Updated 8 Nov 2026. Sources: Department of Expenditure O.M.s No. 1/2(ii)/2026-E.II(B) and 1/2(iii)/2026-E.II(B), both dated 29.10.2026.
Quick answer
From 1 July 2026, employees who still draw pay in 6th CPC pre-revised scales get DA at 269% of basic pay (up from 262%). Employees still on 5th CPC scales get 497% (up from 483%). Both rates come from Department of Expenditure office memoranda dated 29 October 2026.
The official orders
| Pay scale | Old rate (from 1 Jan 2026) | New rate (from 1 Jul 2026) | Rise | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th CPC (pay matrix) | 60% | 63% | 3 points | DoE OM No. 1/2(i)/2026-E.II(B), 29.10.2026 (PDF) |
| 6th CPC (pay band + grade pay) | 262% | 269% | 7 points | DoE OM No. 1/2(ii)/2026-E.II(B), 29.10.2026 (PDF) |
| 5th CPC (pre-revised scale) | 483% | 497% | 14 points | DoE OM No. 1/2(iii)/2026-E.II(B), 29.10.2026 (PDF) |
Who this applies to
These rates are for employees who are still drawing pay in the older (pre-revised) scales, usually in organisations that adopted Central Government pay scales but have not moved to the 7th CPC matrix. The 6th and 5th CPC OMs ask Ministries to pass them to all such organisations under their control. For staff on the 7th CPC pay matrix, DA is 63%. Pensioners get Dearness Relief through separate DoPPW orders, which are not covered here.
How basic pay is counted
6th CPC: the OM keeps paras 3, 4 and 5 of DoE OM No. 1(3)/2008-E.II(B) dated 29 August 2008 in force (per that 2008 OM, basic pay = pay in the pay band plus grade pay, and special pay is not included).
5th CPC: the OM keeps paras 3, 4 and 5 of DoE OM No. 1(13)/97-E.II(B) dated 3 October 1997 in force.
Worked examples
| Example basic pay | Old DA | New DA | Rise per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th CPC, Rs 20,000 (pay band + grade pay) | Rs 52,400 (262%) | Rs 53,800 (269%) | Rs 1,400 |
| 6th CPC, Rs 40,000 | Rs 1,04,800 | Rs 1,07,600 | Rs 2,800 |
| 5th CPC, Rs 10,000 | Rs 48,300 (483%) | Rs 49,700 (497%) | Rs 1,400 |
| 5th CPC, Rs 15,000 | Rs 72,450 | Rs 74,550 | Rs 2,100 |
Arrears for July to October 2026 (4 months), our estimate: 6th CPC Rs 20,000 basic = 4 x Rs 1,400 = Rs 5,600. The OMs do not state a payment month.
FAQ
Is DA for 6th CPC employees 269% now?
Yes, from 1 July 2026, per DoE OM dated 29.10.2026.
Is DA for 5th CPC employees 497%?
Yes, from 1 July 2026, per DoE OM dated 29.10.2026.
Why is the 6th CPC rise 7 points when 7th CPC got 3?
The DoE OM dated 29.10.2026 sets the 6th CPC rate at 269%, up from 262%.
Does this apply to pensioners?
No. Pensioners get Dearness Relief through DoPPW orders.
