Study Leave Rules for AP Government Employees – Full Details with GOs & Proceedings
Study Leave is a special type of leave granted to Andhra Pradesh Government Employees under Fundamental Rule (FR) 84. The objective of Study Leave is to enable employees to acquire advanced knowledge or specialized training that is directly beneficial to Government service.
Unlike Earned Leave or Half Pay Leave, Study Leave is not a matter of right. It is sanctioned only when the competent authority is satisfied that the proposed course of study is in the interest of public service and administrative convenience permits.
1. Eligibility Conditions for Study Leave (AP Employees)
- Minimum Service: Employee must have completed at least 5 years of regular service.
- Age Limit: Below 50 years (up to 55 years for certain technical or specialist categories).
- Service Bond: Mandatory bond to serve the Government for a minimum of 3 years after completion of Study Leave.
- Duration: Maximum 12 months at a time.
- Career Limit: Total Study Leave during entire service shall not exceed 24 months.
2. Statutory Rules, GOs & Proceedings Governing Study Leave in AP
| Reference / GO | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Rule 84 (FR 84) | Primary rule empowering the Government to grant Study Leave to its employees. |
| Appendix – IX of AP Leave Rules | Contains detailed regulations on eligibility, duration, leave salary, bonds and reporting conditions. |
| GO Ms No. 707, Finance | Standardizes leave salary and conditions for leave with or without pay. |
| GO Ms No. 154, Finance (2010) | Clarifies that Study Leave cannot be combined with Extraordinary Leave to exceed 28 months. |
| GO Ms No. 342, Finance (1967) | Prescribes the format and conditions of the Surety Bond to be executed by the employee. |
3. Leave Salary & Allowances During Study Leave
As per Rule 12 of the Study Leave Rules:
- Leave Salary: Equal to the pay admissible on Half Pay Leave (HPL).
- Government Sponsored Studies: Full pay may be admissible if specifically ordered.
- Study Allowance: Normally not admissible for studies within India.
- Foreign Study: Allowances may be granted as per specific Government Orders.
- HRA & CCA: Not admissible during the period of Study Leave.
4. Detailed Proceedings & Application Process for Study Leave
- Prior Permission / NOC: Before applying for admission or appearing for entrance examinations, the employee must obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Appointing Authority.
- Formal Application: Application should be submitted through proper channel to the Head of the Department (HoD) at least 4 months before commencement of the course.
-
Departmental Verification:
The HoD verifies:
- Relevance of the course to official duties
- Service record and leave account
- Administrative feasibility
-
Sanctioning Authority:
- State-level Gazetted Officers – Administrative Department in Secretariat
- Non-Gazetted Officers – HoD / Regional Joint Director as per delegation
- Execution of Bond: After issue of Orders of Sanction, the employee must execute a bond on Rs.100/- Non-Judicial Stamp Paper with two sureties of similar rank.
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Reporting After Completion:
Employee must submit:
- Certificate of Successful Completion
- Detailed report on studies undertaken
5. Essential Documents Checklist for Study Leave
- [ ] Study Leave Application (Form – I)
- [ ] Admission Letter / Selection Intimation
- [ ] Recommendation of Immediate Superior Officer
- [ ] Updated Service Register (SR) entries
- [ ] Self-declaration agreeing to 3-year post-study service
6. Important Restrictions & Conditions
- Study Leave shall not be granted for courses pursued purely for personal interest.
- Change of profession is not permitted (e.g., studying Law to practice privately).
- Unsatisfactory progress or failure to complete the course may lead to cancellation of leave.
- Violation of bond conditions will attract recovery of pay and allowances as per rules.
Conclusion: Study Leave under FR 84 is a valuable opportunity for AP Government Employees to enhance their professional competence. However, strict adherence to rules, GOs, and bond conditions is mandatory. Employees are advised to study the applicable Government Orders carefully before applying.
