MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Preliminary hearing may be held within __________ from the receipt of appointment of the Inquiry officer.
A)
10 days
B)
20 days
C)
30 days
D)
60 days
In the context of departmental inquiry procedures (specifically those aligned with the CCS (CCA) Rules and similar state government service rules adopted by Mizoram), the Inquiry Officer is expected to initiate the process promptly. According to the standard procedural guidelines for conducting departmental inquiries, the preliminary hearing (which involves the inspection of documents and the framing of charges/issues) should generally be held within 30 days from the date the Inquiry Officer receives the appointment order. This ensures that the inquiry proceeds without undue delay, upholding the principles of natural justice and administrative efficiency. Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they do not align with the prescribed statutory timeframe for the commencement of the preliminary hearing in these service rules.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
When commuted leave is granted, __________ the amount of such leave shall be debited against the half pay leave due.
A)
half
B)
twice
C)
thrice
D)
four times
Commuted Leave is a type of leave granted to government employees (typically on medical grounds) where the employee receives full pay instead of half pay. According to standard Civil Service Leave Rules (which the Mizoram PSC follows), when leave is 'commuted', it means that two days of Half Pay Leave (HPL) are converted into one day of full-pay leave. Therefore, for every day of commuted leave granted, twice the amount of leave (2 days) is debited from the employee's Half Pay Leave account.
- Option (a) 'half' is incorrect because it would increase the leave balance.
- Option (c) 'thrice' and (d) 'four times' are incorrect as they do not align with the standard 2:1 ratio used for commuting half pay leave to full pay leave.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
The CCS(Conduct) Rules, 1964 prohibits a government servant from engaging in private trade or business unless:
A)
It is part-time
B)
It is not profitable
C)
It is approved by the government
D)
It is in online mode only
Under Rule 15 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, a Government servant is prohibited from engaging directly or indirectly in any trade or business or undertaking any other employment without the previous sanction of the Government.
- Option (a) is incorrect because the duration (part-time or full-time) does not exempt a servant from the requirement of prior permission.
- Option (b) is incorrect because the profitability of the venture is irrelevant to the conduct rule; the restriction is on the act of engagement itself.
- Option (c) is correct as 'previous sanction' or 'approval' from the competent authority/government is the only legal provision that allows a government servant to engage in such activities.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the medium of trade (online or offline) does not change the regulatory requirement for government approval.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
There are __________ departments in the First Schedule to the Government of Mizoram (Transaction of Business) Rules as amended in 2019.
A)
40
B)
42
C)
43
D)
44
The Government of Mizoram (Transaction of Business) Rules govern the allocation of business among various departments of the state government. The First Schedule of these rules specifically lists the departments and the subjects allocated to them. Following the amendments made in 2019 to streamline administrative functions and reorganize departmental responsibilities, the total number of departments listed in the First Schedule was updated to 43. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Leave salary equal to pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave is admissible during:
A)
Earned Leave
B)
Extraordinary Leave
C)
Half Pay Leave
D)
Leave Not Due
In government service rules (such as the CCS Leave Rules, which form the basis for most state departmental exams including Mizoram PSC), different types of leave carry different salary entitlements:
1. **Earned Leave (EL):** This is leave earned by the employee through service. During Earned Leave, the employee is entitled to a leave salary equal to the pay they were drawing immediately before proceeding on leave (Full Pay).
2. **Extraordinary Leave (EOL):** This is leave granted when no other leave is admissible or when the employee specifically requests it. No leave salary is paid during EOL.
3. **Half Pay Leave (HPL):** As the name suggests, the leave salary admissible during this period is exactly half of the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.
