Comprehensive Guide to Study Leave Rules for Central Government Employees

Study leave is a special provision in central government service that allows employees to undertake higher education or specialized training in areas related to their official duties. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the key rules and requirements governing study leave for central government employees in India.

Purpose of Study Leave

The primary purpose of study leave is to enable government employees to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas closely related to their official duties. This can be achieved whether they are in India or abroad, and it is designed to foster professional growth and improvement within the service.

Eligibility Criteria

Service Tenure

Employees must have completed at least five years of continuous service, including the probation period, in order to be eligible for study leave. This ensures that the employee has a solid foundation in their current role.

Retirement Clause

Applicants should not be approaching retirement within three to five years, depending on the officer's position, before the expected return date. This clause aims to ensure that valuable service is not compromised due to impending retirement.

Bond Requirement

To apply for study leave, employees must sign a bond committing to serve the government for a specified period after completing their studies. This ensures that the government invests in the employee’s education, leading to long-term benefits for the service.

Duration of Study Leave

The duration of study leave varies depending on the employee's role and the nature of the course:

General Employees: A maximum of 12 months can be taken at a time, with a total of 24 months allowed during the entire service. Special Cases: Certain medical officers may be granted up to 36 months for postgraduate studies directly related to their duties.

Application Process

Employees must provide detailed information about their study plan and any relevant exams before applying for study leave. If the study plan changes after leaving India, approval from the relevant authority is required. Moreover, approval from the Ministry of Finance is necessary if foreign exchange is needed for studies abroad.

Combining Study Leave with Other Leave

Study leave can be combined with other types of leave provided the total absence does not exceed 28 months or 36 months for Ph.D. candidates. However, only the time directly associated with the course will count as study leave. This allows employees the flexibility to manage their work-life balance effectively.

Conditions for Salary and Allowances

During study leave within India, employees receive their basic pay plus Dearness and House Rent Allowances (DAR and HRA). For leave taken abroad, additional allowances apply, but employees must not receive other scholarships or remuneration unless adjusted against their leave salary. This ensures that the government retains control over the employee's financial support.

Costs and Reimbursements

Generally, employees bear the cost of tuition fees. However, in exceptional cases, the President may sanction the payment of these fees. Employees in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department may also have fees covered under special circumstances. This policy acknowledges the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Bond Agreement and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Employees must sign a bond agreeing to serve the government for a specified period upon return. If they resign, retire early, or fail to complete the course, they must repay the study leave expenses, including any government-covered costs and fees. This bond ensures that the government's investment is protected.

Special Provisions for Overseas Study

Study leave is not typically granted for fields where Indian institutions offer adequate facilities. For studies abroad, the government must verify that similar education is unavailable domestically before approving leave. This policy ensures that the government invests in truly necessary education.

Miscellaneous

The duration of any other leave taken during the bond period will extend the bond’s validity. The Comptroller and Auditor-General may in certain cases approve travel allowance for study leave taken in India. Adjustments to rules may be made if operational hardships occur, subject to departmental discretion.