Ahead of Diwali, central government employees and pensioners may get a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for July-December 2025, raising it from 55% to 58%. A pensioner with ₹9,000 basic will see a ₹270 monthly rise, while employees with ₹18,000 basic will get ₹540 extra. The official announcement is expected post-Navaratri.