⚡ MACP Eligibility Checker (5-Year Test)
Requirement: You need 5 Consecutive “Very Good” APARs.
- Scenario A: VG, VG, VG, VG, VG → ELIGIBLE (Immediate Hike).
- Scenario B: VG, VG, GOOD, VG, VG → DENIED (Deferred by 1 Year).
Note: One “Good” grading costs you approx ₹4,500/month.
Subject: MACP Benchmark & APAR Grading Rules.
Mandate: “Very Good” (Grading 7-10) is compulsory.
Warning: “Good” grading is treated as “Adverse” for MACP.
New Delhi: As the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) cycle for 2025-26 commences, employees expecting their Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) in 2026 must be vigilant. Under the 7th Pay Commission rules (DoPT OM No. 35034/3/2015-Estt.D), the benchmark for ALL Pay Levels (Level 1 to 14) has been upgraded to “Very Good”. A common administrative tragedy is when an employee with an unblemished service record is denied MACP simply because one APAR was graded as “Good” (Numerical 6.0).
1. The “Good” Grading Trap (Mathematical Loss)
Many Reporting Officers give “Good” (Rating 6) thinking it is a positive grade. For MACP purposes, “Good” is effectively a Rejection.
| APAR Year | Grading Given | MACP Status | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Very Good (8.0) | – | – |
| 2022-23 | Very Good (8.0) | – | – |
| 2023-24 | Good (6.0) | STOPPED | Loss of ₹54,000/Year |
| 2024-25 | Very Good (8.0) | – | – |
| 2025-26 | Very Good (8.0) | Review in 2027 | Wait 1 more year |
The Rule: The Screening Committee looks at the Last 5 Years. If any year is below “Very Good”, the benefit is deferred to the next year until you secure 5 consecutive VGs.
2. What if you get a “Good” Grading? (Action Plan)
If your APAR shows “Good” and it affects your MACP, you have a legal right to represent against it, even if the timeline has passed.
The Supreme Court Ruling:
As per the ruling in Sukhdev Singh vs Union of India and subsequent DoPT orders, any grading that denies a financial benefit (like MACP) is considered “Adverse” and MUST be communicated to the employee.
- Step 1: Submit a formal representation to the “Competent Authority” asking to upgrade “Good” to “Very Good”.
- Step 2: Cite your achievements and quantitative targets achieved.
- Step 3: If upgraded, the MACP will be granted retrospectively from the due date.
3. The “Condemnation” Rule (Penalty/Dies Non)
Apart from grading, two other factors can kill your MACP claim:
- Penalty: If you are under any minor/major penalty, MACP is denied until the penalty period is over. It is not granted retrospectively.
- Dies Non: Any period declared as Dies Non (No Work No Pay) shifts your MACP due date forward by that exact number of days.
4. Procedural Requirement: APAR Self-Appraisal
The 2025-26 APAR window opens in April. To ensure a “Very Good” (8+) grading:
Drafting Tip:
“Do not write generic lines like ‘Performed duties as assigned’. Instead, write: ‘Cleared 450+ pending files (15% above target), implemented e-Office in the section, and resolved 20 public grievances within 48 hours.'”
Does MACP apply to Group A Officers?
No. The MACP Scheme is applicable only to Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ employees. Organized Group ‘A’ Services have their own “Non-Functional Upgradation” (NFU) scheme which operates on different principles.
Is “Outstanding” required for Level 12?
No. Under the 7th CPC, the benchmark is uniform. “Very Good” is the standard for all levels, including MACP to Level 12 and Level 13. The earlier requirement of “Outstanding” for higher grades has been removed.
हिंदी सारांश: MACP के लिए “Very Good” जरूरी
नियम: MACP का लाभ लेने के लिए पिछले 5 साल की APAR में “Very Good” (7 से ऊपर) ग्रेडिंग होना अनिवार्य है।
खतरा: अगर किसी एक साल भी “Good” (6) मिला, तो MACP रुक जाएगा।
समाधान: अगर आपको “Good” मिला है, तो आप तुरंत लिखित में शिकायत (Representation) दें। सुप्रीम कोर्ट के आदेशानुसार, इसे सुधारा जा सकता है।
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