DA hike from July 2026: 3% expected, taking DA to 63% — what we know
Labour Bureau price data up to June 2026 points to a 3% DA/DR hike from 1 July 2026 — from 60% to 63%. It is not official until the Union Cabinet approves it, which usually happens in September or October. Once approved, arrears for July onwards are paid with the next salary. At ₹35,400 basic, the hike is worth ₹1,062 a month.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current DA/DR | 60% (from 1 Jan 2026) | Ministry of Finance |
| Expected from 1 Jul 2026 | 63% (+3%) — based on CPI-IW up to June 2026 | Labour Bureau data (reported) |
| CPI-IW June 2026 | 151.9 (base 2016=100), as reported | Labour Bureau |
| Beneficiaries | About 50 lakh employees and 68–69 lakh pensioners | Cabinet release (Jan 2026 hike) |
| Status | Awaiting Cabinet approval | As of 25 Sep 2026 |
What is expected
The 7th CPC formula uses the 12-month average of the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW). With the June 2026 index released, the average for July 2025–June 2026 works out to a DA of 63% after rounding down. That is a 3 percentage point increase over the current 60%.
When will it be announced?
Past pattern for the July instalment:
| Year | July DA hike | Cabinet approval |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 42% → 46% | 18 October 2023 |
| 2024 | 50% → 53% | 16 October 2024 |
| 2025 | 55% → 58% | October 2025 |
So an announcement in October 2026 is likely, often before Diwali. Treat any earlier “confirmed” message with care until you see a PIB release or a Department of Expenditure order.
How much more will you get?
| Basic pay / pension | +3% per month | Arrears Jul–Sep (3 months) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹18,000 | ₹540 | ₹1,620 |
| ₹25,500 | ₹765 | ₹2,295 |
| ₹35,400 | ₹1,062 | ₹3,186 |
| ₹44,900 | ₹1,347 | ₹4,041 |
| ₹56,100 | ₹1,683 | ₹5,049 |
If it is paid with November salary, arrears cover four months (July–October). Calculate your own figure with the DA calculator.
What about Maharashtra state employees?
Maharashtra and other states set their own DA and usually follow the central rate some months later through a Government Resolution (GR). Check the GR on maharashtra.gov.in for your department.
Does this change the 8th Pay Commission?
No. DA keeps rising every six months until the new pay is fixed. The DA at that point is expected to be merged through the fitment factor. See the 8th Pay Commission latest update.
Frequently asked questions
Has the July 2026 DA hike been announced?
Not as of 25 September 2026. It is expected to be 3% (60% to 63%) and is awaiting Cabinet approval.
When will DA arrears be paid?
With the first salary after the order is issued, covering July 2026 up to the month before the new rate is paid.
Will pensioners get the same hike?
Yes. Dearness Relief for pensioners and family pensioners is revised at the same rate from the same date.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- Press Information BureauCabinet decisions on DA/DR
- Department of ExpenditureDA office memoranda
- Labour BureauMonthly CPI-IW data
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