West Bengal Dearness Allowance (DA)
Latest notified DA information, effective dates, calculation, arrears and official Finance Department references for West Bengal Government employees.
38% DA
of Basic Pay under the revised pay structure
West Bengal DA Rate 2026
The West Bengal Government has notified Dearness Allowance at 38% of Basic Pay for eligible employees drawing pay under the revised pay structure, effective from 1 October 2026.
The applicable rate and eligibility should always be checked against the relevant Finance Department memorandum and the employee's applicable service and pay rules.
How West Bengal DA is Calculated
For an employee where DA is calculated as a percentage of Basic Pay, the simplified calculation is:
Example
Basic Pay: ₹40,000
DA Rate: 38%
Monthly DA: ₹15,200
West Bengal DA Rate Timeline
| Effective Date | DA Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 October 2026 | 38% | Notified |
| Previous applicable period | 18% | Previous rate |
Rates shown here should be updated whenever a new West Bengal Finance Department order is issued.
West Bengal DA Arrears
DA arrears are a separate issue from the current DA rate. Arrears may relate to earlier periods and can be governed by separate court directions, government notifications and payment procedures.
2026 Arrears Notifications
In March 2026, the West Bengal Finance Department issued separate notifications dealing with DA arrears for serving State Government employees and Dearness Allowance/Relief arrears for pensioners and former employees.
DA for Pensioners
Pensioners and family pensioners generally receive Dearness Relief (DR) rather than employee DA. The applicable rate, eligibility and arrears may be governed by separate orders.
View West Bengal Pension & DR Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the notified West Bengal DA rate?
The notified revised-pay DA rate is 38% of Basic Pay with effect from 1 October 2026.
Is West Bengal DA the same as Central Government DA?
No. Central Government and West Bengal Government DA are governed by separate orders and should not be treated as the same rate.
Is DA calculated on gross salary?
DA is generally calculated using the applicable Basic Pay under the relevant pay structure, not the employee's total gross salary.
Does a DA increase automatically mean arrears?
Not necessarily. Arrears depend on the effective date, payment date and applicable government order.