By Central Pay Commission Admin
Salary Update: 62% DA Locked for January 2026 | Government Issues Clarification on ‘8th Pay Commission Implementation Date’
New Delhi | January 3, 2026
NEW DELHI: The new year has brought mixed news for 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners. On one hand, the Labour Bureau has released the AICPI-IW data for November 2025, effectively sealing the Dearness Allowance (DA) hike at 4%. On the other hand, the Finance Ministry has flagged a “fake circular” claiming that 8th Pay Commission arrears will be paid starting this month.
Let’s decode the math: The index rose by 0.5 points to 148.2. Even if the December index (releasing Jan 31) crashes, the 12-month average confirms that the DA will jump from 58% to 62% effective Jan 1, 2026. This hike will reflect in the March salary right before Holi.
⚠️ Fact Check: 8th Pay Commission Date
A viral message claims salary has doubled from Jan 1, 2026. Here is the truth:
- The Claim: 8th CPC is implemented from Jan 2026.
- The Reality: The commission has only been constituted. The report is due in mid-2027.
- The Confusion: While the benefits will likely be retrospective (paid as arrears later), the current salary remains on the 7th CPC matrix.
Your New Salary: The 4% Effect
With the DA reaching 62%, employees need to recalculate their take-home pay. For example, a Level-1 employee (Basic ₹18,000) will see a monthly increase of ₹720. If you want to check your exact arrear amount, use our DA Calculator Jan 2026.
Additionally, this hike pushes many into a higher tax bracket. If you haven’t submitted your investment proofs yet, ensure you read our guide on the New Tax Regime vs. Old Regime to save up to ₹50,000 in taxes.
| Pay Level | Basic Pay | Monthly Hike (4%) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (MTS) | ₹18,000 | +₹720 |
| Level 7 (ASO) | ₹44,900 | +₹1,796 |
| Level 10 (Officer) | ₹56,100 | +₹2,244 |