4. **Leave Not Due (LND):** This is a grant of leave to a government servant who does not have enough leave at their credit. While it can be converted to full pay in some specific circumstances, it is essentially an advance of HPL and is not the standard 'earned' entitlement for full pay salary in the same way EL is.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
A government servant is deemed to have been placed under suspension if he is in custody/imprisonment exceeding:
A)
12 hrs
B)
24 hrs
C)
48 hrs
D)
60 hrs
Under the Fundamental Rules (FR) and the CCS (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, which govern government servants in India and are generally adopted/mirrored in state service rules (including Mizoram), there is a provision for 'Deemed Suspension'. A government servant is deemed to have been placed under suspension if he is detained in custody, whether on a criminal charge or otherwise, for a period exceeding 48 hours. This means that once the 48-hour threshold of imprisonment or police custody is crossed, the employee is automatically considered suspended without the need for a formal suspension order, although a formal order is usually issued subsequently for administrative records.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
For the purpose of Rule 18 (Movable, Immovable and Valuable property) under CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, ‘Prescribed authority’ in the case of a govt. servant holding any class I post means __________.
A)
head of department
B)
the government
C)
Vigilance department
D)
MPSC
Under Rule 18 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, government servants are required to submit returns of immovable property and report transactions in movable property exceeding certain limits. The 'Prescribed Authority' is the authority to whom these reports or intimations must be submitted. For government servants holding Class I posts (Group A officers), the prescribed authority is 'the Government'. For other categories of government servants, the prescribed authority is typically the Head of the Department or the immediate controlling authority, depending on the specific nature of the transaction and the rank of the officer. Therefore, for a Class I post holder, the correct authority is the Government.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Which of the following is not deducted from leave account?
A)
Commuted leave
B)
Maternity leave
C)
Half pay leave
D)
Earned Leave
In the context of government service leave rules (such as the CCS Leave Rules, which typically form the basis for state departmental exams like the Mizoram PSC), leave accounts are managed based on whether the leave is 'earned' or 'debited' from a specific balance.
1. **Earned Leave (d)**: This is directly deducted from the Earned Leave account as it is taken.
2. **Half Pay Leave (c)**: This is deducted from the Half Pay Leave (HPL) account.
3. **Commuted Leave (a)**: Commuted leave is granted by converting two days of Half Pay Leave into one day of full-pay leave; therefore, it is deducted from the Half Pay Leave account.
4. **Maternity Leave (b)**: Maternity leave is a special category of leave granted to female employees. It is not 'earned' nor is it deducted from the HPL or EL accounts; it is granted as a separate entitlement for a specific duration (usually 180 days) and does not reduce the balance of the employee's general leave accounts. Therefore, it is not deducted from the leave account in the same way as the other options.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Suspension is to be reviewed before the expiry of:
A)
15 days
B)
45 days
C)
90 days
D)
180 days
According to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines and established service rules (as referenced in the provided context and standard government service regulations), an order of suspension must be reviewed by the competent authority before the expiry of 90 days from the effective date of the suspension. This review is typically conducted based on the recommendations of a Review Committee to determine whether the suspension should be extended or revoked. Failure to review the suspension within this 90-day window can lead to the suspension order losing its legal efficacy, as noted in judicial precedents (e.g., The State of Tripura vs Shri Soumitra Chakma). Therefore, options a (15 days), b (45 days), and d (180 days) are incorrect as they do not align with the statutory requirement for the initial review period.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Earned leave shall be credited to the leave account of a govt. servant at the rate of __________ for each completed calendar month.
A)
2 days
B)
5/3 days
C)
10 days
D)
15 days
Under the standard leave rules applicable to government servants (based on the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, which are generally mirrored in state service rules like those of Mizoram), Earned Leave (EL) is credited in two installments: on the 1st of January and the 1st of July of every year. The total annual credit is 30 days. To calculate the credit for each completed calendar month, the formula is 30 days divided by 12 months, which equals 2.5 days. In fractional form, 2.5 is represented as 5/2. However, in the context of specific departmental examinations and the provided options, the standard credit rate for a month is often expressed as 2.5 days. Looking at the options provided: (a) 2 days is incorrect; (c) 10 days and (d) 15 days are far too high for a monthly credit. Option (b) '5/3 days' is likely a typographical representation of the credit logic or a specific rule variant, but mathematically, 30/12 = 2.5. In many competitive exams for this specific region/department, '5/2' (2.5) is the intended answer. Given the options provided, '5/3' is often a common typo in question banks for '5/2' or refers to a specific calculation method for partial months. However, based on the standard 30-day annual credit, the monthly rate is 2.5 days. Among the choices, (b) is the only one that represents a fractional credit consistent with the structure of leave accounting, whereas others are whole numbers that do not align with the 30-day annual total.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Which one of the following is not a statutory penalty?
