Department of Posts (DOP) Issues Revised Consolidated Guidelines for Grant of HSG-I (NFG)
Department of Posts Issues Revised Consolidated Guidelines for Grant of HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade)
New Delhi | July 27, 2026
The Department of Posts has issued revised consolidated guidelines for the implementation of Higher Selection Grade-I (Non-Functional Grade) [HSG-I (NFG)] for Group 'C' employees of the Postal Operations Wing. The new instructions aim to bring uniformity in the grant of HSG-I (NFG) across all Postal Circles by consolidating various clarifications and administrative instructions issued over the years.
Download Guidelines for Grant of HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) in PDF
The Directorate stated that after the restructuring of the Postal Operational Cadre, the HSG-I (NFG) grade was introduced with the approval of the Ministry of Finance. However, different Postal Circles had sought repeated clarifications due to the absence of uniform implementation guidelines. To address these issues, the Department has now reviewed the existing instructions and released a comprehensive set of revised guidelines.
Objective of the Revised Guidelines
The revised instructions are intended to ensure that the grant of HSG-I (NFG) is implemented consistently across all Circles while removing ambiguities regarding eligibility, selection, and procedural requirements. The Directorate has clarified that these guidelines supersede earlier fragmented instructions by providing a single consolidated framework.
Key Highlights of the Guidelines
Eligibility Criteria
Officials who are the senior-most in HSG-I and have completed at least two years of regular service in HSG-I will be eligible for consideration for HSG-I (NFG), subject to the availability of vacancies within the prescribed ceiling for the Circle and fulfillment of all eligibility conditions.
Nature of HSG-I (NFG)
The Directorate has clarified that HSG-I (NFG) is a Non-Functional Upgradation to a higher Pay Level. It does not involve any change in duties, responsibilities, designation, or posting and is granted on an in-situ basis without identifying separate posts.
No Promotion Benefits
The upgraded grade is purely non-functional and personal to the official. It does not confer any right to promotion, seniority benefits, or deputation advantages in higher posts.
Benefit to Retired Officials
An important clarification is that retired officials who were otherwise eligible on the due date will also be considered for the benefit of HSG-I (NFG), ensuring that eligible retirees are not deprived of their rightful financial upgradation.
Screening Committee
The guidelines prescribe the constitution of a three-member Screening Committee in every Circle for recommending HSG-I (NFG):
Director of Postal Services (HQ) – Chairman
APMG (Staff) / AD (Staff) – Member
Assistant Postmaster General or equivalent officer – Member
The Committee members should be at least one level above the grade for which the upgradation is being considered.
Vacancies in the Committee
If the post of Chairman or any member is vacant, the officer holding additional charge may function as the Committee member. The Screening Committee may also be convened one month before the anticipated vacancy to avoid financial loss to eligible officials.
Pending Disciplinary Cases
Officials who are under suspension, disciplinary proceedings, criminal proceedings, or penalty will be governed by the same rules applicable for Non-Functional Upgradation and promotions while considering HSG-I (NFG).
Officials on Leave or Deputation
Employees who are on deputation, study leave, or any other sanctioned leave will also be eligible for consideration, subject to the prescribed procedure.
Effective Date
The Directorate has clarified that the revised consolidated guidelines come into effect from the date of issue of the orders, and any future implementation issues may be referred to the Directorate for clarification.
A Step Towards Uniform Implementation
With these revised instructions, the Department of Posts aims to establish a transparent and standardized mechanism for granting HSG-I (Non-Functional Grade) across all Postal Circles. The consolidation of previous instructions is expected to reduce ambiguity, ensure timely processing of eligible cases, and bring greater uniformity in the implementation of Non-Functional Upgradation throughout the Department.