Railway Board (Health & Finance)
RBE No. 07/2026 (Rule 36)
Invalid Pension for Medical Unfitness
Railway Invalid Pension Rules 2026: Retirement on Medical Grounds (Rule 36 Explained)
- Status: Notified (Part of 2026 Rules)
- Authority: Railway Board (RBE 07/2026)
- Eligibility: Permanent Physical/Mental Incapacity
- Benefit: Pension for < 10 Years Service also
What Changed: Security for Medically Unfit Staff
The Railway Board has notified Rule 36 under the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 2026 (RBE No. 07/2026), providing a robust safety net for employees who are declared medically unfit for service before their superannuation age. This rule ensures that if a Railway servant retires due to “bodily or mental infirmity” which permanently incapacitates them for service, they are entitled to an Invalid Pension.
✅ Official Orders Issued
Authority: Railway Board (Order No. RBE 07/2026)
Reference: Rule 36 of Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 2026.
Subject: Conditions for Grant of Invalid Pension.
The New Protocol: Medical Board Certification
Granting Invalid Pension is not automatic; it requires strict certification from a Medical Authority.
✔ Eligibility Criteria
- Application: The employee must apply for retirement on medical grounds, or the administration may direct them to appear for a medical board.
- Medical Certificate: A Medical Committee must certify that the incapacity is “permanent” and precludes the employee from discharging duties.
- Service Requirement: Invalid Pension is granted even if the qualifying service is less than 10 years (subject to conditions).
✖ Procedure
- Examination: The employee is examined by the appropriate Medical Authority (CMS/MD).
- Relief: If no alternative post (even lower grade) is suitable or available, the employee is retired with Invalid Pension.
Invalid Pension vs Normal Pension
Unlike normal superannuation where full pension requires 10 years of service (for minimum pension eligibility), Invalid Pension rules are more lenient regarding the service length in certain cases.
| Feature | Normal Retirement | Invalid Pension (Rule 36) |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | Age (60 Years) | Medical Incapacity |
| Minimum Service | 10 Years (for Pension) | Any Service Length (If perm. incapacitated) |
| Amount | 50% of Last Pay | 50% of Last Pay (Protected) |
How to Respond (Application for Medical Decategorization)
If you are suffering from a chronic illness preventing you from duty, submit this application to appear before the Medical Board.
“To,
The Divisional Personnel Officer,
[Division Name].Subject: Request for Medical Examination for Retirement on Medical Grounds (Invalid Pension).
Respected Sir,
I, [Name], Designation [Post], have been suffering from [Illness] for the past [Duration], rendering me physically unable to perform my official duties.
I request you to direct me to the Railway Medical Board for examination under Rule 36 of the Railway Services (Pension) Rules, 2026.
If declared permanently incapacitated, kindly process my case for the grant of Invalid Pension.Yours faithfully,
[Name]
PF No: [Number]”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am decategorized but can do desk work?
If you are medically decategorized but fit for other duties, the Railway administration will first try to absorb you in an alternative post (supernumerary post if needed) with pay protection. Invalid Pension is the last resort when no service is possible.
Does Invalid Pension amount differ from Normal Pension?
No. The calculation formula is the same (50% of Last Pay Drawn). However, for employees with less than 10 years of service, Invalid Pension offers a pensionary benefit where normally only Service Gratuity might have been paid.