Very good news has come for the lakhs of soldiers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) who are deployed around the clock in the security of the country. Now these soldiers will get an honorary rank on the day of their retirement, which will be just one level above their retired rank.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 30 May 2025, “This historic decision taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aimed at enhancing the self-esteem, pride, and morale of the personnel retiring from the post of constable to sub-inspector.” This initiative expresses the nation’s gratitude to the brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to the service of their motherland.
Honorary post
Under this scheme, personnel below officer rank (i.e. constable to sub-inspector) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles will be granted the honorary post of one level above on the last day of their retirement after their long and meritorious service.
While there is no financial or pensionary benefit attached to this honorary promotion, it is a symbolic gesture aimed at enhancing the pride, morale, and self-esteem of retired jawans and junior officers who have served the country with honesty and dedication. It will give a special recognition of their sacrifice and loyalty.
Who will get this special benefit
This scheme is exclusively for personnel below officer rank, who are retiring from posts ranging from constable to sub-inspector rank in CAPFs and rifleman to Naib Subedar rank in Assam Rifles. It will be ensured that the personnel are in the same service category from which they are retiring. This classification clarifies the scope of the scheme so that only the right eligible persons can get this honor.
What are the eligibility conditions
This honorary position will not be given to everyone, but some strict eligibility criteria have been set for it. Only personnel fulfilling these conditions will be eligible for this honor:
Promotion Criteria
Clean Service Record
Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR)
No Major Punishment
Integrity
Departmental Inquiry and Vigilance Clearance
Commanding Officer’s Recommendation
Procedure for Grant of Honorary Posts
Honorary posts will be granted based on the recommendation of the respective Commanding Officer. This ensures that promotions go to those who are genuinely deserving. Honorary posts will be granted on the day of retirement of the personnel themselves, making it a memorable and honorable end to their service career.
Honorary posts will be granted only if the post to be granted exists in the category to which the personnel belongs. This clarity ensures that promotions are logical and structured. The conferment of honorary posts will not affect the inter-se seniority of personnel. It will only be an honorary status and not an actual promotion that will affect the career progression of other personnel.