Qualifying service is the number of completed six monthly periods of service which is taken into account for determining the amount of pensionary benefits. Broadly, all periods spent on duty (including Foreign Service for which contribution is paid to the Government) or on leave including leave on medical certificate are allowed to be counted for pension. The competent authority has discretion to allow extra ordinary leave to count for pension The service and periods rendered in the following capacity are termed as ‘Qualifying Service’ and qualifying for pensionary benefits:
- Continuous service on Indian (Government) Railways.
- Continuous service rendered on ex-company/ex-State Railway, taken over by the Government and followed by service in Indian(Government) Railways.
- Military/War Service rendered before joining the Railways in terms of Rule 22, 34 & 35 of Railway Service (Pension) Rules, 1993.
- Service rendered under Central or State Government before transfer to Railways.
- Period of training followed by absorption against regular post.
- Deputationperiod out of India on duty.
- Authorised ‘Joining Time’.
- Foreign Service rendered by a Railway Servant shall count as qualifying service provided that contribution towards cost of pensionary benefits of the Railway Servant, has been paid either by the foreign employer or a Railway Servant himself, in respect of entire period of Foreign Service.
- All periods of leave with leave salary taken up to the date of superannuation.