Leave rules for government employees are as important as pay scales. Current leave provisions on account of recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission apply even in 2025; have there been any amendments? Has there been a relaxation of rules regarding special leave by the government post-Covid-19? Employees want to be informed about these aspects. Let’s discuss in detail the complete information regarding the leave rules for the year 2025 under the 7th Pay Commission.
Earned Leave Rules
The 7th Pay Commission grants 30 days of annual leave to all government employees. This leave is credited for each completed year of service and can be accumulated to a maximum of 300 days. This rule continues to remain in operation in the year 2025. However, it has been further simplified at certain departments, wherein an online leave application has been normalized.
Status Of Casual Leave
The number of casual leaves has remained fixed at 8 per year, continuing in 2025 as before. This leave can be used for emergency purposes, but no more than five casual leaves may be taken at one time. Adding to this, the new instruction says that henceforth, employees can apply for casual leave online at once.
New Provision In Medical Leave
Major changes have been implemented in the rules regarding medical leave in 2025. Employees may present their medical certificate as previously for any 20 days of medical leave, but, in case of Kovid-19 or any other serious illness, this may extend from 20 days to 30 days. Along with this, in consideration of mental health, the certificate of a psychiatrist would now also be accepted.
Maternity And Parental Leave
The maternity leave for female employees is 180 days (about 6 months), which continues in 2025 as before. However, now the central government has launched the provision of 180 days leave for adoptive parents. Leave for male employees on his wife’s childbirth will remain at 15 days; however, some state governments are now considering extending it to 30 days.
Study Leave And Other Special Leaves
Leave for study under the 7th Pay Commission has continued to remain up to 24 months, but this is granted only to those employees who are in regular government service and are pursuing higher studies. Besides, now special leave can be taken by employees for donating blood, organ donations, and sports competitions at the national level.