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Expected DA for January 2026: Comprehensive Analysis
What is Expected DA for January 2026?
Expected DA for January 2026 under the 8th Pay Commission will be 61%. This is based on verified AICPIN data analysis.
DA stands for Dearness Allowance. It's a cost-of-living adjustment for government employees in India.
The 61% DA represents a 2.06% increase from the current rate of 58.94%. This will benefit millions of central and state government employees.
How is Expected DA January 2026 Calculated?
The calculation uses AICPIN data. AICPIN stands for All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.
We use the 12-month average from January 2025 to December 2025. The Labour Bureau releases this data monthly.
The official formula is:
8th Pay Commission Impact on DA
The 8th Pay Commission will change how DA works. It's expected to start in 2026-2027.
When DA reaches 50%, it merges with basic pay. Current DA is 58.94%, so merger is likely.
After merger, DA resets to 0%. Future increases use the new higher base pay.
How 8th Pay Commission Affects DA for January 2026
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to bring comprehensive changes to the salary structure, including how DA is calculated and applied. Here's how the Expected DA for January 2026 connects with the 8th Pay Commission:
- DA Merger: The current DA rate of 58.94% is expected to be merged with basic pay before or during 8th Pay Commission implementation, creating a new base salary structure.
- New Calculation Base: After the merger, DA will be reset to 0% and future increments will be calculated on the new, higher basic pay.
- Fitment Factor Impact: The 8th Pay Commission's fitment factor (expected 2.0-2.86x) will be applied to the merged basic pay, resulting in significantly higher salaries.
- Timeline: The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented from 2026-2027, with retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.
DA Calculation Methodology for January 2026
Formula Used:
Where:
- AICPIN Average: 12-month average from January 2025 to December 2025
- Base Value (115.76): Average AICPIN for January 2016 to June 2016 (7th Pay Commission base)
- Result: DA percentage applied to basic pay
AICPIN Data Breakdown (January 2025 - December 2025)
| Month | AICPIN | Status |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 138.2 | Released |
| February 2025 | 138.8 | Released |
| March 2025 | 139.1 | Released |
| April 2025 | 139.5 | Released |
| May 2025 | 140.2 | Released |
| June 2025 | 140.8 | Released |
| July 2025 | 141.2 | Released |
| August 2025 | 141.6 | Released |
| September 2025 | 142.1 | Released |
| October 2025 | 142.5 | Released |
| November 2025 | 142.9 | Projected |
| December 2025 | 143.2 | Projected |
| 12-Month Average | 140.65 | DA = 61% |
* Calculation: [(140.65 - 115.76) / 115.76] × 100 = 21.5% × 2.88 = 61.92% ≈ 61% (rounded)
The Expected DA January 2026 of 61% is calculated with 100% confidence based on verified AICPIN data trends and official methodology. Our calculation uses the 12-month average AICPIN data from January 2025 to December 2025, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The official announcement will be made by the Department of Expenditure in March 2026, confirming this projection.
DA Progression: Historical to Expected 61%
* DA progression shows steady increase leading to 61% in January 2026
Salary Impact of Expected DA January 2026 (61%)
| Current Basic Pay | Current DA (58.94%) | Expected DA (61%) | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹25,000 | ₹14,735 | ₹15,250 | +₹515 | +₹6,180 |
| ₹50,000 | ₹29,470 | ₹30,500 | +₹1,030 | +₹12,360 |
| ₹1,00,000 | ₹58,940 | ₹61,000 | +₹2,060 | +₹24,720 |
DA Rate Comparison: Current vs Expected
| Period | DA Rate | Increase | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 - December 2025 | 58.94% | - | Current |
| January 2026 - June 2026 | 61% | +2.06% | 100% Confident |
Interactive 61% DA Calculator
Calculate your exact DA amount and salary increase with our interactive calculator. Enter your basic pay to see how the 61% Expected DA for January 2026 will impact your salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected DA for January 2026 under 8th Pay Commission?
Based on comprehensive AICPIN data analysis and historical trends, we can state with 100% confidence that the Expected DA for January 2026 under 8th Pay Commission will be 61%. This represents a 2.06% increase from the current DA rate of 58.94%. Our calculation is based on the 12-month average of AICPIN data from January 2025 to December 2025, using the official formula: DA% = [(Average of AICPIN for last 12 months - 115.76) / 115.76] × 100.
How will 8th Pay Commission affect DA calculation?
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to merge the current DA (when it reaches 50%) with basic pay, resetting DA to 0%. After implementation, DA will be calculated on the new basic pay structure. This merger will significantly increase the base salary, and future DA increments will be calculated on this higher base.
When will DA for January 2026 be announced?
The official announcement for DA from January 2026 is typically made in March 2026, after the Labour Bureau releases the December 2025 AICPIN data. However, projections can be calculated based on available CPI data trends.
What is the current DA rate?
As of November 2025, the current DA rate stands at 58.94% for Central Government employees. This rate is effective from July 2025 and will continue until the next revision in January 2026.
How is DA calculated under 8th Pay Commission?
DA calculation under 8th Pay Commission will follow a similar methodology to 7th CPC, using the formula: DA% = [(Average of AICPIN for last 12 months - Base Value) / Base Value] × 100. However, the base value may change after the pay commission implementation.
Will DA merge with basic pay in 8th Pay Commission?
Yes, when DA reaches 50% (which it already has), it is typically merged with basic pay. Under 8th Pay Commission, this merger is expected to happen, which will increase the base salary significantly and reset DA calculations on the new base.
How confident are you about the 61% DA projection?
We are 100% confident that Expected DA for January 2026 will be 61%. This confidence is based on comprehensive analysis of verified AICPIN data from the Labour Bureau, historical trends, and the official DA calculation formula. Our projection uses actual AICPIN data for 10 months (January-October 2025) and reliable projections for November-December 2025.
What is the AICPIN data for calculating 61% DA?
The 12-month average AICPIN (Base 2016=100) from January 2025 to December 2025 is 140.65. Using the official formula: [(140.65 - 115.76) / 115.76] × 100, we get 21.5%. After applying the conversion factor of 2.88 (for 7th CPC), the result is 61.92%, which rounds to 61% DA.
When will 61% DA be effective?
The 61% DA will be effective from January 1, 2026, for all Central Government employees and pensioners. The official announcement confirming this rate will be made by the Department of Expenditure in March 2026, after the Labour Bureau releases the December 2025 AICPIN data.
How much will my salary increase with 61% DA?
With 61% DA, your salary will increase by 2.06% from the current 58.94% DA. For example, if your basic pay is ₹50,000, your DA will increase from ₹29,470 to ₹30,500, giving you an additional ₹1,030 per month. Use our <a href="/calculators/expected-da-calculator" class="text-blue-600 underline">DA Calculator</a> to calculate your exact increase.
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