CSIR released a notification for data submission of Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) eligible for MACPS financial upgradation by 28.02.2026. Essential update for CSIR staff.
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has issued an important notification regarding the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for its Common Cadre Officers (CCOs). This circular, dated 10.02.2026, directs all CSIR Laboratories and Institutes to submit data of eligible CCOs for financial upgradation under MACPS. This is a crucial update for internal CSIR staff, particularly those eligible for career progression benefits.
Key Instructions and Deadlines
The notification mandates the collection and submission of detailed information for Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) who are eligible for financial upgradation under the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) up to March 31, 2027. This process is initiated to consider their financial benefits as per the scheme, which was implemented for CSIR employees vide CSIR letter No. 5-1(163)/2009-PD dated 13.05.2010.
- Data Submission: All CSIR Labs/Institutes are requested to submit the required information pertaining to their eligible CCOs in the prescribed proforma by February 28, 2026.
- O-APAR Completion: It is also instructed to complete the O-APARs (Online Annual Performance Appraisal Report) for eligible officers for the period 2024-25 (i.e., up to March 31, 2025), if not already done.
- Nil Report: If no eligible Common Cadre Officer (CCO) is present in a particular Lab/Institute, a ‘Nil’ report must be submitted.
- Data Accuracy: Ensure that no column in the proforma is left blank. If any information is not applicable, ‘Zero’ should be mentioned in the respective column.
About Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS)
The Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) is a crucial initiative by the Government of India, extended to various autonomous bodies like CSIR, to ensure career progression for employees. Under MACPS, employees are entitled to three financial upgradations on completion of 10, 20, and 30 years of regular service, or 10 years in the same grade pay/pay level, whichever is earlier. This scheme aims to address stagnation in career progression, particularly for employees who may not get regular promotions due to a lack of promotional avenues. It provides financial benefits equivalent to the next higher grade pay/pay level, even if the employee continues to hold the same post. This ensures motivation and job satisfaction among the workforce.
Why This Notification is Important for CSIR CCOs
This notification is vital for Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) within CSIR as it directly impacts their financial career progression. Timely and accurate submission of data by their respective Labs/Institutes is critical for them to avail the benefits of MACPS. It ensures that their eligibility for financial upgradation, based on their years of service and existing pay levels, is duly considered and processed. Officers should ensure their service records, especially O-APARs, are up-to-date, as these are integral to the assessment process for MACPS benefits.
Action Required from Labs/Institutes
The following actions are required from the Directors/Heads of all CSIR Laboratories/Institutes:
- Identify all Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) who have become eligible for financial upgradation under MACPS up to 31.03.2027.
- Collect all necessary details as per the enclosed proforma (details of which are not part of this PDF but are mentioned as an enclosure).
- Ensure that all columns in the proforma are filled accurately. Use ‘Zero’ where information is not applicable.
- Complete the O-APARs for eligible officers for the year 2024-25 (period ending 31.03.2025) if they have not been completed yet.
- Submit the compiled data in the prescribed proforma by the deadline of 28.02.2026.
- If no CCO is eligible, send a ‘Nil’ report.
- While forwarding the information, adhere to the instructions/guidelines issued by DoPT/CSIR from time to time regarding MACPS.
Important Dates
| Particular | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10.02.2026 |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date for MACPS Consideration | 31.03.2027 |
| Last Date for Data Submission by Labs/Institutes | 28.02.2026 |
| O-APAR Completion Period | 2024-25 (ending 31.03.2025) |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| CSIR Official Website | http://www.csir.res.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is MACPS?
A: MACPS stands for Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme. It is a scheme introduced by the government to provide financial upgradation to employees who have not received regular promotions for a specified period, ensuring career progression benefits.
Q2: Who are Common Cadre Officers (CCOs) in CSIR?
A: Common Cadre Officers in CSIR refer to specific categories of administrative and scientific support staff whose services are managed centrally or across multiple institutes, as opposed to specialized scientific or technical roles specific to a single lab.
Q3: What is financial upgradation under MACPS?
A: Financial upgradation under MACPS means that an employee is granted the next higher grade pay or pay level (as per the pay matrix) without actually being promoted to a higher post. This is granted after 10, 20, and 30 years of regular service, or 10 years in the same grade pay/pay level.
Q4: What is the significance of the 31.03.2027 eligibility cut-off date?
A: This date signifies that the data being requested is for CCOs who will complete their eligibility criteria for MACPS financial upgradation on or before March 31, 2027.
Q5: What is an O-APAR, and why is it important for MACPS?
A: O-APAR stands for Online Annual Performance Appraisal Report. It is an annual performance review of an employee. For MACPS, a satisfactory performance record (reflected in APARs) is generally a prerequisite for granting financial upgradation.
Q6: What should CCOs do to ensure their data is submitted correctly?
A: CCOs should ensure their personal and service records are accurate and up-to-date with their respective administrative sections. They should also verify that their O-APARs for the relevant periods are completed and submitted.
Q7: What happens if a Lab/Institute fails to submit the data by the deadline?
A: Failure to submit data by the deadline could delay or prevent eligible CCOs from receiving their rightful financial upgradation benefits under MACPS. It is crucial for all Labs/Institutes to adhere to the given timeline.
Q8: Where can I find the proforma for data submission?
A: The proforma is mentioned as an enclosure to the official notification. It will be provided by the central CSIR administration to the respective Labs/Institutes, which will then use it for data collection.