The year 2026 marks the beginning of a fresh Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Block Year (2026-2029) for Central Government employees. This transition period offers a unique “Double Trip” opportunity. By utilizing the Grace Period rule, employees can legally claim two separate LTC journeys in the calendar year 2026—one carried forward from the old block and one from the new block.
- New Block: 2026-2029 (Started Jan 1, 2026)
- Old Block: 2022-2025 (Expired Dec 31, 2025)
- Grace Period: Valid till Dec 31, 2026
- Benefit: Claim 2 Trips in 1 Year (Legally)
The “Double Trip” Strategy Explained
Under the CCS (LTC) Rules, if you did not avail of your LTC in the last sub-block (2024-25) of the previous block (2022-25), you are allowed to carry it forward to the first year of the next block. This is called the “Grace Period”.
This means in 2026, you have two active quotas sitting in your account:
- Carry Forward Quota: Pending LTC from 2024-25 (Must be used by Dec 31, 2026).
- Fresh Quota: New LTC for the 2026-27 sub-block (Valid till Dec 31, 2027).
You can use both in 2026, provided you apply for them separately.
✅ Official Rule Check
Authority: DoPT (Establishment A-IV)
Rule: Rule 10 of CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988
The Protocol: New Block (2026-29) Structure
The new block is divided into two sub-blocks. Your entitlement depends on whether your Headquarters and Home Town are different.
| Sub-Block | Year | Entitlement (General) |
|---|---|---|
| First Sub-Block | 2026 | Home Town OR All India* |
| 2027 | ||
| Second Sub-Block | 2028 | Home Town OR All India* |
| 2029 |
*Note: A regular employee gets “All India” once in 4 years and “Home Town” once in the other 2-year sub-block. If you use All India in 2026-27, you get Home Town in 2028-29 (or vice versa).
Special Dispensation (Air Travel)
The “Special Dispensation Scheme” allowing air travel to North East Region (NER), J&K, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) is currently valid. Even Group B and C employees (non-entitled to air travel) can fly to these sectors.
✔ Allowed (Air Travel)
- Destinations: NER, J&K, Ladakh, A&N.
- Condition: Must book via Authorized Agents (Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels, IRCTC).
- Conversion: You can convert your “Home Town” LTC to visit these places.
✖ Warning (Rejection Risk)
- Private Booking: Tickets booked via MakeMyTrip/Paytm/Skyscanner are INVALID.
- Late Booking: Booking less than 21 days in advance requires a justification note.
How to Respond (Application for Grace Period)
When applying for the carry-forward LTC, you must explicitly mention “Grace Period” in your application to avoid confusion with your new block.
“To,
The Administration / Personnel Section,
[Department],
[Location]Subject: Application for LTC (Anywhere in India/Home Town) for the Block Year 2022-25 (Grace Period).
Respected Sir/Madam,
I wish to avail LTC for the Block Year 2022-25 (Sub-block 2024-25) which is unavailed and carried forward to the calendar year 2026 under the Grace Period rule.
I intend to visit [Place] from [Date] to [Date] with my family. I undertake that I have not availed this specific concession earlier. Please sanction the leave and advance.
Sincerely,
[Name]”
हिंदी सारांश: LTC ब्लॉक वर्ष 2026-29 और ग्रेस पीरियड
1 जनवरी 2026 से नया LTC ब्लॉक (2026-29) शुरू हो गया है। अगर आपने 2024-25 का LTC इस्तेमाल नहीं किया है, तो आप उसे ‘ग्रेस पीरियड’ के तहत 31 दिसंबर 2026 तक इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं। इसका फायदा यह है कि आप साल 2026 में दो बार घूमने जा सकते हैं – एक बार पुराने कोटे से और एक बार नए कोटे (2026-27) से। ध्यान रहे, हवाई यात्रा के लिए टिकट सिर्फ Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels या IRCTC से ही बुक करें।
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take both LTCs in the same month?
Technically, yes, but they must be two distinct journeys. You cannot merge two LTCs to extend one long vacation. You must return to your Headquarters after the first trip before starting the second trip.
I am a Fresh Recruit (joined in 2023). Does this apply to me?
No. Fresh Recruits are governed by the “First 8 Years” rule. Your block is personal to your joining date. You do not switch to the general 2026-29 block until you complete your 8th year of service.
Is the LTC Cash Voucher Scheme available in 2026?
As of now, the Special Cash Package (in lieu of LTC) was a temporary measure during COVID. Unless the government issues a specific renewal order for 2026, you must undertake actual travel to claim the benefit.
