UPSC DRDO SAO • UPSC Admin Officer • SO/SSA LDCE • CSIR SO/ASO
⚡ Quick Answer & AI Exam Snapshot (TL;DR)
Enacted by the President under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution, the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (containing 25 Rules) constitute the ethical code of conduct for all Central Government employees (Groups A, B, and C, except Railway/All-India Service employees who have parallel rules). Every UPSC DRDO SAO and LDCE aspirant must know the exact Rule numbers (Rules 3 to 22A), Gift reporting thresholds (Rule 13), Movable/Immovable Property limits (Rule 18), and the 30-day deemed permission rule.
1. Rule-by-Rule Master Index of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (Rules 1 to 25)
| Rule No. | Title of Rule | Exact Exam Provision & Key Prohibitions |
|---|---|---|
| Rule 3(1) | General (The 21 Golden Duties) | Every Govt servant shall at all times: (i) maintain absolute integrity; (ii) maintain devotion to duty; (iii) do nothing which is unbecoming of a Government servant; plus 18 specific ethical duties added in 2014 (political neutrality, courtesy, accountability, transparency). |
| Rule 3(2) | Supervisory Integrity & Oral Orders | Every supervisory officer shall ensure integrity/devotion of subordinates. Oral instructions should be avoided; if issued unavoidably, the subordinate shall seek confirmation in writing as early as possible, and the superior is bound to confirm it in writing! |
| Rule 3A | Promptness and Courtesy | Shall not act in a discourteous manner or adopt dilatory tactics in official dealings with the public. |
| Rule 3B | Observance of Government Policies | Shall observe policies regarding age of marriage, preservation of environment, protection of wildlife/cultural heritage, and prevention of crime against women. |
| Rule 3C | Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women | Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under POSH Act 2013; inquiry report acts as the Disciplinary Authority’s inquiry report under CCS (CCA) Rule 14. |
| Rule 4 | Employment of Near Relatives in Companies | No Govt servant shall use his position to secure employment for any family member in any company/firm. If a Group ‘A’ officer’s son/daughter/dependent accepts employment in a private firm having official dealings with him, he must obtain prior sanction (or report within 15 days if urgent). |
| Rule 5 | Taking Part in Politics and Elections | Total Prohibition: Cannot be a member of any political party, cannot canvass or campaign in any election, and must prevent family members from participating in any subversive activity. (Maintains the right to vote silently without disclosing whom he plans to vote for). |
| Rule 6 | Joining of Associations | Shall not join any association whose objects or activities are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, public order, or morality of India. |
| Rule 7 | Demonstration and Strikes | Shall not engage in any demonstration prejudicial to sovereignty/public order, nor resort to or in any way abet any form of strike (including ‘Go-Slow’, ‘Pen-Down’, ‘Mass Casual Leave’, or ‘Gherao’). |
| Rule 8 | Connection with Press or Media | Requires prior sanction to own/conduct/edit any newspaper or broadcast (Exception: Purely literary, artistic, or scientific publications require NO prior sanction, though the authority may stop it within 30 days if objectionable). |
| Rule 9 | Criticism of Government | Shall not make any statement of fact or opinion in media/public that has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy/action of the Central/State Govt, or embarrasses foreign relations. |
| Rule 10 | Evidence Before Committee | Requires prior sanction to give evidence before any committee, EXCEPT a parliamentary/judicial inquiry, departmental inquiry, or statutory authority. |
| Rule 11 | Communication of Official Information | Every Govt servant shall communicate information in accordance with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 and shall not leak unauthorized classified documents. |
| Rule 12 | Subscriptions (Chanda / Funds) | Shall not ask for, accept, or participate in raising any funds/contributions in pursuance of any object whatsoever without previous sanction. |
