Last updated: November 4, 2026. This guide explains the Cabinet decision of 28 October 2026 and the standard DA formula. Official orders from the Department of Expenditure and the pension department, and the exact arrears payment dates, should be checked with your office. This is not financial advice.
Quick Answer
- Approved: the Union Cabinet approved a 3% DA and DR hike on 28 October 2026.
- New rate: DA is now 63% of basic pay, up from 60%.
- Effective date: 1 July 2026, so arrears for July to October are due.
- Beneficiaries: about 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners.
- Arrears: reports expect the arrears for July to October to be paid with the November salary, but confirm with your office after the official orders are issued.
- DA is calculated on basic pay or basic pension only, not on other allowances.
- The next revision is due from 1 January 2027, and any figure for it is speculation for now.
Introduction: DA Hike July 2026 Approved, DA Now 63%
The DA hike July 2026 has been approved. On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved an additional 3 percentage point instalment of Dearness Allowance for central government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners, taking DA from 60% to 63% of basic pay with effect from 1 July 2026. According to ANI, the decision benefits about 48.54 lakh central government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners.
This guide explains the DA hike July 2026: what was approved, who benefits, how arrears work, a salary table at the new rate, how the timing compares with earlier years and what to expect next.
Table of Contents
DA Hike July 2026: Old Rate vs New Rate
| Item | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| DA rate | 60% | 63% |
| Effective from | 1 January 2026 | 1 July 2026 |
| Change | A rise of 2 percentage points | A rise of 3 percentage points |
| Cabinet decision | April 2026 | 28 October 2026 |
| For pensioners | Dearness Relief at 60% | Dearness Relief at 63% |
How the Timing Compares With Earlier Years
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2024 | The Cabinet approved a 3% rise, from 50% to 53% from 1 July 2024, on 16 October 2024, and the order followed at the end of October |
| 2025 | The Cabinet approved a 3% rise, from 55% to 58% from 1 July 2025, on 1 October 2025 |
| 2026 | The Cabinet approved a 3% rise, from 60% to 63% from 1 July 2026, on 28 October 2026 |
DA Hike July 2026 Calculator: What You Get at 63%
Use this table to see the extra amount that comes from the rise from 60% to 63%. It is an estimate, not an official calculation.
| Basic pay per month | DA at 60% | DA at 63% | Extra per month | Arrears for 4 months (July to October) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹18,000 | ₹10,800 | ₹11,340 | ₹540 | ₹2,160 |
| ₹30,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,900 | ₹900 | ₹3,600 |
| ₹50,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹31,500 | ₹1,500 | ₹6,000 |
| ₹80,000 | ₹48,000 | ₹50,400 | ₹2,400 | ₹9,600 |
| ₹1,20,000 | ₹72,000 | ₹75,600 | ₹3,600 | ₹14,400 |
To calculate your own number, multiply your basic pay by 3% for the extra amount per month. Arrears equal that extra amount multiplied by the number of months from 1 July until the month the new rate is paid. Pensioners can use their basic pension in the same way.
The real arrears depend on the date of the official order and how it is paid, so your actual figure may differ.
Who Benefits From the DA Hike July 2026?
Central government employees receive Dearness Allowance, and pensioners receive Dearness Relief (DR). ANI reports about 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners. State government employees get DA through their own state orders, which often follow the Centre but on the state’s own timeline.
What to Do Now
- Wait for the official orders from the Department of Expenditure and the pension department before you plan spending.
- Check your November pay slip for the new rate and for arrears.
- Estimate your arrears with the table above, but expect small differences.
- Ignore forwarded messages that show exact arrears figures before the orders are out.
What Happens Next
The next DA revision is due from 1 January 2027 and is usually announced a few months later. Some outlets have already published a possible figure, but that is speculation until the government announces it.
Final Thoughts on the DA Hike July 2026
The DA hike July 2026 is now official: DA has gone from 60% to 63% from 1 July 2026. Use the table to estimate your extra pay, check your November pay slip and wait for the official orders for the arrears details. We will update this guide when the orders are issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the DA hike for July 2026 been announced?
Yes. The Union Cabinet approved it on 28 October 2026, taking DA from 60% to 63% with effect from 1 July 2026.
What is the new DA rate?
DA and DR are now 63% of basic pay or basic pension.
Will I get arrears?
Yes. Because the hike applies from 1 July 2026, arrears for the months before the new rate is paid are due. Reports expect them with the November salary.
How many people benefit?
ANI reports about 48.54 lakh central government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners.
Does the DA hike apply to state employees?
Not automatically. State governments announce DA for their own employees, usually following the Centre on their own timeline.
Update Log
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| November 4, 2026 | Rewritten after the Cabinet approved the DA hike to 63% on 28 October 2026 |
| October 23, 2026 | Updated: still no announcement by 22 October |
| October 16, 2026 | First version after the 14 October Cabinet meeting did not announce the July 2026 DA revision |
Sources and Official Links
- ANI: Cabinet approves 3% DA hike
- Trak.in: 3% DA hike approved, DA now 63%
- Department of Expenditure
- Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
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