The Labour Bureau has released the AICPIN data for December 2025, finalizing the Dearness Allowance (DA) calculation for January 2026. Simultaneously, the 8th Pay Commission has launched its official portal for stakeholder feedback. This update clarifies the exact DA hike percentage and the deadline for submitting salary demands.
Note: The finalized DA rate will be effective from January 1, 2026, with arrears likely paid in March salary.
1. DA Hike Jan 2026: Confirmed Calculation (2% Only)
Contrary to social media rumors predicting a 4% jump, the official data confirms a modest increase.
The All-India CPI-IW for December 2025 remained stable at 148.2 points. Based on the 7th Pay Commission formula, the 12-month average index confirms the DA rate at 60.34%. Since the government ignores decimals, the final DA is 60%.
- Existing DA (July 2025): 58%
- New DA (Jan 2026): 60%
- Net Increase: 2%
- Impact: Salary increases will be lower than expected.
Why Only 2%?
The inflation index did not rise sharply between July and December 2025. As a result, the “Gap” required for a 3% or 4% hike was not met. Employees should plan their finances expecting only a 2% rise in allowances.
2. 8th Pay Commission Website Live (Action Required)
The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has officially launched its website and a questionnaire for employees and pensioners.
| Action Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | 8cpc.gov.in (Direct Link) |
| Feedback Deadline | March 16, 2026 |
| Who Can Submit? | Employees, Unions, Pensioners |
| Key Demand | Fitment Factor 2.86 vs 1.92 |
Urgent: The Commission has stated that no physical or email responses will be accepted. You must submit your salary and pension demands via the Official MyGov Questionnaire before the deadline. This is your chance to demand a higher Fitment Factor officially.
3. Strike Notice & GDS Deadline
Two other critical updates for February 2026:
Nationwide Strike (Feb 12)
Unions have issued a notice for a strike on February 12, 2026, protesting the delay in 8th CPC interim relief and the 2% DA outcome. However, DoPT “Dies Non” rules (No Work, No Pay) will apply to participating employees.
India Post GDS Recruitment Closing
The application window for 28,740 GDS posts closes on February 14, 2026. Candidates must complete registration and fee payment immediately to avoid server failure on the last date.
Will the 50% DA be merged into Basic Pay?
No. The 7th Pay Commission rules do not mandate an automatic merger of DA into Basic Pay when it crosses 50%. The DA will continue to be paid as a separate allowance (now 60%) until the 8th Pay Commission is implemented.
How to submit demands to the 8th Pay Commission?
Visit the official website (8cpc.gov.in) or the MyGov portal. Fill out the “Questionnaire for Stakeholders” by March 16, 2026. You can suggest hikes in Minimum Pay, HRA, and Fitment Factor.
हिंदी सारांश: DA हाइक और 8वां वेतन आयोग
जनवरी 2026 के लिए महंगाई भत्ता (DA) में केवल 2% की वृद्धि तय हुई है, जिससे कुल DA 60% हो जाएगा। 4% बढ़ोतरी की खबरें गलत हैं। इसके अलावा, 8वें वेतन आयोग ने अपनी वेबसाइट लॉन्च कर दी है। कर्मचारी 16 मार्च 2026 तक अपनी वेतन मांगों को ऑनलाइन जमा कर सकते हैं। 12 फरवरी को हड़ताल की चेतावनी भी दी गई है।
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