| Rule 13 | Gifts (See Exact Monetary Limits Below!) | Strictly regulates gifts on weddings, anniversaries, funerals, or religious functions vs gifts from persons having official dealings. |
| Rule 13A | Dowry | Shall NOT give or take, or abet the giving or taking of, dowry, or demand dowry directly or indirectly from the parents/guardian of a bride or bridegroom. |
| Rule 14 | Public Demonstrations in Honour | Shall not receive any complimentary or valedictory address, testimonial, or public reception (except a simple farewell entertainment of a substantially private and informal character on retirement/transfer). |
| Rule 15 | Private Trade or Employment | Requires prior sanction for any trade/business/employment. Allowed WITHOUT sanction: Honorary social/charitable work, literary/artistic/scientific work, amateur sports, and taking part in registration/promotion of a literary/charitable/cooperative society for Govt servants. (Time limit for deemed sanction to contest cooperative society election: 15 days; to contest sports body election: 30 days). |
| Rule 16 | Investment, Lending and Borrowing | Shall not speculate in any stock, share, or other investment (Frequent purchase or sale of shares is deemed to be ‘Speculation’!). Also prohibits intraday trading and acting as an election agent for mutual funds/insurance. |
| Rule 17 | Insolvency and Habitual Indebtedness | Must immediately report to the Government if any legal proceedings for insolvency are instituted against him. |
| Rule 18 | Movable, Immovable & Valuable Property | Prior intimation/sanction for Immovable Property; reporting Movable Property transactions exceeding 2 Months’ Basic Pay within 1 month; Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) by 31st January every year. |
| Rule 19 | Vindication of Acts and Character | Requires prior sanction to go to court/press to vindicate an official act against defamatory attacks (Deemed sanction after 3 months / 90 days if no reply is received!). |
| Rule 20 | Canvassing of Non-Official or Other Influence | Shall NOT bring or attempt to bring any political or outside influence (e.g., MP/MLA/Minister recommendation letters) to further his service interests (postings, transfers, promotions). |
| Rule 21 | Restriction Regarding Marriage (Bigamy) | Shall not enter into or contract a marriage with a person having a spouse living, nor marry another person while having a spouse living (unless permissible under personal law AND Central Govt grants prior permission). |
| Rule 22 | Consumption of Intoxicating Drinks and Drugs | Shall: (a) strictly abide by local excise laws; (b) not be under the influence of drink/drugs during the course of duty; (c) refrain from consuming any intoxicating drink/drug in a public place; and (d) not appear in a public place in a state of intoxication. |
| Rule 22A | Prohibition of Employment of Children Below 14 Years | No Government servant shall employ to work any child below the age of 14 years. |
2. Rule 13 (Gift Limits) & Rule 18 (Movable & Immovable Property Thresholds) — Must Memorize!
These two numerical tables are the single most tested topics in UPSC Admin Officer and DoPT LDCE exams:
| Group of Government Servant | Rule 13(2): Gift on Weddings, Anniversaries, Funerals or Religious Functions (From Near Relatives / Personal Friends having NO Official Dealings) Report to Govt ONLY if value exceeds: |
Rule 13(3): In Any Other Case (Casual / Formal Occasions) Prior Sanction of Govt required if value exceeds: |
|---|---|---|
| Group ‘A’ Officer | Exceeding ₹25,000 | Exceeding ₹5,000 |
| Group ‘B’ Officer | Exceeding ₹15,000 | Exceeding ₹5,000 |
| Group ‘C’ Employee | Exceeding ₹7,500 | Exceeding ₹2,000 |
Rule 18 (Movable, Immovable & Valuable Property Rules):
- 1. Immovable Property (Land, House, Flat — Rule 18(2)):
- If transaction is with a person having NO official dealings: Requires Previous Intimation to the prescribed authority.
- If transaction is with a person having official dealings: Requires Previous Sanction of the prescribed authority.
- Deemed Permission Period: If the authority does not communicate an objection within 30 days of receipt of complete intimation/application, the employee is free to proceed with the transaction!