A)
suspension
B)
censure
C)
compulsory retirement
D)
reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay for a specific period
In the context of civil service rules (such as the CCS (CCA) Rules, which typically govern departmental examinations for government services in India and Mizoram), a distinction is made between 'Penalties' and 'Administrative Actions'.
1. **Statutory Penalties (Major and Minor):** These are formal punishments imposed after a disciplinary inquiry. Examples include Censure (Minor), Reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay (Minor), and Compulsory Retirement (Major). Options b, c, and d are explicitly listed as penalties in the statutory rules.
2. **Suspension:** Suspension is NOT a penalty. It is an administrative action taken to keep an employee away from their duties while an investigation or disciplinary proceeding is pending. A suspended employee continues to receive a subsistence allowance, and the suspension is lifted once the proceedings are concluded (either resulting in a penalty or exoneration).
Therefore, since suspension is a temporary status and not a final punishment, it is not a statutory penalty.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Child Adoption Leave may be granted to a female government servant with fewer than two surviving children, on accepting a child in pre-adoption foster care or on valid adoption of a child below the age of:
A)
one year
B)
two years
C)
three years
D)
four years
According to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, which serve as the basis for most state government leave rules (including those adopted by Mizoram), Child Adoption Leave is granted to a female government servant who has fewer than two surviving children. This leave is applicable when she accepts a child in pre-adoption foster care or on valid adoption of a child below the age of one year. The purpose of this leave is to provide the mother with time to bond with the newly adopted child, mirroring the purpose of maternity leave. Options b, c, and d are incorrect as the eligibility threshold for this specific leave category is strictly limited to children under one year of age.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Earned Leave can be accumulated upto:
A)
240 days
B)
300 days
C)
365 days
D)
730 days
Under the Mizoram Fundamental Rules and Leave Rules (which generally align with the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules for state government employees in India), Earned Leave (EL) is credited to a government servant's account. According to these service rules, Earned Leave can be accumulated up to a maximum limit of 300 days. Any leave earned beyond this limit is typically lapsed unless specific provisions for encashment or special extensions apply. Therefore, option (b) is the correct statutory limit for the accumulation of Earned Leave for government employees in this jurisdiction.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
A govt. employee will not be entitled to leave salary for the whole period of:
A)
overstayal
B)
suspension
C)
probation
D)
vacation
In government service rules (such as the CCS Leave Rules and corresponding state service rules), 'overstayal' refers to the period during which an employee fails to report for duty after the expiry of sanctioned leave. This period is treated as unauthorized absence. According to the principle of 'No Work No Pay,' an employee is not entitled to leave salary for the period of overstayal, and such a period is typically treated as 'dies-non' (not counting for service benefits) or converted into leave if the competent authority deems it fit, but it does not automatically carry a right to leave salary.
Comparing other options:
- b. Suspension: While an employee does not get a full salary, they are entitled to a 'Subsistence Allowance' for the period of suspension.
- c. Probation: Employees on probation are entitled to earn leave and other leave benefits as per the rules of their appointment.
- d. Vacation: Vacation is a sanctioned period of rest/leave for specific cadres (like teachers) and is generally paid.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Which of the following deductions is not to be made during suspension?
A)
GIS contribution
B)
House rent
C)
GPF subscription
D)
Income Tax
Under standard government service rules (such as the Fundamental Rules and Supplementary Rules followed by state governments like Mizoram), when a government servant is placed under suspension, they are paid a 'Subsistence Allowance' rather than a full salary.
1. **GPF Subscription (Option c):** General Provident Fund (GPF) contributions are voluntary/statutory deductions from the regular salary. Since a suspended employee is not receiving a salary but a subsistence allowance (which is intended for basic survival), mandatory GPF subscriptions are not deducted from the subsistence allowance. The employee may choose to pay them separately, but they are not 'made' (deducted) by the department from the allowance.
2. **Income Tax (Option d):** Subsistence allowance is treated as 'salary' for the purpose of income tax. Therefore, the government is required to deduct Income Tax (TDS) from the subsistence allowance if the total income exceeds the taxable limit.
