appointment without authority. ## What the handbook says For re-employment on or after 1 January 2016, the handbook describes pay in the revised structure with reference to the rank held at retirement, subject to the stated level cap. It then deducts the revised pension after allowing the applicable ignorable portion. The source records: - an ignorable pension amount of Rs.15,000 for an officer who retired before age 55; - a Rs.2,25,000 monthly ceiling for pay plus MSP plus gross pension; - normal increments after initial fixation; and - MSP and DA under the cited post-2016 rules. These are historical source figures and must not be used for a present pay fixation without review (2023 handbook, printed pp. 300-301; PDF pp. 311-312). ## What this means - Allowances based on pay use pay before pension deduction under the source. - No gratuity or death-cum-retirement gratuity is earned for the re-employment period. - Annual leave is described as up to 60 days, with special limits in the calendar year of retirement and re-employment. - Annual-leave accumulation for encashment during re-employment is not permitted; LTC encashment has a separate overall limit. - DSOP Fund subscription is optional and the source gives a three-month option period. - Accommodation scale follows the rank held at retirement. - Technical and dress allowances require their own eligibility conditions. ## Rates and dates For re-employment on or after 1 January 2016, the source records an ignorable pension amount of Rs.15,000 for qualifying officers retiring before age 55 and a Rs.2,25,000 monthly ceiling for the stated pay, MSP, and gross-pension combination (2023 handbook, printed p. 301; PDF p. 312). Both require current verification. ## What you may need Check the re-employment appointment order, retirement rank and pay, pension award, date and age records, prior leave use, allowance eligibility, and any DSOP option. The cited chapter does not provide a complete submission checklist. ## Authorities and source references - SAI 1/S/80 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 1(14)/2017-D(Pay/Services), 9 January 2018 - Army Officers' Pay Rules, 2017 - Leave Rules for the Services, Army, Rule 64 - Ministry of Defence letter No. 80(9)/2001/D(Pay/Services), 14 August 2001 - SAO 10/S/86, paragraph 49 ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Training Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/training-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Training Allowance may apply to officers serving as faculty for a specified period at establishments listed in the governing order and expected to return to their parent work. The 2023 handbook excludes permanent faculty recruited directly by those establishments and officers performing administrative or logistics duties. The institution list requires current verification. ## What the handbook says The handbook says Instructional Allowance was abolished separately from 1 July 2017 and replaced by Training Allowance for eligible faculty. Eligibility depends on the establishment lists in the 28 November 2019 MoD letter and a temporary faculty role focused on imparting training (source: printed pp. 145-147; PDF pp. 156-158). ## What this means Being posted at a training establishment is not enough. The officer must perform an eligible faculty function at a listed establishment for a specified period and be expected to return after that assignment. ## Who this applies to - Eligible faculty at listed National or Central Training Academies and Group A institutes receive the higher percentage; listed other training establishments receive the lower percentage (source: printed p. 145; PDF p. 156). - Permanent faculty recruited directly by the establishment are excluded (source: printed p. 145; PDF p. 156). - Officers on administrative or logistics duties at these institutes are excluded (source: printed p. 146; PDF p. 157). - Deputation Duty Allowance is not payable for a period in which Training Allowance is received (source: printed p. 145; PDF p. 156). ## Rates and dates From 1 July 2017: - 24 percent of Basic Pay at listed national or central academies and Group A officer institutions. - 12 percent of Basic Pay at other listed training establishments. The source says the allowance has no ceiling, does not form part of pay as defined in FR 9(21), and counts for leave salary (source: printed pp. 145-146; PDF pp. 156-157). These historical provisions require review against later orders. ## What you may need The cited pages do not specify a claim-document list. Before publication, confirm the posting order, the establishment's inclusion in the applicable appendix, the faculty role, and the specified tenure with the competent authority. ## Authorities and source references - MoD letter No. PC-1(16)/2017/D(Pay/Services)/Pt.II, 28 November 2019. - DoPT letter No. 13024/01/2016-Trg. Ref, 24 October 2017, for the separately described DIQA and ITM provision. ## Related guidance - [Deputation Duty Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/deputation-duty/) - [Basic pay and the Pay Matrix](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/pay-matrix/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Transport Allowance for Army