The Economic Times

DA likely to rise by 2% for central government employees in January 2026; check expected hike in total pay

DA, DR hike for employees and pensioners: Central government employees and pensioners are set to receive a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) hike each in January 2026, bringing the total to 60%. This adjustment is based on the December 2025 All India Consumer Price Index-Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) data. The government may announce this hike in March 2026.