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Informational Guide: CGHS City Classification Clarification for HRA Mapping

Circular Number: F.No. 5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024 (Part I)/I/3808906/2025

Published By: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Directorate of CGHS

Date: October 9, 2025

English: The Ministry of Health has clarified how city classifications for CGHS rate purposes align with HRA (House Rent Allowance) city tiers. Key NCR cities like Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram will be treated as Delhi (X-Class/Tier 1) for CGHS rates. This clarification ensures uniform treatment costs across these interconnected urban areas.

Hindi: स्वास्थ्य मंत्रालय ने स्पष्ट किया है कि सीजीएचएस दरों के उद्देश्य से शहरों का वर्गीकरण एचआरए (हाउस रेंट अलाउंस) शहर स्तरों के साथ कैसे मेल खाता है। फरीदाबाद, गाज़ियाबाद, नोएडा और गुरुग्राम जैसे प्रमुख एनसीआर शहरों को सीजीएचएस दरों के लिए दिल्ली (एक्स-क्लास/टियर 1) के समान माना जाएगा। यह स्पष्टीकरण इन परस्पर जुड़े शहरी क्षेत्रों में एक समान उपचार लागत सुनिश्चित करता है।

Official Subject

CGHS rates applicable for treatment at a healthcare organisation regarding city-class/tier mapping in terms of HRA continuation orders (reference annexure 1)

Important Extracts from the Circular

"In partial modification/clarification of Annexure-1 to the O.M. dated 03.10.2025 cited at Ref. (1), and in consonance with the Ministry of Finance O.M.s cited at Ref. (2), it is hereby clarified that for the purposes of city-class/tier mapping and rate applicability in Annexure-1..." "The following locations shall be treated at par with 'Delhi (X-Class/ Tier 1 City)': Faridabad (Haryana), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and Gurugram (Haryana)." "All references in Annexure-1 to city class/tier mapping and rate applicability for the above locations shall be read in line with the Ministry of Finance O.M.s cited at Ref. (2) to (4)."

Exact Circular Content

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Directorate of CGHS

F. No. 5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024 (Part I)/I/3808906/2025

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: CGHS rates applicable for treatment at a healthcare organisation regarding city-class/tier mapping in terms of HRA continuation orders (reference annexure 1)

Reference:

1. CGHS O.M. F.No. 5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024 (Part I) (Comp No. 8365027) dated 03.10.2025 — Revised Rates (Annexure-1).
2. Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M.No. 2/5/2017-E. II(B) dated 07.07.2017 — Para 6 Special orders on continuance of HRA

In partial modification/clarification of Annexure-1 to the O.M. dated 03.10.2025 cited at Ref. (1), and in consonance with the Ministry of Finance O.M.s cited at Ref. (2), it is hereby clarified that for the purposes of city-class/tier mapping and rate applicability in Annexure-1:

1. i. The following locations shall be treated at par with "Delhi (X-Class/ Tier 1 City)": Faridabad (Haryana), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and Gurugram (Haryana).
2. ii. Jalandhar Cantt. shall be treated at par with "Jalandhar (Y-Class/ Tier 2 City)" for rate-class/tier purposes.
3. iii. Goa, and Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) shall be treated at "Y-Class/ Tier 2 City" rates for rate-class/tier purposes.
4. iv. Panchkula (Haryana) and S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali, Punjab) shall be treated at par with "Chandigarh (Y-Class/ Tier 2 City)" for rate-class/tier purposes.

All references in Annexure-1 to city class/tier mapping and rate applicability for the above locations shall be read in line with the Ministry of Finance O.M.s cited at Ref. (2) to (4). All other contents of the O.M. dated 03.10.2025, including Annexures, remain unchanged.

Digitally signed by Dr Satheesh Y H

Date: 09-10-2025

(Dr Satheesh Y. H.)

Director (CGHS)

Tel No. 011-26872280

Copy to:

1. All Ministries and Departments of the Government of India through the CGHS website
2. Addl. DDG (CGHS) with the directions to monitor the implementation in coordination with AD HQ.
3. Addl. Director, CGHS(HQ)/ Addl. Directors, CGHS of Cities / Zone with the directions to comply with the provision of instructions above

Simplified Explanation

• NCR Equivalence: Four major NCR cities (Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram) will now follow Delhi's X-Class/Tier 1 CGHS rates, not their own state's classifications.
• HRA-CGHS Alignment: This circular aligns CGHS city classifications with existing HRA (House Rent Allowance) city tiers established by the Finance Ministry in 2017.
• Specific Clarifications: Several other locations (Jalandhar Cantt, Goa, Port Blair, Panchkula, Mohali) get specific classifications for uniform CGHS rate application.

Who Is Affected

• CGHS beneficiaries residing in or seeking treatment in Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, Jalandhar Cantt, Goa, Port Blair, Panchkula, or Mohali.
• Hospitals and healthcare empanelled under CGHS in these locations.
• CGHS administration and claim processing units handling bills from these cities.

Practical Implications

• Uniform Rates in NCR: Medical treatment costs will now be standardized across Delhi and its four major satellite cities under CGHS.
• Claim Processing: Hospitals in these cities should bill according to Delhi (X-Class) rates rather than their state's typical classification.
• Beneficiary Understanding: CGHS cardholders should know that treatment in these cities now follows higher-tier city rates, potentially affecting co-payment amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why are Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram being treated as Delhi for CGHS rates?

Answer: These cities are part of the National Capital Region (NCR) and already follow Delhi's HRA classification. This circular aligns CGHS rates with the existing HRA city tier system for consistency.

Q2. Does this mean CGHS rates have increased in these cities?

Answer: For Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram, yes - they move from their state's classification to Delhi's X-Class/Tier 1 rates, which are generally higher. For other mentioned cities, it clarifies their existing tier classification.

Q3. When does this classification change take effect?

Answer: The circular is effective from its issue date (October 9, 2025) and applies to the CGHS Revised Rates notification dated October 3, 2025.

Q4. What about other NCR cities like Sonipat, Meerut or Bahadurgarh?

Answer: This circular specifically mentions only four NCR cities. Other NCR areas continue with their existing state classifications unless specifically included in future notifications.

Download Official PDF Circular

This is an unofficial, independent informational summary created for educational purposes only. For authoritative and legally binding information, please refer to the original circular published by the concerned authority.