Central government employees are awaiting the next Dearness Allowance (DA) announcement for the July–December 2026 period. Meanwhile, the government has announced a Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Non-PLB) for eligible employees for the financial year 2025-26. Also known as an ad hoc or annual bonus, the payment is intended for employees who are not covered by the Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme.
An order dated October 15, 2026, outlines the eligibility conditions and calculation method for the bonus. The benefit covers specified categories of central government staff, including eligible casual workers, subject to the applicable service requirements.
Which Central Government Employees Are Eligible?
The Non-PLB bonus is intended for Group C employees and non-gazetted Group B employees who are not covered by the Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme. Eligible personnel serving in the Central Armed Police Forces and Armed Forces are also included.
Certain casual employees may qualify if they meet the service conditions specified in the government order. Employees working in Union Territories under the central government pay structure may also be eligible.
A key condition is that an employee must not already receive benefits under another bonus or ex-gratia scheme covering the same purpose.
How Much Bonus Will Employees Receive?
Eligible regular employees will receive a bonus equivalent to 30 days’ salary, calculated using a maximum monthly salary of ₹7,000.
Under this formula, the maximum bonus payable is ₹6,908 per eligible employee. The calculation uses the employee’s average monthly salary or the prescribed salary ceiling, whichever is lower.
The calculation is as follows:
₹7,000 × 30 ÷ 30.4 = ₹6,907.89
After rounding to the nearest rupee, the amount comes to ₹6,908. Employees whose monthly salary exceeds ₹7,000 will also have their bonus calculated using the prescribed ceiling.
Bonus Calculation for Eligible Casual Workers
For eligible casual workers, the calculation uses a monthly salary ceiling of ₹1,200.
The formula is:
₹1,200 × 30 ÷ 30.4 = ₹1,184.21
After rounding, the bonus amounts to ₹1,184. If a casual worker earns less than ₹1,200 per month, the calculation will be based on their actual monthly earnings rather than the maximum limit.
Casual employees must also satisfy the service requirements specified in the government order to qualify for the payment.
When Can Employees Expect the Next DA Announcement?
Alongside the bonus payment, central government employees are watching for a decision on the DA revision for July–December 2026.
A possible increase of 3–4 percentage points has been anticipated, which could take the DA rate to 63% or 64%. However, these figures remain expectations until the government issues an official announcement.
Employees should check the relevant government order and official communications for confirmation of bonus eligibility, payment details and any DA revision.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is based on the details provided. Eligibility conditions and payment amounts are subject to the applicable government order. The anticipated DA increase is not confirmed unless formally announced by the government.