Who this applies to
The fresh-recruit concession applies to eligible Central Government employees covered by the CCS (LTC) Rules during the first eight years of service, subject to the detailed conditions.
Special first-eight-years pattern
DoPT's clarification explains that a fresh recruit may avail Home Town LTC on the first three occasions in a four-year cycle and LTC to Any Place in India on the fourth occasion. The pattern then repeats for the second four-year cycle, subject to the rules.
After eight years
DoPT's FAQ clarifies that after completion of the first eight years, the employee shifts to the normal LTC block system. The transition depends on how the employee's eighth year aligns with the running regular block.
If headquarters and home town are the same
DoPT's FAQ states that a fresh recruit whose headquarters and home town are the same cannot avail Home Town LTC for that occasion. The Any Place in India concession remains governed by the fresh-recruit cycle.
One-year service condition
Eligibility generally begins after completion of one year of continuous service, subject to the CCS (LTC) Rules and DoPT clarifications.
Track each occasion carefully
Fresh-recruit LTC is occasion-based. Maintain a simple record of year, type of LTC used, destination, family members and sanction so the fourth/eighth occasion is not misclassified.
Before booking
Ask the establishment section to confirm the exact occasion number and admissible concession in writing if there is any doubt, especially during the transition after the eighth year.
Related guides
LTC & Leave Hub · Fresh Recruit LTC · LTC Advance & Claim · Half Pay & Commuted Leave · Leave Encashment
Official sources
Source review: 10 September 2026.