Children Education Allowance (CEA) 2026: New Rates (₹2812.50) & Hostel Subsidy Rules
Updated: 25 January 2026 | Authority: DoPT O.M. No. A-27012/02/2017-Estt.(AL)
Rate Hike Alert: As DA has crossed 50%, CEA limits are officially hiked by 25%. Do not claim the old rate of ₹2,250. The new entitlement is ₹33,750 per year per child.
Every Central Government employee is entitled to Children Education Allowance (CEA) for their two eldest surviving children. With the latest Dearness Allowance revision, the reimbursement limits have changed significantly for the Academic Year 2025-26.
🧮 ALLOWANCE TOOLS 2026
New CEA & Hostel Rates (2026)
| Component | Old Rate | New Rate (Current) | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEA (Tuition/Books) | ₹2,250 pm | ₹2,812.50 pm | ₹33,750 |
| Hostel Subsidy | ₹6,750 pm | ₹8,437.50 pm | ₹1,01,250 |
| Divyang Child (CEA) | ₹4,500 pm | ₹5,625 pm | ₹67,500 |
Documents Required: The “Self-Declaration” Ease
For CEA: You typically do NOT need original fee receipts or a certificate from the school.
• Method: A simple “Self-Declaration” (Form-1) stating that the child studied in the school and you incurred the expenditure is sufficient.
For Hostel Subsidy:
• Requirement: A certificate from the Head of Institution is mandatory.
• Detail: It must clearly explicitly state the amount paid towards “Lodging and Boarding” in the residential complex.
Conditions for Rejection
Your claim will be rejected if:
- Distance Rule (Hostel): The hostel is located within 50 KM of your residence (for Hostel Subsidy).
- Third Child: Claimed for a 3rd child (unless the 2nd birth resulted in twins).
- Failed Class: CEA is allowed even if the child fails, but Hostel Subsidy might face scrutiny depending on department audit.
सरल शब्दों में: बच्चों की पढ़ाई का भत्ता (CEA) 2026
1. नया रेट: 50% DA पार होने के बाद अब CEA ₹2,812.50 महीना (₹33,750 सालाना) हो गया है।
2. हॉस्टल सब्सिडी: अगर बच्चा हॉस्टल में है, तो ₹8,437.50 महीना (₹1 लाख+ सालाना) मिलेगा।
3. दस्तावेज: CEA के लिए स्कूल के बिल की जरूरत नहीं है, सिर्फ “Self-Declaration” काफी है। लेकिन हॉस्टल के लिए स्कूल का सर्टिफिकेट जरूरी है।
Join Official Channel
Get Official Rule Updates Directly on Your Phone