- 2. Movable Property (Cars, Jewellery, Shares, Loans, Insurance Policy with Annual Premium > 2 Months’ Basic Pay — Rule 18(3)):
- If value of an individual movable property transaction exceeds TWO MONTHS’ BASIC PAY of the Government servant, he must report it to the prescribed authority within ONE MONTH from the date of the transaction!
- Note on Stock Market Speculation vs Investment: If total transactions in shares, securities, debentures, or mutual funds during a calendar year exceed SIX MONTHS’ BASIC PAY of the Government servant, he must submit an intimation in the prescribed proforma by 31st January of the subsequent calendar year (in addition to the Annual IPR).
- 3. Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR — Rule 18(1)(ii)): Every Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officer must submit an annual return of immovable property as on 1st January every year, latest by 31st January of that year (failure to file IPR by 31st January denies Vigilance Clearance!).
🎯 High-Yield Exam One-Liners (Last-Minute Revision Box)
- CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 were notified under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution and contain 25 Rules.
- Rule 3(1) mandates every Government servant to maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and do nothing unbecoming of a Government servant.
- Rule 3C deals with ‘Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women’ at the workplace.
- Rule 5 prohibits taking part in politics and elections; a Govt servant can vote, but cannot disclose how he voted or act as an election agent.
- Rule 7 prohibits demonstrations and strikes; ‘Strike’ includes go-slow, pen-down, tool-down, gherao, and mass casual leave.
- Under Rule 13(2), on weddings/anniversaries/funerals/religious functions, gifts from relatives/friends (with no official dealings) must be reported to the Government if the value exceeds ₹25,000 (Group A), ₹15,000 (Group B), or ₹7,500 (Group C).
- Under Rule 13(3), on ordinary occasions, prior sanction of the Government is required to accept any gift exceeding ₹5,000 (Group A & B) or ₹2,000 (Group C).
- Rule 13A strictly prohibits giving, taking, or demanding Dowry directly or indirectly.
- Under Rule 16, frequent purchase or sale, or both, of shares, securities, or other investments is deemed to be ‘Speculation’ and is strictly prohibited.
- If total transactions in shares/debentures/mutual funds in a calendar year exceed 6 MONTHS’ BASIC PAY, an intimation must be filed by 31st January of the next year.
- Under Rule 18(2), acquiring or disposing of Immovable Property requires prior intimation (or prior sanction if with a person having official dealings); deemed permission applies after 30 DAYS.
- Under Rule 18(3), every transaction in Movable Property whose value exceeds 2 MONTHS’ BASIC PAY must be reported within 1 MONTH of the transaction.
- Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the preceding year (as on 1st January) must be submitted by all Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers on or before 31st JANUARY every year.
- Under Rule 19 (Vindication of Acts and Character), if the Government fails to reply within 3 MONTHS (90 days), permission to approach a court/press is deemed granted.
- Rule 20 prohibits bringing any political or non-official outside influence (like letters from MPs/MLAs) in respect of service matters.
- Rule 21 prohibits plural marriage (bigamy) without prior permission of the Central Government.
- Rule 22 prohibits consuming intoxicating drinks or drugs in any ‘Public Place’ or appearing in a public place in a state of intoxication.
- Rule 22A prohibits any Government servant from employing a child below the age of 14 years to work.
📝 UPSC & Regulatory Level Practice MCQs (With Detailed Solutions)
Q1. Under Rule 13(2) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, a Group ‘A’ officer and a Group ‘B’ officer may accept gifts from near relatives or personal friends (having no official dealings with them) on occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or religious functions without prior sanction, but must report the gift to the Government if its value exceeds:
Correct Answer: (B) — Under Rule 13(2) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, on weddings, anniversaries, funerals, or religious functions, a report to the Government is required if the value of the gift exceeds ₹25,000 for Group ‘A’, ₹15,000 for Group ‘B’, and ₹7,500 for Group ‘C’.
