New Delhi:
A common grievance in 2026 is a “Junior” employee drawing a higher Basic Pay than a “Senior” after promotion. This anomaly can be rectified using the “Stepping Up of Pay” provision, provided it is not caused by MACP or specific pay fixation options.
Updated on: 16 January 2026 | Verified against DoPT OM No. 4-21/2017-IC/E.III(A).
Step-Up of Pay Rules 2026: Junior Drawing More Pay?
Quick Answer
If a Junior promoted after you starts drawing a higher salary, your pay can be “Stepped Up” to match theirs.
• Condition: The anomaly must arise directly from the application of FR 22(I)(a)(1) (Pay Fixation rules).
• Effect: Your Basic Pay is raised to match the Junior’s pay from the date of their promotion.
Risk: When Step-Up is DENIED
You will NOT get Stepping Up if the Junior earns more because:
1. They received an MACP upgradation (Personal to them).
2. They were drawing higher pay in the lower post due to Advance Increments.
3. You opted for “Pay Fixation from Date of Promotion” while the Junior opted for “Date of Next Increment” (Option 2), resulting in their gain.
The 3 Mandatory Conditions
To claim this benefit, ALL three must be true:
| # | Condition |
|---|---|
| 1 | Senior and Junior must belong to the Same Cadre and the posts must be identical. |
| 2 | The Junior must be promoted later than the Senior. |
| 3 | The anomaly must be purely due to Pay Fixation rules (e.g., the 6-month increment cycle). |
How to Claim
Stepping up is not automatic. You must submit a Representation to your Head of Office/DDO citing the specific Junior employee details.
- Format: Simple application attaching your Pay Slip and the Junior’s Pay Slip (or promotion order).
- Timeline: DDOs usually verify the Service Book and issue a “Pay Refixation Order.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the Senior was on Extraordinary Leave (EOL)?
If the Senior was on EOL without medical certificate (resulting in postponement of increment), and the Junior overtook them in pay during this period, Stepping Up is not admissible.
Does Step-Up change my Date of Increment?
Yes. Once your pay is stepped up to match the Junior, your Date of Next Increment (DNI) will also be aligned with the Junior’s DNI.
🇮🇳 हिंदी में सारांश (Summary in Hindi)
वेतन में स्टेप-अप (Step-Up of Pay) 2026
1. समस्या: अगर आपका जूनियर (Junior) आपसे बाद में प्रमोट हुआ, लेकिन उसकी सैलरी आपसे ज्यादा हो गई है।
2. समाधान: आप “Step-Up” की मांग कर सकते हैं। सरकार आपकी बेसिक पे बढ़ाकर जूनियर के बराबर कर देगी।
3. शर्त: यह तभी होगा जब यह अंतर “Pay Fixation” के नियमों की वजह से आया हो। अगर जूनियर को MACP मिली है, तो यह नियम लागू नहीं होगा।