Last updated: 14 November 2026
If you did not use your LTC in the last block, you can still take it in 2026, along with one LTC from the new block. That makes two LTCs this year. The old one must start (the outward journey) on or before 31 December 2026. After that date it lapses. Fresh recruits do not get this carry-over.
What the rules say
The DoPT FAQ on LTC (OM No. 31011/07/2025 PP.A-IV, dated 1 July 2025) answers this in Q16 to Q18.
- Q18: “Block of four years and sub-block of two years automatically gets extended by one year (upto 31st of December of next calendar year).”
- This is the normal carry-over under Rule 10 of the CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988. It applies at every block change. It is not a special extension.
- Q16, Case 3 (home town different from headquarters): “In the calendar year 2026: One unavailed LTC of previous block year (2024-25) and one of the current block (2026-27) can be availed.”
- Q17, Case 2 (home town same as headquarters): “In the calendar year 2026: One unavailed LTC of current block year (2022-25) and one of the next block (2026-29) can be availed.”
Which journey date counts
The outward journey date is what counts. Rule 9 says an LTC is counted against the block “within which the outward journey commenced, even if the return journey was performed after the expiry of the block”. This also applies to a carried-forward LTC (DoPT Guidelines on LTC, 3 September 2025).
So if you leave on 30 December 2026 and come back on 5 January 2027, the trip counts against the old block. If you leave on 1 January 2027, the old LTC is gone.
Who can take two LTCs in 2026
| Your situation | LTC 1 in 2026 (carried over) | LTC 2 in 2026 (new) | Old LTC must start by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home town different from HQ, did not use the 2024-25 sub-block LTC | 2024-25 sub-block LTC | 2026-27 sub-block LTC | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Home town same as HQ, did not use the 2022-25 block LTC | 2022-25 block LTC (Anywhere in India) | 2026-29 block LTC (Anywhere in India) | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Already used your old block or sub-block LTC | Nothing to carry over | 2026-27 sub-block or 2026-29 block LTC | Not applicable |
| Fresh recruit (yearly LTC) | No carry-over (FAQ Q67) | This year’s LTC only | Not applicable |
With a home town, you can carry forward the Anywhere in India LTC only if you also carried forward the home town LTC of the second sub-block (Rule 10).
How to plan both trips before the deadline
- Confirm which LTC is unused. Your service book records each LTC you availed (Rule 7, Note 1(iv)).
- Take the old LTC first. It has the deadline. The new one can wait.
- Start the outward journey on or before 31 December 2026. You can come back in January 2027 (Rule 9).
- Book air tickets through Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels & Tours or IRCTC. See our LTC air ticket booking rules.
- With an advance, show the outward tickets within 10 days and file the claim within one month of returning (Rule 15). Use the LTC advance application form.
- Without an advance, file within three months of returning, or the claim is forfeited (Rule 14). See the LTC final claim bill guide.
FAQ
Can I take two LTCs in 2026?
Yes, if your old block or sub-block LTC is unused (FAQ Q16, Q17).
Is this a new extension of LTC?
No. Every block and sub-block extends by one year, up to 31 December of the next year (FAQ Q18, Rule 10).
What if I return in January 2027?
That is fine, as long as the outward journey started by 31 December 2026 (Rule 9).
Do fresh recruits get the carry-over?
No. Their yearly LTC lapses at the end of each year (FAQ Q67).
For block years, sub-blocks and the full rules, read our LTC block year 2026-29 rules and FAQ.
Sources:
- DoPT OM No. 31011/07/2025 PP.A-IV dated 01.07.2025 (FAQs on LTC), Q16, Q17, Q18, Q67: DoPT FAQ PDF
- DoPT Guidelines on LTC, dated 03.09.2025 (Rules 7, 9, 10, 14, 15): DoPT OM page