LTC Block Reset 2026: How to Claim Two Trips This Year (Official Rules)
For Central Government employees, the start of a new 4-year block is the most critical time for travel planning. With the transition from the old block (2022-25) to the new one (2026-29), confusion often leads to lapsed claims. This guide breaks down exactly how to maximize your benefits without violating DoPT norms.
Why This Matters Now
If you failed to utilize your “Home Town” or “Anywhere in India” LTC in the 2024-25 sub-block, your entitlement has not lapsed yet. You have entered the “Grace Period” window.
The “Double Journey” Opportunity in 2026
Many employees assume they can only take one trip per year. This is incorrect during a Grace Period year. If you have a pending LTC from 2025, you can utilize it in 2026 alongside your fresh 2026-27 entitlement.
How to execute this:
- Trip 1 (Carry Forward): Apply for “LTC 2025 (Grace Period)”. Travel must be completed by December 31, 2026.
- Trip 2 (Current Block): Apply for “LTC 2026-27”. This can be used anytime before December 31, 2027.
Strategy: Use your Carry Forward (2025) quota first to ensure it doesn’t expire.
New Block Structure (2026-2029) Explained
For employees with 8+ years of service, the new calendar is divided into two distinct sub-blocks. Understanding this helps you decide when to convert your “Home Town” LTC into “Anywhere in India” (AILTC).
| Sub-Block | Entitlement | Conversion Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 – 2027 | Home Town (x2) | Can convert ONE Home Town to AILTC. |
| 2028 – 2029 | Home Town (x2) | Can convert ONE Home Town to AILTC (if not used in first half). |
Warning: The “Authorized Agent” Trap
The most common reason for claim rejection in 2026 remains the booking platform. The Department of Expenditure (DoE) strictness continues.
Strict Prohibition: Do NOT book tickets through:
❌ MakeMyTrip, Yatra, GoIbibo, Paytm, Skyscanner, or Airline Websites directly.
The Only Valid Method: You must purchase air tickets only through the three Authorized Travel Agents (ATAs):
- Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.
- Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT)
- IRCTC (Air)
Note: Even if a private app shows a cheaper fare, your department cannot reimburse it. There are no exceptions.
Fresh Recruits: The 8-Year Exception
If you joined service recently (less than 8 years ago), the general “2026-2029 Block” does not apply to you. You are on a specific 8-Year Lifecycle calculated from your date of joining.
- Year 1-3: Home Town only.
- Year 4: Anywhere in India (AILTC).
Only after completing this 8-year cycle do you merge into the general block system.