The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued an updated Master Circular on reservation in posts and services under the Central Government. The consolidated instructions cover reservation, concessions and relaxations available to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Ex-Servicemen.
The Master Circular, issued under No. 36011/1/2022-Estt(Res-I) and dated 11 August 2026, updates the earlier consolidated instructions issued on 14 October 2022 and subsequently updated on 28 March 2024.
DoPT Master Circular 2026: What Is the Major Update?
The latest circular brings together a large number of instructions relating to reservation in Central Government recruitment and services. Its objective is to make the applicable rules easier for Ministries, Departments, recruiting agencies, employees and job applicants to understand and access.
The consolidated instructions cover important provisions relating to:
- SC reservation
- ST reservation
- OBC reservation
- Reservation for EWS
- Reservation for Persons with Disabilities
- Reservation and concessions for Ex-Servicemen
- Reservation in direct recruitment
- Reservation in promotion
- Reservation rosters
- Carry-forward of reserved vacancies
- Relaxation in age and qualifying standards
- Concessions in examinations and recruitment procedures
According to the circular, the updated compilation takes into account revisions made to the existing reservation instructions after the previous consolidated version issued in March 2024.
SC, ST and OBC Reservation in Direct Recruitment
For appointments to Central Government civil posts and services on an all-India basis through open competition, the prescribed reservation is:
| Category | Reservation |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
For direct recruitment on an all-India basis otherwise than through open competition, the reservation percentages are:
| Category | Reservation |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 16.66% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 25.84% |
The Master Circular also explains the distinction between recruitment through open competition and recruitment otherwise than by open competition. UPSC recruitment and recruitment through written competitive examinations or tests generally fall within the category of open competition.
Reservation in Group C and Local Recruitment
For certain Group C and Group D posts attracting candidates from a particular locality or region, reservation percentages may be based on the prescribed rates applicable to the respective State or Union Territory.
The circular also clarifies that candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories are entitled to applicable Central Government benefits and concessions in local, regional, zonal or circle-based recruitment, irrespective of their State or UT of origin, subject to the applicable rules.
Important Rule on OBC Creamy Layer
One of the most important provisions for OBC candidates is the creamy layer exclusion rule.
Candidates falling within the creamy layer are not entitled to the benefit of OBC reservation. The Master Circular includes the detailed criteria used to determine creamy layer status, covering categories such as:
- Constitutional posts
- Service category
- Employees of PSUs and similar organisations
- Armed Forces and paramilitary personnel
- Professional and business categories
- Property and agricultural holdings
- Income and wealth criteria
The circular refers to the prescribed income/wealth test, under which the relevant criterion includes gross annual income of ₹8 lakh or above for the prescribed period of three consecutive years, subject to the detailed exclusions and conditions laid down in the rules. Income from salary and agricultural land is treated according to the specific provisions mentioned in the instructions.
Special Provision for Children of Armed Forces Personnel Under OBC Rules
The Master Circular also contains provisions concerning the creamy layer status of children of Armed Forces personnel belonging to the OBC category.
Under the criteria reproduced in the consolidated instructions, children of parents holding the rank of Colonel and above in the Army, or equivalent ranks in the Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces, may fall within the specified exclusion criteria, subject to the detailed conditions and exceptions provided in the instructions.
These provisions are particularly important for defence personnel and their families who are applying for Central Government jobs under the OBC category.
Reservation in Promotion for SC and ST Employees
The Master Circular continues to include provisions relating to reservation in promotion for SC and ST employees.
Reservation is provided at:
- 15% for Scheduled Castes
- 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes
The provisions cover specified categories of promotion, including Limited Departmental Competitive Examination and promotion by selection or seniority, subject to the applicable conditions and the structure of the service or cadre.
The circular also notes that Ministries and Departments must comply with the conditions laid down in the relevant DoPT instructions and judicial decisions before implementing reservation in promotion. These include the collection and application of quantifiable data regarding inadequate representation and maintenance of the prescribed reservation roster. Promotion orders remain subject to further directions of the Supreme Court in the relevant pending cases.
Reservation in Scientific and Technical Posts
The updated instructions also address the applicability of reservation to scientific and technical posts.
