The Central Government has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees who are still receiving salaries under the older 5th and 6th Central Pay Commission pay structures. The decision comes as government employees continue to wait for updates regarding the 8th Pay Commission.
On October 29, 2026, the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance issued separate orders announcing the revised DA rates. The increased allowances will be applicable retrospectively from July 1, 2026, providing additional monthly benefits to eligible employees.
5th Pay Commission DA Increased from 483% to 497%
Employees drawing salaries under the 5th Central Pay Commission will receive a higher dearness allowance following the latest government decision.
The DA rate has been increased from 483% to 497%, representing an increase of 14 percentage points.
For example, an employee with a basic pay of ₹10,000 was previously entitled to ₹48,300 as DA at the rate of 483%. With the revised rate of 497%, the allowance will increase to ₹49,700.
This means the employee will receive an additional ₹1,400 every month.
6th Pay Commission Employees Get DA Hike from 262% to 269%
The government has also revised the dearness allowance for employees covered under the 6th Central Pay Commission.
Under the new order, the DA rate has increased from 262% to 269%, marking a rise of 7 percentage points.
For instance, an employee whose basic pay and grade pay total ₹20,000 was previously receiving ₹52,400 as DA. Following the revision, the amount will increase to ₹53,800.
As a result, eligible employees will receive ₹1,400 more in dearness allowance every month.
New DA Rates Applicable from July 1, 2026
According to the Ministry of Finance orders dated October 29, 2026, the revised DA rates will take effect from July 1, 2026.
This means eligible employees will receive the benefit from the specified effective date, even though the orders were issued later.
It is important to note that these revised rates apply only to employees who are still drawing their salaries according to the old pay structures of the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions.
Employees covered under other pay structures should not assume that these particular revisions apply to them.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the reported Ministry of Finance orders dated October 29, 2026. The revised DA rates, eligibility conditions and payment arrangements are subject to official government notifications. Employees should refer to the Department of Expenditure orders or consult their respective departments for confirmation of their revised allowances and applicable arrears.