India, March 30 -- Central government employees are likely to receive a salary increase in April 2026, as an announcement regarding the January 2026 Dearness Allowance (DA) hike is expected next month. If this happens, both employees and pensioners will see an increase in their April 2026 payments.

According to a report by Live Hindustan, the DA hike is revised twice a year. The first revision usually takes place in March, around Holi, and is effective from January 1. The second revision happens in October/November and is effective from July 1. However, this year, no announcement regarding a DA hike was made during Holi. It is therefore quite possible that the hike may be announced in April, the report said.

Currently, the DA for centra...