Central Government Revises Dearness Allowance Rates for 2026
DA Revised for Employees Under 5th and 6th Central Pay Commission
The Department of Posts has circulated an important order regarding the revision of Dearness Allowance (DA) rates for Central Government employees and employees of Central Autonomous Bodies who continue to draw pay under the pre-revised pay scales of the 5th and 6th Central Pay Commission.
Download Dearness Allowance Rates for 2026
As per the Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, the revised DA rates will be effective from 1st January 2026.
Revised DA Rates
Employees under the 5th Central Pay Commission will see their DA increased from 474% to 483% of Basic Pay.
Employees under the 6th Central Pay Commission will receive an increase from 257% to 262% of Basic Pay.
The Department of Posts communicated the orders through a letter dated 18 May 2026 addressed to all Chief Postmasters General, Directors, Postal Accounts offices, and other departmental authorities.
Applicable Instructions Continue
The memorandum also clarified that the existing provisions governing Dearness Allowance under earlier Ministry of Finance orders will continue to apply while regulating DA under these revised rates.
Impact on Employees
The DA revision will provide additional financial relief to employees and pensioners still covered under the old pay commission structures. The enhancement is part of the routine biannual revision linked to inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
The order has been circulated to all Ministries, Departments, Postal Directorates, recognized Federations, and Associations for necessary action and implementation.