Pay Fixation on Promotion under Kerala Service Rules
When a Kerala government employee is promoted to a higher scale of pay, the basic pay must be re-fixed at an appropriate stage of the new scale. The rules that govern this are mainly KSR Rule 28A and Rule 30. Getting the fixation — and the option date — right can mean a higher pay for the rest of your career, so the calculator above lets you compare the outcomes; this guide explains the logic.
1. Rule 28A — the one-notional-increment benefit
Under Rule 28A, on promotion your pay is first granted one notional increment in the lower scale. Your pay in the higher scale is then fixed at that figure if it is a stage in the new scale, or at the next higher stage if it is not. This is the standard fixation for regular/PSC promotions and for Time-Bound Higher Grade (TBHG) promotions.
2. Rule 30 — scale revision / HG to Regular
Rule 30 applies to scale revisions and to converting a Higher Grade to a Regular promotion where a fresh increment is not warranted. Here your pay is carried to the same stage in the revised scale without an additional increment — the pay does not change, it is simply brought onto the revised scale.
3. The option — date of promotion vs date of next increment
You can opt to have pay fixed from the date of promotion, or from the date of your next increment in the lower post. Deferring to the next increment date sometimes gives a higher fixed pay, because you first earn the normal increment in the lower scale and then carry that larger figure into the higher scale. The right choice depends on how close your increment date is.
4. Worked example
Suppose your present basic pay is a stage in the lower scale and you are promoted under Rule 28A. The rule adds one notional increment in the lower scale; if that notional figure exactly matches a stage in the higher scale, you are fixed there, otherwise at the next higher stage. If your normal increment falls only a month or two after promotion, opting to fix from the next increment date may place you on a higher stage — enter both in the calculator to see which is better for you.
5. Frequently asked questions
What is pay fixation on promotion?
When you are promoted to a higher post (a higher scale of pay), your basic pay has to be re-fixed at an appropriate stage of the new scale. This is called pay fixation. In Kerala it is done mainly under Rule 28A and Rule 30 of the Kerala Service Rules, depending on the type of promotion.
What is Rule 28A and the “one notional increment” benefit?
Under KSR Rule 28A, on promotion your pay is first given one notional increment in the lower scale, and your pay in the higher scale is then fixed at that figure if it is a stage in the new scale, or at the next higher stage. This single notional increment is the “increment benefit” of promotion. It applies to regular/PSC promotions and to higher-grade (TBHG) promotions.
What is the difference between Rule 28A and Rule 30?
Rule 28A is used for genuine promotions and gives the one-notional-increment benefit. Rule 30 is used for scale revisions and for converting a Higher Grade to a Regular promotion where the scale does not change in a way that warrants a fresh increment — your pay is carried to the same stage in the revised scale without an additional increment.
What is the “option” in pay fixation and which date should I choose?
You may opt to have your pay fixed either from the date of promotion, or from the date of your next increment in the lower post. The better option depends on your increment date: deferring fixation to the next increment date sometimes yields a higher pay because you first earn the normal increment in the lower scale. The calculator lets you compare both.
Does pay fixation allow re-fixation later?
In some cases yes. For certain higher-grade promotions, when your pay in the lower post changes on its normal increment date, a re-fixation of the promoted pay is allowed. For ordinary regular promotions under Rule 28A, no such re-fixation is generally available. The tool indicates which applies to your selection.
How do I use the pay fixation calculator?
Select the type of promotion (Rule 28A regular, Rule 28A higher grade/TBHG, or Rule 30), enter your present basic pay and scales, and your increment date. The calculator applies the notional increment, fixes your pay at the correct stage of the new scale, shows both option dates, and lets you download a PDF report.
Source & disclaimer: Based on the pay-fixation provisions of the Kerala Service Rules (KSR Rules 28A and 30) and the 11th Pay Revision Commission scales. Fixation rules and options can be modified by Government order — verify your fixation against the KSR, the relevant G.O. and your office before relying on a figure. Results are illustrative.