DA Hike 2026: Once again there is discussion that the Central Government may announce increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for January-June 2026 before Holi. But if we look at the record of the last five years, it is not common for DA to be announced before Holi, especially when Holi falls in the beginning of March.
At present central employees and pensioners are getting 58% DA. On October 1, 2025, a 3% increase was announced for the July-December period. Now the next increase will be considered effective from January 1, 2026 and it is estimated that it may increase by 2%. If this happens then DA will increase from 58% to 60%.
What does the pattern of the last 5 years tell?
Data from 2021 to 2025 show that DA for July-December is often declared before Diwali. But the DA for January-June is mostly declared after Holi. The year 2024 was an exception, when the DA increase was declared on 7th March, while Holi was on 25th March. Whereas in 2025, Holi was on 14 March, but DA was announced on 28 March. It is clear from this that it is not certain that the announcement will be made before Holi.
Why does the date of Holi matter?
The government increases DA twice a year. One around March and the other in October/November. The announcement before Diwali is often made on time, but it is not necessary that the announcement in March should be before Holi. If Holi falls in the beginning of March, the cabinet decision often comes later.
First increase after 7th pay commission
This increase is also important because the tenure of the 7th Pay Commission has ended on 31 December 2025. The 8th Pay Commission has started work, but its recommendations may take time to be implemented. It is believed that the actual salary revision may happen by the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028.
Demand to add DA to basic
Employees’ organizations and NC-JCM are demanding that 58% DA should be merged with the basic salary. However, no such indication has been received from the government yet. At present, employees will have to wait for the Cabinet’s decision on the next DA hike and it is possible that Holi may pass first.