DA hikes in 2026, Oct. 24 -- Dearness allowance and dearness relief (DA and DR) are updated biannually using data from the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI), as per the 7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations. The CPC announcements usually come in March and October, with rollouts in January and July.

Notably, the government has not officially confirmed a date for the second DA hike this year. Over 1 crore beneficiaries, comprising about 50 lakh central government employees and nearly 65 lakh pensioners, including defence and railway personnel and retirees, gain from DA and Dearness Relief (DR) hikes.

Notably, after the Union Cabinet meetings on October 14 and 21 did not result in DA hike announcements, central government emplo...