Study Leave is a special kind of leave granted to Haryana Government employees who wish to pursue higher education, professional training, or research that directly benefits public service. It is covered under Chapter XI (Rules 50–64) of the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016.
The purpose of study leave is to allow government employees to gain specialized knowledge or training in fields that will improve their efficiency and contribute to the public interest.
1️⃣ Conditions for Grant of Study Leave (Rule 50)
Study leave may be granted to a government employee to enable them to study scientific, technical, or professional subjects, or undergo special courses of instruction, directly connected with their duties and useful for public service.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The employee must have **completed five years of continuous service**, including service under the Central or another State Government, if applicable.
- The leave must be in the **public interest** and **approved by the competent authority**.
- Study leave is not granted for:
- Courses of a purely academic nature not connected with official duties.
- Private studies or training for purely personal purposes.
- Preparation for competitive exams for other services or posts.
Other Conditions:
- Study leave will not be granted to a government employee due to **inefficiency or indiscipline**.
- Study leave is also not admissible for studies outside India if similar training is available in India.
2️⃣ Application Process for Study Leave (Rule 51)
An employee seeking study leave must submit an application through their Head of Office to the Administrative Department.
The application must include:
- Details of the course or training.
- Duration and institution name.
- Expected benefits to public service.
- Certificate from the employee declaring that the course is relevant to official duties.
After scrutiny, the Administrative Department forwards the proposal to the Finance Department for approval when financial commitments (e.g., study allowance) are involved.
3️⃣ Maximum Amount of Study Leave (Rule 52)
| Category | Maximum Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| During entire service | 24 months (2 years) | May be taken at one time or in multiple spells. |
| Combined with other leave | Allowed | Provided total continuous absence does not exceed **28 months** including vacation and ordinary leave. |
Note: Study leave cannot be granted to probationers or temporary employees.
4️⃣ Sanction and Combination of Study Leave (Rules 53–54)
- The **Administrative Department** sanctions study leave after verifying eligibility and public interest justification.
- Study leave can be combined with:
- Earned Leave
- Half Pay Leave
- Extraordinary Leave
- Vacation (if applicable)
- However, the total duration (including all types of leave) must not exceed 28 months.
5️⃣ Extension Beyond Course Duration (Rule 55)
If the study extends beyond the approved duration, extension may be granted only when:
- It is essential to complete the course.
- Certified by the institution as necessary.
- Approved by the competent authority.
If the study is prolonged due to the employee’s own fault or negligence, the excess period will be treated as Extraordinary Leave (EOL) or Leave Without Pay.
6️⃣ Leave Salary and Allowances (Rule 56)
During study leave, the employee is entitled to:
- Leave Salary: Equivalent to half of the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on study leave, plus applicable Dearness Allowance.
- For training abroad: 100% of pay + DA (if covered by foreign training scheme).
- HRA and other allowances: Not admissible unless specifically approved.
Leave salary is drawn in Indian rupees and payable in India only.
7️⃣ Study Allowance (Rules 57–59)
Study allowance is an additional financial benefit granted to employees undergoing approved courses of study or training.
| Case | Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Employee on study leave in India | Study allowance as per government order (if course approved). |
| Employee receiving stipend or scholarship | Study allowance reduced or not admissible. |
| Employee accepting part-time employment during study leave | Study allowance discontinued for that period. |
Rule 60–61: Travel allowance and course fee expenses may be reimbursed only if specifically sanctioned by the government.
8️⃣ Execution of Bond (Rule 62)
Before availing study leave, the employee must sign a bond agreement on stamp paper, undertaking to:
- Return to duty upon completion of the study.
- Serve the Haryana Government for at least **three years** after return.
- Refund all expenses (salary, allowance, travel cost, etc.) if they fail to return or complete the service period.
9️⃣ Resignation or Retirement after Study Leave (Rule 63)
If an employee resigns, retires, or fails to return after study leave:
- They must refund the entire amount of leave salary, study allowance, and other expenses.
- In case of death or medical incapacity, refund is waived.
🔟 Counting of Study Leave for Service Benefits (Rule 64)
The period of study leave counts as service for:
- Promotion
- Pension
- Seniority
- Increment
- Leave accumulation
Provided the employee completes the course and rejoins duty as per bond conditions.
✅ Summary Table – Study Leave at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Service Required | 5 years continuous service |
| Maximum Duration | 24 months (combined with other leave: 28 months) |
| Leave Salary | Half pay + DA (payable in India) |
| Study Allowance | As per government order (subject to rules) |
| Bond Requirement | Mandatory, minimum 3 years service after return |
| Applicable Rules | Rules 50–64, Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 |
FAQs on Study Leave for Haryana Government Employees
1. Who is eligible for study leave?
Permanent employees with at least five years of continuous service and a course relevant to official duties.
2. Can study leave be combined with earned or extraordinary leave?
Yes, but the total absence should not exceed 28 months in one spell.
3. Is study allowance paid during leave?
Yes, if approved and no other stipend is received; otherwise, it is reduced or not paid.
4. What happens if an employee fails to return after study leave?
They must refund all government expenses including salary and allowances received during the leave period.
5. Does study leave count towards pension and promotion?
Yes, if the employee completes the course and rejoins service as required by the bond.
Conclusion
The Study Leave Rules under the Haryana Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2016 provide a valuable opportunity for government employees to enhance their knowledge and skills. However, it comes with strict eligibility, service bond, and accountability conditions to ensure that the benefits are utilized in the interest of public service.
For official reference, visit the Finance Department Haryana portal: www.finhry.gov.in