The Karnataka High Court has ruled that Child Care Leave (CCL) can extend beyond the exact exam dates, recognising that the preparation period is equally vital for a child’s success.
The case involved Kavita V, an employee at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), who sought leave from December 2025 to May 2026 to help her son prepare for two phases of CBSE exams. While C-DAC initially granted her only 18 days covering the first exam phase, the Central Administrative Tribunal allowed her leave until 20 May. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and C-DAC challenged this decision, but the High Court dismissed their petition.
A Division Bench of Justice SG Pandit and Justice KV Aravind clarified that Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, does not restrict CCL to exam days alone. The judges emphasised that the preparatory phase is “equally significant” and that the rules give employees the discretion to decide when their child needs them. Importantly, the employer has no authority to judge whether the reasons for seeking leave are sufficient.
By affirming that parents can take CCL for exam preparation, the court reinforced the principle that supporting a child’s education goes beyond being present on the day of the exam. The ruling highlights that parental involvement during the lead-up to exams is a legitimate and protected reason for extended leave.
Thanks to the Karnataka HC, it is now clear that CCL isn’t just about exam dates alone but about giving children the support they need to prepare and perform with confidence.
