CGA Guidelines 2026: Collection of International Receipts via Government Portals
The Office of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, has released an essential Office Memorandum (OM No. R-18001/1/2020-GBA-CGA/E.1196/290-303) dated 15th June 2026. This document outlines the official mechanism and guidelines for collecting government revenues from foreign countries (international receipts) directly through the Bharatkosh / NTRP portal. For Central Government Employees managing departmental receipts and public accounting, this is a vital update ensuring streamlined foreign remittances.
Key Highlights of the Order
- The guidelines apply only to international payments payable to the Government of India in Indian Rupees (INR).
- Separate guidelines will be issued for foreign currency receipts requiring conversion into INR.
- International payments can now be processed via two approved modes: SWIFT Mode and International Debit/Credit Cards.
- Banks and Payment Gateway Aggregators (PGAs) will not levy any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) or similar charges on Government Ministries/Departments.
Detailed Summary of Payment Modes
1. SWIFT Mode Regulations
When using the SWIFT mode, the foreign exchange rate applied will be based on the exact day the deposit slip is generated on the bank's page. The user must initiate the transaction on the same day the slip is created. The remitted funds must be received by the bank in its Nostro Account within T+2 Global working days (T being the date of transaction initiation). If funds arrive late, the deposit slip expires, the money is returned to the originating bank, and the user must start a fresh transaction.
2. International Debit/Credit Card Regulations
For card payments, users must bear all applicable transaction charges, convenience fees, taxes, and currency conversion levies. Upon a successful transaction, the Acquirer Bank generates a Unique Identification Number (UIN) mapped to the Challan Reference Number (CRN). The bank must remit the full eligible receipt amount (excluding convenience fees) to the Government Account through the RBI within T+3 working days.
Important Points & User Responsibilities
- Failed Transactions: If a transaction fails, the bank will refund the entire debited amount to the user.
- Failed After Success: If a payment succeeds but the service is denied, the bank must still remit the funds to the Government. The user cannot request a chargeback; instead, they must claim a refund directly from the concerned Ministry/Department with appropriate justification.
- Waiting Period: If the portal status shows "Failed" or "Response Awaited," users must wait at least 90 minutes before attempting a new transaction and should verify the status with their bank first.
- Strict Prohibition on Chargebacks: There shall be no automatic or manual chargebacks permitted on the government receipt portal.
- Force Majeure: Banks are exempt from penalty for delayed settlements in cases of natural disasters, cyberattacks, government restrictions, network failures, or civil disturbances/war.
Mandatory Timelines for Settlement
| Sl. No. | Particulars | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| i. | Initiation of transaction by User/Remitter/Foreign Payer | T |
| ii. | Funds credit in the Nostro Account of Acquirer Bank / Accredited Bank onboarded in Government Portal | T + 2 (global working days) |
| iii. | Fund remitted into the Government of India's Account / Settlement with RBI | T + 3 |
Conclusion
These robust guidelines instituted by the CGA establish a transparent, secure, and highly regulated workflow for foreign inward remittances aimed at Government services. Central Government Departments must ensure their IT Divisions update respective portals to accommodate these new protocols, maintain accurate reconciliation records, and strictly display refund/cancellation policies to international users.
Educational Purpose Only: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
Accuracy & Mistakes: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, human errors or omissions may occur.
No Liability: Under no circumstances shall the author or this website be held liable for any loss arising from the use of this information.
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