Last Updated on March 10, 2026 by Satish Mishra

Super Time Scale (STS) in Indian service matters refers to a specific, higher-level pay grade (often Level 13A or 14 in the 7th CPC matrix) to which officers are promoted, typically based on merit-cum-seniority after a certain number of years of service.

Key aspects of Super Time Scale service matters handled by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) include:

1. Eligibility and Promotion Criteria

Indian Police Service (IPS): Promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (Super Time Scale) is generally on completion of 14 years of service, and Inspector General (IG) (Super Time Scale) after 18 years.
Indian Forest Service (IFS) & Others: It is a selection post based on merit-cum-seniority, with specific years of service required to reach the scale.
Judicial Services: The Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) recommended increased percentages for District Judges (Super Time Scale) to 15% of the cadre strength, effective from 01.01.2020, with a pay scale of Rs. 1,99,100 – Rs. 2,24,100.
Controversies: CAT often hears cases regarding the delay in convening Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for promotion to this scale, or disputes regarding seniority lists.

2. Common CAT Service Matters (Disputes)

Non-Embodiment/Delay in Promotion: Cases where an officer is eligible for the Super Time Scale but is not promoted, or the promotion is delayed due to pending inquiries or administrative delays.
Upgradation and Pay Fixation: Disputes regarding the proper fixation of pay in the Super Time Scale, particularly when transitioning from Selection Grade.
ACR/APAR Issues: Challenges to below-benchmark Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) that prevent an officer from being empanelled for the Super Time Scale.
Deputation Terms: Cases regarding deputation terms for officers holding or transferred to Super Time Scale posts.

3. Legal Principles Applied

Merit-cum-Seniority: Promotion to Super Time Scale is not automatic but based on selection, making it a high-stakes matter for career progression.
Stagnation Removal: The scale is often intended to remove stagnation in service.
Judicial Review: While CAT is the primary forum, its decisions regarding promotion to the Super Time Scale can be challenged in the High Court.

4. Recent Trends (2024-2026)

Judicial Pay Revision: Implementation of the Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) recommendations, which upgraded many District Judge positions to Super Time Scale.
MACP Schemes: Clarifications by the Supreme Court/CAT on the implementation of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) for employees, often excluding those already elevated to higher grades like STS

Post covers Super Time Scale CAT Chandigarh Bench Case seeking issuance of direction to the respondents to release the benefit of Super Time Scale w.e.f. 1.1.2017, when he became entitled for the same.

Applicant, Sh. Sukhjit Singh Bains filed a complaint under Section 19 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, seeking issuance of direction to the respondents to release the benefit of Super Time Scale w.e.f. 1.1.2017, when he became entitled for the same.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL

CHANDIGARH BENCH

O.A. No.60/853/2020 Date of decision: 10.11.2020

Also Read- Between: vs Bani Singh (1990 Supp 738) – Indian Kanoon

APPLICANT’S SUBMISSION:

Sh. J.R. Syal, learned counsel for the applicant submitted that the applicant had submitted a representation for grant of Super Time Scale. Based upon his representation, the Govt. of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, DoP&T video communication dated 13.3.2018 (Annexure A-7), asked State Government to provide comments and thereafter vide communication dated 22.06.2018 (Annexure A-9), it was informed by DoP&T that applicant would be entitled for promotion to Super Time Scale w.e.f. 1.1.2017. Thereafter, when applicant did not get any benefit despite clarification by DoP&T, he served legal notice on 02.12.2019 (Annexure A-10). In response thereto, the Govt. of Punjab, Department of Personnel (I.A.S. Branch) vide letter dated 17.08.2020 while replying to his notice informed that his case is pending consideration with Govt. of Punjab.

Sh. J.R. Syal, learned counsel for the applicant vehemently argued that applicant will be satisfied if a time bound direction is issued to State of Punjab to expedite the matter for grant of Super Time Scale as opined by DoP&T.

Also Read- CAT Tribunal Chandigarh – Legalseva.net

ORDER OF THE COURT:

Considering the short prayer of the applicant, the competent authority amongst the respondents is directed to decide the claim of the applicant expeditiously but not later than six weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order in accordance with rules and advice rendered by DoP&T. Order so passed be duly communicated to the applicant.

Disposal of the O.A. in the above terms may not be construed as an expression of any opinion on the merits of the case. No costs.

Also Read- Placement of Mr. Kashturi Lal Bhagat, IPS (retired)

Post Written by – Research Team of LegalSeva (LawFirm) of Satish Mishra Advocate. Responses from Google’s AI Overview included in Post.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your case.

For case specific advice, please contact Chandigarh Administrative Tribunal/Service Matter/Labour and Service/CAT/Legal Aid/Administrative/Senior/Service Employment Lawyers Advocates in Chandigarh Panchkula Mohali Kharar Derabassi Zirakpur etc.