Establishment (D) Division
Compassionate Appointment 2026
New “Relative Merit Points” System
DoPT Compassionate Appointment 2026: New 100-Point Merit System Notified
- Status: New Guidelines Issued
- Authority: DoPT OM (Jan 2026)
- Criteria: Income, Dependents, Assets, Service Left
- Goal: Transparent Selection for 5% Quota
What Changed: Ending Arbitrariness
The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has issued updated guidelines for Compassionate Appointments for the year 2026. To ensure transparency in filling the 5% quota of direct recruitment vacancies, a standardized “Relative Merit Points” system has been mandated. This replaces the subjective assessment methods used by various ministries previously.
✅ Official Orders Issued
Authority: DoPT Office Memorandum (Estt.D)
Subject: Review of Scheme for Compassionate Appointment – Relative Merit Points.
Effect: Immediate for all future vacancies.
The New 100-Point Formula
Applicants will now be scored out of 100 points based on the financial destitution of the family. The family with the highest score gets priority.
| Parameter | Max Points | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Family Pension (Basic) | 20 | Lower Pension = Higher Points |
| Terminal Benefits | 10 | Lower Gratuity/PF = Higher Points |
| Monthly Income | 05 | No other earning member = Max Points |
| Dependents | 15 | More Dependents = Higher Points |
| Leftover Service | 10 | More Service Left = Higher Points |
| Minor Children | 15 | Priority for young children |
Impact on Pending Cases
The DoPT has clarified that all pending applications where the Screening Committee has not yet met will be evaluated under this new 100-Point System. Cases already finalized will not be reopened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for appointment?
There is no fixed “passing score.” It is a relative merit system. If there is 1 vacancy and 10 applicants, the candidate with the highest score (e.g., 85/100) will get the job, provided they meet the recruitment rules.
Does a married son get points?
A married son is considered a dependent only if he was wholly dependent on the Government servant at the time of death. However, in the points system, the number of unemployed dependents usually carries weight.