Pay fixation on promotion under FR 22(I)(a)(1) gives you one increment in your old level, then puts you at the equal or next higher cell in the new level.
You get a one-month option: fix pay from the date of promotion, or from your next increment date (1 January or 1 July) in the old level, when you get two increments instead of one.
Source: DoPT OM No. 13/02/2017-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 27 July 2017 and DoPT pay fixation document dated 13 September 2022 Confirmed · Updated 26 October 2026
Pay fixation on promotion at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rule | FR 22(I)(a)(1) read with Rule 13 of CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 |
| Main DoPT order | OM No. 13/02/2017-Estt.(Pay-I), 27 July 2017 (applies from 1 January 2016) |
| Benefit | One increment in the old level, then equal or next higher cell in the new level |
| Option 1 | Fix pay from the date of promotion |
| Option 2 | Fix pay from the date of next increment (DNI) in the old level: two increments then |
| Time to opt | Within one month from the date of promotion |
| Who cannot opt | Deputation to an ex-cadre post, direct recruitment, ad hoc promotion |
| Increment dates | 1 January or 1 July (Rule 10, CCS (RP) Rules, 2016) |
What is FR 22(I)(a)(1)?
FR 22 is the Fundamental Rule that fixes your starting pay in a new post. Clause (I)(a)(1) covers promotion to a post with higher duties and responsibilities, made as per the Recruitment Rules.
In the 7th CPC pay matrix, the method is simple. Add one increment in the level you are leaving. Then find the same figure in the new level. If that exact cell is not there, you go to the next higher cell. Rule 13 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2016 says the same thing.
DoPT notified the 7th CPC wording of FR 22(I)(a)(1) on 19 November 2018. Its consolidated pay fixation document of 13 September 2022 repeats all the rules in one place.
How is pay fixed on promotion? Two options
| Option 1: from date of promotion | Option 2: from date of next increment (DNI) | |
|---|---|---|
| On promotion day | One increment in old level, then equal or next higher cell in new level | Next higher cell in new level above your current pay |
| On DNI (1 Jan or 1 Jul) | No re-fixation | Re-fixed: two increments in old level (annual + promotion), then equal or next higher cell in new level |
| First increment in new level | Next 1 Jan or 1 Jul as per Rule 10 (needs 6 months if promoted on 1 Jan/1 Jul) | Next 1 Jan or 1 Jul after 6 months of qualifying service from the re-fixation |
| Usually better when | Your DNI is far away and two increments do not lift you a cell higher | Your DNI is close (a few months away) |
The option is a one-time choice. Your office must put the option clause in the promotion order itself, so you can reply within the one-month window.
Worked examples of pay fixation on promotion
All figures use the 7th CPC pay matrix. DA of 60% (from 1 January 2026) is paid on top of the basic pay shown. Our calculation
Example 1: MTS (Level 1) promoted to Level 2
Basic pay ₹22,100 in Level 1. Increment date is 1 July. Promoted on 1 April 2026.
| Period | Option 1 (date of promotion) | Option 2 (DNI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr – 30 Jun 2026 | ₹23,100 (₹22,100 + 1 increment = ₹22,800, next cell in Level 2) | ₹22,400 (next higher cell in Level 2) |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2026 | ₹23,100 | ₹23,800 (2 increments: ₹23,500, next cell in Level 2) |
| From 1 Jan 2027 | ₹23,800 | ₹24,500 |
Option 2 pays ₹700 less basic for three months. After that it stays one cell ahead: ₹700 more basic, or ₹1,120 more with DA 60%, every month.
Example 2: Level 4 promoted to Level 5 (DoPT illustration)
This is the case DoPT used in its 2017 OM. Basic pay ₹29,600 in Level 4. We assume promotion on 10 March 2026 and a 1 July increment date.
| Period | Option 1 (date of promotion) | Option 2 (DNI) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Mar – 30 Jun 2026 | ₹31,000 (₹30,500 → Level 5) | ₹30,100 (next higher cell) |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2026 | ₹31,000 | ₹31,900 (2 increments = ₹31,400 → Level 5) |
| From 1 Jan 2027 | ₹31,900 | ₹32,900 |
Example 3: when the option makes no difference
Basic pay ₹39,900 in Level 6, promoted to Level 7 on 15 September 2026. Increment date is 1 January.
Option 1: one increment gives ₹41,100. Level 7 starts at ₹44,900, so pay is ₹44,900. Option 2: two increments give ₹42,300, still below ₹44,900. Both options land on ₹44,900, and the first Level 7 increment comes on 1 July 2027 either way. Here the choice does not change your pay.
