There is good news for government employees working in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR). Now they will get an honorary rank on the day of retirement – which will be one level higher.
The honorary rank will be exactly one level above the retiring rank. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 30, 2025, “This historic decision taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taken with the aim of enhancing the self-esteem, pride and morale of the personnel retiring from the rank of constable to sub-inspector.
Under the scheme, personnel below officer rank (from constable to sub-inspector) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles will be granted honorary rank of one level higher on their last day of service on retirement after long and meritorious service. Though this honorary promotion carries no financial or pensionary benefit, it is a symbolic gesture aimed at boosting the pride, morale and self-esteem of retired jawans and junior officers who have served the nation with dedication and sincerity.
Who will get the benefit?
The scheme is for personnel below officer rank, i.e. from Constable to Sub-Inspector rank in CAPFs and from Rifleman to Naib Subedar rank in Assam Rifles retiring from service. The rank to be granted should be in the same service category as that of the retiring personnel.
What are the eligibility conditions?
Personnel must fulfil all promotion criteria at the time of retirement. A clean service record is essential. Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR) for the last five years must be rated at least “Good”. No major punishments should have been awarded in the last five years. Integrity must be beyond doubt. Departmental inquiry and final approval from Vigilance (DE/Vigilance) is required. Additionally, honorary ranks will be granted only on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer and will be effective from the day of retirement.
Honorary ranks will be granted based on the recommendation of the respective commanding officer. Honorary ranks will be granted on the day of retirement of the personnel. Honorary ranks will be granted only if the rank to be granted exists in the category to which the personnel belongs. Grant of honorary ranks will not affect the inter-se seniority of personnel.