Reservation for SC, ST and OBC candidates generally applies to scientific and technical posts up to and including the lowest grade of Group A.
Certain higher scientific and technical posts may be exempted from reservation if they satisfy specified conditions, including that the posts are genuinely scientific or technical in nature and are meant for conducting, organising, guiding or directing research.
The circular also contains separate provisions concerning posts in the Department of Space, Department of Electronics and training arrangements in the Department of Atomic Energy, as applicable under the relevant orders.
Rules for Single Vacancy and Single-Post Cadres
The DoPT Master Circular reiterates important principles relating to reservation where only one vacancy is available.
In a single-post cadre, reservation is not applicable in accordance with the applicable Supreme Court judgment and Government instructions.
The circular also explains the treatment of a single vacancy occurring at a reserved roster point. In specified circumstances, the vacancy may initially be treated as unreserved, while the reservation is carried forward to subsequent recruitment years according to the prescribed rules.
The detailed carry-forward provisions are particularly important for recruitment authorities dealing with small cadres and limited vacancies.
What Does the Circular Say About EWS, PwD and Ex-Servicemen?
The Master Circular is not limited to SC, ST and OBC reservation. It also consolidates instructions relating to:
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
Eligible candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections are covered under the separate reservation framework applicable to Central Government recruitment, subject to the prescribed eligibility and certificate requirements.
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
The consolidated instructions include provisions relating to reservation, identification of posts, recruitment and applicable concessions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, in accordance with the relevant Government rules.
Ex-Servicemen
The updated compilation also recognises the separate framework of reservation and concessions available to Ex-Servicemen in Central Government recruitment.
Ex-Servicemen candidates should note that the applicable benefits can differ depending upon:
- The nature of the post
- Group of the post
- Recruitment method
- Whether the vacancy is covered under the Ex-Servicemen reservation framework
- Age relaxation rules
- Educational qualification requirements
- Conditions relating to re-employment and service status
Candidates should therefore carefully check the recruitment notification and the applicable DoPT and Government instructions before claiming Ex-Servicemen benefits.
Why the DoPT Master Circular Is Important
The new consolidated circular is important because reservation rules are spread across numerous Office Memorandums issued over several decades. For job applicants, employees, personnel officers and recruiting agencies, locating the applicable rule can often be difficult.
The updated Master Circular provides a consolidated reference point for understanding the broad framework governing reservation and related concessions in Central Government posts and services.
However, candidates should remember that the Master Circular must be read along with the specific recruitment notification and any subsequent DoPT instructions, amendments, court judgments or statutory changes applicable to a particular recruitment.
Key Takeaways from DoPT Reservation Master Circular 2026
Here are the major points:
- SC reservation in all-India direct recruitment through open competition remains 15%.
- ST reservation remains 7.5%.
- OBC reservation remains 27% in applicable all-India open competition recruitment.
- Different percentages apply to direct recruitment otherwise than by open competition.
- OBC creamy layer candidates are not eligible for OBC reservation benefits.
- Detailed provisions apply to reservation in promotion for SC and ST employees.
- Reservation rules also address scientific and technical posts, industrial establishments, work-charged posts and daily-rated staff.
- Special rules exist for single vacancies and single-post cadres.
- The consolidated framework also covers EWS, PwDs and Ex-Servicemen through the applicable instructions.
- Recruitment candidates should always verify the latest recruitment notification and category-specific eligibility conditions before applying.
Conclusion
The DoPT Master Circular dated 11 August 2026 serves as an important updated reference document on reservation in Central Government posts and services. By consolidating instructions relating to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD and Ex-Servicemen categories, the Government aims to make the reservation framework more accessible and easier to understand.
For Central Government job aspirants, serving employees and Ex-Servicemen seeking re-employment, understanding the applicable reservation rules, category eligibility, creamy layer provisions, promotion policies and recruitment concessions is essential.
Applicants should not rely only on general reservation percentages. They should carefully examine the specific recruitment notification, eligibility conditions, reservation roster and the latest applicable Government instructions before submitting an application.
Read the Full DoPT Master Circular
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and educational purposes. Reservation eligibility and recruitment benefits depend on the specific post, recruitment notification and applicable Government rules. In case of any doubt, candidates should rely on the original Government notification and instructions issued by the competent authority.