CGHS Contribution Rates as per 7th CPC [Updated 2026]

Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Subscription (Contribution) Rates as per 7th Pay Commission – Complete Guide for Central Government Employees and Pensioners

CGHS Contribution Rates as per 7th CPC: The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is one of the most significant healthcare welfare schemes offered by the Government of India to serving Central Government employees, pensioners, Members of Parliament, freedom fighters, and other eligible beneficiaries. Following the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revised the monthly CGHS subscription, ward entitlement, and several monetary limits through Office Memorandums issued in January 2017. Subsequently, an important clarification and revised ward entitlement were issued in October 2022, followed by explanatory guidelines in November 2022.

This article explains everything you need to know about the revised CGHS subscription rates, contribution payable by employees and pensioners, ward entitlement, pensioner options, and the latest clarifications issued by the Government.

What is CGHS?

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide comprehensive healthcare facilities to eligible Central Government employees, pensioners and their dependent family members.

The scheme offers:

OPD consultation
Specialist consultation
Medicines
Diagnostic tests
Hospitalization
Cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals
Reimbursement of medical expenses
Emergency medical care

Why were CGHS Contribution Rates Revised?

With the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, pay levels and pension were revised across Central Government services.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare revised:

Monthly CGHS contribution
Ward entitlement in empanelled private hospitals
Monetary ceiling for free diet
Nursing home eligibility
Accommodation entitlement at AIIMS

These changes were notified through the Office Memorandum issued in January 2017.

CGHS Monthly Subscription Rates under the 7th CPC

Pay Matrix Level	Monthly CGHS Contribution
Level 1 to Level 5	250
Level 6	450
Level 7 to Level 11	650
Level 12 and Above	1,000

The revised contribution rates are applicable to serving Central Government employees and pensioners based on the applicable pay level.

Effective Date of Revised Subscription

The original Office Memorandum proposed implementation from 1 January 2017. However, a corrigendum issued shortly thereafter clarified that the revised subscription rates would be effective from 1 February 2017. All other provisions of the original order remained unchanged.

Ward Entitlement in CGHS Empanelled Private Hospitals (2017)

Initially, the ward entitlement under the 7th CPC was fixed according to the basic pay drawn by the employee.

Basic Pay	Ward Entitlement
Up to 47,600	General Ward
47,601 – 63,100	Semi-Private Ward
63,101 and above	Private Ward

These ward entitlements were applicable in CGHS empanelled private hospitals.

Revised Ward Entitlement (October 2022)

In October 2022, the Government revised the ward entitlement criteria after considering anomalies noticed in the earlier pay slabs.

Basic Pay	Ward Entitlement
Up to 36,500	General Ward
36,501 – 50,500	Semi-Private Ward
Above 50,500	Private Ward

The revised ward entitlement became effective from the date of issue of the Office Memorandum dated 28 October 2022.

Clarifications Issued in November 2022

After the revision of ward entitlement, several doubts were raised by Ministries, Departments and pensioners. Therefore, the Ministry issued a detailed clarification in November 2022.

1. Autonomous Body Pensioners

The clarification states that autonomous bodies and statutory bodies are generally provided CGHS facilities on a cost-to-cost basis. Therefore, each concerned autonomous body has to decide the applicability of the revised ward entitlement for its pensioners.

2. Pensioners Retired Before October 2022

The Ministry clarified that the revised order was intended to rectify anomalies in ward entitlement. There is no change in CGHS subscription rates, and there is no linkage between subscription amount and ward entitlement.

3. Pensioners Who Applied Before 28 October 2022

Pensioners who had already applied for a CGHS card before 28 October 2022 may apply for a fresh CGHS card according to the revised ward entitlement. However, medical reimbursement claims already settled will not be reopened for revision.

Monetary Ceiling for Free Diet

The Government also revised the income ceiling for free diet benefits.

Category	Income Ceiling
General CGHS Beneficiaries	44,900 per month
TB / Mental Disease Patients	69,700 per month

These limits apply to pay, pension or family pension as prescribed by the Ministry.

Nursing Home Facility Eligibility

The monetary ceiling for availing nursing home facilities in Government, State Government and Municipal Hospitals was revised to:

₹47,600 per month and above

This entitlement is based on the revised pay under the 7th CPC.

Accommodation Entitlement at AIIMS

The Ministry also revised accommodation entitlement in AIIMS hospitals.

Basic Pay	Accommodation Category
Up to 63,100	General Ward
63,101 – 80,900	Private Ward
80,901 and above	Deluxe / Private Ward

The entitlement is determined based on the basic pay drawn under the applicable pay level.

CGHS Options Available for Pensioners

Pensioners have two options for obtaining a CGHS card:

Annual contribution (12 months)
One-time contribution equal to ten years’ subscription for obtaining a lifetime CGHS card

The Government also clarified that:

Existing lifetime CGHS card holders are not required to pay any additional amount due to revision of subscription rates.
Pensioners who already deposited lifetime contribution will continue to enjoy the same benefits.
Annual subscribers must continue contribution at revised rates until completion of ten years if they wish to convert to lifetime cards.
The applicable contribution is determined with reference to the pay level that would have been admissible had the pensioner continued in service.

These provisions ensure continuity of CGHS benefits without disturbing already issued lifetime cards.

Important Highlights

Monthly subscription is linked to the 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level.
Current contribution ranges from ₹250 to ₹1,000 per month.
Revised subscription became effective from 1 February 2017.
Ward entitlement was revised again on 28 October 2022.
Subscription amount and ward entitlement are independent of each other.
Existing lifetime CGHS cards remain valid without additional payment.
Pensioners may opt for annual or lifetime contribution.
The revised ward entitlement applies prospectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who has to pay the revised CGHS contribution?

All eligible Central Government employees and pensioners covered under CGHS are required to pay the contribution according to their applicable pay level.

What is the highest monthly CGHS contribution?

The highest contribution under the 7th CPC is ₹1,000 per month for employees in Pay Level 12 and above.

Do lifetime CGHS card holders need to pay extra?

No. Pensioners who have already obtained lifetime CGHS cards are not required to pay any additional contribution due to revision of rates.

Is ward entitlement based on the subscription amount?

No. The Government has specifically clarified that ward entitlement and subscription rates are independent of each other.

When did the revised ward entitlement become effective?

The revised ward entitlement notified in October 2022 became effective from the date of issue of the Office Memorandum, i.e., 28 October 2022.

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