Q2. Under Rule 18(3) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, where a Government servant enters into a transaction in respect of ‘Movable Property’ (with a person having no official dealings), he shall report the transaction to the prescribed authority within 1 month if the value of such property exceeds:
Correct Answer: (B) — Rule 18(3) stipulates that every transaction in movable property must be reported within 1 month if the value of such property exceeds TWO MONTHS’ BASIC PAY of the Government servant (whereas the 6 months’ Basic Pay threshold applies to cumulative annual share/mutual fund transactions).
Q3. Match List-I (Rule of CCS Conduct Rules, 1964) with List-II (Subject Matter):
List-I: (a) Rule 3C, (b) Rule 7, (c) Rule 20, (d) Rule 22A
List-II: (1) Canvassing of Non-Official or Political Influence, (2) Prohibition of Employment of Children below 14 Years, (3) Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women, (4) Demonstration and Strikes
List-I: (a) Rule 3C, (b) Rule 7, (c) Rule 20, (d) Rule 22A
List-II: (1) Canvassing of Non-Official or Political Influence, (2) Prohibition of Employment of Children below 14 Years, (3) Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women, (4) Demonstration and Strikes
Correct Answer: (A) — Rule 3C covers Sexual Harassment of Working Women (3), Rule 7 covers Demonstration and Strikes (4), Rule 20 covers Canvassing of Non-Official/Political Influence (1), and Rule 22A covers Prohibition of Employment of Children below 14 Years (2).
Q4. What is the statutory last date every year by which all Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Central Government officers must submit their Annual Immovable Property Return (IPR) for the preceding calendar year under Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964?
Correct Answer: (B) — Every Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officer must submit their Annual Immovable Property Return (as on 1st January) latest by 31st January of that year.
Q5. If a Government servant applies to the prescribed authority for permission under Rule 19 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 to approach a Court of Law or the Press for the ‘Vindication of his Official Acts and Character’ against defamatory allegations, after what period is permission deemed to have been granted if no reply is received?
Correct Answer: (C) — Under Proviso to Rule 19(1), if a Government servant does not receive the Government’s decision within 3 months from the date of application for vindicating his official acts/character, permission is deemed to have been granted (whereas for immovable property under Rule 18, the deemed period is 30 days).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Exam FAQs)
Q: Can a Government servant invest in the stock market or mutual funds under Rule 16 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules?
A Government servant is permitted to make occasional long-term investments in shares, debentures, or mutual funds through a registered broker, but is strictly prohibited from ‘Speculation’ (which includes frequent buying and selling of shares or intraday trading). If total share/MF transactions in a calendar year exceed 6 months’ Basic Pay, an intimation must be filed by 31st January.
Q: What should a subordinate officer do if a superior officer gives an oral order under Rule 3(2)?
Under Rule 3(2)(iii)-(iv), oral instructions should ordinarily be avoided. If a superior issues an oral instruction unavoidably, the subordinate must seek confirmation in writing as early as possible, and it is the statutory duty of the superior officer to confirm the oral instruction in writing whenever requested.
Q: What is the deemed permission period for Immovable Property transactions under Rule 18?
If the prescribed authority does not communicate any objection within 30 days of receiving a complete intimation/application for acquiring or disposing of immovable property under Rule 18(2), permission is deemed granted.
🚀 Continue Your Preparation on CrackTarget
- UPSC EPFO APFC 2026 Hub: Full syllabus notes, 30/60/90-day study planner, PYQs (2012–2025) & free mocks.
- UPSC DRDO SAO Grade-II Hub: 90-day roadmap, Office Procedure, HRM, Marketing & Accounting notes.
- PFRDA Grade A & NABARD Grade A Hub: Paper-2 specialist notes, PYQ vault & real-UI mock tests.
- Complete Free Study Materials Library & CrackTarget Press Book Store: Access 280+ free notes and specialist books.
- Join Official Communities: Telegram Channel | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)