Officers Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/transport-allowance Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview Transport Allowance compensates eligible officers who are not provided Government transport for commuting between residence and duty. The handbook records different Seventh CPC rates by pay level and city category, with special conditions for some officers with disabilities. Rates and city classifications in the 2023 source are historical and must be checked against later orders. ## What the handbook says The source sets Transport Allowance rates by pay level and city category. It also states that officers provided Government transport for commuting are not eligible, with separate provisions for Level 14 and above and specified disability categories (2023 handbook, printed pp. 122-124; PDF pp. 133-135). ## What this means This allowance addresses ordinary commuting, not mileage or Daily Allowance for an official journey. The applicable amount depends on pay level, posting location, transport facilities, and any qualifying certified disability. ## Who this applies to - Government commuting transport generally excludes payment (2023 handbook, printed p. 123; PDF p. 134). - A full calendar month covered by leave, tour, or suspension affects entitlement under the source rules; deputation abroad is also excluded (2023 handbook, printed pp. 124-125; PDF pp. 135-136). - Specified disability categories may qualify for double the normal rate, subject to the prescribed medical certificate and competent-authority sanction; partial blindness is excluded from the doubled rate in the source (2023 handbook, printed p. 124; PDF p. 135). ## Rates and dates Effective 1 July 2017, the source records Rs.7,200 plus DA for Levels 10 to 13A in listed higher-rate cities and Rs.3,600 plus DA in other cities. For Level 14 and above it records Rs.15,750 plus DA, irrespective of city (2023 handbook, printed pp. 122-123; PDF pp. 133-134). These are historical source values. ## What you may need The source requires a Part II order certifying the posting city, permanent posting or qualifying course status, absence of Government commuting transport, and other applicable conditions. A doubled-rate disability claim also requires the specified military-hospital specialist certificate and competent-authority sanction (2023 handbook, printed p. 126; PDF p. 137). ## Authorities and source references - MoD letter No. 12630/Tpt.A/Mov C/246/D(Mov)/17, 15 September 2017 - TR 230(A) and TR 230(B), as referenced ## Related guidance - [Road mileage for temporary duty](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/road-mileage/) - [Dearness Allowance](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/pay-and-allowances/dearness-allowance/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Travel Entitlements on Retirement Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/retirement Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The handbook records retirement travel for an eligible officer and family from the last duty station to the home station or another place of permanent settlement. It can include passenger travel, personal effects, one eligible private conveyance and CTG, broadly on permanent-transfer scales and on a cash claim basis. ## What the handbook says The source covers superannuation, qualifying premature retirement, release, transfer to reserve, invalidment and other listed exits. The officer and family must travel on a cash-TA basis; a railway warrant is not to be used for the retirement journey. Claims follow the permanent-duty-move process and require countersignature by the immediate superior administrative authority where the officer was otherwise their own controlling officer. Retirement travel is generally to be used within one year. The source allows family and baggage to precede the officer by up to two months or follow within the stated lien, subject to competent-authority extension in an individual case. ## What this means Retirement TA is not automatically identical for every form of separation. First confirm that the exit category qualifies. Then identify the permanent settlement place, actual move date, family and baggage timing, change of residence, and the evidence for each cost. ## Who this applies to - Qualifying premature retirement is treated at par with normal retirement for the travel benefits described by the source. - The source excludes Rule 200 retirement TA for premature or voluntary retirement for permanent absorption in a Central Government undertaking. - Retirement travel is on cash TA, not railway warrant. - No retirement TA advance is admissible under the cited source. - Family, next-of-kin and death-in-service cases follow separate conditions and should not be inferred from the standard retirement rule. ## Rates and dates From 6 January 2022, the source records full retirement CTG at 80% of the last month's basic pay where a change of residence actually occurs, without the earlier 20-kilometre condition. It records 100% for settlement to or from the named island territories. NPA and MSP are excluded from CTG basic pay. ## What you may need - retirement, release or qualifying separation order; - Part II order recording retirement or release and post-retirement address; - passenger tickets and actual-fare evidence; - receipts and consignment records for personal effects and private conveyance; - prescribed change-of-residence self-declaration for CTG; and - countersigned retirement claim prepared as a permanent-duty claim. