Department of Personnel & Training
Rotational Transfer Policy 2026
Sensitive Posts Identification Guide
Rotational Transfer Guidelines 2026: CVC Mandates 3-Year Tenure for Sensitive Posts
- Status: Mandatory Compliance
- Authority: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
- Ref No: CVC Circular 004/VGL/2026
- Key Rule: Max 3 Years on Sensitive Seat
What Changed: Strict Enforcment of Rotation
The Central Vigilance Commission has observed that many officials continue to hold sensitive positions beyond the prescribed tenure, leading to potential vested interests. To curb this, the Commission has issued fresh instructions for the Year 2026. All Ministries and Departments must immediately identify Sensitive Posts and ensure that officials completing three years in such seats are rotated out without exception.
✅ Official Orders Issued
Authority: Central Vigilance Commission, New Delhi
Subject: Rotation of officials working in sensitive posts
Deadline: Immediate Implementation
The New Protocol: Sensitive vs Non-Sensitive
The Head of the Department is responsible for classifying posts. The new guidelines strictly prohibit keeping an official in a sensitive seat for more than three years.
✔ Definition of Sensitive Posts
- Financial Power: Seats dealing with procurement, tenders, and bill passing.
- Public Interface: Roles involving direct public dealing, licensing, and recruitment.
- Vigilance: Officials working in Vigilance units are also subject to rotation.
✖ Prohibited Practices
- Retention: Retention of officials in the same seat beyond 3 years on administrative grounds is not permitted.
- Repeated Tenure: Posting an official back to the same sensitive seat after a short gap is banned.
Timeline & Rotation Schedule
| Category | Max Tenure | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive Posts | 3 Years | Mandatory Rotation |
| Non-Sensitive Posts | 5 Years | Routine Transfer |
| CVO / Vigilance Staff | 3 Years | Cooling Off Period Required |
How to Respond (Draft Compliance Report)
Heads of Offices must submit a compliance report to the Chief Vigilance Officer confirming that rotational transfers have been effected. Use the text below.
“To,
The Chief Vigilance Officer,
Ministry of ……………………Sub: Annual Return on Rotation of Officials in Sensitive Posts.
Sir,
In compliance with CVC guidelines for 2026, it is certified that:
1. The list of Sensitive Posts in this office has been reviewed and updated.
2. All officials who have completed 3 years of tenure in sensitive seats as of 1st Jan 2026 have been rotated to non-sensitive seats.
3. No official is currently holding a sensitive position beyond the prescribed tenure.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a Sensitive Post?
Any post that involves financial sanctions, procurement, tendering, recruitment, or regular dealing with public contractors is classified as a Sensitive Post.
Can the tenure be extended beyond 3 years?
Extensions are generally not allowed. In extremely rare cases, the Head of Department may grant a short extension for administrative reasons, but this must be reported to the CVO.
Does this apply to all grades of employees?
Yes, the rotational transfer policy applies to all grades, including Group A, B, and C employees, who are holding posts identified as sensitive.