CGHS Geographical Limit Removed for Serving Central Government Employees: New Rules from 17 September 2026
CGHS Geographical Limit Removed for Serving Central Government Employees: New Rules from 17 September 2026
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare OM dated 17.09.2026 dispenses with the geographical criterion for CGHS eligibility — eligible employees under CS(MA) Rules can now exercise a one-time option to switch to CGHS.
What Has Changed?
Earlier, CGHS eligibility for serving Central Government employees was tied to geographical coverage — broadly a 5-km radius of a CGHS Wellness Centre, with some allowance for employees within municipal limits beyond that radius. Employees posted or residing outside this coverage area continued under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944.
The new Office Memorandum removes this geographical criterion entirely for serving employees, opening a one-time option for eligible CS(MA)-covered employees to join CGHS regardless of location.
| Earlier Position | New Position |
|---|---|
| CGHS eligibility linked to geographical coverage | Geographical criterion dispensed with |
| 5-km radius criterion could affect eligibility | Geographical limitation removed |
| Employees outside prescribed CGHS area continued under CS(MA) Rules | Eligible employees can exercise a one-time option for CGHS |
| Location of residence/posting was relevant | Location outside CGHS area no longer by itself blocks the option |
Who Can Opt for CGHS Now?
The provision applies to serving Central Government employees who are residing outside the prescribed CGHS area and are presently availing medical facilities under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944. Such employees may exercise a one-time option to become a CGHS beneficiary, subject to fulfilment of other applicable eligibility conditions and payment of the prescribed CGHS contribution.
One-Time Option: Key Rules
- The option can be exercised only once.
- Once exercised, it is final and binding, subject to eligibility criteria.
- The option exercised by the principal beneficiary applies to all eligible dependants.
- CGHS entitlement cannot be split between CGHS and CS(MA) within the same family.
Conditions After Switching to CGHS
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| CGHS Subscription | Mandatory, irrespective of place of residence/posting |
| Dual Benefit | Not permitted — cannot claim CGHS and CS(MA) simultaneously |
| TA/DA for Treatment | Not admissible for CGHS treatment/medicine procurement |
| Undertaking | Required, confirming no dual claims under both systems |
| False Information | Attracts disciplinary action under CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and recovery of inadmissible benefits |
What If an Employee Does Not Opt for CGHS?
Where the one-time option is available but not exercised, the employee continues to be governed by the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, as applicable. The OM does not automatically shift every eligible employee to CGHS — it only creates the opportunity to opt in.
Example: How the Switch Works
A serving employee posted outside the prescribed CGHS geographical area, currently under CS(MA) Rules, satisfies the applicable eligibility conditions and exercises the one-time option.
Family entitlement cannot later be split between the two systems.
Option and Undertaking Form: What It Requires
The OM includes an annexure — the Option and Undertaking Form for Serving Central Government Employees — requiring:
- Name, Designation and Pay Level
- Ministry/Department/Office
- Present residential address, District and State
- Signed undertaking on no dual claims, TA/DA non-admissibility, and consequences of false information
- Countersignature by Head of Office/DDO with seal and stamp
Key Points at a Glance
| Point | New CGHS Rule |
|---|---|
| Geographical restriction | Dispensed with |
| Eligible employees | Serving employees meeting applicable conditions |
| Employees outside CGHS area | May exercise one-time option, if otherwise eligible |
| Option | One-time, final and binding |
| Family coverage | Option applies to all eligible dependants |
| Dual CGHS + CS(MA) | Not permitted |
| CGHS contribution | Prescribed subscription must be paid |
| TA/DA for CGHS treatment | Not admissible |
| If option not exercised | Continue under CS(MA), where applicable |
| Effective date | Immediate effect |
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the CGHS 5-km geographical limit been removed?
Yes. The Government has decided to dispense with the existing geographical criterion for determining CGHS eligibility of serving Central Government employees.
Can an employee outside CGHS coverage opt for CGHS?
Yes. An eligible serving employee residing outside the prescribed CGHS area and presently covered under CS(MA) Rules may exercise a one-time option to become a CGHS beneficiary, subject to applicable conditions.
Can the option be exercised more than once?
No. The option is one-time and, once exercised, is final and binding, subject to applicable eligibility conditions.
Can an employee's family use both CGHS and CS(MA)?
No. Entitlement cannot be split between the two systems within the same family.
Will CGHS subscription be payable after opting in?
Yes. The employee must pay the prescribed CGHS contribution/subscription, irrespective of place of residence or posting.
Is TA/DA available for travelling for CGHS treatment?
No. The OM specifically states that TA/DA is not admissible for treatment and procurement of medicine under CGHS Rules.
What happens if an employee does not exercise the option?
Where the option is available and not exercised, the employee continues to be governed by the CS(MA) Rules, 1944, as applicable.
When does the new order take effect?
The provisions of the Office Memorandum come into force with immediate effect from 17 September 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the Office Memorandum dated 17 September 2026 issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It does not constitute official advice. Readers should verify details and eligibility conditions from the original OM and consult their Head of Office/DDO before exercising the one-time option. CCS Diary is not responsible for decisions taken based on this article.
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