New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Central government employees are awaiting the announcement of the July 2026 revision in dearness allowance (DA). Despite expectations around recent Cabinet meetings and festive-season bonus announcements, the Centre has yet to confirm the revised rates, arrears, or payment schedule.

DA is an inflation-linked component of salary paid to central government employees to help offset rising living costs. The government generally revises it twice a year, with changes effective from January 1 and July 1.

While the January revision is commonly announced in March or April, the July revision is often announced in October.

On April 18, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a 2-percentage-point increase in DA, taking the rates fro...