On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved a 3 percentage point hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, from 60% to 63% of basic, effective 1 July 2026. This DA calculator shows your monthly increase, the arrears due from July, and the change in your NPS or UPS contribution.
DA increase by pay level (60% to 63%)
| Basic pay | DA at 63% | Monthly increase | Arrears July-October (4 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 18,000 (Level 1) | Rs. 11,340 | Rs. 540 | Rs. 2,160 |
| Rs. 25,500 (Level 4) | Rs. 16,065 | Rs. 765 | Rs. 3,060 |
| Rs. 35,400 (Level 6) | Rs. 22,302 | Rs. 1,062 | Rs. 4,248 |
| Rs. 44,900 (Level 7) | Rs. 28,287 | Rs. 1,347 | Rs. 5,388 |
| Rs. 56,100 (Level 10) | Rs. 35,343 | Rs. 1,683 | Rs. 6,732 |
| Rs. 9,000 (minimum pension) | Rs. 5,670 DR | Rs. 270 | Rs. 1,080 |
DA history in the 7th Pay Commission (recent)
| Effective from | DA / DR |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | 63% |
| 1 January 2026 | 60% |
| 1 July 2025 | 58% |
| 1 January 2025 | 55% |
DA is revised twice a year, from 1 January and 1 July, based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). Announcements usually come two to four months later, with arrears.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current DA rate for central government employees?
63% of basic pay from 1 July 2026, approved by the Cabinet on 28 October 2026.
How are DA arrears calculated?
Arrears = basic pay x DA increase (3%) x number of months since 1 July 2026 until the month the new rate is paid.
Does DA hike increase NPS contribution?
Yes. NPS and UPS contributions are on Basic + DA. The Government’s 14% (NPS) or 18.5% (UPS) share rises too.
Is DA taxable?
Yes. DA and DA arrears are fully taxable as salary. Arrears for earlier years can claim relief under the provisions for salary received in arrears.
Read our news report: DA hiked to 63% from 1 July 2026.