DA calculator for central government employees, pensioners and states
This DA calculator works out dearness allowance on your basic pay. Pick a rate from the Department of Expenditure’s orders — 60% from 1 January 2026 is the latest — and it shows DA a month and a year, basic + DA, and how much the last hike added. It also totals DA over any run of months using the rate that applied in each one, and works out DA arrears when a new rate is announced months after it takes effect.
Central pensioners can switch to dearness relief (DR), which follows the same rates. State government, PSU and bank employees can type their own DA percentage. The table at the bottom lists every 7th CPC DA rate with the office memorandum that announced it. Everything is calculated in your browser; it is an estimate for planning, not your pay slip.
How to use the DA Calculator
- Choose Central govt employee, Central pensioner (DR) or State govt / other.
- Enter your basic pay (or basic pension) per month — the pay-matrix figure only.
- Pick the DA rate, or choose “What-if rate” and type a figure; in state mode, type your state’s rate.
- Under DA over a period, set the first and last month to total the DA.
- Under DA arrears, enter the old and new rates, the month the new rate applies from and the first salary that pays it.
- Press Copy summary to share the figures.
DA Calculator features
Dated rate table
Every 7th CPC rate from 2016 to January 2026 with its office memorandum number and date.
Month by month
Period totals use the rate in force each month, including the 2020–21 freeze at 17%.
Arrears
Difference a month × months late, rounded the way the orders require.
Any rate
A what-if box for the next instalment and a mode for state governments.
Pensioners
Dearness relief on basic pension at the same rates.
How DA is calculated on basic salary
DA = basic pay × DA rate ÷ 100, rounded to the rupee: the orders say fractions of 50 paise and above go to the next rupee and smaller fractions are ignored. On a Level 7 basic of ₹44,900 at 60%, DA is ₹26,940 a month and basic + DA is ₹71,840. At 58% it was ₹26,042, so the January 2026 hike added ₹898 a month.
Basic pay means the pay drawn in your level of the pay matrix; special pay and other allowances are excluded, and DA is not treated as pay under FR 9(21). Central rates change twice a year, from 1 January and 1 July, but are usually announced two to four months later; the gap is paid as arrears. For full in-hand pay with HRA and transport allowance, use the 7th Pay Commission salary calculator.
DA arrears calculation
Arrears = (DA at the new rate − DA at the old rate) × months before the new rate is paid. The 60% rate applies from January 2026, but the order came on 22 April 2026, so January, February and March were paid at 58%. On ₹44,900 that is 3 × ₹898 = ₹2,694. Arrears are taxed as salary in the year received; relief under the old “arrears” rules may reduce the tax.
Central government DA rates and orders
The full list from July 2016 (2%) is in the calculator. When DA reached 50% on 1 January 2024, HRA moved to 30%, 20% and 10% of basic pay for X, Y and Z cities.
| Period | DA | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 onwards | 60% | OM 1/1(i)/2026-E.II(B), 22 Apr 2026 |
| Jul – Dec 2025 | 58% | OM 1/4(i)/2025-E.II(B), 6 Oct 2025 |
| Jan – Jun 2025 | 55% | OM 1/1(1)/2025-E.II(B), 2 Apr 2025 |
| Jul – Dec 2024 | 53% | OM 1/5/2024-E.II(B), 21 Oct 2024 |
| Jan – Jun 2024 | 50% | OM 1/1/2024-E.II(B), 12 Mar 2024 |
| Jan 2020 – Jun 2021 | 17% (frozen) | OM 1/1/2020-E.II(B), 23 Apr 2020 |
DA for July 2026 and state governments
The July 2026 instalment had not been announced when this page was checked on 24 October 2026; the Department of Expenditure’s list of DA orders (updated 23 October 2026) ends with the 60% order. Until it comes, use the what-if rate to see what any figure would mean, and the arrears box to see what would be paid back to July. States set their own DA by Finance Department orders, often following the central rate after a delay — type your state’s rate rather than assuming the central one.
DA Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate DA on basic salary?
Multiply basic pay by the DA rate and divide by 100. At 60%, DA on ₹44,900 is ₹26,940 a month. This DA calculator also shows DA a year and basic + DA.
What is the current DA rate for central government employees?
60% of basic pay from 1 January 2026 (Department of Expenditure OM of 22 April 2026), up from 58%.
What is the DA from July 2026?
It had not been announced by 24 October 2026. Choose “What-if rate” to try a figure; the result is not an official rate.
How are DA arrears calculated?
Take the extra DA a month at the new rate and multiply by the months it was not paid. 2% on ₹44,900 for January to March 2026 = ₹2,694.
Is DA the same for pensioners?
Central government pensioners get dearness relief at the same rate and from the same date, on basic pension.
Is DA taxable?
Yes. DA is part of taxable salary, and DR is part of taxable pension.