Department of Posts has released new consolidated guidelines for HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade). This update is dated 1st July 2026. It comes from the Personnel Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi. This blog explains everything in simple points. No confusion. Just facts.
What Is This Update About?
- Letter Number: X-03/4/2026-SPN-II
- Dated: 1st July 2026
- Issued to: All Heads of Circles
- Subject: Consolidated guidelines regarding HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade)
This letter brings together all old instructions on HSG-I (NFG) into one clear set of guidelines. Many Circles were asking for clarification, so Directorate has now issued this single consolidated version.
Background of HSG-I (NFG)
- Cadre restructuring of Group-C employees on Postal Operative Side was done in 2016
- Directorate letter dated 27.05.2016 introduced this restructuring
- As part of this, a new grade called HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) was created
- Old Grade Pay: Rs. 4800/-
- Now placed in Level-8 of 7th CPC Pay Structure
- Earlier clarifications were issued on: 11.11.2016, 10.11.2017, 16.03.2018, 05.12.2018, 03.02.2022, and 10.02.2023
Since there was no single unified guideline, Circles kept asking questions. That is why this consolidated version has come now.
Who Is Eligible for HSG-I (NFG)?
- Officials working in HSG-I grade
- Must be senior-most among eligible officials
- Must have completed minimum 2 years of service in HSG-I
- Upgradation is subject to the HSG-I (NFG) post ceiling fixed for that Circle
- Retired officials who were otherwise eligible on the due date are also considered
Important Points About HSG-I (NFG)
- HSG-I (NFG) is a Non-Functional Upgradation only
- It gives a higher Pay Level, not a new post or new duties
- Duties and responsibilities remain the same as HSG-I
- It is granted in-situ, meaning no separate post identification is needed
- Upgradation does not give any right to further promotion
- It does not create any claim for deputation benefit either
- The benefit is purely personal to the official
Eligibility Conditions (APAR Grading Rule)
- All promotion norms and benchmark conditions must be met
- APAR grading of at least 4 years out of last 5 years must be “Good”
- “Good” means numerical grading between 4 to 6
This is an important point for anyone checking their eligibility for HSG-I NFG promotion.
Screening Committee Structure
A Screening Committee is formed to implement this upgradation. It has 3 members:
- Chairman: Director of Postal Services (HQ) of the concerned Circle
- Member: APMG (Staff) / AD (Staff) of the concerned Circle
- Member: Assistant Postmaster General or equivalent level Officer of the concerned Circle
- All members must be at least one level above the grade being considered
- If any post in the Committee is vacant, the officer holding additional charge can act as Chairman/Member
- Screening Committee meeting should be held one month before the vacancy arises in HSG-I (NFG), so eligible officials do not face financial loss
Rules During Suspension, Disciplinary Cases, or Leave
- If an official is under suspension, facing disciplinary proceedings, criminal proceedings, or penalty — existing promotion/NFG rules will apply
- Officials on deputation, study leave, or any sanctioned leave will still be considered
- They can be granted higher Pay Level on non-functional basis as per prescribed procedure
Effective Date
- These instructions are effective from the date of issue of the orders
- Any further doubts or issues should be sent to the Directorate for clarification
Why This Update Matters
This consolidated guideline is useful for:
- HSG-I officials waiting for Non-Functional Upgradation
- Circle offices handling promotion and screening process
- HR/Personnel branches preparing Screening Committee cases
- Employees checking their APAR eligibility status
- Anyone searching for India Post promotion rules, HSG-I NFG eligibility, or Postal Group-C cadre restructuring updates
Quick Summary Table
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grade | HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) |
| Pay Level | Level-8 (7th CPC) |
| Minimum Service | 2 years in HSG-I |
| APAR Requirement | At least 4 out of 5 years “Good” (4 to 6 grading) |
| Type of Benefit | Non-Functional, personal, in-situ |
| Right to Promotion | Not applicable |
| Screening Committee | 3 Members (Chairman + 2 Members) |
| Effective From | Date of issue of orders |
Final Note
This letter is officially issued by the Assistant Director General (SPN), Department of Posts, Government of India. If you are an HSG-I official or work in a Circle Personnel branch, keep this consolidated guideline handy for future reference on India Post departmental promotion rules and Non-Functional Upgradation matters.