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 200-A, 202, 204 and 207(B), Travel Regulations - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/Mov C/242/D(Mov)/2017, 15 September 2017 - GoI, MoF, DoE OM No. 19030/1/2017-E.IV, 6 January 2022 - CGDA letter No. AT/IV/039, 4 August 1980 - CGDA letter No. AT/IV/4505-II, 19 January 1987 ## Related guidance - [Permanent Duty Move Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview/) - [Composite Transfer Grant](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/composite-transfer-grant/) - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Travelling Allowance Advances and Claim Time Limits](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/advances-and-time-limits/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting. --- ## Travelling Allowance Advances and Claim Time Limits Canonical page: https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/advances-and-time-limits Source edition: 2023 Source checked: 2026-07-29 Review status: independent editorial verification pending ## Overview The handbook records TA advances for eligible temporary duty, permanent moves and LTC, but not retirement travel. It generally requires temporary-duty and permanent-move claims within 60 days after the relevant journey or delivery. LTC deadlines differ depending on whether an advance was drawn. ## What the handbook says An advance may be drawn up to actual entitlement where the amount exceeds Rs.50. DTS tickets are treated as an advance and must be recorded and adjusted in the related claim. Excess or unadjusted advances can be recovered with penal interest, and a concurrent advance is not ordinarily permitted while an earlier one remains outstanding. For tour, transfer and training, the source records a 60-day limit following completion of the journey. Family journeys are timed separately, while personal-effects and conveyance claims are timed from actual delivery at the new station. ## What this means Record every cash advance and DTS ticket before calculating the balance. The deadline is event-specific: the officer's journey, each family journey and delivery of effects may have different start dates. Submit a complete adjustment claim promptly rather than treating recovery of the advance as an extension. ## Who this applies to - Advance is limited to the amount actually admissible under the rules. - No TA advance is admissible for a retirement journey. - A second concurrent advance should not ordinarily be drawn while a previous advance is outstanding. - For LTC, the source records separate deadlines for cases with and without an advance. - Failure to meet the applicable deadline can lead to forfeiture, recovery and penal interest. ## Rates and dates The source records: - temporary-duty and permanent-move claims: within 60 days after completion of the relevant journey, effective under the cited 6 December 2018 order; - LTC with an advance: within 30 days after completion of the return journey; - LTC without an advance: within 60 days after completion of the return journey; - outward LTC ticket evidence: within 10 days after drawing the advance; and - an LTC advance no earlier than 125 days before the intended move, with refund if the outward journey does not begin within 120 days. Printed page 128 gives a 2022 penal-interest illustration of 9.1% per annum based on a 7.1% provident-fund rate plus two percentage points. It is not labelled current here and must be recalculated from the applicable rate. ## What you may need - online or prescribed advance requisition; - movement sanction, transfer order or LTC leave sanction, as applicable; - tickets and boarding passes, including DTS ticket amounts; - completed adjustment claim showing advance on both relevant sides; - delivery receipts for personal effects or private conveyance; and - evidence of the date the claim was submitted to the controlling authority. ## Authorities and source references - Rules 17, 17-A and 18, Travel Regulations - Rules 290 and 292, General Financial Rules 2017 - GoI, MoD letter No. 12630/TA/Mov C/198/D(Mov)/2018, 6 December 2018 - DoPT OM No. 31011/3/2015-Estt(A-IV), 1 April 2015 - GoI, MoD, DMA letter No. 12692/PI/Mov C/42/D(Mov)/2022, 18 January 2022 ## Related guidance - [Preparing Travelling Allowance Claims](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/claim-preparation/) - [Temporary Duty Travel Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/temporary-duty/overview/) - [Permanent Duty Move Entitlements](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/permanent-transfer/overview/) - [Travel Entitlements on Retirement](https://www.thehandbook.in/policies/travel/retirement/) ## About this guidance This is a plain-language summary for general information. It is not an official order or an authority for a claim. Confirm the applicable order and your individual eligibility with the competent authority or PCDA(O) before acting.