Tip: before you sign the option form, work out both columns for the next 12–18 months, as above. Check the cells on the pay matrix or use our 7th CPC salary calculator to see the take-home effect.
When will I get my next increment after promotion?
- Promoted between 2 January and 1 July: increment on 1 January. Promoted between 2 July and 1 January: increment on 1 July (Rule 10).
- Promoted exactly on 1 January or 1 July with pay fixed from that date: first increment on the next 1 July or 1 January, if you have 6 months of qualifying service (DoE OM 28 November 2019).
- Chose the DNI option: first increment in the new level on the 1 January or 1 July after 6 months from re-fixation. After that, once a year.
Who can and cannot choose the DNI option?
- Can opt: regular promotion to a post with higher duties, in a substantive, temporary or officiating capacity, as per Recruitment Rules.
- Cannot opt: deputation to an ex-cadre post, direct recruitment, and ad hoc appointment or promotion.
- Ad hoc then regular without a break: option is allowed from the first (ad hoc) date. Give it within one month of the regular appointment.
- Retired while on ad hoc, later found fit with juniors: the same option can be given within three months.
- Financial upgradation (MACP): DoE OM of 28 November 2019 applies the same option to financial upgradation. See our MACP pay fixation guide and MACP calculator.
Special cases in pay fixation on promotion
- At the maximum of the old level: add an amount equal to your last increment, then take the equal or next higher cell in the new level.
- New post in the same level (no higher duties): FR 22(I)(a)(2) applies. You keep the same pay, or the next stage above it. No promotion increment.
- Changed rules after you opted: a revised option may be given within one month of the new order. The Ministry decides it with DoPT approval, and the revised option is final.
- Junior gets more pay than senior after promotion: stepping up is possible only if both are in the same cadre, same levels, and the gap comes directly from FR 22(I)(a)(1) (DoPT OM 26 October 2018).
- Wrong fixation found later: see our guide on recovery of excess payment after pay fixation.
How to fill the pay fixation option form
- Read the option clause in your promotion order. Note the date of promotion.
- Find your date of next increment in the old level (1 January or 1 July).
- Work out both options for 12–18 months, as in the examples above.
- Write to your Head of Office within one month of the promotion date. Say clearly: “pay from the date of promotion” or “pay from the date of next increment in the lower post”.
- Keep a copy. Check your first salary slip and the pay fixation statement against the matrix.
Pay fixation on promotion: frequently asked questions
What is the time limit to exercise option under FR 22(I)(a)(1)?
One month from the date of promotion. For ad hoc promotion followed by regular promotion without a break, one month from the date of the regular appointment.
Which option is better for pay fixation on promotion?
Usually the DNI option, if your next increment in the old level is a few months away. You get two increments on re-fixation. If both options land on the first cell of the new level, the choice makes no difference.
How many increments are given on promotion?
One increment in the old level if pay is fixed from the date of promotion. If you choose the DNI option, two increments (annual plus promotion) are given on the date of next increment.
Can I change my pay fixation option later?
Only if rules change or something unforeseen happens. The revised option must be given within one month of that order, and it needs approval of the Ministry with DoPT. It is then final.
Is the FR 22(I)(a)(1) option available on MACP?
Yes. DoE OM dated 28 November 2019 treats promotion and financial upgradation alike for this option and for the next increment date.
When is the next increment after promotion in 7th CPC?
On 1 January if promoted between 2 January and 1 July, and on 1 July if promoted between 2 July and 1 January. With the DNI option, it comes 6 months after re-fixation, on 1 January or 1 July.
Related: DA hike tracker · notional increment for pension · 7th CPC pay matrix.
Official sources
- DoPT OM No. 13/02/2017-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 27 July 2017 (option from DNI and method, with illustrations)
- DoPT consolidated OM dated 13 September 2022: pay fixation on promotion (FR 22), FR 15(a), FR 35 and stepping up
- DoPT Notification No. 13/1/2017-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 19 November 2018 (amended FR 22(I)(a)(1))
- DoE OM No. 4-21/2017-IC/E.IIIA dated 28 November 2019 (date of next increment after promotion/MACP)
- DoPT OM No. 4/3/2017-Estt.(Pay-I) dated 26 October 2018 (stepping up of pay)
Figures marked “Our calculation” are worked out by 8thpaycalculator.in from these orders. See our editorial policy and corrections policy.
