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ICAR Technical Services Study Leave Regulations 2026: Complete Guidelines

ICAR Technical Services Study Leave Regulations 2026: Complete Guidelines

ICAR Technical Services Study Leave Regulations 2026: Complete Guidelines

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced dedicated Study Leave Guidelines for its Technical Personnel. Previously, study leave for technical staff was governed by general rules and older circulars. Recognizing that the Technical Cadre has distinct functional requirements and service conditions, ICAR has now formulated separate regulations approved by its Governing Body.

This article simplifies the new ICAR Technical Services Study Leave Regulations, explaining eligibility conditions, leave durations, salary rules, and the service bond requirements employees must follow.

Official Order Details

Issuing Authority Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
Order Number F.No.TS-19(1)/2020-Estt.IV (E-71076)
Date of Issue 6 November 2026
Subject Study Leave Guidelines for Technical Employees covered under Technical Services of ICAR
Applicable To Regular employees governed by the ICAR Technical Service Rules
Effective Date 6 November 2026 (Immediate effect)

Quick Summary

  • Eligibility: Minimum 5 years of continuous regular service and a maximum age of 50 years.
  • Maximum Duration: Up to 24 months in an entire career, extended to 36 months specifically for Ph.D. programs.
  • Course Type: Must be a full-time, regular course; online, part-time, or correspondence courses are strictly prohibited.
  • Bond Requirement: Employees must sign a bond to serve ICAR continuously for at least 3 years upon returning from study leave.
  • Salary Protection: Employees receive their regular leave salary (pay drawn before the leave), plus HRA and DA.

Detailed Explanation in Simple Language

1. Who is Eligible?

To apply for study leave under these new regulations, a technical employee must meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed at least 5 years of regular, continuous service.
  • Be no older than 50 years of age.
  • The course of study must have a direct and close connection to the employee's duties and be advantageous to their ICAR Institute or Headquarters.

2. Duration of Leave

The total study leave an employee can take throughout their entire career is:

  • Standard Courses: Maximum 24 months.
  • Ph.D. Programs: Maximum 36 months.

While study leave can be combined with other types of leave, the total continuous absence generally cannot exceed 28 months (or 36 months for a Ph.D.) unless combined with Extraordinary Leave.

3. Approved Courses and Institutions

The study leave is strictly for full-time regular courses. The guidelines explicitly state that part-time, correspondence, or online modes will not be approved. Furthermore, the degree or course must be recognized by government regulatory bodies such as UGC, ICAR, AICTE, or the National Medical Commission.

4. Leave Salary and Allowances

During the leave, employees are entitled to:

  • Leave Salary: Equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.
  • Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible. No other allowances are paid.

Note on Scholarships: If an employee receives a scholarship, stipend, or part-time remuneration during their study leave, this amount will be adjusted against their leave salary. However, the adjusted leave salary will never drop below the amount payable during half-pay leave.

5. Execution of Service Bond

Before proceeding on study leave, the employee must execute a bond promising to serve ICAR continuously for at least 3 years after returning. This bond must be supported by two permanent ICAR employees acting as sureties. The employee must also provide security (such as immovable property, an Insurance Company Fidelity Bond, or a Scheduled Bank guarantee), though ICAR may waive this specific security requirement if the sureties are permanent ICAR employees.

Practical Implications for Employees

  • No Hiring Replacements: The guidelines forbid institutes from hiring contractual manpower to perform the duties of the employee on study leave. This means your department will have to manage your workload internally.
  • Strict Monitoring: You must submit proof of admission within 3 months of joining the course. Additionally, semester-wise progress reports must be submitted within one month of completing every six-month period. Failure to do so may result in the deferment of your salary.
  • Quota Limitations: Only up to 3.5% of the total sanctioned strength of the respective technical staff category across the council can be on study leave at any given time. Approval is not automatic and depends on this cap.
  • Severe Financial Penalties: If you fail to complete the course, fail to rejoin, or quit before completing your 3-year mandatory service period, you must refund the leave salary, allowances, and other expenses. If you serve more than half the required bond period before leaving, the refund amount is reduced by 50%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take study leave for an online or part-time Master's degree?

No. The regulations explicitly state that the course must be a full-time regular course and cannot be carried out through correspondence, part-time, or online modes.

Will my study leave period count for merit promotion and retirement?

Yes. The period of study leave counts as service for retirement benefits (provided you fulfill the 3-year service bond upon returning). It also counts for merit assessment and promotional benefits.

Who approves the study leave application?

Applications are first scrutinized by a specially constituted Study Leave Committee (SLC) at your Institute or ICAR Headquarters. Their recommendations are endorsed by the Director and forwarded to the concerned Deputy Director General (DDG) for concurrence, before final approval by the Competent Authority.

What if I finish my degree before the sanctioned leave expires?

If you complete your course of study before the full duration of your sanctioned study leave or extraordinary leave, you must resume duty immediately after the course ends.

Official PDF

View or download the official notification for complete details and annexures, including the Bond forms (Form 1 and Form 2).

Download Official PDF
Source Note: Information in this article is based on ICAR Office Memorandum F.No.TS-19(1)/2020-Estt.IV (E-71076), dated 6 November 2026, and the accompanying "ICAR-Technical Services Study Leave Regulations" (Annexure-I).
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for general informational and educational purposes only. It is a simplified explanation of the official document identified above and is not a substitute for the original order or applicable official instructions. Every effort has been made to maintain accuracy, but errors or omissions may occur. Readers should consult the original government document and their competent administrative authority for clarification or decisions affecting their individual circumstances. The website does not guarantee any particular benefit, entitlement, or outcome and accepts no liability to the extent permitted by applicable law.

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