CAPF Leave Rules & Annual Entitlements 2026
Comprehensive guide to annual leave credit, travel concessions (LTC), accumulation norms, and leave encashment rules for Central Armed Police Forces.
Official Guide to CAPF Leave Rules & Vacation Entitlements
Due to the relentless demands of counter-insurgency and international border defense, leave is treated as vital for psychological well-being, stress relief, and family responsibilities. Central Armed Police Forces combatants enjoy enhanced leave quotas compared to standard civilian government employees.
1. Master Summary of Leave Entitlements
| Leave Category | Field / Combat Personnel | Static / Non-Field Staff | Accumulation & Encashment Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earned Leave (EL) | 60 Days per year | 30 Days per year | Accumulates up to 300 days; 100% tax-free encashment at retirement. |
| Casual Leave (CL) | 15 Days per year | 8 Days per year | Cannot be accumulated; lapses at the end of each calendar year. |
| Half Pay Leave (HPL) | 20 Days per year | 20 Days per year | Accumulates without limit; convertible to Commuted Medical Leave with full pay. |
| Maternity / Paternity Leave | 180 Days (Females) / 15 Days (Males) | 180 Days / 15 Days | Paid at 100% full salary with all allowances; up to 2 surviving children. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days of Earned Leave (EL) and Casual Leave (CL) do CAPF jawans get per year?
Under Ministry of Home Affairs rules for combatised personnel: Jawans and officers in operational field units are entitled to 60 days of Earned Leave (EL) and 15 days of Casual Leave (CL) per year. Non-field personnel or static administrative staff generally receive 30 days of EL and 8 days of CL per year.
2. What is Half Pay Leave (HPL) and Commuted Leave in CAPF?
Personnel earn 20 days of Half Pay Leave (HPL) for each completed year of service. HPL can be commuted into full-pay medical leave on medical certificate from an authorized medical attendant. When commuted, 2 days of HPL are debited for every single day of leave taken with full salary.
3. Can leave be encashed during active service in CAPF?
Yes. Personnel can encash up to 10 days of Earned Leave (EL) at the time of availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), subject to a maximum lifetime cap of 60 days of EL encashed during entire service. A minimum balance of 30 days EL must remain in the leave account after such encashment.
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CAPF Leave Rules: 60 Days Earned Leave, Casual Leave & 300-Day Encashment
The leave architecture of the Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles) is governed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regulations read with the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972. Because paramilitary personnel operate under rigorous field conditions, counter-insurgency operations, and remote border environments, their leave entitlements are specifically tailored to balance operational readiness with essential family rest and recuperation.
Key Leave Entitlements Across CAPF Personnel
- 60 Days Earned Leave (EL): Unlike civilian central government staff who receive 30 days of EL annually, operational CAPF personnel deployed in field units and battalions are entitled to 60 days of Earned Leave per calendar year (credited in two equal installments of 30 days on 1st January and 1st July). Staff in static offices / headquarters draw 30 days EL.
- 15 Days Casual Leave (CL): Non-gazetted and gazetted personnel receive 15 days of Casual Leave annually (which can be extended to 20 days in specific extreme operational field areas).
- Half Pay Leave (HPL): Credited at 20 days per year (10 days on 1st January and 10 days on 1st July), which can be commuted into full-pay medical leave upon production of medical certificates.
- Child Care Leave (CCL): Female personnel (and single male personnel) are entitled to up to 730 days of CCL during their entire service for taking care of up to two children.
| Leave Category | Annual Entitlement | Credit Schedule | Accumulation / Encashment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earned Leave (Field Units) | 60 Days / year | 30 days on 1st Jan & 1st Jul | Accumulates up to 300 days for encashment |
| Earned Leave (Static HQ) | 30 Days / year | 15 days on 1st Jan & 1st Jul | Accumulates up to 300 days for encashment |
| Casual Leave (CL) | 15 Days / year | 1st January annually | Lapses at end of calendar year (cannot accumulate) |
| Half Pay Leave (HPL) | 20 Days / year | 10 days on 1st Jan & 1st Jul | Accumulates without limit; convertible to commuted |
Leave Encashment at Superannuation (300 Days Limit)
Upon retirement, CAPF personnel can encash up to a combined maximum of 300 days of Earned Leave and Half Pay Leave. The encashment amount is computed as:
Leave encashment received at superannuation by Central Government servants is 100% tax-free under Section 10(10AA)(i) of the Income Tax Act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do field CAPF jawans get 60 days EL while CISF personnel get 30 days?
Forces deployed on active operational duty (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB) receive 60 days EL to compensate for arduous field conditions. CISF personnel in industrial/airport units typically receive 30 days EL but are entitled to an additional month's compensatory salary.
Q2: Can leave encashment be claimed during LTC?
Yes. CAPF personnel may encash up to 10 days of Earned Leave when availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC), up to a lifetime limit of 60 days.
Q3: Does Casual Leave carry forward to the next year?
No. Casual Leave cannot be accumulated or carried forward; unused CL expires on 31st December.
Q4: Is Ration Money Allowance paid during leave?
Yes. Under MHA directives, non-gazetted personnel continue drawing Ration Money Allowance in cash during authorized Earned Leave and Casual Leave.