Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Central government employees await possible 3% DA hike announcement
Central government employees are waiting for a new Dearness Allowance announcement.
The allowance helps adjust pay when prices rise.
New inflation data suggests it could increase by 3%.
That would raise the total DA from 60% to 63%.
The Finance Ministry has not officially confirmed the increase yet.
Employee unions want the announcement made quickly.
Reports say the paperwork may be completed by the first week of October.
The government often announces DA changes around the Dussehra festival.
The next Dearness Allowance increase for central government employees has not yet been officially announced.
Based on July 2025-June 2026 inflation data, the DA is estimated to rise by 3% to 63%.
The announcement is expected by the first week of October, potentially before Dussehra.
Employee unions have urged the Ministry of Finance to speed up the approval process.
The 12-month AICPI-IW average was 148.65, producing a calculated DA rate of 63.76%, rounded to 63%.
- Who
- Central government employees, employee unions, and the Ministry of Finance.
- What
- A possible 3% Dearness Allowance increase, taking the total to 63%.
- When
- The announcement is expected by the first week of October 2026, ahead of or around Dussehra on October 20.
- Where
- India, under the central government pay system.
- Why
- The increase is based on the 12-month average of the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.
- Estimated DA hike
- 3%
- Estimated total DA
- 63%
- Latest official DA rate listed
- 60%, announced on April 22, 2026
- AICPI-IW period used
- July 2025 through June 2026
- 12-month average index
- 148.65
- Calculated DA rate
- 63.76%, rounded to 63%
- Expected announcement timing
- By the first week of October 2026