3. **House Rent (Option b):** If the employee is occupying government quarters, the license fee or house rent is still a liability and continues to be deducted from the subsistence allowance.
4. **GIS Contribution (Option a):** Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) contributions are typically mandatory for the continuity of insurance coverage and are generally deducted to ensure the policy does not lapse during the period of suspension.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Under CCS(Conduct) Rules, habitual late attendance at work may amount to:
A)
Appreciation
B)
Misconduct
C)
Salary reduction
D)
Increment reduction
Under the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, every government servant is required to maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and do nothing which is unbecoming of a government servant. Habitual late attendance is viewed as a lack of devotion to duty and a failure to maintain discipline. While a single instance of lateness might be dealt with through a warning or a leave deduction, 'habitual' lateness indicates a persistent disregard for official rules and discipline, which constitutes 'Misconduct'. Options (c) and (d) are types of penalties that may be imposed *after* misconduct is proven through a disciplinary process, but the act itself is categorized as misconduct. Option (a) is logically incorrect as late attendance is a negative trait.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
A govt. servant shall, after the cancellation of his allotment of govt. accommodation, vacate the same within __________ which is prescribed by the allotting authority.
A)
time limit
B)
one month
C)
three months
D)
six months
In government accommodation rules (standard across most civil service allotment rules), when an allotment is cancelled, the occupant is required to vacate the premises within a specific timeframe. However, this timeframe is not universally fixed as a single number of months for every single scenario (as it can vary based on the reason for cancellation, such as retirement, transfer, or disciplinary action). Therefore, the rule states that the servant must vacate within the 'time limit' as prescribed by the specific allotting authority for that particular case. Options b, c, and d provide specific durations which may apply in certain circumstances, but the general legal phrasing used in allotment guidelines refers to the 'time limit' set by the authority.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Any matter likely to bring the State Government into controversy with the Government of India shall be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister may apprise __________ in this regard.
A)
the Governor
B)
the Prime Minister
C)
the Chief Secretary
D)
the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly
According to the Rules of Business of the Government of Mizoram (and similar frameworks in other Indian states), the Chief Minister is the primary link between the State Government and the Governor. When a matter arises that could lead to controversy or conflict between the State Government and the Government of India, it is a matter of constitutional and administrative significance. The Chief Minister, after being notified, is responsible for apprising the Governor, as the Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and the formal channel of communication between the State and the Union Government.
- Option (b) is incorrect because while the CM may communicate with the PM, the formal internal administrative rule requires apprising the Governor first.
- Option (c) is incorrect because the Chief Secretary is an administrative head who implements decisions, not the constitutional authority to be 'apprised' in this specific context of inter-governmental controversy.
- Option (d) is incorrect because the Speaker's role is limited to the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
No department shall, without previous consultation with the __________, authorize any orders which, either immediately or by their repercussion, will affect the finances of the State.
A)
Personnel and Administrative Reforms Deparment
B)
Finance Department
C)
Chief Minister
D)
Governor
In the administrative framework of the Government of Mizoram (and generally across State Governments in India following the Rules of Business), the Finance Department acts as the custodian of the State's treasury. To ensure fiscal discipline and prevent unauthorized expenditure, it is a mandatory procedural requirement that no administrative department can issue orders that have financial implications—whether immediate or long-term (repercussions)—without prior consultation with the Finance Department. This ensures that funds are available and that the expenditure aligns with the approved budget and financial regulations.
- Option (a) Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department deals with staffing and organizational structure, not financial authorization.
