The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said that retiring personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) will now get an honorary rank—one level higher—on the day of their retirement.
The honorary rank granted will be exactly one level higher than the retiring rank and must be a valid existing rank within the same force or category.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs release on May 30, 2025, “This historic decision, taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to boost the self-respect, pride, and morale of personnel retiring from the rank of Constable to Sub-Inspector. Under this scheme, personnel below officer rank (from Constable to Sub-Inspector) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles who retire after long and commendable service will be granted an honorary rank one level higher on their last day of service, without any financial or pension benefits.”
Will there be increased financial benefit (pension) with honorary rank?
While this honorary elevation does not carry any financial or pension benefits, it is a symbolic gesture aimed at enhancing the pride, morale, and self-respect of retiring jawans and junior officers who have served the nation with dedication and integrity.
Who will benefit?
The scheme is targeted at personnel below officer rank, i.e., those retiring from Constable to Sub-Inspector ranks in CAPFs and from Rifleman to Naib Subedar ranks in Assam Rifles. The rank bestowed must exist within the same service category as the retiring personnel.
What are the eligibility conditions?
To ensure the integrity and merit of the process, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
Personnel must meet all promotion criteria at the time of retirement.
A clean service record is essential.
The Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) for the last five years must be rated at least “Good.”
No major punishments must have been imposed in the past five years.
Integrity must be beyond doubt.
Final approval is required from the Departmental Enquiry and Vigilance (DE/Vigilance).
Additionally, the honorary rank will be granted only upon the recommendation of the commanding officer and will be effective on the day of retirement.
What are the terms and conditions for receiving honorary rank?
The honorary rank shall be granted based on the recommendation of the concerned commanding officer.
The honorary rank will be conferred on the day of the personnel’s retirement.
No financial or pension benefits shall be admissible along with the honorary rank.
The honorary rank will only be granted where the rank to be conferred exists within the category to which the personnel belong.
Granting the honorary rank shall not affect the personnel’s inter-se seniority.
Eligible personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) will be granted honorary ranks as follows:
| Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) | Assam Rifles (AR) | ||
| Retired Rank | Honorary Rank | Retired Rank | Honorary Rank |
| Constable | Head Constable | Rifleman | Havildar |
| Head Constable | Assistant Sub-Inspector | Havildar | Warrant Officer |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector | Sub-Inspector | Warrant Officer | Naib Subedar |
| Sub-Inspector | Inspector | Naib Subedar | Subedar |
