Labour Bureau (Shimla/Chandigarh)
Expected DA Jan 2026
Final AICPIN Data on Jan 31
Expected DA Jan 2026 Update: All Eyes on Jan 31st for Final AICPIN Data
- Current DA: 58% (Since July 2025)
- Expected New Rate: 60% (Likely 2% Hike)
- Next Event: Dec 2025 Data Release (Jan 31)
- Impact: Salary & Pension Arrears
The Final Countdown: Jan 31st Decision Day
The long wait for Central Government employees and pensioners is about to end. The Labour Bureau is scheduled to release the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPIN) for December 2025 on January 31, 2026. This specific data point is the final piece of the puzzle required to calculate the exact Dearness Allowance (DA) hike effective from January 1, 2026.
✅ Current Trend (July – Nov 2025)
Nov 2025 Index: 148.2 Points (+0.5 Rise).
12-Month Average: Indicates a trend crossing the 59.5% mark.
Projected DA: Strong possibility of reaching 60% (A 2% Hike over the existing 58%).
Why Jan 31st Matters
The DA formula uses the 12-month average of the AICPIN-IW. We currently have 11 months of data (Jan 2025 to Nov 2025). The December 2025 figure will finalize the average. Even if the index dips slightly in December, calculations suggest the DA will comfortably hit 60%.
| Month | AICPIN (IW) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 146.5 | Confirmed |
| Aug 2025 | 147.1 | Confirmed |
| Sep 2025 | 147.3 | Confirmed |
| Oct 2025 | 147.7 | Confirmed |
| Nov 2025 | 148.2 | Confirmed |
| Dec 2025 | Awaited | Release on Jan 31 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Jan 2026 DA be credited?
While the DA is effective from Jan 1, 2026, the official Cabinet announcement typically happens in March or April 2026. Employees will receive arrears for January, February, and March once the order is issued.
Will DA reach 50% again?
The DA counter does not reset to zero unless a new Pay Commission is implemented. Since the 8th Pay Commission is still in the works, DA will continue to accumulate. It is currently projected to touch 60%.