BharatNotes AIS officers are governed by the All India Services (Leave) Rules 1955, which largely mirror the CCS (Leave) Rules 1972. Earned leave accumulates to a maximum of 300 days, casual leave is 8 days per year, maternity leave is 180 days for female officers with fewer than two surviving children, and study leave up to 24 months in an entire career is available for higher studies or professional development.
Governing rules
All India Service officers (IAS, IPS, IFoS) are governed by the All India Services (Leave) Rules, 1955 — a dedicated set of rules notified under Section 3 of the All India Services Act 1951. For matters not covered in AIS Leave Rules, the CCS (Leave) Rules 1972 apply by reference.
Earned Leave (EL)
- Accrual: AIS officers earn leave at the rate prescribed in AIS Leave Rules 1955 — broadly comparable to 30 days of EL per year for Class I officers
- Maximum accumulation: 300 days (same ceiling as central government officers under CCS Leave Rules)
- At a time: Up to 180 consecutive days may be taken at once
- Encashment: Up to 300 days of EL may be encashed at the time of retirement
- Half Pay Leave (HPL): 20 days per year of completed service; commuted leave (on medical grounds) can convert HPL to full-pay leave
Casual Leave (CL)
- Entitlement: 8 days per calendar year
- CL is not a statutory leave type under the CCS (Leave) Rules 1972 — it is a discretionary administrative concession regulated by executive instruction
- Cannot be combined with EL or other kinds of leave
- Cannot be accumulated; lapses at year end
- Officers are expected to obtain prior sanction from the appropriate authority (state government for cadre postings, Ministry for central deputation)
Maternity Leave (ML)
- Entitlement: 180 days for a female government servant with fewer than two surviving children
- Leave salary: Pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave (full pay)
- ML may be combined with any other kind of leave (EL, HPL, etc.) if required for recovery or childcare
- For the third child or beyond, ML is not admissible; the officer may avail EL or HPL instead
- Miscarriage / MTP: 45 days of maternity leave is available regardless of the number of surviving children
Paternity Leave
- 15 days for male officers within 6 months of the birth of a child, admissible for up to two children
- Not available for officers with two or more surviving children at the time of birth
Study Leave
- Maximum at one time: 12 months
- Maximum in entire career: 24 months (inclusive of vacation and other leave taken in combination, not exceeding 28 months)
- Purpose: Higher academic studies or specialised professional training in India or abroad
- Admissible only after 5 years of regular service
- Requires undertaking that the officer will serve for a minimum period post-return
- Full pay study leave is available in approved cases; half-pay in others
Special Disability Leave
Available when an officer is disabled in the discharge of official duty — covers injuries sustained in riots, disaster operations or security incidents. Period varies with the nature and gravity of disability.
Leave Not Due and Extra Ordinary Leave
- Leave Not Due (LND): Can be granted when no EL or HPL is to the credit; maximum 360 days in an entire career, on medical grounds
- Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL): Without pay, in exceptional cases when no other leave is available
