The Union Government has notified new rules in 2026 to include Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers as ex-servicemen. This change clears confusion about their eligibility for re-employment benefits. According to the Ministry of Defence, the amendment updates Rule 2(c)(i) to cover soldiers and MNS personnel alike. MNS officers, who are commissioned, will now receive the same benefits as other veterans. This means they can apply for government jobs with special reservations—10% in Group ‘C’ and 20% in Group ‘D’ posts. They will also get age relaxation based on their military service plus three years. The government said this will improve rehabilitation and second-career options for MNS personnel. They will also get equal priority in hiring through the Union Public Service Commission and Staff Selection Commission. The amendment took effect immediately on February 9, 2026, as published in the Gazette. This move marks a big step to recognise all defence service members fairly under retirement and re-employment schemes.