New Delhi:
Central Government employees transferred in “Public Interest” are entitled to Joining Time to shift their household. The number of days allowed depends strictly on the distance between the old and new stations. Miscalculating this can lead to “Overstayal” which is treated as unauthorized absence.
Updated on: 16 January 2026 | Verified against CCS (Joining Time) Rules, 1979.
Joining Time Rules 2026: Transfer Distance 10 Days vs 12 Days Calculation
Quick Answer
Joining Time is paid leave granted to join a new post.
• Same Station: 1 Day.
• Outstation (< 1000 km): 10 Days.
• Outstation (> 1000 km): 12 Days.
• Bonus: Unused Joining Time is added to your Earned Leave (EL) balance.
Who Is Eligible
- Employees transferred in Public Interest.
- Employees returning from Long Leave (> 180 days) to a new station.
- Surplus staff transferred to a new post.
Risk: Request Transfer Denial
You will NOT get Joining Time if:
1. The transfer is “At Own Request”. In such cases, no Joining Time is admissible. You must apply for regular leave (EL/CL) to cover the travel/shifting period.
2. The transfer is temporary (less than 180 days).
Distance-Based Calculation Table
The distance is calculated from HQ to HQ, not residence to residence.
| Distance between Old & New HQ | Joining Time Admissible |
|---|---|
| Same Station (No residence change) | 1 Day (Immediate Joining) |
| Up to 1,000 km | 10 Days |
| More than 1,000 km | 12 Days |
| More than 2,000 km (By Air) | 12 Days (Max Limit) |
| More than 2,000 km (By Road/Train) | 15 Days |
*Note: For North East Region (NER), Andaman, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh, additional 2 days are allowed.
Unavailed Joining Time (The EL Benefit)
This is a major hidden benefit. If you join early, the saved days are credited to your EL account.
- Example: You are entitled to 12 days but join on the 4th day.
- Benefit: 12 – 3 = 9 Days are added to your EL balance.
- Limit: The total EL + Unavailed Joining Time cannot exceed the statutory limit of 300 Days (315 days in some cases).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are weekends included in Joining Time?
Yes. Joining Time is calculated in calendar days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. However, if the joining time ends on a Saturday/Sunday, you can join on the next working day (Monday).
Can Joining Time be extended?
Yes. The Head of Department (HoD) can extend it up to 30 days in cases of natural calamity or turmoil. Beyond 30 days, approval from the Ministry is required.
🇮🇳 हिंदी में सारांश (Summary in Hindi)
ज्वाइनिंग टाइम (Joining Time) नियम 2026
1. कितने दिन: अगर नया स्टेशन 1000 किमी से कम दूर है, तो 10 दिन मिलेंगे। अगर 1000 किमी से ज्यादा दूर है, तो 12 दिन मिलेंगे।
2. खुद के अनुरोध पर ट्रांसफर: अगर आपने अपनी मर्जी से ट्रांसफर लिया है (“Own Request”), तो आपको ज्वाइनिंग टाइम नहीं मिलेगा। आपको अपनी छुट्टी लेनी होगी।
3. छुट्टी का फायदा: अगर आप ज्वाइनिंग टाइम का इस्तेमाल नहीं करते और जल्दी ड्यूटी ज्वॉइन कर लेते हैं, तो बचे हुए दिन आपकी Earned Leave (EL) में जुड़ जाएंगे।