Kerala Service Rules - Part I (Joining Time)

Joining Time Eligibility

1. While on Duty: Joining time may be granted to an officer to join a new post while on duty in their old post [Rule 125(a)].

2. Return from Earned Leave: Joining time is admissible when an officer returns from earned leave and is posted to a new post [Rule 125(b)(i)]. This applies only if the officer has proceeded on and returned from earned leave proper [Ruling No.1 to Rule 125].

3. Insufficient Notice: Joining time is granted when an officer has not had sufficient notice of their appointment to a new post, on return from leave other than earned leave [Rule 125(b)(ii)].

4. Training Deputation: An officer deputed for training is allowed the actual time required for onward and return journeys between the training location and the station from/to which they proceed. This time is treated as part of the deputation period [Note 1].

Joining Time for Transfer

1. No Change of Office: No joining time is admissible if the change of post does not involve an actual change of office [Rule 126].

2. Short Distance Transfer: Not more than one day is allowed to join a new post when the distance between two places is less than 8 kilometers. Holidays or Sundays count as a day for this rule [Rule 126].

3. On-Request Transfer: For transfers requested by the officer, no joining time is admissible; only actual journey time is allowed [Circular No.62/1991/Fin Dated 22/11/1991].

4. General Transfer Norms: Joining time is admissible for transfers based on options submitted by the officer as per General Transfer norms [Circular No.72/2019/Fin Dated 08/08/2019].

5. Holidays Following Joining Time: When holidays follow joining time, the normal joining time is deemed extended to cover such holidays [Rule 126A].

6. Transfer While on Leave: If an officer is transferred while on leave, joining time is calculated from the day following any holidays suffixed to the leave, with permission from the leave sanctioning authority, unless otherwise directed in the transfer order [Ruling to Rule 126A].

7. Maximum Joining Time: The maximum joining time is limited to 30 days [Rule 127]. Sundays are included in this 30-day period but do not count as a day for other calculations under this rule [Rule 127(e)].

Joining Time Calculation

1. Beyond 8 km: Joining time for transfers beyond 8 kilometers includes 6 days of preparation time plus actual journey time.

2. Journey Time Allowances:

   • By Railway: One day for each 500 kilometers.

   • By Ocean Steamer: One day for each 350 kilometers.

   • By River Steamer: One day for each 150 kilometers.

   • By Motor Vehicles: One day for each 150 kilometers.

   • By Other Public Conveyance: One day for each 25 kilometers.

   • By Aircraft: Actual time is allowed.

1. Circular No.72/2018/Fin Dated 08/08/2025 - പൊതു സ്ഥലമാറ്റത്തിന് പ്രവേശനകാലം അനുവദിക്കുന്നത് സംബന്ധിച്ച് സ്പഷ്ടീകരണം
2. Circular No.62/1991/Fin Dated 22/11/1991 - Admissibility of joining time on request transfer after completing one year duty at the outstation - Instructions
3. GO(P) No.15/2020/P&ARD Dated 28/10/2020 - Joining Time extended for Appointments through Kerala PSC