This is Set 5 of 40 in the smartvidya question bank on the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, with the latest amendments and DoPT instructions. Part II: Suspension. This set covers Rule 10(1) grounds (a), (aa), (b); who may suspend; proviso on reporting; January 2026 amendment.
Try each question first, then tap Show answer to see the correct option, a short explanation and the section or rule reference. The questions are useful for departmental and promotion examinations, for disciplinary authorities, inquiring and presenting officers, and vigilance staff.
Set 5: Suspension I: Grounds and Authorities
1. Which of the following is NOT a ground for suspension under Rule 10(1)?
(a) A case against him for a criminal offence is under investigation, inquiry or trial
(b) A disciplinary proceeding against him is contemplated or pending
(c) He is engaged in activities prejudicial to the interest of the security of the State
(d) The Government servant has applied for voluntary retirement
Ans. (d) The Government servant has applied for voluntary retirement — Explanation: Rule 10(1) lists only the grounds in Rule 10(1)(a), 10(1)(aa) and 10(1)(b); an application for voluntary retirement is not a ground. [Ref: Rule 10(1)]
2. Rule 10(1)(aa) permits suspension of a Government servant on which ground?
(a) He has been declared surplus
(b) He has been convicted of a criminal offence
(c) He has remained absent without leave for more than a year
(d) He has engaged himself in activities prejudicial to the interest of the security of the State
Ans. (d) He has engaged himself in activities prejudicial to the interest of the security of the State — Explanation: Clause (aa) covers activities prejudicial to the security of the State; conviction leads to deemed suspension under Rule 10(2). [Ref: Rule 10(1)(aa)]
3. Rule 10(1) authorises all of the following to place a Government servant under suspension EXCEPT:
(a) Any authority to which the appointing authority is subordinate
(b) The disciplinary authority
(c) The appointing authority
(d) Any officer senior to the Government servant in the same office
Ans. (d) Any officer senior to the Government servant in the same office — Explanation: Rule 10(1) names the appointing authority, any authority to which it is subordinate, the disciplinary authority, and any authority empowered by the President; mere seniority confers no power. [Ref: Rule 10(1)]
4. Besides the appointing authority, a superior authority and the disciplinary authority, who else may suspend under Rule 10(1)?
(a) Any officer of the Vigilance Wing
(b) The investigating police officer
(c) The Central Vigilance Commission
(d) Any other authority empowered in that behalf by the President by general or special order
Ans. (d) Any other authority empowered in that behalf by the President by general or special order — Explanation: Rule 10(1) also allows suspension by any other authority empowered by the President by general or special order; the CVC and police have no such power. [Ref: Rule 10(1)]
5. When an authority lower than the appointing authority suspends a Government servant, what must it do under the proviso to Rule 10(1)?
(a) Refer the case to the President for a decision
(b) Forthwith report to the appointing authority the circumstances in which the order was made
(c) Obtain the prior approval of the UPSC
(d) Get the order confirmed by the Central Vigilance Commission within 30 days
Ans. (b) Forthwith report to the appointing authority the circumstances in which the order was made — Explanation: The proviso requires a lower authority that orders suspension to report forthwith to the appointing authority the circumstances in which the order was made, subject to the IA&AD-specific exceptions. [Ref: Rule 10(1), proviso]
6. What is the nature of suspension under Rule 10?
(a) It is a major penalty
(b) It becomes a penalty if it lasts more than 90 days
(c) It is not a penalty under Rule 11
(d) It is a minor penalty
Ans. (c) It is not a penalty under Rule 11 — Explanation: Suspension is an interim measure pending inquiry or trial; it does not appear in the list of penalties in Rule 11 of the Rules. [Ref: Rules 10 and 11]
7. Under Rule 10(1)(b), suspension may be ordered when a case against the Government servant for a criminal offence is at which stage?
(a) Only where the department itself lodged the FIR
(b) Only after conviction by the trial court
(c) Only after a charge-sheet is filed in court
(d) Under investigation, inquiry or trial
Ans. (d) Under investigation, inquiry or trial — Explanation: Rule 10(1)(b) applies at any stage of investigation, inquiry or trial, whoever initiated the case. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(b)]
8. A preliminary inquiry reveals serious misconduct, but the charge-sheet has not yet been drafted. Can the disciplinary authority place the employee under suspension?
(a) Yes, but only with the prior approval of the UPSC
(b) No, suspension is possible only after the charge-sheet is served
(c) No, suspension is possible only in criminal cases
(d) Yes, under Rule 10(1)(a), since a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated
Ans. (d) Yes, under Rule 10(1)(a), since a disciplinary proceeding is contemplated — Explanation: Rule 10(1)(a) covers a proceeding that is "contemplated" as well as one that is pending, so a charge-sheet need not have been issued. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(a)]
9. According to DoPT guidelines, suspension may be considered where continuance in office is likely to do which of the following?
