Departmental Screening Committees (DSC) across Central Government ministries are scheduled to meet in January 2026 to finalize the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) list for employees completing 10, 20, or 30 years of service. As per current DoPT guidelines, the “Very Good” benchmark in APARs for the preceding five years is mandatory for grant of financial upgradation.
● Status: Screening in Progress | ● Effect: Financial Upgradation
New Delhi: The January 2026 cycle for MACP clearance has commenced. DDOs are currently verifying service books to ensure no “Refusal of Promotion” exists on record. Employees found eligible will move to the immediate next Pay Level in the 7th CPC Matrix, but will not be granted a change in designation or status.
*Updated on: 15 January 2026 | Verified against DoPT OM No. 35034/3/2015-Estt.(D).
MACP RULES JAN 2026
(10-20-30 Year Rule | ‘Very Good’ Benchmark Mandatory)
⚡ Eligibility Snapshot
The Rule: Financial upgradation is granted if an employee has spent 10 years continuously in the same Pay Level without any promotion.
The Benefit: One increment (3%) is added to the basic pay, and the employee is placed in the next Pay Level cell equal to or higher than the new figure.
⚠️ The “Refusal” Trap
You will NOT get MACP if:
You have ever refused a regular promotion offered by your department. Such refusal acts as a disqualification for MACP benefits. Even if you have completed 10/20/30 years, the refusal marks you as “Not Stagnating due to lack of opportunity,” but due to personal choice.
Who Will Be REJECTED in Jan 2026?
- ❌ Below Benchmark: Employees with APAR grading “Good” or “Average” in any of the last 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25) will be deferred. “Very Good” is non-negotiable.
- ❌ Vigilance Case: Any pending charge sheet or disciplinary proceeding halts the MACP process immediately (Sealed Cover procedure applies).
- ❌ Dies Non: Periods of unauthorized absence or “Dies Non” are deducted from the 10-year qualifying service calculation.
MACP Pay Fixation (Illustration)
| Current Level | Step 1 (Increment) | Step 2 (MACP Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (₹26,000) | ₹26,800 (+3%) | Level 3 (₹27,100) |
| Level 6 (₹44,900) | ₹46,200 (+3%) | Level 7 (₹47,600) |
| Level 7 (₹62,200) | ₹64,100 (+3%) | Level 8 (₹64,100) |
Related: Did you get a promotion recently? Check how it affects your next MACP date using our Pay Fixation Calculator.
Source Verified: Compiled based on DOPT Office Memorandum regarding the “Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme” and current Pay & Accounts Office (PAO) implementation rules.
❓ MACP Common Questions
Is MACP the same as a promotion?
No. MACP is purely a financial upgradation. Your designation, duties, and seniority list position remain exactly the same. Only your salary increases.
Can ‘Average’ grading be ignored?
No. Since 25th July 2016, the benchmark “Very Good” is mandatory. If you have “Good” or “Average” in your APARs, your MACP will be deferred until you earn enough “Very Good” reports in subsequent years.
🇮🇳 हिंदी में सारांश (MACP नियम)
जनवरी 2026 लिस्ट: कौन होगा पास?
अगर आपने एक ही पोस्ट पर 10 साल पूरे कर लिए हैं और कोई प्रमोशन नहीं मिला है, तो आप MACP के हकदार हैं। शर्त यह है कि पिछले 5 साल की APAR रिपोर्ट में ‘Very Good’ ग्रेडिंग होनी चाहिए। अगर आपने कभी प्रमोशन लेने से मना किया है (Refusal), तो आपको MACP नहीं मिलेगा।
