✈️ CSS Foreign Training Clearance (2026)
- Document: Cadre Clearance Proforma (CS-I Division).
- Applicability: CSS Officers (SO/US/DS/Director).
- Mandatory For: DFFT Scheme, Foreign Training, & Domestic Long Term Training.
- Critical Data: Vigilance Status & Cadre Strength.
New Delhi: Securing cadre clearance is the primary condition for any Central Secretariat Service (CSS) officer seeking nomination under the Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT) scheme. The Department of Personnel & Training (CS-I Division) processes these requests solely based on a prescribed 13-Point Proforma.
Incomplete applications or those missing the specific administrative seal are summarily returned. Officers must ensure the data in the proforma matches their service book records to avoid delays in vigilance clearance.
1. Training Categories (Column 6)
The proforma classifies training into three distinct categories. Incorrect classification leads to file return.
| Category | Duration Rule | Clearance Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Training (Short Term) | Up to 6 Months | DoPT (CS-I) |
| Foreign Training (Long Term) | 6 Months or more | DoPT + Screening Comm. |
| Domestic Long Term | Varies | DoPT |
2. Critical Data Points for Approval
Administrative Ministries often leave specific columns blank. These are mandatory fields for the CS-I Division.
A. Probation Status (Col 5)
The form requires a clear “Yes/No” regarding completion of probation. Officers on probation are ineligible for long-term foreign training unless the specific scheme notification permits it.
B. Vigilance & Disciplinary Status (Col 12)
The Admin Division must certify: “Whether any disciplinary case is pending or contemplated against the officer.”
Requirement: If “Yes,” the cadre must explicitly state the stage of inquiry and reasons for recommending the officer despite the pending case. Vague remarks like “Under Process” are rejected.
C. Cadre Strength Analysis (Col 13)
Clearance depends on the vacancy position in the grade.
Data Required:
1. Total Sanctioned Strength in the Grade.
2. Actual Officers in Position.
Impact: If the vacancy in the grade (e.g., Under Secretary) is high, the cadre authority may refuse clearance for long-term training citing administrative exigency.
3. Training History & Cooling Off (Col 9)
Officers must disclose details of all foreign trainings previously attended.
Observation: Suppression of information regarding past training to bypass the “Cooling-Off” period (usually 2 years between trainings) is treated as a conduct violation. The table requires:
- Exact Period (From/To).
- Country & Topic.
- Funding Agency.
4. Submission Protocol
The proforma is not a self-declaration. It must be validated and signed by the Officer in-charge of Administration (Under Secretary or above) in the current Ministry/Department with their Official Seal. Direct submissions by applicants to CS-I Division are not entertained.
Is cadre clearance required for ex-cadre posts?
Yes. Column 11 specifically records if the officer is holding an ex-cadre post. CSS officers on deputation or ex-cadre posts must still obtain clearance from their parent cadre (CS-I Division, DoPT) for foreign training.
What is the limit for Short Term training?
The proforma notes define “Short Term” as training upto six months. Any program exceeding six months is classified as “Long Term” and attracts stricter bond and cooling-off conditions.
हिंदी सारांश: CSS विदेशी प्रशिक्षण क्लीयरेंस फॉर्म
अनिवार्यता: CSS अधिकारियों को DFFT या अन्य विदेशी ट्रेनिंग के लिए ‘कैडर क्लीयरेंस’ लेना आवश्यक है। इसके लिए CS-I डिवीज़न का निर्धारित फॉर्म ही मान्य है।
नियम: 6 महीने तक की ट्रेनिंग ‘शॉर्ट टर्म’ मानी जाती है। फॉर्म में ‘Probation’ और ‘Vigilance Case’ की जानकारी देना अनिवार्य है।
प्रक्रिया: यह फॉर्म आपके मंत्रालय के प्रशासन प्रभारी (Admin In-charge) द्वारा सत्यापित और हस्ताक्षर होना चाहिए।
