With the notification, personnel who have served in any rank, whether combatant or non-combatant, in the Regular Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Military Nursing Service of the Indian Union are now explicitly covered under the definition of ex-servicemen.
Clarity on Status of MNS Personnel
Until now, there was uncertainty over whether MNS officers, who are commissioned officers, were entitled to ex-servicemen re-employment benefits. While they played a critical role in military operations, training, and battlefield healthcare, their status under civil re-employment rules remained unclear.
The amendment formally resolves this issue by explicitly listing the Military Nursing Service alongside the Regular Army, Navy, and Air Force. This recognition places MNS veterans on equal footing with other former defence personnel in the civil employment ecosystem.
Officials note that the change strengthens institutional recognition of the contribution made by military nurses during both peacetime and conflict situations.
Immediate Implementation from February 9, 2026
The amended rules came into force immediately upon their publication on February 9, 2026. From this date onward, eligible MNS personnel retiring or released from service can avail themselves of re-employment benefits in Central Government jobs.
The amendment applies uniformly across Central Civil Services and posts, ensuring consistency in recruitment processes conducted by agencies such as the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission.
The move is expected to benefit a substantial number of retired MNS officers seeking structured second-career opportunities.
Key Benefits Extended to MNS Veterans
With their formal inclusion under the ex-servicemen framework, MNS personnel now gain access to a range of statutory benefits. These include reservation quotas in Central Government employment, age relaxation provisions, and priority in recruitment processes.
Under existing norms, ex-servicemen are entitled to 10 percent reservation in Group ‘C’ posts and 20 percent reservation in Group ‘D’ posts. MNS veterans will now be eligible for these quotas on par with other ex-servicemen.
They are also eligible for age relaxation, allowing deduction of the total years of military service plus an additional three years from their actual age while applying for civil posts.
Boost to Rehabilitation and Second Careers
The government has described the amendment as a step towards strengthening rehabilitation mechanisms for former defence personnel. By enabling smoother transitions into civil employment, the policy aims to ensure economic security and dignity after retirement from military service.
Experts say the move acknowledges the specialised skills, discipline, and leadership abilities developed by MNS officers, which can be effectively utilised in public administration, healthcare institutions, and allied services.
The reform also aligns with the broader objective of inclusive veteran welfare by ensuring that no segment of the armed forces community is excluded from post-retirement opportunities.
Official Disclosure
The notification was issued by the Government and shared through the Press Information Bureau on February 10, 2026. Detailed rules are available on official government platforms for reference and implementation.
