Deputation and Foreign Service

1. Deputation

Meaning
Deputation means temporary transfer of a Government servant from his/her parent department (lending authority) to another Government department / State Government / autonomous body / PSU, in public interest.

Key features

Employee remains a Government servant of the parent cadre.
Pay is drawn from Government (parent or borrowing as per option).
Deputation (Duty) Allowance is admissible (subject to conditions).
Tenure is temporary and time-bound.

Tenure

As per Recruitment Rules of ex-cadre post or maximum 5 years
Extension possible up to 7 years with higher approvals
Cooling-off period required after completion

Pay & Allowance

Option to draw:
- Pay of deputation post OR
- Pay of parent cadre + Deputation (Duty) Allowance
Deputation Allowance:
- 5% of Basic Pay (same station) – max ₹4,500
- 10% of Basic Pay (other station) – max ₹9,000

Pension

Period counts for pension
Deputation allowance does not count as emoluments for pension

2. Foreign Service

Meaning
Foreign service means service of a Government servant under a non-Government employer, with prior Government approval, while retaining lien on Government service.

Key features

Employer is outside Government (e.g. UN bodies, IMF, World Bank, NGOs, Universities, Autonomous Bodies)
Salary paid by foreign employer
Government servant retains pension & leave rights, subject to contributions

Commencement

Starts from date of relief from Government
Ends on re-joining parent department

Contributions

Pension contribution payable to Government
Leave Salary contribution payable (generally 11% of Basic Pay)
Contributions vary for:
- Old Pension Scheme
- National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Special cases

UN / IMF / World Bank service:
- Option to count service for pension OR
- Opt for retirement benefits of that organisation
No gratuity or pension from foreign employer without Government sanction

Promotion

Eligible for pro-forma promotion under Next Below Rule

3. Key Differences (Quick Comparison)

Aspect	Deputation	Foreign Service
Employer	Government / PSU / Autonomous Body	Non-Government
Salary paid by	Government	Foreign employer
Status	Govt servant on temporary transfer	Govt servant under non-Govt employer
Deputation Allowance	Admissible	Not admissible
Pension	Counts	Counts (with contribution)
Leave	As per Govt rules	With contribution / as prescribed
Consent	Required	Mandatory

4. Important Points

No Government servant can be sent on foreign service without consent
Foreign service salary is not Government pay
Deputation allowance is treated as Special Pay
Overstay on deputation attracts disciplinary action
Maximum foreign service / deputation in entire service: 7 years