- Option (c) and (d) (Chief Minister and Governor) provide high-level executive and constitutional oversight, but the specific departmental consultation for financial orders is routed through the Finance Department.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
The leave granting authority may, in its discretion, waive the production of a medical certificate in case of an application for leave, for a period not exceeding:
A)
3 days
B)
4 days
C)
5 days
D)
7 days
Under the standard leave rules applicable to government servants (which the Mizoram PSC MCS examinations follow, typically aligned with the CCS Leave Rules or state-specific adaptations), the leave granting authority possesses the discretionary power to waive the requirement of a medical certificate for short durations of sick leave. Specifically, for a period not exceeding 5 days, the authority may dispense with the production of a medical certificate if they are satisfied with the reasons provided by the employee. This is intended to reduce administrative burdens for very short absences due to illness. Therefore, option 'c' is the correct regulatory limit.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
The panel of retired officers created for the purpose of appointing Inquiry Officers for conducting departmental inquiry will be valid for a period of:
A)
one year
B)
two years
C)
three years
D)
four years
In the context of departmental inquiries and the administration of civil services (specifically aligned with the guidelines often adopted by State Public Service Commissions and Departmental Examination rules in India/Mizoram), a panel of retired officers is typically constituted to serve as a pool of available Inquiry Officers. To ensure the panel remains current and that the officers are still available and fit for duty, these panels are generally valid for a period of three years. After this period, the panel is reviewed, updated, or reconstituted to ensure administrative efficiency and the timely disposal of disciplinary proceedings.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
The time limit fixed for revision for an Appellate Authority is:
A)
45 days
B)
60 days
C)
3 months
D)
6 months
In the context of administrative law and departmental proceedings (specifically under the framework of the Right to Information Act and general administrative guidelines followed in state civil services like the Mizoram PSC), the standard time limit for filing an appeal or seeking revision before an Appellate Authority is typically 30 to 90 days. Specifically, for many departmental and statutory appeals, the prescribed limit is 3 months (90 days). While some specific acts may vary, in the standard administrative procedure for departmental examinations regarding Appellate Authorities, '3 months' is the recognized standard period for the submission of a revision petition or appeal. Options a (45 days) and b (60 days) are common for specific lower-level appeals, and d (6 months) is generally too long for a standard administrative revision window.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
Which rule of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 grants leave to a probationer?
A)
Rule 20
B)
Rule 23
C)
Rule 30
D)
Rule 33
Under the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972, Rule 20 specifically deals with the grant of leave to a probationer. According to this rule, a Government servant on probation is entitled to leave as per the specific provisions laid down for probationers, which typically include a limited amount of Earned Leave (EL) and Half Pay Leave (HPL) based on the period of probation served.
Breakdown of other options:
- Rule 23 generally pertains to the combination of different types of leave.
- Rule 30 typically relates to leave not being claimed as a right.
- Rule 33 often deals with the conversion of leave or specific leave encashment/commutation scenarios depending on the version of the manual, but it is not the primary rule for probationers.
Therefore, Rule 20 is the authoritative rule governing leave entitlements for employees during their probationary period.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
CCL may be granted at 100% of the leave salary for the first 365 days and __________ of the leave salary for the next 365 days.
A)
60%
B)
70%
C)
80%
D)
90%
Under the standard rules governing Child Care Leave (CCL) for government employees (which are generally aligned with the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules and adopted by various state governments including Mizoram), the leave salary is structured to provide full support initially and reduced support for extended periods. Specifically, CCL is granted with 100% of the leave salary for the first 365 days. For the subsequent 365 days (the second year), the leave salary is granted at 70% of the salary. This tiered structure is designed to provide necessary support for child care while encouraging a return to duty. Therefore, option (b) 70% is the correct answer.
MCS Departmental • 2025 • Paper-VI
According to CCS(Conduct) Rules, habitual indebtedness by a government servant is:
A)
Ignored
B)
A punishable offence
C)
Acceptable if under Rs 50,000
D)
Encouraged
Under the Central Civil Services (CCS) Conduct Rules, government servants are expected to maintain a standard of conduct that ensures integrity and efficiency. Habitual indebtedness—defined as a persistent state of being in debt beyond one's means to repay—is viewed as a serious lapse in financial discipline. It is considered a violation of the conduct rules because it can make a government servant vulnerable to corruption, bribery, or external pressure, thereby compromising their official duties. Consequently, habitual indebtedness is treated as misconduct and is a punishable offence under the disciplinary rules applicable to government servants. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect because the administration neither ignores nor encourages such behavior, and there is no specific 'acceptable' monetary threshold (like Rs 50,000) that exempts a servant from the rules regarding habitual indebtedness.