Government Revises Laptop Purchase Rules For Central Employees, Raises Price Limit To Rs 1.8 Lakh

The central government has revised its rules for providing laptops, notebooks and similar electronic devices to senior officers for official work. Under the new guidelines, eligible officers can purchase devices costing up to Rs 1.50 lakh, excluding taxes. The limit rises to Rs 1.80 lakh for devices with a Make-in-India component of more than 40 per cent.

The revised rules also allow officers to retain the devices after four years of use without making any payment. Those who retire or leave government service before completing four years can also keep their devices by paying the amount based on their book value.

The Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance issued the revised instructions through an office memorandum dated November 10, 2026.

Who Can Buy Laptops Under The New Rules

The facility covers central government officers in Pay Level 8 (Gazetted) and above under the 7th Pay Commission.

Officers in Pay Levels 8 to 11 are generally eligible, with the facility available to 50 per cent of the sanctioned strength. The secretary of the relevant department, upon consulting with the financial advisor, can extend this limit to 75 per cent.

For officers in Pay Level 12 and above, this can cover the entire sanctioned strength, subject to requirements and approval.

The guidelines apply to officers working in central government ministries and departments. Ministers, their personal staff, public sector undertakings (PSUs), state governments, autonomous and statutory bodies, and consultants are outside their scope. However, these organisations can adopt the rules after obtaining government approval.

What Can Be The Maximum Price Of A Laptop

The government has fixed the maximum purchase price at Rs 1.50 lakh plus applicable taxes. However, officers can spend up to Rs 1.80 lakh plus taxes if the device has a Make-in-India component exceeding 40 per cent.

The price limits include standard software required for official work, such as operating systems, antivirus programmes and MS Office.

When Can Officers Keep The Devices

The device will belong to the government for the first four years after purchase. Once this period is completed, the officer can retain it without payment, provided the department first removes all official data from it.

If an officer retires or leaves service before four years, they can keep the device by paying its book value on the date of leaving service.

The government will bear maintenance expenses after the warranty period. Officers will be responsible for protecting official data and can insure their devices at their own expense.

When Can A New Laptop Be Issued

A replacement device can be issued before four years if the existing one is declared beyond economical repair. A certificate from the original equipment manufacturer or its authorised service centre will be required.

If repair expenses exceed 50 per cent of the device's book value, the department will examine the case separately.

Officers transferred to another central government department can carry their devices to the new posting. Similar permission applies to transfers or deputations to PSUs, state governments and statutory bodies, although a fresh device will not be issued if the new organisation does not follow these guidelines.