F. No. X-03/04/2026-SPN-II
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(Personnel Division)
Dak Bhawan, New Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
Dated: 1st July, 2026
To
All Heads of Circles,
Subject: Consolidated guidelines regarding HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) - regarding.
Sir/Madam,
I am directed to refer to this Directorate’s letter No. 25-04/2012-PE-I dated 27.05.2016 vide which Cadre restructuring of Group-C employees of Postal Operative side was implemented with the approval of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. As part of the restructuring, a new grade HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) with the grade Pay of Rs. 4800/- was introduced. Subsequently, instructions regarding the HSG-I (NFG) have been issued from time to time by Directorate.
However, due to lack of uniform guidelines regarding HSG-I (NFG), this Directorate is receiving various references from the Circles seeking further clarifications on the matter.
Therefore, the existing instructions regarding HSG-I (NFG) have been reviewed in light of the current administrative and operational structure. Accordingly, the revised consolidated guidelines are enclosed herewith as Annexure-A for information and further necessary action.
This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.
Yours sincerely,
Digitally signed by
Vinod Kumar
Date: 01-07-2026
17:26:24
(Vinod Kumar)
Assistant Director General (SPN)
Encl: As above.
Guidelines for Grant of HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade)
1. Background
- HSG-I (NFG) was introduced under Cadre Restructuring of Group-C Postal Operative employees vide Directorate letter dated 27.05.2016.
- Grade Pay of ₹4800 (now Level-8 of 7th CPC) was created as a Non-Functional Grade.
- Applicable to senior-most eligible HSG-I officials who have completed at least 2 years of service in HSG-I.
- Earlier clarifications were issued on:
- 11.11.2016
- 10.11.2017
- 16.03.2018
- 05.12.2018
- 03.02.2022
- 10.02.2023
2. Eligibility for HSG-I (NFG)
- Senior-most HSG-I officials with minimum 2 years service in HSG-I.
- Upgradation is subject to:
- Availability of vacancy within prescribed NFG ceiling.
- Fulfilment of eligibility conditions.
- Completion of prescribed screening process.
3. Nature of Upgradation
- HSG-I (NFG) is a Non-Functional Upgradation only.
- No change in duties or responsibilities.
- Granted in-situ without identifying separate posts.
- Subject to Circle-wise ceiling.
4. Promotion Benefits
- NFG does not confer any right to promotion to the next higher level.
- Benefit is personal to the official.
- No claim for promotion/deputation benefits based on NFG status.
5. Screening & APAR Requirements
- All eligibility criteria and promotional norms applicable for Level-8 must be fulfilled.
- APAR benchmark:
- At least 4 years out of 5 years.
- Grading should be at least “Good” (numerical grading between 4 and 6).
6. Retired Officials
- Retired officials who were otherwise eligible on the due date are also entitled to consideration.
7. Screening Committee
Three-member committee to consider NFG cases:
- Director Postal Services (HQ) – Chairman
- APMG (Staff)/AD (Staff) – Member
- Assistant Postmaster General or equivalent officer – Member
8. Vacant Committee Posts
- Officers holding additional charge may function as Chairman/Member.
- Screening may be conducted up to one month before vacancy to avoid financial loss to eligible officials.
9. Special Cases
The same rules applicable to promotion/non-functional upgradation shall apply in cases of:
- Suspension
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Criminal proceedings
- Penalty cases
10. Officials on Leave/Deputation
Officials on:
- Deputation
- Study Leave
- Any duly sanctioned leave
will also be considered for NFG as per prescribed procedure.
11. Clarifications & Effective Date
- Any unresolved issues may be referred to the Directorate.
- These consolidated instructions take effect from the date of issue of the order.
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