The 8th Pay Commission is creating a buzz among central government employees. Everyone wants to know how their salaries will change. One important tool to help with this is the DA Calculator. It helps employees estimate the revised salary under the new rules.
As inflation rises, knowing your Dearness Allowance (DA) is important for planning your finances.
What Is the DA Calculator?
The DA Calculator is an online tool that estimates your new salary after the 8th Pay Commission comes into effect.
It calculates your new salary using:
- Your current basic pay
- Fitment factor (applied to basic pay)
- City category for HRA (House Rent Allowance)
The calculator also includes the updated DA, which will be reset to zero and recomputed based on the new basic pay.
Why DA Matters in 2026
Dearness Allowance (DA) is a part of your salary that helps fight inflation.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, DA was revised twice a year. But with the 8th Pay Commission, DA will be recalculated from zero. This means your old DA will not carry over. Future DA hikes will start fresh from the new basic salary.
| Feature | 7th Pay Commission | 8th Pay Commission |
|---|---|---|
| DA Revision | Twice a year | Starts from zero, recalculated |
| Effect on Salary | Added to old basic pay | Added to new basic pay |
What Is Fitment Factor?
The fitment factor is a number used to calculate your new basic salary. It is applied to your current basic pay.
- Reported range: 1.83 to 2.46
- After the new basic pay is calculated, DA is computed as a percentage of it
This factor shows how your total earnings will increase.
| Current Basic Pay | Fitment Factor | New Basic Pay (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹50,000 | 2.0 | ₹1,00,000 |
| ₹35,000 | 1.9 | ₹66,500 |
How to Use the DA Calculator
Using the calculator is simple:
- Enter your current basic pay
- Select your city category (X, Y, Z)
- Choose the expected fitment factor
The calculator will show your projected new salary, including:
- DA
- HRA
- Other allowances
Final Thoughts
The 8th Pay Commission DA Calculator is more than just a number tool. It helps millions of government employees plan their finances and understand upcoming salary changes. With the commission likely implementing its recommendations in 2026, using the calculator will keep you prepared.