OptFix (Option for Pay Fixation) Guide

When you get Promotion or receive a Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP), you can choose how and when your new pay is fixed. This choice, called OptFix, can increase your pay, arrears, and pension. Follow this guide to make the right choice and avoid mistakes.

What is OptFix?

OptFix is the option to choose when your new basic pay is fixed after a promotion or MACP:

• Option A: Fix pay from the Date of Promotion (DoP) for an immediate increase.
• Option B: Fix pay from the Date of Next Increment (DNI), usually July 1st/Jan 1st, for a higher long-term benefit with two increments.

Choosing the right option can boost your Basic Pay, arrears, increments, and pension. A wrong choice may lead to lower pay or financial loss.

Key Points for OptFix

Topic	Details
Eligibility	Available under 7th CPC for PBORs promoted or granted MACP.
Options	Fix pay from Date of Promotion (DoP) or Date of Next Increment (DNI, usually July 1st/Jan 1st).
Deadlines	Promotions before 18 August 2023: Submit by 17 November 2023 (Letter No. CI7099/Policy/SAPCS/2023 Dt. 18/08/2023). Later promotions: Within 3 months of promotion/MACP.
7th CPC Switch (2016–2017)	For promotions/MACP between 01 January 2016 and 03 May 2017, opt for 7th CPC by 18 November 2023 (MoD OM No. 1(4)2021/D).
When Useful	DNI is useful if promoted 1–2 months before increment or DA increase expected. DoP is better if higher pay level gives immediate benefit.
Rules	Pay fixation follows Rule 13 of CCS (Revised Pay) Rules 2016 (Regulation 14, MPAR). DNI gives two increments (promotion + annual).

OptFix Checklist

Check	Document	Notes
✔️	Option Form	Specify DoP or DNI.
✔️	DO Part-II Order	For promotion or MACP, including date and details.
✔️	Ink-Signed Option Certificate	Signed by you, countersigned by OC/CO.
✔️	Service Book Entry	Ensure promotion/MACP and OptFix choice are recorded.
✔️	Time-Bar Sanction	If late, obtain from GOC-in-C, GOC Corps/Div/Area/Sub Area, or Maj Gen (up to 3 years); DCOAS(Stat) for >3 years.

When to Choose Immediate Fixation vs. Wait for July

Month of Promotion	Suggested Option	Reason
January, February, March	Wait for July (DNI)	Double increment (promotion + annual) often gives higher pay.
April, May, June	Case-by-case	Compare benefits using a pay fixation calculator (coming soon).
July or later	Fix immediately (DoP)	Enjoy higher pay sooner, as waiting offers little benefit.

Common Reasons for OptFix Issues

Issue
Missing or late Option Form (beyond 3 months or 17 November 2023 for pre-18 August 2023 cases).
Incorrect or missing DO Part-II order for promotion/MACP.
No ink-signed Option Certificate or countersignature.
Failure to record OptFix choice in service book.
Late submission without time-bar sanction.
Choosing the wrong option, leading to lower pay or arrears.

Quick Tips

Tip
Submit Option Form within 3 months of promotion/MACP or by 17 November 2023 for pre-18 August 2023 cases.
Choose DoP for promotions after July or DNI for January–March (use upcoming OptFix Calculator).
Ensure promotion/MACP is published in DO Part-II and recorded in service book.
Submit ink-signed Option Certificate, countersigned by OC/CO.
Keep copies of all documents (Option Form, DO Part-II, sanction).
If promoted between 01 January 2016 and 03 May 2017, opt for 7th CPC by 18 November 2023.
Get time-bar sanction for late submissions from competent authority.
Check pay fixation in pay slip to avoid errors.