DA Calculator

Central Govt Employees · FY 2026‑27

DA Arrears & Salary Impact Calculator

Pick your Pay Level and cell — basic pay, Transport Allowance and your exact DA arrears are worked out for you. Updated with the confirmed 60% (Jan 2026) rate and the AICPI‑IW‑calculated 63% expected from July 2026.

Confirmed, effective 1 Jan 2026
Expected 1 Jul 2026 — see Predictor tab

Frequently asked questions

What is the current DA rate for central government employees?

60% of Basic Pay, effective from 1 January 2026. Pensioners receive the identical rate as Dearness Relief (DR).

What will the DA rate be from July 2026?

Using the complete AICPI‑IW dataset for July 2025–June 2026, the formula calculates 63%. The figure is mechanically final but not yet formally notified by the Department of Expenditure — that Office Memorandum typically follows a couple of months after the 1 July effective date, with arrears paid from July.

How exactly is DA calculated?

DA% = [(12‑month average AICPI‑IW × 2.88) − 261.42] ÷ 261.42 × 100, with the resulting fraction dropped (rounded down), per the formula in use since the 7th CPC.

Does Transport Allowance increase every time DA increases?

The TA base amount (set by your Pay Level and posting city) stays fixed. Only the “DA on TA” component — DA% applied to that base — moves up or down with each DA revision.

How often is DA revised?

Twice a year: effective 1 January and 1 July, based on the trailing 12‑month AICPI‑IW average published monthly by the Labour Bureau.

AICPI-IW Index & Dearness Allowance Calculation Overview

Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners are revised twice a year, normally with effect from 1st January and 1st July. The calculation is linked to the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), published monthly by the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment.

Current DA Rate: 60%
The current Dearness Allowance for Central Government employees is 60% of Basic Pay with effect from 1 January 2026. The corresponding Dearness Relief (DR) rate for Central Government pensioners/family pensioners is also 60%.

July 2026 DA Calculation — CPI-IW Data

For the DA revision effective from 1 July 2026, the relevant 12-month CPI-IW period is July 2025 to June 2026. All 12 monthly CPI-IW figures for this calculation are now available from the Labour Bureau.

Month CPI-IW (2016=100) Monthly Change Status
July 2025 146.5 +1.5 Counted
August 2025 147.1 +0.6 Counted
September 2025 147.3 +0.2 Counted
October 2025 147.7 +0.4 Counted
November 2025 148.2 +0.5 Counted
December 2025 148.2 0.0 Counted
January 2026 148.6 +0.4 Counted
February 2026 148.5 -0.1 Counted
March 2026 149.1 +0.6 Counted
April 2026 149.9 +0.8 Counted
May 2026 150.8 +0.9 Counted
June 2026 151.9 +1.1 Final

The average of the above 12 CPI-IW readings is approximately 148.65. Applying the 7th CPC formula gives a calculated DA level of approximately 63.77%. This is a calculation based on the published CPI-IW data and should not be described as the officially notified DA rate until the Government issues the applicable order.

7th CPC Dearness Allowance Formula

The DA calculation uses the 12-month average CPI-IW and the linking factor applicable to the 2016 CPI-IW series.

DA % = [ ((12-Month Average CPI-IW × 2.88) − 261.42) ÷ 261.42 ] × 100

The linking factor of 2.88 is used to link the CPI-IW 2016=100 series with the earlier 2001=100 series. The fractional portion is ignored for the DA percentage.

July 2026 DA: What the Calculation Shows

  • Current DA: 60% with effect from 1 January 2026.
  • Relevant CPI-IW period: July 2025 to June 2026.
  • 12-month average CPI-IW: approximately 148.65.
  • Calculated DA level: approximately 63.77%, before applying the Government’s final notified rate.
  • Official rate: The final DA rate for the July 2026 revision should be treated as official only after the applicable Government order is issued.

July 2026 CPI-IW — Next DA Calculation Cycle

The Labour Bureau has subsequently released the July 2026 CPI-IW index at 153.2. This figure is not part of the July 2026 DA calculation above. It will form part of the next 12-month CPI-IW calculation cycle for a future DA revision.

Month CPI-IW (2016=100) Calculation Cycle
July 2026 153.2 Next Cycle

Further monthly CPI-IW figures will be added as they are officially released by the Labour Bureau. The complete 12-month data will be required before the next DA calculation can be determined.

Important Points for Central Government Employees & Pensioners

  • DA is calculated with reference to the CPI-IW data published by the Labour Bureau.
  • The current DA rate is 60% from 1 January 2026.
  • DA and DR are generally revised twice a year, with effect from 1 January and 1 July.
  • Transport Allowance is also affected by the applicable DA component wherever DA is admissible on Transport Allowance.
  • The CPI-IW figure for July 2026 (153.2) belongs to the next calculation cycle and should not be added to the July 2026 12-month calculation.
Disclaimer: CPI-IW figures in this section are based on official releases of the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Calculated or expected DA percentages are for informational purposes only. The applicable DA/DR rate is the rate notified by the Government of India through the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

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