Kerala State & Subordinate Service Rules 1958: Key Provisions on Promotion and Seniority

Key Rules on Promotion and Seniority

1. Temporary Appointments for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Rule 13A(1)(a))
   Members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes who are otherwise qualified and suitable for a post but have not passed the prescribed special or departmental test may be appointed temporarily to such class, category, grade, or post.

2. Time Limit for Passing Tests (Rule 13A(2))

   • If appointed under Rule 13A(1)(a), a member must pass the required test within 3 years from the date of appointment or, if the test includes practical training, within 3 years after the first chance to undergo such training.

   • For appointments under Rule 13A(1)(b), the member must pass the test within 2 years from the test's introduction or, if it includes practical training, within 2 years after the first chance to undergo such training.

   • Failure to pass within the specified period results in reversion to the previous class, category, grade, or post, with no further eligibility for appointment under these clauses.

3. Exemption from Departmental Tests (Rule 13B)
   Government servants who have reached 50 years of age and completed 25 years of service are permanently exempt from passing obligatory departmental tests (except those prescribed as qualifications in the Special Rules) for purposes such as promotion or appointment as a full member of a service.

4. Probation Completion for Promotion (Rule 28(a)(i))
   Except for appointments to Heads of Department posts, no member of a service or class is eligible for promotion unless they have satisfactorily completed probation in their current category.

5. Promotion Based on Examinations (Rule 28(bb))
   Promotions dependent on passing general or departmental examinations are determined based on the conditions at the time the vacancy occurs, not when the promotion is considered.

6. Accrual of Rights from Examinations (Rule 28(bbb))

   • For individuals who passed an examination or test before August 14, 1971, the right, benefit, or concession accrues the day after the last day of the examination or test in the relevant subject(s).

   • For those who passed on or after August 14, 1971, the right, benefit, or concession accrues the day after the last day of the entire examination or test in which they successfully completed all required subjects.