DA hike for Gramin Dak Sevaks: Postal employees to get 60% DA from this date; see impact on their payouts

The Department of Posts has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) with effect from January 1, 2026. According to an order issued on May 10, 2026, by the Department of Posts, GDS employees will now receive DA at the rate of 60% of their basic Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), in line with the rates applicable to central government employees.

“Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) have also become entitled to the payment of Dearness Allowances on basic TRCA at the same rates as applicable to central government employees with effect from January 1, 2026. It has, therefore, been decided that the DA payable to Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be at the same rates as payable to central government employees, i.e., @ 60% with effect from January 1, 2026,” the order further says.

Also read: Railway pensioners get DR hike: What will be monthly increase in their pension after dearness relief increases?



The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, also approved another instalment of DA for central government employees through an Office Memorandum dated April 22, 2026. Following this, the Department of Posts confirmed that Gramin Dak Sevaks are also entitled to DA at the revised rate.

Here is an illustration of how the revised DA may impact the total salary of Gramin Dak Sevaks:

Basic salary	DA at 60%	Total salary
Rs 10,000	Rs 6,000	Rs 16,000
Rs 12,500	Rs 7,500	Rs 20,000
Rs 15,000	Rs 9,000	Rs 24,000
Rs 17,500	Rs 10,500	Rs 28,000
Rs 20,000	Rs 12,000	Rs 32,000
Rs 22,500	Rs 13,500	Rs 36,000
Rs 25,000	Rs 15,000	Rs 40,000

For example, a GDS employee drawing a basic salary of Rs 20,000 will now receive Rs 12,000 as DA, taking the total monthly salary to Rs 32,000. Similarly, a GDS employee with a basic salary of Rs 25,000 will receive Rs 15,000 as DA, increasing the total salary to Rs 40,000.

What is DA?

DA is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance paid to government employees, public sector employees and pensioners in India.

DA for central government employees and DR for pensioners would be enhanced to 60% of the basic pay/pension starting January 1, 2026. The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase from the previous 58% on April 18, 2026, to compensate for growing prices.