Clarification regarding the eligibility of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities possessing certificates for disabilities for the purpose of reservation in recruitment

To,

1. Chief Post masters General, All Postal Circles,
2. Directors, All PTCs,
3. CGM, Parcel Directorate,
4. CGM, BD Directorate

Subject: - Clarification regarding the eligibility of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities possessing certificates for disabilities that are progressive, non-progressive and not likely to improve, or likely to improve, for the purpose of reservation in recruitment.

Sir/Madam,

I am directed to forward herewith OM No. 18-25/2024-Policy dated 17.12.2025 received from Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD) on the subject mentioned above.

DEPwD vide their OM, has clarified that PwBD candidates with disabilities that are progressive, non-progressive, or not likely to improve shall not be denied reservation merely on the ground that their disability certificate is marked as "temporary". Accordingly, where a recruiting body receives a temporary disability certificate indicating a condition other than "likely to improve", such certificates should not be rejected outright, and the candidates should be advised to get their disabilities re- assessed under the RPwD Amendment Rules, 2024.

Further, while publishing advertisements, all Ministries/Departments and establishments under their control are requested to clearly specify the following, so that candidates do not face undue hardship while applying for the examination:

i. That the disability conditions falling under the category "likely to improve" under temporary disability category, are not eligible for reservation.

ii. That the conditions i.e. "progressive, non-progressive or not likely to improve" are to be treated eligible for reservation.

In light of the above, it is requested that the contents of the DEPwD letter may be disseminated to all concerned offices & recruiting Authorities within your jurisdiction.

This issue with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Encl: As above.

Copy to:

• List of officials/offices for information and necessary action
• PPS/PSO to senior officials
• Directors, ADG (Admin)
• CEPT Mysuru for uploading on the India Post website.

Office Memorandum from DEPwD dated 17.12.2025 reiterating the clarification:

• PwBD candidates with progressive, non-progressive, or not likely to improve disabilities should not be denied reservation even if the certificate is marked "temporary".
• Certificates marked "likely to improve" are not eligible for reservation.
• Recruiting bodies should not reject temporary certificates outright but advise candidates for re-assessment under RPwD Amendment Rules, 2024.
• Advertisements must clearly state these eligibility criteria.

Earlier Office Memorandum from DEPwD dated 20.01.2024 providing background:

• Clarifies that temporary disability certificates (with validity periods) are not eligible for reservation benefits in direct recruitment or promotion under Section 34 of the RPwD Act, 2016.
• Age relaxation is also to be granted only to persons with permanent disabilities.
• The RPwD (Amendment) Rules, 2024, define "permanent disability" to include cases where there is no chance of improvement over time.
• Temporary certificates indicating likely improvement should not be accepted for reservation or age relaxation.

Download Department of Posts OM & DEPwD OMs from CEPT