MACP Scheme Rules 2026: ‘Very Good’ Benchmark & Promotion Refusal Trap
Updated: 24 January 2026 | Applies: All Central Govt Employees
Career Alert: Do not accept “Good” grading in your APAR. Under the 2026 rules, anything less than “Very Good” means your salary hike (MACP) will be stopped.
The Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme ensures you get a salary hike even if you don’t get a promotion. It grants financial upgradation at 10, 20, and 30 years of service. However, two silent rules often disqualify deserving employees.
🧮 PROMOTION TOOLS 2026
1. The “Very Good” APAR Condition
Previously, a “Good” rating was enough for Group C staff. That is history.
Current Rule: For any MACP grant (Level 1 to Level 14), the prescribed benchmark in your APAR (Annual Performance Appraisal Report) for the last 5 years must be “Very Good” (Grading 6.0 to 7.9).
Impact: If you have 4 “Very Good” and 1 “Good” in the last 5 years, your MACP will be deferred until you get another “Very Good”.
2. The “Refusal of Promotion” Trap
This is where most employees lose money.
If the department offers you a regular promotion (e.g., Senior Clerk to Head Clerk) but involves a transfer, and you Refuse it to stay in your home town:
- Consequence 1: You are DEBARRED from MACP.
- Consequence 2: You will stay in the same Pay Level. No financial upgradation will be given.
- Recovery: You can only claim MACP again if you agree to accept the promotion in the future.
MACP vs. Regular Promotion: The Difference
| Feature | Regular Promotion | MACP Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Rank/Designation | Changes (Higher Rank) | No Change (Same Rank) |
| Pay Level | Moves to Next Hierarchy | Moves to Next Level |
| Increment | 3% Hike (Pay Fixation) | 3% Hike (Pay Fixation) |
| Status | Higher Responsibility | Only Financial Benefit |
Common Questions
Does MACP change my Designation?
No. If you are a ‘Lower Division Clerk’ (Level 2) and get MACP to Level 3, your designation remains ‘LDC’. You only draw the higher salary of Level 3.
What if I am already in the highest grade?
MACP continues up to the HAG scale. If you are stagnating in a post for more than 10 years without promotion, you are eligible.
सरल शब्दों में: MACP नियम
1. “Very Good” जरूरी है: अगर आपकी APAR में “Good” रेटिंग है, तो आपको MACP (सैलरी बढ़ोत्तरी) नहीं मिलेगी। पिछले 5 साल में “Very Good” होना अनिवार्य है।
2. प्रमोशन ठुकराना महंगा पड़ेगा: अगर आप ट्रांसफर के डर से प्रमोशन लेने से मना करते हैं, तो आपकी MACP भी रोक दी जाएगी।
Join WhatsApp Channel
Get Official Rule Updates Directly on Your Phone