DA Hike Update: Will salaries increase after Diwali? Find out when the arrears will be credited to your account.
DA Hike Update: Central government employees and pensioners will soon receive an increased salary. See the full breakdown and updates regarding the 4-month arrears and the date for the new salary payments.
DA Hike Update: If you or anyone in your family is a central government employee or pensioner, this news directly impacts your budget and finances. As October draws to a close—a month during which the government has already taken several major decisions for the festive season—the suspense surrounding the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) continues.
All eyes are now on the potential Cabinet meeting scheduled for October 28, 2026. Let’s look at what this meeting could mean for you and how much extra money you might receive.
What is expected at the Cabinet meeting on October 28?
The central government typically announces major policy decisions following a Cabinet meeting. With over 10 million (1 crore) employees and pensioners across the country awaiting this decision, it is widely anticipated that the increase in DA could be approved during the October 28 meeting.
Note: A Cabinet meeting is not a strict requirement for increasing the DA. The government could also announce the hike by issuing an official notification without holding a meeting.
How much could your salary and pension increase?
Based on retail inflation data, a 3% increase in the Dearness Allowance is considered highly likely.
Current DA rate: 60%
Expected new DA rate: 63% (after a 3% increase)
Possibility: Some experts suggest there could even be an increase of up to 4%.
When and how will the arrears (outstanding payments) be disbursed?
This new DA rate will be applicable for the period from July 2026 to December 2026. According to Manjit Singh Patel, President of the All India New Pension Scheme Employees Federation (AINPSEF), if the government makes an announcement by the end of October, employees will also receive arrears for the past four months.
| Month |
DA Status |
|---|---|
| July, August, September, October |
Employees will receive DA arrears for four months. |
| November |
Increased DA is expected to be paid along with the November salary. |
Note: Whether the arrears will be paid in a lump sum or in installments will only become clear following the government's official notification.
What lies ahead for central government employees?
For now, all eyes are on October 28. If the Cabinet gives its approval on that day, then, following Diwali, the November salary will bring a double dose of joy for central government employees—an increased salary, along with a substantial four-month arrears payment.
