TOPIC: LTC Block 2026-29
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STATUS: Active (Jan 1)
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UTILITY: Carry Forward Guide
LTC Block Year 2026-2029: Rules, Carry Forward & “Fresh Recruit” Trap
⚡ Quick Read & Navigation:
🤖 Quick Verdict: Can I travel in 2026?
Yes. The new 4-Year Block (2026-2029) started on Jan 1, 2026 [Ref: OM No. 31011/07/2025].
• New Quota: You have 2 new quotas (Home Town + Anywhere in India) for this block.
• Missed 2024-25? You can “Carry Forward” your unused LTC from the previous block to 2026. (Valid till Dec 31, 2026).
The DoPT Leave Travel Concession (LTC) cycle operates in 4-year blocks. We have just exited the 2022-25 block and entered the 2026-29 Block. Understanding the “Sub-Blocks” and “Grace Period” is crucial to ensure you don’t lose thousands of rupees in claims.
1. The 2026-29 Block Structure
The 4-year block is divided into two 2-year sub-blocks. Here is your entitlement schedule:
| Sub-Block | Years | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| First Sub-Block | 2026 – 2027 | Home Town LTC (or conversion to NER/J&K) |
| Second Sub-Block | 2028 – 2029 | Anywhere in India (or Home Town) |
| Grace Year | 2030 | Only if 2028-29 quota remains unused. |
2. The “Carry Forward” Rule (Grace Period)
If you did not avail LTC in the 2024-25 sub-block, you are allowed to carry it forward to 2026.
✅ Strategy: The “Double Dip” in 2026
You can legally take TWO trips in 2026 if you have a pending carry-forward:
- Trip 1 (Grace): Travel using the old 2024-25 quota. (Valid till Dec 31, 2026).
- Trip 2 (Current): Travel using the new 2026-27 quota.
(Tip: You must mark “Grace Period LTC 2024-25” on your first application).
⚠️ Rejection Trap: The “21-Day Rule”
Your Claim Will Be REJECTED if:
- The Mistake: Booking tickets last minute or via unauthorized sites (MakeMyTrip, Yatra, etc.).
- The Rule:
- You MUST book 21 Days in Advance (to get the cheapest fare).
- You MUST book only through Authorized Travel Agents (ATAs): Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels, or IRCTC Air.
3. Fresh Recruit Rules (First 8 Years)
If you joined service less than 8 years ago, the general 2026-29 block does NOT apply. You follow the special “8-Year Cycle”:
- Years 1-3: Home Town LTC (Every Year).
- Year 4: Anywhere in India LTC.
- Years 5-8: Repeat the cycle (3 Home Town + 1 All India).
Only after completing 8 years do you shift to the standard Block Year system.
Need help calculating your Block Year?
Primary Source: DoPT OM No. 31011/07/2025-PP.A-IV (Dated 01.07.2025).
Air Travel Extension: DoPT OM No. 31011/15/2022-Estt.A-IV (Valid till 25.09.2026).
