Bihar raises DA and DR to 63 percent ahead of Chhath 2026

The Bihar government has raised Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees by 3 percentage points.

Pensioners will get a matching rise in Dearness Relief (DR).

The rate has gone up from 60% to 63%.

This change was approved at a Bihar Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

DA is a share of basic pay that the government pays to help employees cope with rising prices.

DR does the same job for pensioners, based on their basic pension.

Key points

• DA and DR rise from 60% to 63%.
• The new rate applies from July 1, 2026.
• Employees and pensioners get arrears for the months since July 2026.
• The decision comes ahead of Chhath, a major festival in Bihar.

How much more will an employee get?

The new rate applies to basic pay. Take an employee with a basic salary of Rs 60,000 per month.

At 60%, the DA is Rs 36,000. At 63%, it becomes Rs 37,800. That means an extra Rs 1,800 every month.

This extra amount does not include other salary components or deductions.

So the final take-home change may be different for each person.

Why is this decision coming now?

This is Bihar's second DA revision in 2026. In May 2026, the state raised DA from 58% to 60%, effective from January 1, 2026.

Last year, the government also raised DA from 55% to 58% ahead of Diwali and Chhath.

The state says this decision brings its staff in line with the Centre's latest DA revision.

What happens next for employees and pensioners?

Because the new rates start from July 1, 2026, eligible staff and pensioners are also entitled to arrears.

These arrears cover the months from July 2026.

The payment of these arrears will depend on the government's payment arrangements.

More details on timing have not been given in the announcement.

Sources

• Goodreturns: Bihar DA Hike Ahead Of Chhath: Samrat Choudhary Government Raises Dearness Allowance From 60% To 63%