As the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) rolls out in 2026, Central Government employees are seeing a massive shift not just in salary, but in Service Conditions. Family leave policies have been modernized to include better support for surrogacy, adoption, and child care.

Maternity Leave Rules 2026: 180 Days of Full Pay

For female employees, the core benefit remains 180 days (6 months) of paid leave for the first two surviving children. However, under the 8th CPC pay scales, the “Leave Salary” has significantly increased because the 60% DA has been merged into your basic pay.

• Surrogacy Update: Commissioning mothers (the biological mother) are now entitled to the same 180 days of leave.
• Adoption: Valid for 180 days if the child is below 1 year of age at the time of adoption.

Paternity Leave: 15 Days for Fathers

Male employees (including apprentices) can avail 15 days of paid Paternity Leave. This must be taken within 6 months of the child’s birth. If not used, the leave lapses—it cannot be “encashed” or carried forward.

Child Care Leave (CCL) in 2026: The 730 Days Rule

CCL remains one of the most popular benefits. In 2026, the government has simplified the application process via the SPARROW portal.

Key 2026 CCL Facts:

• Duration: 730 days during the entire service for two eldest children.
• Pay Rate: 100% of salary for the first 365 days; 80% of salary for the next 365 days.
• Single Male Parents: Single fathers are also entitled to claim CCL under the new 2026 reforms.