DA Hike: Dearness Allowance to be 60% Before Holi! Government May Announce Next Week

• Central government employees anticipate a 2% DA hike, potentially reaching 60% before Holi 2026.
• The increase is based on AICPI-IW data for December 2025, showing a 12-month average of 145.54.
• DA is calculated twice a year, effective from January and July, with announcements often coinciding with festivals.
• A 2% hike means an additional 360 rupees monthly for an employee with an 18,000 rupees basic salary.
• The 7th Pay Commission period ended, and while the 8th Pay Commission is awaited, DA continues to rise every six months.