Breaking Update (Jan 18): The 7th Pay Commission term ended on Dec 31, 2025. While DA has crossed 50%, the Finance Ministry has clarified that no provision exists under current rules for an automatic merger with Basic Pay.
DA Merger 2026: Will 50% DA Merge with Basic Pay? (Fact Check)
Updated: 18 January 2026 | Source: Dept of Expenditure
With the start of 2026, a major rumor is circulating on WhatsApp: “Since DA has crossed 50%, it will automatically merge with Basic Pay, and DA will reset to 0%.”
This expectation comes from the 5th Pay Commission era. However, under the current 7th Pay Commission rules, the situation is different. Here is the official stance.
Myth vs Fact: DA Merger Rules
| ❌ The Myth | ✅ The Fact (Official Rule) |
|---|---|
| “DA Merges at 50%” | No. The 7th Pay Commission (Para 1.32) specifically removed the recommendation to merge DA with Basic Pay. |
| “Basic Pay will Increase” | No. Basic Pay remains unchanged. Only allowances like HRA, Gratuity, and CEA increase automatically by 25%. |
| “DA Resets to 0%” | No. DA will continue to rise (e.g., 54%, 58%) until a new Pay Commission is implemented. |
🧮 Check Your Jan 2026 Salary
Don’t guess. Use the updated calculator to see your exact salary with 58-60% DA.
The “Merger” Rule: Then vs Now
| Feature | 5th/6th Pay Commission | 7th Pay Commission (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| DA > 50% | Merged with Basic Pay (DP). | No Merger. Continues as DA (54%, 58%…). |
| Allowances | HRA/TA increased only after merger. | Automatic Hike. HRA, CEA, and Gratuity rise automatically when DA crosses 50%. |
Impact on Your Salary (Jan 2026)
Since there is no merger, your salary calculation for January 2026 remains straightforward:
- Basic Pay: Remains same (until 8th Pay Commission).
- DA Rate: Expected to touch 60%.
- HRA: Already revised to 30%, 20%, 10% (X, Y, Z Cities).
सारांश: क्या DA बेसिक सैलरी में जुड़ेगा?
1. जवाब: नहीं। 7वें वेतन आयोग में DA को बेसिक पे (Basic Pay) में जोड़ने का कोई नियम नहीं है।
2. आगे क्या: जनवरी 2026 से आपको 60% DA मिलने की उम्मीद है, लेकिन यह अलग भत्ते के रूप में ही मिलेगा।
3. 8वां वेतन आयोग: बेसिक सैलरी में बड़ा बदलाव केवल 8वें वेतन आयोग के लागू होने (संभवतः 2026-27) पर ही होगा।