New study leave guidelines for IAS, IPS, IFoS officers unveiled

The Centre has updated its guidelines for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers taking study leave. Officers will now be required to adhere strictly to service rules during their leave period or risk disciplinary and potential consequential actions.
This revision comes in response to observed instances where some All India Service (AIS) officers did not act fully in line with the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 during their study leave.
According to a recent order from the Personnel Ministry, officers will now need to provide an undertaking in a revised bond. This bond confirms their commitment to comply with the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the guidelines regarding conduct during study leave. Failure to do so would subject them to disciplinary action.
The bond, which must be executed before an officer’s study leave begins, specifies that any violation of the conduct rules or guidelines may lead to disciplinary action, including being considered during empanelment in the central government,being recalled from study leave, and/or being banned from future study leave and optional training programs.
The guidelines emphasize that officers on study leave are expected to demonstrate a level of maturity and sensitivity commensurate with their senior government officer status. This expectation extends to their interactions with foreign nationals and on social media, and officers should not exceed their approved leave period.
Prior to sending a proposal for an ex-India study leave of any AIS member to the central government, state governments are advised to ensure that the officer meets all conditions for grant of study leave.
State governments must also confirm that the proposed study course aligns with the officer’s work area, potential career growth, and public interest before seeking approval under the AIS (Study Leave) Regulations, 1960. They should assess the suitability of the AIS member before sending proposals for central government consideration.
The guidelines also suggest that state governments adequately brief the AIS member before they embark on their study leave.