(a) Increase the workload of other staff
(b) Delay the employee's promotion
(c) Reduce the employee's chances of transfer
(d) Prejudice the investigation, trial or inquiry, for example by tampering with witnesses or documents
Ans. (d) Prejudice the investigation, trial or inquiry, for example by tampering with witnesses or documents — Explanation: DoPT instructions list cases where continuance would prejudice the investigation or inquiry, subvert discipline or be against the wider public interest. [Ref: Rule 10; DoPT OM dated 2.1.2014]
10. Which of the following is normally NOT a type of misconduct for which suspension is considered under DoPT guidelines?
(a) A single instance of late attendance
(b) Corruption or embezzlement
(c) An offence involving moral turpitude
(d) Serious negligence causing considerable loss to Government
Ans. (a) A single instance of late attendance — Explanation: Suspension is to be used sparingly for grave matters such as corruption, moral turpitude or serious negligence, not for trivial lapses. [Ref: Rule 10; DoPT OM dated 2.1.2014]
11. Can an order of suspension under Rule 10(1) be given retrospective effect?
(a) Yes, from the date the complaint was received
(b) No; it operates prospectively and cannot be made retrospective
(c) Yes, from the date of the alleged misconduct
(d) Yes, from the date of the preliminary inquiry report
Ans. (b) No; it operates prospectively and cannot be made retrospective — Explanation: Government instructions make clear that an order of suspension cannot be made with retrospective effect; only deemed suspension operates from an earlier date by force of the Rule. [Ref: Rule 10; Government of India decisions]
12. A Government servant is under trial for assaulting a neighbour, an offence unconnected with his official duties. Can he be suspended under Rule 10(1)(b)?
(a) No; suspension is possible only for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act
(b) No; the offence must relate to official duties
(c) Yes; the clause covers a case in respect of any criminal offence
(d) Yes, but only after conviction
Ans. (c) Yes; the clause covers a case in respect of any criminal offence — Explanation: Rule 10(1)(b) speaks of a case in respect of any criminal offence; whether to suspend is a matter of judgement in each case. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(b)]
13. The amendment notified on 12 January 2026 (G.S.R. 21(E)) substituted the proviso to Rule 10(1) in relation to which categories?
(a) Members of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Assistant Accountants General and General Central Service members in IA&AD
(b) Railway servants on deputation to Central Ministries
(c) Members of the All India Services on Central deputation
(d) Casual workers in Defence establishments
Ans. (a) Members of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Assistant Accountants General and General Central Service members in IA&AD — Explanation: The 2026 amendment concerns suspension of IA&AS members, Assistant Accountants General and GCS members in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. [Ref: G.S.R. 21(E) dated 12.1.2026]
14. Intelligence reports indicate that a Government servant is passing classified information to a foreign agency, though no criminal case is yet registered. Under which provision may he be suspended?
(a) Rule 10(2)
(b) Rule 10(4)
(c) Rule 10(1)(aa)
(d) FR 56(j)
Ans. (c) Rule 10(1)(aa) — Explanation: Clause (aa) covers activities prejudicial to the security of the State and does not depend on a criminal case; FR 56(j) is premature retirement, not suspension. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(aa)]
15. Is suspension under Rule 10(1)(b) automatic upon registration of an FIR against a Government servant?
(a) Yes; it follows automatically from the FIR
(b) No; it is discretionary and depends on the facts of the case
(c) No; suspension is barred until the trial ends
(d) Yes, if the FIR is registered by the CBI
Ans. (b) No; it is discretionary and depends on the facts of the case — Explanation: Rule 10(1) uses "may"; only deemed suspension under Rule 10(2) is automatic, on custody or conviction. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(b)]
16. What is the essential purpose of placing a Government servant under suspension?
(a) To recover the Government's financial loss
(b) To punish him for the misconduct before the inquiry
(c) To keep him away from his post pending inquiry or trial without prejudging his guilt
(d) To deny him all payments until the case ends
Ans. (c) To keep him away from his post pending inquiry or trial without prejudging his guilt — Explanation: Suspension is a temporary withdrawal from duty to protect the inquiry and the public interest; it is not a punishment and subsistence allowance is paid. [Ref: Rule 10; DoPT OM dated 2.1.2014]
17. During suspension, what does the Government servant receive in place of pay?
(a) Subsistence allowance
(b) No payment of any kind
(c) Full pay and allowances
(d) Half pay leave salary credited to his leave account
Ans. (a) Subsistence allowance — Explanation: A suspended employee is paid subsistence allowance under FR 53 instead of pay; leave is not debited. [Ref: Rule 10; FR 53]
18. DoPT guidelines say suspension may be considered where a prima facie case justifies proceedings likely to end in which outcome?
