Centre notifies revised ex-servicemen re-employment rules; Military nursing service personnel brought under ambit

In a significant policy move aimed at expanding rehabilitation opportunities for former defence personnel, the Centre has notified the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services & Posts) Amendment Rules, 2026 under Article 309 of the Constitution.

The amendment, which came into force on February 9, 2026, revises the definition of “ex-servicemen” under Rule 2(c)(i) to explicitly include personnel of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) of the Indian Union. The change removes ambiguity over whether MNS officers were eligible for the same re-employment benefits as other veterans.

Clear Inclusion of MNS Personnel

The revised rules now clearly state that individuals who have served in any rank, whether combatant or non-combatant, in the Regular Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Military Nursing Service will be covered under the ex-servicemen category for the purpose of re-employment in Central Civil Services and posts.

Earlier, the absence of specific mention of the MNS had led to uncertainty regarding their entitlement to re-employment benefits. With the amendment, MNS personnel are formally recognised within the framework, placing them on par with other ex-servicemen.

What the Amendment Means

With the inclusion of MNS personnel, eligible former members of the service will now have access to benefits available under the ex-servicemen re-employment policy.

These include:

Reservation in Central Government Jobs:
10 percent reservation in Group ‘C’ posts and 20 percent in Group ‘D’ posts.

Age Relaxation:
Eligibility to deduct the length of military service plus an additional three years from their actual age while applying for civil posts.

Equal Employment Consideration:

Recognition on par with other ex-servicemen by recruitment bodies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

The amendment strengthens second-career pathways for defence personnel transitioning into civilian roles.

Constitutional Backing

The rules have been framed under Article 309 of the Constitution, which empowers the government to regulate recruitment and conditions of service for persons appointed to public services and posts under the Union.

By amending Rule 2(c), the government has broadened the scope of eligibility without altering the existing structure of reservations or benefits.

Boost to Rehabilitation Efforts

The decision is seen as part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring structured rehabilitation and reintegration of defence personnel into civilian employment. Military Nursing Service officers, who serve as commissioned officers providing critical medical support to the armed forces, will now have formal clarity regarding their post-retirement employment rights.

Also Read: India Post to offer mutual funds through 1.64 lakh post offices after pact with NSE

The amendment is expected to benefit a wider segment of former service personnel seeking stable second careers in government services.

With immediate effect from its publication, the revised rules aim to remove interpretational gaps and ensure uniform implementation across recruitment agencies and departments.