HALF PAY LEAVE (HPL) RULES 2026
(20 Days Credit, Calculation & Usage)
(Your safety net for Medical & Private emergencies)
⚡ Quick Answer: What is HPL?
Half Pay Leave (HPL) is an authorized leave where you are paid 50% of your salary. Every government employee is credited with 20 days of HPL per year, added in two installments of 10 days each on 1st January and 1st July.
⚠️ Restriction: Unlike Earned Leave (EL), HPL generally cannot be encashed during service. It can only be encashed at retirement if there is a shortfall in EL.
📢 Share with Colleagues:
While Earned Leave (EL) is for planned vacations, Half Pay Leave (HPL) is designed as a backup for sickness or private affairs. Importantly, HPL is the “currency” you use to buy Commuted Leave (Full Pay Medical Leave).
1. The Credit System (20 Days/Year)
HPL is credited in advance in two installments. Note: If you join mid-year, it is calculated at 5/3 days for each completed month.
| Date | Credit Added |
|---|---|
| 1st January | 10 Days |
| 1st July | 10 Days |
| Deduction (Dies-Non) | Credit reduced by 1/18th of the period of ‘Dies-Non’ in previous half-year. |
2. Salary Calculation (The 50% Rule)
When you take HPL, you get exactly half of your gross entitlements (Basic + DA).
Scenario: 10 Days HPL Taken
- Current Basic Pay: ₹50,000
- Daily Rate (Full): ₹50,000 ÷ 30 = ₹1,666
- HPL Daily Rate: ₹1,666 ÷ 2 = ₹833
- Total for 10 Days: ₹8,333 (+ 50% DA)
- Loss: You lose exactly 50% of your salary for the leave period.
3. Encashment & Conversion
Encashment (Retirement)
Rule: Only allowed if Earned Leave (EL) is less than 300 days.
Limit: Balance of 300 – EL.
Rate: Paid at Half Pay Salary rate.
Conversion (Medical)
Commuted Leave: Convert 2 HPL days to get 1 Full Pay day.
Requirement: Medical Certificate mandatory.
Read Commuted Leave Rules →
❓ HPL Common Questions
Can I take HPL for private affairs?
Yes. Unlike Commuted Leave, HPL can be taken for Private Affairs without any Medical Certificate. However, you will only receive half salary.
Does HPL lapse at the end of the year?
No. HPL can be accumulated without any limit throughout your service career. It does not lapse like Casual Leave (CL).