POLICY: Fundamental Rule 56(j)
STATUS: Q1 2026 Review Active
SCOPE: Premature Retirement
DoPT Service Review 2026: Premature Retirement Screening under FR 56(j) Begins
Quarterly review of employees aged 50/55 or with 30 Years Service initiated.
The Core Rule (Administrative Review):
- Authority: Fundamental Rule 56(j) / Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.
- Timing: Reviews are typically conducted on a quarterly basis. The current window covers the Jan-March 2026 period.
- Nature: This constitutes an absolute right of the Government to retire an official in the “public interest.” It is distinct from disciplinary proceedings.
⚠️ ELIGIBILITY FOR REVIEW
The Internal Review Committee is mandated to screen the Service Books of employees falling within these specific thresholds:
| Category | Threshold Condition |
|---|---|
| Group A & B | Entered service before age 35 AND have crossed age 50. |
| Group A & B | Entered service after age 35 AND have crossed age 55. |
| Group C | Completed 30 Years of qualifying service OR crossed age 55. |
Note: The review is based on the entire service record, not just recent performance.
✅ Procedural Safeguards
DoPT guidelines provide specific protections to prevent arbitrary use of this rule:
- Approaching Retirement: Employees within 1 year of their normal superannuation are generally not recommended for premature retirement.
- Promotion Shield: If an officer was promoted within the last 5 years, adverse entries prior to that promotion are treated as “washed off”.
- No Medical Grounds: FR 56(j) cannot be used to retire an employee solely due to medical unfitness (specific Medical Board rules apply).
What This Review Does NOT Change
To avoid confusion with disciplinary actions, it is important to clarify the limitations of FR 56(j):
- Pension Rights Protected: This is not a dismissal. The employee retains full eligibility for Pension and Gratuity based on qualifying service.
- Not Automatic: Crossing age 50/55 does not mean automatic retirement. It only triggers a review of the service record.
- Superannuation Age: The standard retirement age remains 60 years. FR 56(j) is an exception clause.
Review Criteria Considered by the Committee
In January 2026, Review Committees within Ministries will assess records based on:
- Doubtful Integrity: Cases where an employee’s integrity is suspect, even if insufficient evidence exists for a formal inquiry.
- Ineffectiveness: A consistent decline in performance or utility to the administration.
- Conduct Record: Habitual absenteeism or behavior detrimental to the public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does premature retirement under FR 56(j) affect my Gratuity?
No. Since this is not a penalty under CCS (CCA) Rules, you are entitled to full Retirement Gratuity and Pension benefits earned up to that date.
Can the order be challenged legally?
Yes. An employee can file a representation to the Representation Committee. If rejected, they may approach the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
Is this the same as the ’33-Year Service’ rule?
Conceptually similar. For Class 1 officers, Rule 48 of CCS (Pension) Rules allows retirement after 30/33 years of qualifying service.
अनिवार्य सेवानिवृत्ति (FR 56j) समीक्षा: मुख्य बिंदु
- नियम: सरकार का प्रशासनिक अधिकार जिससे कर्मचारियों को जनहित में समय से पहले रिटायर किया जा सकता है।
- दायरा: 50/55 वर्ष की आयु या 30 वर्ष की सेवा पूरी करने वाले कर्मचारी।
- पेंशन सुरक्षा: यह दंड (Punishment) नहीं है। कर्मचारी को पूरी पेंशन और ग्रेच्युटी मिलती है।
Official Reference: DoPT OM No. 25013/1/2013-Estt.A-IV (Consolidated Guidelines).
Authority: Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Verification: Official DoPT Circulars on Premature Retirement.