Dearness allowance on your basic pay at the current rate, plus arrears for a DA hike.
Also searched as: dearness allowance calculator · da arrears calculator · da 60 percent calculator
How dearness allowance is calculated
DA = Basic pay × DA rate ÷ 100DA (dearness allowance) compensates central and state government employees and pensioners for inflation. The Centre revises it in January and July based on the AICPI (Industrial Workers) index: 60% from 1 January 2026, 58% from 1 July 2025, 55% from 1 January 2025, 53% from July 2024.
DA arrears
When a hike is announced late, the difference for the months since the effective date is paid as arrears: (new rate − old rate) × basic × months. For ₹35,400 basic and a 2% hike paid 3 months late: 2% × 35,400 × 3 = ₹2,124.
State governments follow with their own DA orders, often a few months behind the Centre. For pensioners the same percentage applies as dearness relief (DR) on basic pension.
Sources & last reviewed
Dearness Allowance rates for central government employees as approved by the Union Cabinet and notified by the Department of Expenditure: 60% from 1 January 2026, 58% from 1 July 2025, 55% from 1 January 2025. DA is revised twice a year based on the AICPI-IW index.
Official sources: Department of Expenditure · Press Information Bureau
Last reviewed: 17 October 2026. Rules and rates change — if you spot something outdated, tell us and we will fix it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DA rate from January 2026?
60% of basic pay for central government employees and 60% DR for pensioners, up from 58%.
How much DA on ₹18,000 basic?
At 60%, DA = ₹10,800 a month, making basic + DA ₹28,800.
Is DA taxable?
Yes. DA is fully taxable as salary income; it is also counted for PF, NPS and gratuity calculations.