Central Governernment Recruitment Rules (RRs)
Central Governernment Recruitment Rules (RRs)
1. What are Recruitment Rules?
Recruitment Rules are statutory rules notified under Article 309 of the Constitution.
They prescribe:
Method of recruitment
Educational qualifications
Experience
Age limits
Probation
RRs consist of:
Notification part (substantive rules)
Schedule (post-wise details)
RRs are subordinate legislation and legally binding.
2. Authority for Framing / Amending RRs
Group A & B posts:
Administrative Ministry/Department
In consultation with:
DoPT
UPSC
Ministry of Law
Group C posts:
Ministries can amend RRs themselves
Must follow Model RRs / DoPT guidelines
DoPT concurrence needed if there is any deviation
3. Educational Qualifications
Must be clearly defined
Divided into:
Essential Qualifications
Desirable Qualifications
Should align with:
Pay level
Nature of duties
Hierarchy of posts
4. Methods of Recruitment
The approved methods are:
Direct Recruitment – Open market selection
Promotion – From feeder cadre (only regular service counted)
Deputation – Temporary transfer from another Govt./State/UT
Absorption – Permanent appointment after deputation
Short-term Contract – From universities/PSUs etc.
Re-employment – Mainly for Ex-Servicemen
Deputation ≠ Absorption (absorption must be specifically provided in RRs)
5. Composite Method of Recruitment
Used when only one feeder post exists
Written as:
“Deputation (including short-term contract) / Promotion”
If departmental candidate selected → treated as promotion
Otherwise → filled by deputation
6. Consultation with UPSC
Mandatory for all Central Civil Services & Posts
Exemptions governed by:
UPSC (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958
7. Probation
Purpose: assess suitability, not a formality
Can be:
Confirmed
Extended
Terminated
Probation should not exceed double the normal period
Separate Probation Reports (not APAR)
Period of Probation (Key Table)
| Method | Probation |
|---|---|
| Promotion (same group) | No probation |
| Promotion (Group C → B / B → A) | Same as DR (or 2 yrs) |
| Direct recruitment | 2 years |
| DR (GP ₹7600+ / age ≥35, no training) | 1 year |
| Re-employment (before superannuation) | 2 years |
| Contract / tenure / absorption | No probation |
8. Mandatory Induction Training
Minimum 2 weeks
Mandatory for all direct recruits
Completion may be linked to successful probation
Confirmation is not linked to vacancy availability
9. Important FAQs
Govt servant can apply outside → 4 times a year
Application NOT forwarded if:
Under suspension
Charge-sheet issued
Prosecution sanctioned
Criminal case pending
Under major penalty