(a) Censure only
(b) Conviction or dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement
(c) Withholding of one increment
(d) A recordable warning
Ans. (b) Conviction or dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement — Explanation: One of the listed situations is where a prima facie case exists justifying criminal or departmental proceedings likely to end in conviction or a major penalty of dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement. [Ref: Rule 10; DoPT guidelines on suspension]
19. A Group B officer whose appointing authority is the Chief Commissioner is suspended by the Commissioner, his disciplinary authority. What must the Commissioner do?
(a) Report forthwith to the Chief Commissioner the circumstances in which the suspension was ordered
(b) Refer the case to the UPSC for advice
(c) Obtain the Chief Commissioner's approval within 90 days, failing which the order lapses
(d) Nothing further, as the disciplinary authority is fully competent
Ans. (a) Report forthwith to the Chief Commissioner the circumstances in which the suspension was ordered — Explanation: Under the proviso to Rule 10(1), an authority lower than the appointing authority must report forthwith the circumstances of the suspension to the appointing authority. [Ref: Rule 10(1), proviso]
20. A Government servant retired on superannuation last month, and a vigilance case has now been registered against him. Can he be placed under suspension under Rule 10?
(a) Yes, under Rule 10(1)(b)
(b) No; suspension applies only to a serving Government servant
(c) Yes, with retrospective effect from before retirement
(d) Yes, but only by the President
Ans. (b) No; suspension applies only to a serving Government servant — Explanation: Suspension withdraws a serving employee from duty; after retirement any action lies under the pension rules, not under the suspension rule. [Ref: Rule 10; CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021]
21. The CBI has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a Government servant and investigation is in progress. Which clause permits his suspension?
(a) Rule 10(1)(aa)
(b) Rule 10(5)(c)
(c) Rule 10(1)(b)
(d) Rule 10(3)
Ans. (c) Rule 10(1)(b) — Explanation: A criminal case under investigation, inquiry or trial falls under Rule 10(1)(b), regardless of the investigating agency. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(b)]
22. Can a Government servant be suspended after a charge-sheet has been issued and the inquiry is in progress?
(a) Yes; Rule 10(1)(a) covers a pending disciplinary proceeding as well
(b) No; once the inquiry begins suspension is barred
(c) Yes, but only if the inquiry officer recommends it
(d) No; suspension must precede the charge-sheet
Ans. (a) Yes; Rule 10(1)(a) covers a pending disciplinary proceeding as well — Explanation: Rule 10(1)(a) applies where proceedings are contemplated or pending, so suspension may be ordered at a later stage if needed. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(a)]
23. Consider the statements: (i) Suspension under Rule 10(1) is a penalty listed in Rule 11 of the Rules. (ii) The disciplinary authority may suspend a Government servant when a disciplinary proceeding against him is contemplated. Which is/are correct?
(a) Only (i)
(b) Only (ii)
(c) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Ans. (b) Only (ii) — Explanation: Suspension is not among the Rule 11 penalties; Rule 10(1)(a) allows the disciplinary authority to suspend when proceedings are contemplated. [Ref: Rules 10(1)(a) and 11]
24. Assertion (A): A Government servant may be suspended even before a charge-sheet is issued to him. Reason (R): Rule 10(1)(a) permits suspension where a disciplinary proceeding against him is contemplated.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A — Explanation: The word "contemplated" in Rule 10(1)(a) is what allows suspension before the charge-sheet is issued. [Ref: Rule 10(1)(a)]
25. Consider the statements: (i) An authority lower than the appointing authority that orders suspension must report the circumstances forthwith to the appointing authority. (ii) Any authority to which the appointing authority is subordinate may order suspension under Rule 10(1). Which is/are correct?
(a) Only (i)
(b) Only (ii)
(c) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii)
Ans. (c) Both (i) and (ii) — Explanation: The proviso to Rule 10(1) imposes the reporting duty, and the main rule includes any authority to which the appointing authority is subordinate. [Ref: Rule 10(1) and proviso]
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These questions are prepared for practice from the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 as amended (including the 2014, 2017, 2022 and January 2026 amendments), DoPT and CVC instructions, and Supreme Court judgments. Check the latest DoPT notifications and orders before relying on any detail.